Chapter 10.
Reproductive system
The power of reproduction is an essential characteristic of life. The reproductive organs of the male and female differ in anatomical structure and arrangement; each is adapted to its function.
The function of the male organ is to produces spermatozoa or sperm cells, and implant the sperm within the female, so the egg (ova) can be fertilized.
The male reproductive system is composed of the penis, which is outside the body, the testes, contained in the scrotum (scrotal sac), the vas deferens (seminal ducts) and the prostate gland. The testes produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.
The female organs are adapted to produce eggs (ova), which, if fertilized by the sperm, remain in the cavity of the uterus and grow. An embryo or fetus is formed and nurtured until birth.
The female reproductive system is composed internally (inside the body) of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the vagina. Outside the body is the vulva. Breasts are considered secondary organs of reproduction. The female sex organs are situated in the pelvis.
The functions of the female reproductive organs include: the production if the ova and ovulation; the preparation of the uterus to receive the fertilized ovum; the retention of the fertilized ovum inside the uterus until the mature fetus is formed-pregnancy; the expulsion of the fetus – birth, following labor; milk production for the baby (following birth). The ovary contains thousands of eggs or ova that lie dormant until puberty.
Menstruation is a function of the uterus beginning at puberty as a result of ovarian activity, and consists of the periodic discharge of blood. Menstruation occurs on the average of every 28 days, and lasts about 4 – 5 days, until the age of menopause. The average amount of fluid, blood and cells lost, is approximately 3 to 7 ounces. Menstruation stops during pregnancy and is often not reestablished until the mother stops producing milk. During illnesses, such as anorexia and bulimia, menstruation may cease.
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