Understanding the Human Reproductive System
The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive tract consists of the internal genitalia and external genitalia.
Ovaries
Two bodies located in the abdominal cavity. They form the egg or female reproductive cells, estrogen, and progesterone, hormones that regulate the sexual development of female characteristics and prepare the body for a possible pregnancy.
Reproductive Tract
Ducts and cavities that receive sperm and house the embryo. They are formed by:
The Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts
Two funnel-shaped ducts. Their wide-open ends surround each ovary, and their extremely tight ends connect to the uterus. Their function is to collect the egg released by the ovary.
Uterus
It is a pear-shaped organ. Its walls are formed by a muscular layer lined by an epithelial layer, the uterine lining. Inside the uterus, it is connected to the vagina by a narrow canal, the cervix. The function of the uterus is to harbor and nourish the embryo during its development.
Vagina
It is an elastic conduit connected to the uterus and the outside. It receives the penis and sperm during intercourse. It is partially enclosed by a membrane or hymen.
Vulva
The set of external female genitalia. It is formed by two folds of skin. The outermost are the labia majora, and the inner folds are the labia minora. The clitoris is a very sensitive organ located at the anterior of the vulva. Between the labia minora is the opening of the urethra, independent of the genital duct. It comes from the bladder, behind which lies the opening of the vagina.
Female Gametes or Eggs
They are produced in the ovaries. They are immobile and large, storing nutrients for the development of the new being.
The Male Reproductive System
We can also distinguish internal genital organs and external genitalia.
Testicles
Two bodies located in the inguinal region inside a sac called the scrotum. They produce male reproductive cells or spermatozoa and testosterone, a hormone that allows the emergence and development of male sex characteristics.
Reproductive Tract
Ducts that allow sperm output:
Epididymis
Long tube folded on top of each testicle where sperm are stored.
Vas Deferens or Spermiducts
Thin tubes coming out of the epididymis and flowing into the urethra.
Urethra
Evacuation conduit for the urinary bladder and sperm.
Accessory Glands
They are the seminal vesicles and prostate. They produce nutrients and protection for spermatozoa and dump them into the vas deferens, along with semen.
Penis
It is the erectile organ that allows the deposit of sperm in the female reproductive tract. At its tip is the glans, a very sensitive area covered by the prepuce, a fold of skin.
Male Gametes or Sperm
They are produced in the testes. They are mobile, as they must go to meet the eggs.
Reproductive Cells
Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that carry the hereditary information of the parents to form the first cell of a new individual: the egg cell or zygote. Male gametes are sperm, and the feminine are eggs. Sperm are formed in the testes, inside the seminiferous tubules, and stored in the epididymis. Only 10% of semen consists of spermatozoa. In spermatozoa, we can differentiate: head, midpiece, and tail. The testes, in addition to producing male gametes, produce the hormone testosterone.