The Reproductive System

What are the main functions of the reproductive system?

The production and transport of sax hormones, fertilisation, the growth and birth of a foetus and menstruation

List the structures of the male reproductive system

Testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, urethra and penis

Describe testes

Housed in scrotum, oval shaped organs that produce testosterone and sperm

Describe the epididymis

Coiled tube, one on top of each testis that stores and matures sperm

Describe the vas deferens

Muscular tubes that go from the epididymis to the urethra, transports mature sperm out of the body

Describe the seminal vesicles

Glands near bladder which produce a sugary fluid to “feed” sperm

Describe the prostate gland

Gland found below the bladder, produces fluid to protect and energise sperm

Describe the bulbourethral glands

Small glands near urethra, produces fluid to neutralise acidity

Describe the urethra

Tube running through penis, transports semen out of the body

List the structures of the female reproductive system

Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina and vulva

Describe ovaries

small organs found one on each side of the uterus, produces eggs and sax hormones

Describe fallopian tubes

Tube connecting the ovaries to the uterus, transports eggs though here and where fertilisation usually occurs

Describe the uterus

Hollow, made of muscle. Houses and nourishes foetus and contracts during childbirth

Describe the endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus, supports foetus and sheds if no fertilisation occurs (period)

Describe the cervix

Narrow, lowest part of uterus which dilates during childbirth, allows sperm in and period blood out

Describe the vagina

canal between cervix to the outside of the body. Allows sperm in and period blood out.