Reproductive System Basics: Male and Female Anatomy

Two oval-shaped glands located in the scrotum, outside the body for temperature regulation.

• Produce sperm cells, millions every day

• Manufacture testosterone, the primary male hormone

• Influence muscle mass, bone density, voice depth, and body hair

The testes sit outside the body because sperm production requires slightly cooler temperatures than your core body heat.

A tightly coiled tube resting on top of each testis.

• Stores sperm while they mature and gain the ability to swim

• Holds sperm until they're ready for transport

• Takes about 12 days for sperm to fully mature here

A long, muscular duct connecting the epididymis to the urethra.

• Propels mature sperm toward the urethra during ejaculation

• Muscular walls contract in waves to move sperm along

• This is the tube cut during a vasectomy

Glands located near the bladder that contribute to semen.

Seminal vesicles: Produce a fructose-rich fluid that nourishes and energizes sperm.

Prostate gland: Adds a slightly alkaline fluid that protects sperm in the acidic vaginal environment.

Together, these fluids make up most of the semen volume.

The final structures for reproductive function.

Urethra: A shared tube running through the penis, carrying both semen and urine (but never at the same time).

Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract during intercourse.

Two small, almond-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus.

• Store immature eggs (a female is born with all she'll ever have→about 1-2 million)

• Release one mature egg per menstrual cycle (ovulation)

• Produce estrogen and progesterone, regulating cycles, fertility, and bone health

By puberty, roughly 300,000-400,000 eggs remain. Only about 400-500 will ever be released during a lifetime

Two thin tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.

• Catch the released egg using finger-like projections called fimbriae

• Provide the site where fertilization typically occurs

• Use tiny hair-like cilia to guide the egg toward the uterus

The journey from ovary to uterus takes about 3-4 days.

A muscular, pear-shaped organ sitting in the pelvis.

• Prepares a nutrient-rich lining each month for potential pregnancy

• Houses and nourishes a developing baby if fertilization occurs

• Sheds its lining during menstruation if no pregnancy happens

The uterus can expand dramatically during pregnancy, from the size of a fist to accommodating a full-term baby.

The lower, narrow portion of the uterus connecting to the vagina.

• Controls what enters and exits the uterus

• Produces mucus that changes throughout the cycle

• Dilates during childbirth to allow baby's passage

The cervix acts as a protective barrier, keeping the uterus safe from bacteria

A muscular canal connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.

• Serves as the birth canal during delivery

• Receives sperm during intercourse

• Allows menstrual blood to exit

• Self-cleaning through natural discharge

The vaginal walls are elastic, designed to stretch and return to shape.