The Reproductive System

1. The Reproductive System By: Jonathan Haynes

2. External Female Reproductive Organs • Labia Majora- The most visible part of the female sexual anatomy, Its main function is to close and protect other external sexual organs. • Labia Minora- Located inside the labia majora, they surround the vaginal opening and extend upward to form protection around both the clitoris and urethra. • Bartholins glands- Located beside the vaginal opening and produce mucus for lubrication. • Clitoris- Highly sensitive, packed with nerve endings, Can become erect due to increased blood flow during sexual stimulation.

3. Internal Female Reproductive Organs • Vagina- Canal like structure for delivery of babies, it receives the penis during intercourse, the cervix is found at the end of it and is the opening of the uterus. • Uterus- Fist sized muscular organ that houses a baby during pregnancy, can grow and stretch rapidly. • Ovaries- There are two of them, one on each side of the uterus, they produce eggs and other hormones. • Fallopian tubes- Connect the ovaries to the uterus, it also captures the egg after it is released by the ovary and guides it through the tube and into the uterus.

4. External Male Reproductive Organs • Penis- Consist of the parts ( Base, Shaft, and Head), the urethra passes through the penis which allows for passage of semen and urine, the penis is inserted into the vagina during sexual intercourse. • Scrotum- Sac of loose skin that holds the testicles, the skin is thin and has a small amount of muscle in the wall and it allows it to contract and relax, it is important to control the temperature inside the testicles. • Testicles- Are analogous to ovaries and there are two present in normal males. Responsible for the production of sperm and sex hormones such as testosterone, the structures that produce sperm are called seminiferous tubules

5. Internal Male Reproductive Organs • Epididymis- Coiled tubes sitting on top of each testicle, help bring sperm to maturity, transports and stores sperm. • Vas deferens- Muscular tube that connects each epididymis to the penis, Sperm travels from the testicles through each epididymis and then through the vas deferens to the urethra during ejaculation. • Ejaculatory ducts- Formed by the fusion of vas deferens and seminal vesicles, empty their contents into the urethra during ejaculation. • Urethra- Passes from bladder through penis to the outside of the body, its function is to transport sperm and also urine. • Seminal vesicles- Produce fluid containing sugar for the health and nutrition of sperm, produce the majority of volume comprising the ejaculate fluid • Prostate gland- Located near the rectum, it is basically a sponge with ducts and blood vessels, produces additional fluid that is added to the ejaculate fluid, the fluid helps nourish the sperm • Bulbourethral glands- Located on either side of the urethra near prostate gland, produce additional fluid for lubrication of the urethra during sex, its primary function is to neutralize the acidity of the urethra and to protect sperm on its journey out.