REPRODUCTION

Human Reproductive System

[Writer's Institution]Human Reproductive System

Introduction

Human mode of reproduction is sexual in nature. This means that in order to reproduce, humans require both a male and female. Both male and female produced specialized cells or gametes (eggs for females, and sperm for male) which contribute half of the offspring's genetic material.

Discussion Structure and Functions of Human Reproductive System

Male

The reproductive system of males comprises of three elements. Penis is a tube shaped muscular organ which is filled with blood during arousal and makes intercourse possible. Scrotum is a pouch-like sac which encloses the testicles and hangs below the penis. Testicles are two oval shaped organs which produce sperm (male gametes) and the male hormone testosterone (Krucik, p. n.d).

(Marshall, p.n.d)

Female

The female reproductive system is made of internal and external reproductive components. The external components include labia majora, which is latin for “large lips” protects external reproductive organs of females . Labia minora meaning “small lips” lie inside the labia majora and protects the opening to the vagina. Bartholin's glands (next to the vagina) produce mucus secretion. The clitoris is the location where the two labia minora meet (WebMD, p.n.d).

The internal reproductive organs in females include the vagina is a tunnel which joins the cervix to the outside of the body. The vagina is also known as the birth canal. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ, where the fetus develops. The uterus consists of two parts. The lower section is the cervix which is connected to the vagina while the upper section is known as the corpus which expands to hold the growing fetus. The ovaries are small glands that are situated on both sides of the uterus, and are responsible for the production of eggs and female reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen. Finally, the fallopian tubes are narrow tubes that attach the upper portion of the uterus, and serve as a canal for the ova or eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. The fertilization of an egg by a sperm, usually occurs in this area. The fertilized egg then travels through the canal to the uterus, when it is implanted in the uterine wall (WebMD, p.n.d).

(National Cancer Institute, p.n.d)

Role of Hormones in Human Sexual Maturity

Male

Males are born with their entire sexual organ, however, they are not functional until puberty, which is commonly around age 12. At the onset of puberty, levels of testosterone increase and effect male's gonads resulting in secondary sexual characteristics to become evident. These traits include an increase in height, increased muscle mass, hair growth in the genitals, face and other parts of the body, a deepening of the voice and broad shoulders. Onset of puberty signals that the male is now sexually mature. The male testes produce spermatozoa or sperm, which are released at sexual climax. The release of sperm is known as ejaculation. The sperm is released in a nourishing medium, and up to 750 million sperm is released in each ejaculation, but only one cell is required to fertilize ...