Human Reproductive System Anatomy and Contraception

Biology16 Feb 20262.9 KB

The Human Reproductive System

The external reproductive organs (genitals) have two functions: to allow sperm entry and to protect the genitals. Its most important parts are:

There are three primary ways HIV is transmitted:

Direct sexual contact (without condoms).
Contact with contaminated blood (e.g., intravenous drug use, shared syringes or needles).
Perinatal (mother to child transmission).

Effective methods for preventing pregnancy include:

Contraceptive Pill: The daily intake of a combination pill inhibits ovulation, making it one of the most effective contraceptive methods available. If there is no ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur. Note potential side effects.
Vaginal Ring: A ring containing hormones similar to the contraceptive pill. The drug is released through small pores and absorbed through the vaginal lining. Effects and effectiveness are comparable to the pill.
Tubal Ligation: A surgical procedure that interrupts the fallopian tubes, preventing the meeting of the egg and sperm, thus preventing pregnancy. After this procedure, having more children is very difficult. Its effectiveness approaches 100%.
Condom (Preservative): The condom prevents semen from entering the vagina. It is placed over the erect penis.

In the male reproductive system, we distinguish between internal genital organs and external genitalia:

Testicles: These correspond to the male gonads; they are the sperm-producing organs.
Scrotum: The skin covering the testicles, which acts as a cooling system for sperm formation.
Penis: The organ of copulation, made up of spongy and vascular tissue that allows for erection so that sperm can be deposited inside the female reproductive system.
Testosterone: Hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, voice, hair, etc.

There are two main types of twins:

Dizygotic (Fraternal) Twins: Two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. They develop in separate amniotic sacs.
Monozygotic (Identical) Twins: One sperm fertilizes one egg, and then the egg divides into two (or even three for MZ triplets). They may share an amniotic sac or be in separate bags and generally share the same placenta.