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Question
Explain male and female reproductive systems in detail with diagrams.
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Solution
The organs of the male reproductive system are specialized for three major functions:
1. To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells), and protective fluid (semen)
2. To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract
3. To produce and secrete male sex hormones.
FunctionsOrganFunctionTestesProduce spermatozoa and make male hormone testosterone which stimulates changes during pubertyScrotumsac covering testes which hangs outside the body to keep it cool as sperm can′t develop or be stored at 37∘C or aboveSperm ductSmall tubules outside the testes store sperms for maturation.Sperm duct connect these tubules to urethraUrethraUrethra carries urine and sperm but not at the same time. A ring of muscle around the urethra contracts to prevent urine loss during sexual intercourseProstate and other glandsSecrete fluid for sperm cell to swim.Prostate secrete mucus and other secrete sugar for respiration of sperm cells. Sperm cell+fluid=semen.PenisUrethra runs down the centre of penis.Its main function is to deliver sperm to the vagina for fertilization
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of internal organs and external organs.
Internal Organs
Uterus
- The uterus is a hollow organ about the size and shape of a pear.
- It serves two important functions: it is the organ of menstruation and during pregnancy it receives the fertilized ovum, retains and nourishes it until it expels the fetus during labor.
Vagina
- The vagina is the thin walled muscular tube about 6 inches long leading from the uterus to the external genitalia.
- It is located between the bladder and the rectum.
Fallopian Tubes (Two)
- Each tube is about 4 inches long and extends medially from each ovary to empty into the superior region of the uterus.
- The fallopian tubes transport ovum from the ovaries to the uterus. There is no contact of fallopian tubes with the ovaries.
Exteranl organs
Mons Pubis
- This is the fatty rounded area overlying the symphysis pubis and covered with thick coarse hair.
Labia Majora
- The labia majora runs posteriorly from the mons pubis.
- They are the 2 elongated hair covered skin folds.
- They enclose and protect other external reproductive organs.
Labia Minora
The labia minora are 2 smaller folds enclosed by the labia majora. They protect the opening of the vagina and urethra.
Vestibule
The vestibule consists of the clitoris, urethral meatus, and the vaginal introitus.
The clitoris is a short erectile organ at the top of the vaginal vestibule whose function is sexual excitation.
The urethral meatus is the mouth or opening of the urethra. The urethra is a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder.
The vaginal introitus is the vaginal entrance.
Perineum
This is the skin covered muscular area between the vaginal opening (introitus) and the anus. It aids in constricting the urinary, vaginal, and anal opening. It also helps support the pelvic contents.
Bartholin’s Glands (Vulvovaginal or Vestibular Glands)
The Bartholin’s glands lie on either side of the vaginal opening. They produce a mucoid substance, which provides lubrication for intercourse.
1. To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells), and protective fluid (semen)
2. To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract
3. To produce and secrete male sex hormones.
FunctionsOrganFunctionTestesProduce spermatozoa and make male hormone testosterone which stimulates changes during pubertyScrotumsac covering testes which hangs outside the body to keep it cool as sperm can′t develop or be stored at 37∘C or aboveSperm ductSmall tubules outside the testes store sperms for maturation.Sperm duct connect these tubules to urethraUrethraUrethra carries urine and sperm but not at the same time. A ring of muscle around the urethra contracts to prevent urine loss during sexual intercourseProstate and other glandsSecrete fluid for sperm cell to swim.Prostate secrete mucus and other secrete sugar for respiration of sperm cells. Sperm cell+fluid=semen.PenisUrethra runs down the centre of penis.Its main function is to deliver sperm to the vagina for fertilization
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of internal organs and external organs.
Internal Organs
Uterus
- The uterus is a hollow organ about the size and shape of a pear.
- It serves two important functions: it is the organ of menstruation and during pregnancy it receives the fertilized ovum, retains and nourishes it until it expels the fetus during labor.
Vagina
- The vagina is the thin walled muscular tube about 6 inches long leading from the uterus to the external genitalia.
- It is located between the bladder and the rectum.
Fallopian Tubes (Two)
- Each tube is about 4 inches long and extends medially from each ovary to empty into the superior region of the uterus.
- The fallopian tubes transport ovum from the ovaries to the uterus. There is no contact of fallopian tubes with the ovaries.
Exteranl organs
Mons Pubis
- This is the fatty rounded area overlying the symphysis pubis and covered with thick coarse hair.
Labia Majora
- The labia majora runs posteriorly from the mons pubis.
- They are the 2 elongated hair covered skin folds.
- They enclose and protect other external reproductive organs.
Labia Minora
The labia minora are 2 smaller folds enclosed by the labia majora. They protect the opening of the vagina and urethra.
Vestibule
The vestibule consists of the clitoris, urethral meatus, and the vaginal introitus.
The clitoris is a short erectile organ at the top of the vaginal vestibule whose function is sexual excitation.
The urethral meatus is the mouth or opening of the urethra. The urethra is a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder.
The vaginal introitus is the vaginal entrance.
Perineum
This is the skin covered muscular area between the vaginal opening (introitus) and the anus. It aids in constricting the urinary, vaginal, and anal opening. It also helps support the pelvic contents.
Bartholin’s Glands (Vulvovaginal or Vestibular Glands)
The Bartholin’s glands lie on either side of the vaginal opening. They produce a mucoid substance, which provides lubrication for intercourse.
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