Functions of Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Scrotum

Protects the testes and regulates their temperature.

Epididymis

Where sperm is stored and matured.

Ductus (vas) deferens

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

Urethra (males)

Transports both semen and urine out of the body.

Penis

Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Seminal vesicles

Secrete fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm.

Prostate gland

Secretes alkaline fluid that protects sperm in acidic environments.

Bulbo-urethral glands

Produce pre-ejaculate fluid that neutralizes traces of urine in the urethra.

Parts of a sperm cell

Head, midpiece, tail.

Head of a sperm cell

Nucleus (DNA) and acrosome (enzymes to penetrate egg).

Midpiece of the sperm

Contains mitochondria for energy (ATP) production.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules.

Sperm production from one spermatogonium

Four haploid sperm.

GnRH

Hormone that stimulates the release of FSH and LH.

FSH in males

Stimulates spermatogenesis.

LH in males

Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

Ovaries

Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Fallopian tubes

Transport the egg from ovary to uterus; site of fertilization.

Uterus

Organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops.

Cervix

The opening to the uterus; produces mucus to aid sperm entry.

Vagina

Birth canal and site for sperm entry.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (ovum) development in the ovaries.

Mature eggs from one oogonium

One egg and three polar bodies.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal.

Hormone that peaks during ovulation

LH.

Hormone that maintains the endometrium after ovulation

Progesterone.

Fertilization location

In the fallopian tubes.

Post-fertilization process

Zygote forms, travels to uterus, implants in endometrium.

Hormone released by the embryo

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to maintain the corpus luteum.