The Reproductive System
What is the Reproductive System?
The reproductive system is the part of the body that lets humans create life.
It helps men produce sperm and women produce eggs, and when these two
meet, a baby can start to grow.
Why is it important?
Without this system, humans wouldn’t be able to have children. It also
affects growth, body changes during puberty, and hormones that shape male
and female features.
Male Reproductive System
Main Purpose:
- To make sperm (male sex cell)
- To produce testosterone (a male hormone)
- To release sperm during sex (ejaculation)
- To remove urine from the body
External Parts & Their Jobs:
1. Penis
- Used for urination (peeing) and sexual intercourse
- During arousal, it becomes firm (called an erection) to deliver sperm into
the female body
Parts of the Penis:
- Glans: The tip; very sensitive, sometimes covered by foreskin
- Shaft: Also known as Corpus, the long part, filled with tissues that fill with
blood to create an erection
- Urethra: A tube inside the penis that carries urine and semen out of the
body
- Root: Also known as the radix penis, this is the base of the penis that is
attached to the pelvis and stabilized by connective tissues known
as ligaments.
2. Scrotum
- A loose sack of skin under the penis
- Holds and protects the testicles
- Adjusts temperature to help sperm stay healthy (tightens when cold,
relaxes when warm)
Internal Parts & Their Jobs:
1. Testicles (Testes)
- Two oval organs inside the scrotum
- Make sperm and the hormone testosterone
2. Epididymis
- A coiled tube behind each testicle
- Where sperm mature and get ready to move
3. Vas Deferens
- Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during
ejaculation
4. Accessory Glands
These make fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen:
- Seminal Vesicles: Add sugar to give energy to sperm
- Prostate Gland: Adds fluid to protect sperm
- Bulbourethral Glands: Add fluid to lubricate and protect sperm from acid
in the female body
Common Male Reproductive Problems:
- Infections: Poor hygiene can cause swelling or pain in the penis or testicles
- Erectile Dysfunction: Trouble keeping an erection; can be due to stress,
health, or age
- Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism): When one or both testicles don’t
move down into the scrotum before birth
- Hydrocele: Fluid builds up around the testicle, causing swelling and
discomfort
DISORDER OF MALES REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.
Infection of penis
- The inflammation of the glans and prepuce is often related to poor
personal hygiene.
- In case of non-specific infection, also called balanitis, there is a high
chance of the infection becoming chronic which might lead to fibrosis
of the skin around the penis.
Erectile dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder in a mature, sexually active
male to developing or maintain an erection. It is found that this
disorder occurs in 40% of males, occasionally.
- An erection in men is achieved when the columns of spongy muscles
in the penis become engorged with blood so anything that hampers the
flow of blood to these muscles can be a cause of this dysfunction.
Epididymis and Testes Infection
- Infections in the epididymis and the testes occur through the spread of
infection from the urethra.
- The microbes either pass through the vas deferens or the lymph.
- Specific epididymitis occurs through the spread of gonorrhea from the
urethra.
Undescended testis (cryptorchidism)
- In the embryonic stage, the testes are present in the abdominal cavity,
and they drop to the scrotal sac by birth. However, if this process fails
to happen and the condition is not corrected, it leads to infertility and
an increased risk of testicular cancer.
Hydrocele
- A hydrocele is a fluid-filled space in the testes that leads to swelling.
It is a common type of scrotal swelling and might be acute and painful
or chronic.
- It causes discomfort and pain in the scrotal region.
- It might arise in the testes or might be secondary due to other
infections or disorders.
Female Reproductive System
Main Purpose:
- To produce eggs (ova)
- To provide a safe space for a baby to grow
- To give birth
- To release hormones (like estrogen and progesterone) that regulate periods
and pregnancy
External Part:
1. Vulva
- All the external female genitals
- Protects internal organs and allows sperm to enter
- Many people mistakenly call the entire area the “vagina,” but the vagina is
inside
Internal Parts & Their Jobs:
1. Vagina
- A muscular tube connecting the outside to the uterus
- Used during sex, for period flow, and as the birth canal
2. Cervix
- The narrow opening between the uterus and vagina
- Opens during childbirth
- Releases mucus that helps sperm during ovulation
3. Uterus (Womb)
- Where a baby grows
- Has four main parts: Fundus, Body, Isthmus, and Cervix
4. Ovaries
- Two small organs on either side of the uterus
- Produce eggs and release them each month (ovulation)
- Also produce estrogen and progesterone
5. Fallopian Tubes
- Carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus
- Usually where fertilization happens (when sperm meets egg)
- Fertilized egg travels to the uterus to grow into a baby
Common Female Reproductive Problems:
1. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Hormone problem causing irregular periods, acne, and sometimes
infertility
2. Endometriosis
- When tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus
- Causes pain and may affect fertility
3. Uterine Fibroids
- Non-cancerous lumps in the uterus
- Can cause heavy bleeding, pain, or trouble getting pregnant
How to Keep Your Reproductive System Healthy:
- Practice good hygiene
- Have safe sex (use protection)
- Eat healthy and exercise
- Avoid smoking or alcohol
- Get regular medical check-ups
- Seek help if you feel pain or notice changes
Summary
- The male reproductive system makes sperm and delivers it through the
penis
- The female reproductive system makes eggs and gives a place for a baby to
grow
- Both systems work together to allow reproduction – the creation of life
- Keeping these systems healthy is key for future family planning and
personal well-being
