The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, endometrium, and vagina. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones, the fallopian tubes transport eggs to the uterus, and the uterus nourishes a developing fetus. The male reproductive system includes the penis, testes, and prostate. The testes produce sperm and hormones, while the penis delivers semen during intercourse.
3. Structures Defined
• Ovary: Plural Ovaries. Located on each side of the uterus, produce
ovum and the female sex hormones progesterone and estrogen..
• Fallopian Tubes: Also known as oviducts or uterine tubes. 5.5 inches
long, these tubes propel the ovum toward the uterus for
implantation.
• Uterus: Hollow pear-shaped organ in which a fertilized ovum grows
into a fetus.
• Cervix: Lower portion of the uterus that opens to the vagina.
• Endometrium: Inner wall of the uterus that provides nourishment
to a developing baby. Shed every 28 days in menstruation if a
fertilized ovum is not implanted.
• Vagina: The muscular tube that connects the cervix with the outside
of the body. Allows for the passage of menstrual flow, receives the
male’s penis and semen and acts as the birth canal in a normal
vaginal delivery.
5. Pregnancy
• Embryo: A fertilized egg is classified as an embryo until
about the eighth week. During this stage of pregnancy all of
the major organs are formed.
• Fetus: From the eighth week on the developing baby is
called a fetus. During this stage the organs mature to
function.
• Umbilical Cord: Attaches the fetus to the placenta,
surrounded by two membrane sacs: amnion or innermost
sac that holds the fluid in which the baby floats. And the
chorion or outer sac that also forms part of the placenta.
• Placenta: A spongy organ that forms next to the fetus and
nourishes it. Also called afterbirth.
• Amniotic Fluid: The fluid in which the fetus floats.
8. Structures Defined
• Penis: Male sex organ that delivers semen to
the female vagina. Serves a dual function in
releasing urine from the body and ejaculating
semen.
• Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone the
male sex hormone. The testes are located in
the scrotum.
• Prostate: Produces an alkaline fluid that
negates the pH of the vagina and urethra.
