Human Reproductive System: Anatomy and Functions
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Human Reproductive System
Female Reproductive System
- Egg cells: Produced in the ovaries. Inside each ovary are oocytes, which are immature eggs.
- Ovaries: Contain the follicles where egg maturation occurs until release into the oviduct.
- Fallopian tubes: Tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
- Uterus: The organ where the fetus develops before birth.
- Myometrium: The middle layer of the uterine wall; its main function is to induce uterine contractions.
- Endometrium: The innermost glandular layer of the uterus.
- Cervix: The lower end of the uterus that leads to the vagina.
- Vagina: An elastic, muscular tube (10-12 cm) connecting the cervix to the vulva and the exterior of the body.
- Vulva: The female external genitals.
- Clitoris: The female's most sensitive erogenous zone and the primary anatomical source of sexual pleasure.
The Menstrual Cycle
The length of the menstrual cycle typically varies from 23 to 35 days. The cycle is divided into three phases: the flow phase, the follicular phase, and the luteal phase.
Male Reproductive System
- Testes: Reproductive glands located outside the body cavity in a pouch called the scrotum.
- Semen: A greyish-white bodily fluid secreted by the gonads that carries spermatozoa and fructose.
- Epididymis: A structure located on the top of each testis where sperm cells travel and are stored.
- Vas Deferens: The ducts that convey sperm from the testes to the urethra.
Seminiferous Tubules
These form the lobes of the testis and contain the following cells:
- Sertoli cells: Where spermatogenesis takes place.
- Spermatogonia: Immature sperm cells.
- Leydig (interstitial) cells: Produce testosterone.
Accessory Glands and Hormones
- Seminal Vesicles: Paired glands that produce and secrete sugars (fructose) and prostaglandins into the semen, providing energy and nutrients to sperm cells.
- Prostate: A gland that produces an alkaline solution.
- Male Hormones: Testosterone is a steroid hormone necessary for the production of sperm.