Anatomy & Physiology of the Reproductive System
While the anatomy (structure or actual organs) and physiology (function) of the male and female reproductive systems are extremely different, they both serve the same purpose--to produce offspring. The mother's egg is fertilized by the father's sperm and, if all goes well, this will lead to the development of a tiny human being, carried in the mother's womb until birth.
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Male Anatomy and Physiology
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The male reproductive anatomy includes the Cowper’s gland, the ductus deferens, the penis, the prostate gland and the testicles. The primary function of the male reproductive system is to produce semen and allow it to exit the body and enter the female reproductive system, making conception possible. The testicles produce the sperm that the semen carries. The prostate gland produces the seminal fluid itself. The sperm travels through the ductus deferens, through the prostate, where it mixes with the seminal fluid, then into the uretha, which passes through the penis, and out the tip of the penis. The Cowper’s gland produces fluids in response to sexual arousal that help with lubrication.
Female Anatomy and Physiology
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The female reproductive anatomy is more complex than the male anatomy. It consists of the mammary glands, the cervix, the Fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the uterus, the vagina and the vulva. The female role in reproduction begins in the ovaries where eggs are stored. Each month an egg is released into the Fallopian tubes. While moving through the Fallopian tube, it’s possible for the egg to become fertilized by a male sperm. The sperm reaches the egg when the penis releases semen while in the vagina. The sperm then travel through the vagina, cervix and uterus into the Fallopian tubes. A fertilized egg will attach to the lining of the uterus and grow into a baby. The mammary glands function by providing breast milk to nourish the newly born baby.
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Hormones
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In both the male and female reproductive systems, hormones play and integral role. Sex hormone production is controlled by the pituitary gland. In women, the hormones estrogen and progesterone help prepare the female body for pregnancy. Estrogen triggers the thickening of the endometrial lining within the uterus so that it can support a fetus. Progesterone helps sustain the lining. In men, the hormone testosterone is the main sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the formation of the male sex organs. It fuels the man’s desire for sex and it plays an important role in the production of sperm.
Reproductive Health
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There are a number of factors that can have a negative effect on the reproductive system. The most common are exposure to chemicals, radiation or diseases that can affect fertility or cause birth defects. For example, if you work in a job that requires you to handle chemicals, be around radiation or come into contact with biological hazards, make sure you discuss the situation with your boss so that you can ensure that proper safety precautions are in place.
Nutritional Support
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You can enhance the health of your reproductive system by getting the proper nourishment. A healthy reproductive system needs certain vitamins and minerals to perform at its best. Taking a well-rounded multi-vitamin each day is a good first step toward keeping your reproductive organs healthy. Specifically, the male reproductive organs need zinc to be at their best, and the female body needs folic acid to prepare for pregnancy.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit anatomy_red image by Sergey Tokarev from Fotolia.com
