The Human Reproductive System
This lesson covers:
- The male reproductive system
- The female reproductive system
The male reproductive system
The male reproductive system is responsible for the production and delivery of sperm, which are the male gametes or sex cells.
The main parts of the male reproductive system include:
- Testes - These are located within the scrotum, these are where sperm cells are produced.
- Scrotum - This is the skin that holds the testes outside the body.
- Sperm duct - This transports sperm from the testes to the urethra.
- Prostate gland - This makes seminal fluid, which mixes with sperm to form semen.
- Penis - This delivers semen into the female vagina.
- Urethra - This carries semen and urine out of the body.
The bladder is not part of the reproductive system, but it is where urine is stored before being removed from the body via the urethra.
Note: There are usually two testes, and each one is called a testis.
The female reproductive system
The female reproductive system produces egg cells (ova), which are the female gametes or sex cells.
The main parts of the female reproductive system include:
- Ovaries - These produce egg cells and typically release one egg cell every 28 days or so.
- Fallopian tubes (oviducts) - The egg cell travels down the these tubes where it may meet the sperm.
- Uterus (womb) - This is where the fertilised egg cell implants and grows during pregnancy.
- Cervix - This acts as the entrance to the uterus.
- Vagina - This receives the penis during sexual intercourse and is the passage through which a baby is born.
Note: There are usually two ovaries, and each one is called an ovary.