Human Reproductive System

Reproduction is a fundamental and biological process by which an organism produces its own kind or its offspring. Reproduction ensures the continuity of life on earth.

The reproductive system is a system of organs within an organism which work together for the purpose of reproduction. There are two forms of reproduction-

• Asexual reproduction
• Sexual reproduction

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Sexual reproduction occurs in both plants and animals. Sexual reproduction is achieved through the combination of reproductive cells from two individuals. Each parent – a male and a female, contributes its genetic material, giving rise to an offspring having qualities from both.We are now going to study about the human reproductive system.

The human reproductive system specializes in –

• The production of reproductive cells in males and females.
• The interaction between the two cells.
• The nurturing of the fused cell or the embryo.

These functions are well-distributed between the female and male reproductive systems. The reproductive systems in males and females differ from each other significantly. The organs involved in the process of reproduction in both are different and so are their functions. The male reproductive system produces the reproductive cells (sperms) and deposits them. The female reproductive system produces the reproductive cells (ova or eggs), and protects and nourishes the fetus inside the female body.

2. MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The reproductive system releases hormones required for the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty in males. This includes the growth of body and facial hair, heavier body, and bone structure, deepening of voice, etc. It is also responsible for the production of male reproductive cells known as sperms. The main organs of the male reproductive system are penis, scrotum, testes, and prostate gland.

a) Testicles (testes):

They are homologous to the female ovaries. These are male sex glands that produce the male reproductive cells called sperms. Males have two testicles of similar size. They also produce the hormone testosterone for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in boys.

b) Scrotum:

These are sacs that hold the testicles. They protect the testes by maintaining the temperature at 35 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for the production of sperms. This is 2 or 3 degrees lower than the body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.

c) Penis:

The penis is a male organ used for the purpose of urination and sexual reproduction. Sperms float in an organic fluid called semen that is expelled into the female vagina through the penis during contact. This process is called ejaculation.

d) Prostate Gland:

It is a gland responsible for the production of semen. The muscles of prostate gland aid in the discharge or ejaculation of semen.

Sperms approaching an egg

Check Point

Fill in the blanks:

1. Fission, Budding and Vegetative propagation are types of _______________.
2. The male reproductive cells are known as ___________.
3. The testes are responsible for secreting the hormone ____________.
4. The ovaries produce female reproductive cells known as _________.
5. The union of the male and female reproductive cells is known as ____________.

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