Demonstrator #13
Structure and Functions of the Human Reproductive System
Macarambon, Saliha M.
The Male Reproductive System
Prostrate Gland
Vas Deferens
Seminal Vesicle
Urethra
Epididymis
Penis
Testis
Scrotum
Penis - is the external male organ composed of spongy erectile tissues with a tip
called glans. It is covered with four skin than maybe removed through circumcision.
Its function is to deposit sperm cells into the vagina.
Testis - are the glands that produce sperm cells and the male sex hormones called
androgen and testosterone. It consists of many highly coiled tubes or ducts surrounded
by several layers of connective tissues found inside the scrotum sac.
Scrotum - is an external pair of sac-like structure with temperature slightly lower
than that of the rest of the body. The function of the scrotum is to hold the testis.
Epididymis - long, narrow, flattened, highly coiled cumulated ducts lying on the edge
of the posterior border of the testes. It stores mature sperm and serves as the sight
where the sperm cells gain the ability to move which is necessary for fertilization.
Urethra - a duct runs through the length of the penis and opens to the outside. The
urethra in males serves as the passage way for both urine from urinary bladder and
semen from the glands. It has an opening that closes to pass one at a time.
Seminal Vesicle - is a pair of glands found between the bladder and the rectum. It
contributes to the semen production. It secrete a sugar rich fluid which provides
energy for the sperm cells motility.
Vas Deferens or Sperm duct - the vas deferens is a long, muscular duct or tube.it
serves as the passage way of the sperm cells released from the testis. It also connects
the testis to the seminal vesicle and the urethra.
Prostate Gland - is thumb sized. It consist of muscular and glandular tissues that lie
around the base of the bladder. It secrete a fluid that neutralizes the acidity of the
vagina to ensure the survival of the sperm. It aids in sperm motility.
The Female Reproductive System
Fallopian Tube
Ovary
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
Ovary - Produces egg cells as well as the female sex hormones estrogen and
progesterone.
Female humans have two ovaries. About 70,000 potential egg cells are already
present in the ovaries of a female when she is born. However, only about 500 of these
eggs will mature. The mature eggs are released one by one every month once the
female reaches puberty and until she is about 43 - 55 years old. The mature egg cell
leaves the ovary through the fallopian tube.
Fallopian Tube - The fallopian tube lead the egg from the ovary to the uterus. This is
also the usual site of fertilization of the egg cell and sperm cell. Female humans have
two fallopian tubes, each connecting to an ovary to the side of the uterus.
Uterus - also called the womb. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located at the
lower abdomen. It has a soft, smooth inner lining called the uterine or endometrium.
This lining becomes thicker as it accumulates blood and nutrients to accommodate the
unborn baby as it develops. It is also site where the egg is not fertilized during that
time, the egg disintegrates and menstruation begins 11-16 days later.
Cervix - the cervix is located at the lower part of the uterus. It is a narrow opening
between the uterus and the vagina. During childbirth, it expands to allow the passage
of the baby.
Vagina - Also called the birth canal, the vagina is a hollow, muscular tube that
extends from the cervix to the vaginal opening called vulva.
Sperm Cell and Egg Cell
In humans, the reproductive cells are called sperm cells in males and egg cells in
females. Each cell contains 23 thread-like structures called chromosomes, which carry
the traits or characteristics from the parents to the offspring.
The sperm cell is one of the
smallest cell in the body. An average
man can have about 5,000,000 sperm
cells in one drop but only one is
needed to fertilize an egg. The perm
is composed of the head, body, and
tail. The tail is a whip-like structure
that enables the sperm to swim to where the egg cell is.
The egg cells are the biggest cells in the female
human body. It is about hundred microns in
diameter of a hair strand. The egg cell is a round
structure that contains the nucleus inside and is
covered with membrane.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com
Grade 5 Science book K to 12
