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Reproductive Information

The uterus, where the fertilized egg develops into a baby, expands up to 20x its original size during pregnancy!

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The sperm and egg are respectively the smallest and largest cells in the human body, even though each contain 50% of a fetus' genetic material.

Sperm need to develop a few degrees  lower than the normal body temperature in order to develop properly.

Disclaimer:

*The information in this section may not be appropriate for all ages.* 

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There is a difference between sex, gender, and identity. In this informational section, we refer to “biological males and females” to reference the sex at birth based on genetic chromosomes, but the sexual organs that one is born with may not necessarily define their sexual identity. Rather, multiple factors such as sex determination (the sex one is born with), sexuality (who one is attracted to), and gender identity (how one identifies) all play a role.

            Fun Fact:

  • People who are Hermaphrodites are born with both male and female sexual organs. To learn more about Hermaphrodism, click here. 

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(Image retrieved from https://theglobalwrite.com/2021/04/24/gender-identity-and-sexual-orientation/)

Background:

The reproductive system is composed of organs involved in reproduction. The biological male and female each have slightly different sexual organs, which function to produce an offspring.

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The main job of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm, whereas the main job of the female reproductive system is to release eggs for fertilization that can then develop into a baby. Sperm carries the DNA (genetic content) of the father and contributes 50% of the DNA to the developing embryo. The egg holds the other 50% of DNA, making an offspring ½ of its father and ½ of its mother.

  • Steps of fertilization:

1. An egg leaves the female ovary and enters the fallopian tube

2. Sperm enters the egg and unites with the nucleus of the egg where the two cells share their genetic information

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(Image retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/fertilization-reproduction)

3. the fertilized egg begins to undergo cell division as it travels down the fallopian tube 

4. the cells attach themselves to the uterus, where they continue to divide and eventually develop into a fetus.  

The reproductive system is responsible for much more than just offspring production. It also works closely with the endocrine system and hormones to regulate the bodily changes that occur during puberty. This includes the growth of body hair, height and weight changes, emergence of secondary sex characteristics, and other bodily changes relating to the ability to reproduce.

Reproductive Anatomy:

Female Anatomy: 

  • External Structures:

    • Labia Majora: The most prominent pair of skin folds on the outermost part of the external female anatomy. It encompasses the labia minora, clitoris, urinary opening, vagina, and Bartholin's glands. The labia majora also contains sweat and oil glands and is the site of pubic hair growth during puberty.

    • Labia Minora: consists of two smaller skin folds between the labia majora and the vagina. The main function of the labia minora is to protect the openings of the vagina and urethra (urinary opening) from irritation, dryness, and infection.

    • Clitoris: is a small protrusion located directly under the clitoral hood (where the inner labia meet), that functions as the pleasure center of the vulva.

    • Urinary Opening: found between the labia, below the clitoris. The functions to release urine out of the urethra (urine tube).

    • Vaginal Opening: located between the urinary opening and the anus. The vagina is the opening through which menstrual (period) blood exits, where a baby exits during childbirth, and is used during sexual intercourse.

    • Bartholin's Glands: are located on either side of the vaginal opening, and function to produce a mucus secretion to lubricate the vagina.

  • Internal Organs:

    • Vagina: joins the lower part of the uterus (cervix) to the outside of the body. Also known as the birth canal, it is the structure through which a baby or menstrual blood exits the uterus and is used during sexual intercourse.

    • Uterus: consists of two parts: the cervix (the lower part that opens into the vagina) and the corpus (which is the main part of the uterus that expands as a baby grows). It functions as the site of attachment for an ovum (egg) where it is either fertilized and develops into a baby or remains unfertilized and sheds as menstrual blood.

    • Fallopian Tubes: are tubes that attach to the upper portion of the uterus and connect the uterus to the ovaries. They act as the tubes through which an ovum (egg) enters the uterus.

    • Ovaries: are small, ovular glands that are found on either side of the uterus, attached to the fallopian tubes. Their main function is to produce ovum (eggs) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Male Anatomy:

  • External Anatomy:

    • Root of Penis: attaches the penis to the abdomen and contains muscles that aid in erections.

    • Body/ Shaft of Penis: is the cylindrical, middle section of the penis that contains three chambers (one corpus spongiosum and two corpora cavernosa). When sexual arousal occurs, these chambers fill up with blood and cause the penis to become erect. The male urethra is located within the corpus spongiosum and allows urine to pass from the bladder and out of the body.

    • Glans Penis: also known as the head of the penis, the glans is the triangular shaped end of the penis. At the very tip of the glans penis is a small opening through which pre-ejaculate, semen, and urine exit the body.

    • Scrotum: hangs behind the penis and hold the testicles in a pouch-like sac of skin. In addition to holding the testicles, it also contains nerves and blood vessels. Its main function is to control the temperature of the testicles to ensure that they remain in the ideal climate to produce sperm.

    • Testicles: are two glands that are held within the scrotum by the spermatic cord that are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

    • Epididymis: is a long, spiraling tube that comes out of the back of each testicle. It functions in carrying and storing sperm and making sure sperm can reach full maturity.

  • Internal Anatomy:

    • Vas Deferens: is a long tube that connects the epididymis to the pelvic cavity. Its main function is to transport mature sperm into the urethra for ejaculation.

    • Ejaculatory Ducts: are two ducts that are created where the vas deferens meets the seminal vesicles. Their main function is to add secretory products into the sperm and deliver them into the urethra.

    • Urethra: A tube found within the corpus spongiosum of the penis that functions in expelling urine, pre-ejaculate, and semen from the body.

    • Seminal Vesicles: are two glands that attach to the vas deferens that function in producing fluid that is rich in fructose to give sperm more energy. The fluid that is produced by the seminal vesicles makes up a large volume of the ejaculate.

    • Prostate Gland: is a gland that is located below the bladder. Like seminal vesicles, the prostate gland also functions in producing fluid and nourishment for the sperm.

    • Bulbourethral Glands: also known as Cowper’s Glands, the Bulbourethral Glands are located below the prostate gland on either side of the urethra. They function to produce a clear, lubricating fluid that neutralizes acidity that can come from residual drops of urine that may be left in the urethra.

 

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(Image retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/human-reproductive-system)

Reproductive Disease:

Infertility has to do with an inability to conceive and have children. There are many possible reasons for infertility, and it can be incredibly hurtful and frustrating for people hoping to have children. Infertility can occur on both the male and female side, but for hundreds of years people thought that only women could be infertile. This is not true, however, because science shows that both men and women can struggle with infertility. It isn’t all about lifestyle changes either. While maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress are important, it is likely that these are not the only factors contributing to infertility.

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On the male side, infertility can be the result of side effects of medication, sperm disorders, hormone imbalances, infection, and more. Sometimes, multiple factors can play a role. To learn more about what can cause male infertility, click here.

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On the female side, infertility can be caused by ovulation disorders such as PCOS, damage to fallopian tubes, uterine or cervical issues, and more. To learn more about what can cause female infertility, click here. 

Developments:

While it is always important to be educated about our bodies, education may not be able to fix a couple’s struggle with infertility. Invitro fertilization (IVF), usually entails the eggs from the mother being removed from the ovaries and inseminated outside the body, then replanted back in the uterus so the egg develops into a fetus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI), medications, and potentially surgery entails sperm being placed inside the uterine cavity, then allowing fertilization to happen naturally. To learn more about IVF and other fertility disorders, check out the links below:

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