REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Gonads

The primary sex organs that produce gametes (sex cells) and secrete hormones.

Testes

The male gonads that produce sperm.

Ovaries

The female gonads that produce eggs (ova).

Seminiferous tubules

Tightly coiled structures in the testes that function as sperm-forming factories.

Epididymis

A highly convoluted tube found along the posterior lateral side of the testes, where immature sperm are stored and matured.

Vas deferens

A tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Ejaculatory duct

A duct formed by the merging of the vas deferens and the duct from the seminal vesicle, which passes through the prostate and empties into the urethra.

Urethra

A tube that carries both urine and sperm from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis.

Seminal glands (vesicles)

Glands located at the base of the bladder that produce a thick, yellowish secretion (60% of semen) containing fructose, vitamin C, and prostaglandins.

Prostate

A gland that encircles the upper part of the urethra and secretes a milky fluid that helps activate sperm.

Bulbourethral gland

Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate that produce a thick, clear mucus, which cleanses the urethra and serves as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.

Semen

A milky white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions that acts as a transport medium for sperm.

Scrotum

A divided sac of skin outside the abdomen that houses the testes and helps maintain them at a lower temperature than the rest of the body.

Penis

The male organ of copulation that delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Testosterone

The most important hormonal product of the testes, responsible for stimulating reproductive organ development, sex drive, and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Ovaries

The female reproductive organs that produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Ovarian follicles

Structures within the ovaries that contain an immature egg (oocyte) and follicle cells.

Uterine (Fallopian) tubes

Tubes that receive the ovulated egg from the ovaries, provide a site for fertilization, and empty into the uterus.

Uterus

A pear-shaped organ that receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized egg.

Vagina

A passageway that extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body, serving as the canal for childbirth and menstrual flow, and receiving the penis during sexual intercourse.

Estrogen

A hormone produced by the ovaries that causes secondary sex characteristics, enlargement of accessory organs, and development of breasts.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that helps maintain pregnancy and prepares the breasts for milk production.

Mammary gland

Modified sweat glands in females that produce milk to nourish a newborn.