Male Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

Overview

The male reproductive system is responsible for producing, storing, and transporting sperm cells.

Organs and Structures

• Testes: Produce sperm cells through a process called spermatogenesis. Located outside the abdominal cavity in a pouch of skin called the scrotum.
• Epididymis: A tube-like structure that stores and transports sperm cells from the testes to the vas deferens.
• Vas Deferens: A muscular tube that carries sperm cells from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
• Ejaculatory Ducts: Two small tubes that connect the vas deferens to the urethra.
• Urethra: A tube that carries semen (sperm cells and fluids) out of the body through the penis.
• Penis: The external male genital organ responsible for urination and ejaculation.
• Prostate Gland: A gland that produces fluids that make up semen.
• Seminal Vesicles: Glands that produce fluids that make up semen.

Sperm Production

• Spermatogenesis: The process by which immature cells in the testes develop into mature sperm cells.
• Sperm Maturation: The process by which sperm cells mature and become capable of fertilization.

Female Reproductive System

Overview

The female reproductive system is responsible for producing eggs, supporting fetal development, and providing a birth canal.

Organs and Structures

• Ovaries: Produce egg cells through a process called oogenesis. Located in the pelvic cavity.
• Fallopian Tubes: Tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, allowing eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Uterus: A muscular organ that supports fetal development during pregnancy.
• Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Vagina: A muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Breasts: Produce milk to nourish a baby after birth.

Egg Production

• Oogenesis: The process by which immature cells in the ovaries develop into mature egg cells.
• Ovulation: The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

Menstrual Cycle

• Follicular Phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterine lining thickens and an egg cell matures.
• Ovulation: The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
• Luteal Phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterine lining prepares for a fertilized egg to implant.
• Menstruation: The shedding of the uterine lining if a fertilized egg does not implant.

Male Reproductive System

Organs and Structures

• Testes: Produce sperm cells through spermatogenesis, located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum.
• Epididymis: Stores and transports sperm cells from the testes to the vas deferens.
• Vas Deferens: Carries sperm cells from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
• Ejaculatory Ducts: Connect the vas deferens to the urethra, allowing sperm to pass through.
• Urethra: Carries semen (sperm cells and fluids) out of the body through the penis.
• Penis: Responsible for urination and ejaculation.
• Prostate Gland: Produces fluids that make up semen.
• Seminal Vesicles: Produce fluids that make up semen.

Sperm Production

• Spermatogenesis: The process by which immature cells in the testes develop into mature sperm cells.
• Sperm Maturation: The process by which sperm cells mature and become capable of fertilization.

Female Reproductive System

Organs and Structures

• Ovaries: Produce egg cells through oogenesis, located in the pelvic cavity.
• Fallopian Tubes: Connect the ovaries to the uterus, allowing eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Uterus: Supports fetal development during pregnancy.
• Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Vagina: A muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Breasts: Produce milk to nourish a baby after birth.

Egg Production

• Oogenesis: The process by which immature cells in the ovaries develop into mature egg cells.
• Ovulation: The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

Menstrual Cycle

• Follicular Phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterine lining thickens and an egg cell matures.
• Ovulation: The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
• Luteal Phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle where the uterine lining prepares for a fertilized egg to implant.
• Menstruation: The shedding of the uterine lining if a fertilized egg does not implant.