The reproductive system in humans, both male and female, has its own internal and external organ structures. Each organ in the system has a different function. Check out the following explanation to find out more about the human reproductive system.
The beginning of the human reproductive process occurs when a sperm cell meets an egg cell, which generally occurs in sexual intercourse. This process can take place thanks to the existence of functioning reproductive organs
Reproductive organs along with glands and hormones, form the reproductive system that plays a role in the human reproductive process. The reproductive system in men and women is different, and works specifically for each sex genetically.
Getting to Know the Male and Female Reproductive Systems
The male reproductive system functions to produce and store, and deliver sperm to fertilize eggs. Meanwhile, the female reproductive system has a function to produce eggs and provide a place for the fetus during pregnancy. The two functions complement each other in the reproductive process.
Both male and female reproductive organ systems consist of external and internal parts. Most of the organs of the male reproductive system are outside the body, in contrast to women who are mostly inside the body.
Male Reproductive System
The structure of the external reproductive organs in men includes:
- penisThe penis is a male vital organ used for sexual intercourse. When it reaches climax, the sperm will come out through the channel in the penis.
- ScrotumThe scrotum is a pouch of skin that hangs from the base of the penis. This small, muscular sac protects the testicle, along with the nerves and blood vessels.
- TesticlesThe testes are the most important organs of the male reproductive system which are located inside the scrotum. The testes are the glands where sperm and testosterone are produced.
In addition, the structure of the male reproductive organs is also supported by internal organs known as accessory organs. These organs include the urethra, vas deferens, epididymis, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. The various types of accessory organs function to produce, store, and regulate the release of sperm.
The performance of the male reproductive organs depends on the condition of the reproductive hormones in the male body, namely testosterone which has benefits in the development of a man's characteristics, including physical and sexual arousal, as well as FSH.follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) which plays a role in sperm production.
Female Reproductive System
Organs included in the female reproductive system include:
- Fallopian TubeThis organ is shaped like a small tube attached to the top of the uterus. The fallopian tube serves as a pathway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.
- OvariesThe ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Vagina and cervixThe vagina is the pathway that connects the cervix (mouth of the womb) to the outside of the body. The vagina is also known as the birth canal. During sexual intercourse, sperm will be channeled into this organ through the penis.
- Uterus (womb)The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is a place for the fetus to develop during pregnancy.
The female reproductive organs are also equipped with external reproductive organs, namely the labium major, labium minor, Bartholin's glands, and the clitoris. These external organs function to trigger female sexual desire, protect the internal female reproductive organs from various infectious causes, and help the process of fertilization of eggs by sperm cells.
The female reproductive system also works closely with the four main reproductive hormones, namely FSH and LH, which help in the formation of eggs in the ovaries, and estrogen and progesterone, which play an important role in pregnancy.
The reproductive system in humans, both male and female, has its own uniqueness and function. The health of every organ in the reproductive system needs to be maintained properly, especially if you and your partner are undergoing a pregnancy program.
Healthy reproductive system organs can be achieved by living a healthy lifestyle to safe sexual behavior, in order to support the reproductive process and overall body health.
If you have complaints on the organs of the reproductive system, do not delay to consult a doctor so that treatment can be carried out quickly and appropriately.