The organs responsible for reproduction and urinary excretion in vertebrates are termed the urogenital system or genitourinary system. The structures involved in excretion and reproduction have different functions, but they are morphologically related and frequently share ducts. These structures comprise the urogenital tract. Here, let us learn about the urogenital tract in males and females with the help of diagrams.
Table of Contents
Urogenital Meaning
Urogenital pertains to the urinary and genital structures. The kidneys, ureters, bladders, urethras, and other genital organs and their supporting structures in the foetus form the male and female genital structures. They are grouped together due to their close proximity and shared embryological ancestry.
Common Structures
Kidney – The kidney is a complex tubular gland encased in a capsule of connective tissue. The hilum is a depression in the kidney through which the ureter, renal vein and renal artery pass.
Ureters – They are tubular structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Urinary bladder – The lower abdomen contains the triangular, hollow urinary bladder. The neck is formed by the lower, narrower portion of the bladder. Through the internal urethral sphincter, it opens into the urethra.
The prenatal development of the urinary bladder relates to the development of the urogenital tract.
Urogenital Tract – Males
The male urogenital tract can be divided into two – the genital tract and the urinary tract. The genitalia includes the primary and accessory sex organs in men. Males’ primary sex organs are the testes. The accessory sex organs include the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, urethra and penis.
Seminal vesicle – The paired glands known as seminal vesicles are located in the lower abdomen behind the bladder and on either side of the prostate gland.
Prostate gland – It consists of 20 to 30 distinct glands, each of which opens into the urethra separately. Prostatic fluid is secreted by the prostate and excreted into the urethra via the prostatic sinuses.
Penis – The penis is crossed by the urethra, which then opens to the outside.
Likewise, the urinary tract comprises the kidney, bladder, ureters and urethra. They help in the formation, storage as well as elimination of urine. This urinary system comprises the upper and lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract is made up of the two kidneys and the two ureters collectively. The bladder and urethra are parts of the lower urinary tract. While the lower urinary tracts of men and women are different, their upper urinary bladders are the same.
Male Urethra
The male urethra serves both reproductive and excretory purposes. Both urine and semen are carried by the urethra. The male urethra measures about 20 cm in length. It starts in the bladder and travels through the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder, before entering the penis. The urethra is covered in glands that produce mucus known as Littre’s glands.
Male Urinogenital System – Diagram
Explore: Important Notes for Biology – Human Reproduction
Urogenital Tract – Females
The components that make the urinary system in females are the same as in males. Only the structure differs. The female reproductive system comprises the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Vagina – It is a small tubular organ lined with a mucus membrane. It extends from the vulval vestibule to the cervix.
Uterus – The uterus is a hollow muscular organ between the rectum and urinary bladder. Fallopian tube – On either side of the upper part of the uterus, the fallopian tube opens.
Ovaries – Females have two flattened ovoid bodies called ovaries along the lateral walls of the uterus.
Female Urethra
As mentioned earlier, the female urethra is a part of the urinary tract. The female urethra only serves the purpose of transporting urine. Male and female urethra differ only in their width and length. Female urethra measures between 3.5 and 4 cm. It begins in the bladder and travels through the urogenital diaphragm before running along the anterior vaginal wall. It then comes to an end at the external urethral orifice, which is situated between the clitoris and the vaginal opening.
Female Urinogenital System – Diagram
Explore more such key concepts with regards to NEET Biology, only at BYJU’S.
Do Check:
Recommended Video:
Comments