Reproduction in Humans

Female Gamete

Ovum (ova pl)

Vagina

A canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to
the outside of the body
It is also known as the birth canal

Uterus

A hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing foetus
The fertilised egg then moves here to implant in the uterine lining
Site of implantation

Corpus

The main body of the uterus
Can easily expand to hold a developing baby

Ovaries

Small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either
side of the uterus
Produce eggs and hormones

Fallopian Tubes (Oviduct)

Narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova to travel from the
ovaries to the uterus
Fertilisation of an egg by a sperm normally occurs here

Urethra (Female)

Tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body
Shorter than the male's

Mucus Plug (Operculum)

Forms inside the cervical canal to create a barrier against pathogens

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

It creates ova that are essential for reproduction
Organised to deliver the ovum to the region of fertilisation
Fertilisation of ovum
Implantation of the fertilised egg in the walls of the uterus and starting the stages of pregnancy are the next steps for fertilised eggs.
Involved in the production of female sex hormones to maintain the reproductive cycle

Male Gamete

Sperm

Epididymis

A long, coiled duct on the outside of the testis in which sperm mature and are stored

Testes

Produce sperm
Must be at a temperature slightly cooler than the body temperature for normal sperm development

Scrotum

External sac that contains the testes
Special muscles in the walls allow it to contract and relax, moving the testes closer to the body for warmth and protection or farther away from the body to cool the temperature

Semen

The combination of sperm, nutrients (carbs) and seminal fluid
Seminal vesticle + prostate + cowper's gland + sperm

Urethra (Male)

Serves as the passageway for sperm and fluids from the reproductive system and urine from the urinary system

Sphincter

While the reproductive fluids pass through, it contracts tightly to keep urine from entering the urethra

Foreskin (Prepuce)

A retractable double-layered fold of skin that covers and protects the glans penis
Loose and elastic, allowing for changes in penis size during an erection

Erectile Tissue

Fills with blood to make the penis rigid and erect for penetration

Prostate

The gland in males that controls the release of urine and secretes a part of semen that enhances motility and fertility of sperm

Vas Deferens (Sperm Duct)

Long, muscular tube that transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation

Cowper's Gland

Two pea-sized glands located on either side of the uretha that secretes a lubrication fluid

Flagellum

Sperm tail

Functions of the Male Reproductive System

Produce, maintain and transport sperm and semen
Discharge sperm into the female reproductive tract
They produce and secrete male sex hormones

Zygote

The fertilized egg
Enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo

Embryo

the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month

Foetus

Unborn baby
Usually around 8 weeks from conception

Cilia

The hairlike projections on the outside of cells that move in a wavelike manner
Helps move the ova

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus
Connects the vagina to the main body of the uterus

Seminal Vesicles

Sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder
It produces the fluid that sperm swims in