Tech

Investigative Essay

By

Irene D Garcia

Laboratory II

Institute of Technology

















The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes. The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization.[pic]

Ovulation: Refers to the reproductive cycle of a woman. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the Fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized. The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If no conception occurs, the uterine lining as well as blood will be shed.

The reproductive organs in the female include:Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.

Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus.The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.

Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.

Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova(egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the Fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.



The Male Reproductive System

The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system is to perform the following functions:• To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
• To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex
• To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male reproductive system
[pic]



Penis: This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It hasthree parts: the root, which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped part at the end of the penis. The glans, also called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin. This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision. The opening of the urethra, the tube that transports semen and urine, is atthe tip of the penis. The penis also contains a number of sensitive nerve endings.

Scrotum: This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes.

Testicles (testes): These are oval organs about the size of largeolives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm.

Urethra: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, it has the additional function of ejaculating semen when theman reaches orgasm. When the penis is erect during sex, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.





Gynecologists and Obstetricians are doctors who specialize in women's health and reproduction.

Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in the medical care of women and their reproductive system (vagina, ovaries and uterus). Deals with...