Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Anatomy and Functions
Male Reproductive System
1. The Testicles
The testicles are the organs that produce male gametes, or sperm. They are oval and are constituted of several rolled seminiferous tubes. In the walls of the seminiferous tubes are the cells that produce sperm. In between these cells are cells that produce male sexual hormones (androgens). Testicles are located outside the abdominal cavity and are covered by a layer of skin known as the scrotum.
2. The Reproductive Tract
The reproductive tract is the name of the ducts that collect the sperm and carry them to the exterior. It consists of the following:
- Epididymis: Formed by the seminiferous tubes in each testicle. This is where sperm mature until they are ready for fertilization.
- Ductus deferens: This is the continuation of the epididymis and ascends up to the interior of the abdomen. It is used to store sperm that remain there until they exit the body.
- Urethra: This duct is also part of the urinary tract, connecting the bladder to the exterior. The end of the urethra is located inside the penis.
3. Penis
The penis is the male copulatory organ. It is formed by two spongy tissues (erectile tissue) known as corpora cavernosa, which are located on top of the urethra. The urethra is surrounded by another layer of tissue, the corpus spongiosum, that widens at its end, forming the glans. This is covered by a fold of skin.
4. Accessory Glands
The male reproductive system has glands that secrete substances that mix with sperm produced in the testes. They form semen or facilitate penetration during intercourse. These glands are:
- Seminal vesicles: Located behind the bladder and flow into the ductus deferens. They secrete prostatic fluids, which consist of substances to protect sperm from the acidity of the vagina.
- Cowper’s glands: A pair of glands located at the base of the penis. Their function is to secrete a lubricating fluid that facilitates sexual intercourse.
Semen is the fluid that contains the sperm.
Female Reproductive System
The Ovaries
The gonads of the female reproductive system are the ovaries. Female ova are produced in the ovaries. The ovaries are two organs that resemble an almond in shape and size. They are found in the abdominal cavity. Each of them has an internal and external layer. In the external layer, there are circular structures known as ovarian follicles. The size of the ovarian follicles increases as they get closer to the surface. The large ones close to the exterior, known as Graafian follicles, contain ova that are ready to be released. In addition to the female gametes, the ovaries produce female sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, which are essential for adequate sexual development and reproductive ability.
Reproductive Tract
These are two small tubes with a funnel-shaped opening located at the end, which is close to the ovaries. These tubes collect the ovum released by the ovaries, and it is here where fertilization occurs.
Uterus
This is a frustoconical-shaped cavity in which the fallopian tubes end. Its wall is formed by a muscular layer, the myometrium. Inside, it has a mucous layer, the cervical mucus.
Vagina
This is an elastic tube. It has glands that secrete lubricating substances in order to facilitate penetration. In the opening, there is an incomplete membrane (hymen) that breaks during the first sexual encounter. Sperm are placed inside the vagina during sexual intercourse.
Vulva
This is the female external genital organ. It is composed of skin folds (labia majora and minora), including the clitoris, which is a very sensitive organ formed by an erectile tissue similar to that of the penis. In the labia, we find Bartholin’s glands. These are glands of external secretion that lubricate the external genitals in order to facilitate sexual intercourse.