Reproductive System

The reproductive system produces male and female gametes, enhances fertilization of an oocyte by a sperm, nurtures the new individual until birth in female and produces sex hormones. The reproductive system is divided into two: the female reproductive system and the male reproductive system.

In male reproductive system, it consists of the testes, a series of ducts, accessory glands and supporting structures. The testes is the male gonads where sperm cells develops. It also produces testosterone. Epididymis is the storage area of the sperm, the sperm produced in the tests moves into the epididymis to mature before it passes through the other male reproductive organs. Other parts of the male reproductive system is the vas deferens, scrotum, seminal vesicle and others. There is also a process called Spertmatogenesis which is the formation of sperm cells which is important for the males. They also secrete Semen which is a mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the male reproductive glands. The male’s hormone which is the testosterone is responsible for spermatogenesis and development of secondary sex characteristics.

In the female reproductive system, it consists of ovaries, uterine tube, the uterus, vagina, the external genitalia and mammary glands. The two ovaries are small organs suspended in the pelvic cavity by ligaments produces estrogen and progesterone which are the female hormones. An oocyte is the female sex cells. They are formed in the process of Oogenesis. The females also has menstrual cycle which refers to the series of changes that occur in sexually mature, non-pregnant females and culminate in menses. This happens when females undergo puberty. Menopause happens when the female reaches to the age of 40-50 years old. Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycle.

 The reproductive system is also responsible for child birth. Fertilization is the union of a sperm cell and an oocyte, with their genetic material, to produce a new individual. There are so many stages that an zygote undergo for it become a grown fetus. It takes 9 months for the baby to be able to get out of their mother’s womb. A newborn baby is called a neonate. After that, he or she will undergo many changes in different life stages.