reproductive system

hormone which aids the development of female sexual characteristics

immature eggs that are released from an ovary and it moves into the fallopian tube where fertilization takes place in

the uterus lining called the endometrium

menarche, menstruation

Menstrual phase Proliferative phase Progestational phase

first phase of the cycle when the endometrium sheds

thickening of the endometrium, end of this phase aligns with ovulation (release of oocyte from the ovaries).

final phase that occurs before pregnancy which creates corpus luteum an endocrine structure that releases estrogen and progesterone that prepares the endometrium for pregnancy

labia majora labia minora clitoris bartholin glands

uterus cervix vagina fallopian tubes and ovaries

outermost fat padded skin folds

enclosed by labia majora and is enriched with blood vessels

a small organ partly enclosed by the labia minora which is sensitive to sexual stimulation

secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina

organ in which a foetus grows and develops

opening of the uterus which keeps the foetus in

canal that receives the penis and sperm and functions as part of the birth canal

ovaries are the main female sexual organs. Fallopian tubes (oviduct) are tubes that carries an oocyte from the ovaries to the uterus

testis, epididymis, penis

prostate, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands

spermatogenesis requires a lower temperature than the core body temperature

• Seminiferous tubules are structures within the testes that contain cells called spermatogonia which are the starting point of spermatogenesis. • Spermatogenesis requires several rounds of cell division, processes known as mitosis and meiosis. • Spermatogonium develops into primary spermatocytes and then secondary spermatocytes after meiosis, after the 2nd round of meiosis spermatids form and develop into spermatozoa (sperm). • Sertoli cells also line the seminiferous tubules, and they provide nourishment for the developing sperm cells. Leydig cells also found in the seminiferous tubules produce testosterone

A few hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone) are involved in the male sexual function. Testosterone oversees the growth, development and maturation of the male sexual organs and characteristics

• Sperm exits the testes and enters the epididymis where it undergoes maturation and is kept for storage, via the vas deferens sperm is transported through the ejaculatory ducts into the urethra. • As sperm travels through the urethra, secretions from several glands (seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands) results in semen, a thick fluid that contains sperm. The secretions from these glands include fructose, prostaglandins, alkaline buffer, mucus, etc.