The document outlines the male and female reproductive systems, detailing the structure and function of key organs such as the testes, ovaries, and associated ducts. It describes processes like spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and fertilization, as well as the roles of accessory glands and external genitalia. Additionally, it highlights the importance of temperature regulation in sperm production and the hormonal functions of the reproductive organs.
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Adharsh Project
The document outlines the male and female reproductive systems, detailing the structure and function of key organs such as the testes, ovaries, and associated ducts. It describes processes like spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and fertilization, as well as the roles of accessory glands and external genitalia. Additionally, it highlights the importance of temperature regulation in sperm production and the hormonal functions of the reproductive organs.
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REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
Male Reproductive System
1.Testes (Primary Reproductive Organs):
The testes are a pair of oval-shaped organs responsible for producing sperms and the male hormone testosterone. They are enclosed within the scrotum, which keeps them 2–2.5°C cooler than body temperature, a condition necessary for sperm production. Each testis is made up of many testicular lobules, and each lobule contains seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatogenesis. The seminiferous tubules are lined by germinal epithelium and supported by Sertoli cells, which nourish developing sperms. In the interstitial space, Leydig cells (interstitial cells) secrete testosterone that governs male secondary sexual traits. 2.Rete Testis and Vasa Efferentia (Sperm Transport): From the seminiferous tubules, immature sperms pass into a network of tubules called the rete testis, and then into vasa efferentia, which transport them to the epididymis. These ducts help in the concentration and movement of sperms from the testes.
3.Epididymis (Sperm Maturation and Storage):
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube situated along the posterior surface of each testis. It is divided into three parts: caput (head), corpus (body), and cauda (tail). The sperms mature and gain motility here, becoming functionally active. The epididymis also serves as a storage site for mature spermatozoa until ejaculation.
4.Vas Deferens and Ejaculatory Ducts (Transport
Pathway): The vas deferens arises from the tail of the epididymis and carries sperm upward into the pelvic cavity, looping over the urinary bladder. It joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct, which then opens into the urethra. These ducts play a vital role in mixing sperm with glandular secretions to form semen.
5.Urethra (Dual Purpose Tube):
The urethra extends from the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis and serves a dual function—carrying urine as well as semen. The ejaculatory ducts open into the urethra within the prostate gland.
6.Penis (Copulatory Organ):
The penis is a cylindrical, erectile organ that delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract. It contains erectile tissue which becomes engorged with blood during arousal, allowing penetration. The glans penis, covered by a foreskin (prepuce), is the sensitive tip that facilitates sexual pleasure. 7.Scrotum (Thermoregulation): The scrotum is a skin-covered sac that holds the testes. It maintains the temperature lower than body temperature by contracting or relaxing the dartos and cremaster muscles, helping optimal sperm development.
8.Accessory Glands (Seminal Vesicles, Prostate,
Bulbourethral): o The seminal vesicles secrete an alkaline,
fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperms and
forms ~60% of semen volume. o The prostate gland produces a thin, milky,
alkaline secretion that enhances sperm motility
and neutralises the acidic environment of the vagina. o The bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands release a
clear, mucus-like secretion that lubricates the
urethra and neutralises any traces of urine. Female Reproductive System 1.Ovaries (Primary Reproductive Organs): The ovaries are a pair of almond-shaped structures located in the pelvic cavity. Each ovary is held in place by ligaments and is responsible for oogenesis (formation of ova) and secretion of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. Ovaries contain follicles in various stages of development. During the menstrual cycle, a mature Graafian follicle ruptures to release an ovum, a process called ovulation. 2.Fallopian Tubes (Site of Fertilisation): Each ovary is connected to the uterus by a fallopian tube or oviduct, about 10–12 cm long. The fallopian tube consists of four regions: o Fimbriae: Finger-like projections that help
collect the ovum.
o Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped opening near the
ovary. o Ampulla: The widest part, where fertilisation
usually occurs. o Isthmus: A narrow passage that connects to the uterus
3.Uterus (Womb – Site of Implantation and Fetal
Growth): The uterus is a thick-walled, muscular, pear-shaped organ where the fertilised egg implants and develops into a fetus. It has three layers: o Perimetrium (outer thin layer),
o Myometrium (thick muscular layer responsible
for contractions during delivery), and
o Endometrium (inner glandular layer that
thickens each month and sheds during
menstruation if fertilisation does not occur).
4.Cervix (Lower Opening of Uterus):
The cervix is the narrow neck-like structure of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It produces mucus that varies in thickness throughout the menstrual cycle, aiding or preventing sperm entry. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the passage of the baby. 5.Vagina (Birth Canal and Copulatory Organ): The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that serves multiple functions: it receives the penis during sexual intercourse, acts as the birth canal, and provides an exit for menstrual blood. It has a slightly acidic environment to prevent infections.
6.External Genitalia (Vulva):
The vulva includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular glands, and the vaginal and urethral openings. The clitoris is a sensitive organ comparable to the penis and plays a role in female sexual arousal. 7.Mammary Glands (Secondary Sexual Character): Though not part of the internal reproductive system, mammary glands play a crucial role in lactation after childbirth. Each breast has 15–20 lobes with ducts that open at the nipple. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin aids in milk ejection.