Structure of the

Human
Reproducative
System
 Reproduction
- In a general sense reproduction is one of the most
important concepts in biology: it means making a copy,
a likeness, and thereby providing for the continued
existence of species. Although reproduction is often
considered solely in terms of the production of
offspring in animals and plants, the more general
meaning has far greater significance to living
organisms. To appreciate this fact, the origin of life and
the evolution of organisms must be considered. One of
the first characteristics of life that emerged in primeval
times must have been the ability of some primitive
chemical system to make copies of itself.
Male Reproductive System
Testes
– (testicles) are the male gonads, they are the primary male
reproductive organs. They fulfil two key functions, the production
of gametes, sperm or spermatogenesis and the secretion of
hormones, particularly the male hormone testosterone.
- 3.7 to 5 centimeters in length and about 2.5 in width

Scrotum
– is a sac that contains the testes as well as the many nerves and
blood vessels that straddle it.
– functions are to provide a protection for the testes and aid in the
normal development of sperm cells.
Seminal Vesicle
–are twisted muscular tubes about 7.5 cm long with many sac-like
pouches . These are attached to the Vas deferens near the base of the
bladder. The glandular linings of the seminal vesicles produce a
thick, yeloow, alkaline secretion rich in sugar (fructose) that
provides nourishment to the sperm cells.

Prostate Gland
– is located below the urinary bladder, where it sorrounds the First
Part of the urethra. The ducts from the prostate carry its thin,
alkaline secretions into the urethra.
Bulbourethral Glands
– are a pair of pea-sized organs located on the sides of the urethra
just below the prostate gland. These are also referred to as Cowper’s
glands. These glands secrete a clear, slippery fluid that lubricates the
urethra and neutralizes acidity due to residual drops of urine in the
urethra.
Ducts:
Epididymis – is a long coiled tube, about six meters long, located
behind testis. Transports and temporarily stores sperm cells that are
produced in the testis.
Penis
– encloses the urethra, is the male organ for sexual intercourse. It is
composed of spongy tissue with blood spaces. These blood spaces are
relatively empty when the organ is flaccid, but is filled with blood
when the penis is erect during sexual intecourse.

Urethra
– is a tube that extends from the urinary bladder to the outside. The
male urethra, which is about 20 centimeters in length, conveys urine
from the bladder and transports semen to the outside of the body.
Vas Deferens / ductus deferens
– is another sperm duct that extends upward from the epididymis. It
transports mature sperm cells to the urethra in preparation for
ejaculation.
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
– are the primary female reproductive organs where the female sex
cells or ova are formed. These organs are the counterparts of the
male testes.
– each ovaryis small and is somewhat a flattened oval body measuring about
1.4 cm length, 2 cm in width, and 1 cm in depth.

Oviduct
– also called the fallopian tubes, extend from the upper sides of the
uterus and lead up to the ovaries. These tubes transports the ova to
the uterus.
Uterus
– also known as the womb. It is a pear-shaped muscular organ, about
7.5 cm long, 5cm wide, & 2.5 cm deep. The cavity inside the uterus is
somewhat T-shaped, but it may change its shape and dilate as the fetus
develops
Cervix
– situated between the vagina and uterus. It is the opening through
which spermcells pass through which sperm cell must pass to fertilize
an egg.
Vagina
– is a tube-like muscular measuring about 7.5 cm that connects the
internal reproductive organs with the external genetalia. It ends at
the cervix and is the point of entry for the penis during sexual
activity.

Differences between Male and Female Gametes

The male and female gametes differ in size, number, and mobility.
As to size, the male gametes are realatively much smaller about
(0.06 mm), while the female gametes are comparatively larger,
(about 0.1 in diameter)