WEEK LESSON: Reproductive System
labia majora. They provide
I. Reproductive System protection for the clitoris and for the
A. Functions urethra and vaginal openings.
● Clitoris - Very sensitive sexual organ
The reproductive system is a collection of located in front of the vaginal
internal and external organs — in both opening. It contains thousands of
males and females — that work together sensory nerve endings and responds
for the purpose of procreating, according to sexual stimulation.
to the Cleveland Clinic. Due to its vital role ● Vagina - Fibrous, muscular canal
in the survival of the species, many leading from the cervix (opening of
scientists argue that the reproductive the uterus) to the external portion of
system is among the most important the genital canal.
systems in the entire body.
● Uterus - Muscular internal organ that
houses and nurtures female gametes
Production of Gametes
after fertilization. Also called the
⮚ Sperm cells are produced by the womb, the uterus is where a
testes, while egg cells are produced developing fetus resides during
by the ovaries. pregnancy.
● Fallopian tubes - Uterine tubes which
Reproduction or Procreation transport egg cells from the ovaries
⮚ During fertilization, a zygote is formed to the uterus. Fertilization typically
developing to become embryo, to occurs in these tubes.
fetus until becoming an offspring. ● Ovaries - Female primary
Support Secondary Sex Characteristics reproductive structures that produce
⮚ The production of sex hormones gametes and sex hormones. There is
one ovary on each side of the
allow the development of secondary
uterus.
sex traits in both male and female.
B. Female Reproductive System
Structures
● Labia majora - Larger lip-like external
structures that cover and protect
sexual structures.
● Labia minora - Smaller lip-like
external structures found inside the
Lower temperatures are necessary
for proper sperm development.
● Epididymis - System of ducts that
receive immature sperm from the
testes. Its function is to develop
immature sperm and to house
mature sperm.
● Ductus Deferens or Vas Deferens -
Fibrous, muscular tubes that are
continuous with the epididymis and
provide a pathway for sperm to
travel from the epididymis to the
urethra
● Ejaculatory Duct - Duct formed from
the union of the ductus deferens and
seminal vesicles. Each ejaculatory
duct empties into the urethra.
● Urethra - Tube that extends from the
urinary bladder through the penis.
This canal allows for the excretion of
reproductive fluids (semen) and
C. Male Reproductive System urine from the body. Sphincters
Structures prevent urine from entering the
urethra while semen is passing
● Penis - Main organ involved in sexual through.
intercourse. This organ is composed ● Seminal Vesicles - Glands that
of erectile tissue, connective tissue, produce fluid to nurture and provide
and skin. The urethra extends energy for sperm cells. Tubes leading
through the length of the penis, from the seminal vesicles join the
allowing urine and sperm to pass. ductus deferens to form the
● Testes - Male primary reproductive ejaculatory duct.
structures that produce male ● Prostate Gland - Gland that
gametes (sperm) and sex hormones. produces a milky, alkaline fluid which
● Scrotum - External pouch of skin that increases sperm motility. The
contains the testes. Because the contents of the prostate empty into
scrotum is located outside of the the urethra.
abdomen, it can reach ● Bulbourethral or Cowper's Glands -
temperatures that are lower than Small glands located at the base of
that of internal body structures. the penis. In response to sexual
stimulation, these glands secrete an
alkaline fluid which helps to
neutralize acidity from urine in the
urethra and acidity in the vagina.