Human reproductive systems
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Explainer Video
Summary
Human reproductive systems
In a nutshell
Males and females have different reproductive systems that allow reproduction. The male reproductive system produces sperm cells that are released inside a female. The female reproductive system contains undeveloped eggs and is where a fertilised egg becomes a baby.
Male reproductive system
The main function of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm cells. Sperm cells are the male sex cells, or gametes.
| 1. | Bladder | This stores urine. |
| 2. | Glands | Produces fluid that mixes with sperm to form a mixture known as semen. |
| 3. | Sperm duct | This takes sperm from the testes to the urethra. |
| 4. | Urethra | This carries semen and urine out of the penis, a ring of muscle stops them from passing out at the same time. |
| 5. | Penis | Urine and semen pass out through here. |
| 6. | Foreskin | A retractable layer of skin covering the penis. |
| 7. | Testes | This is where sperm is made, each male has two testes. |
| 8. | Scrotum | Bag of skin where both testes are stored. |
Female reproductive system
The female reproductive system contains undeveloped eggs that are released monthly during the menstrual cycle. If an egg gets fertilised, it forms an embryo that develops into a baby. Eggs are the female gametes.
| 1. | Oviduct | This carries a mature egg from the ovaries to the uterus. |
| 2. | Ovary | Ovaries contain undeveloped eggs from birth. Each female has two. |
| 3. | Uterus | This is a muscular bag that has a soft lining, here an embryo grows into a baby. |
| 4. | Cervix | A ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus. |
| 5. | Bladder | This stores urine. |
| 6. | Urethra | The tube that carries urine out of the body. |
| 7. | Vagina | A muscular tube that leads from the cervix to outside the body. |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are gametes?
Sperm cells are the male sex cells, or gametes. Eggs are the female gametes
What is the function of the male reproductive system?
The main function of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm cells.
What does the female reproductive system contain?
The female reproductive system contains undeveloped eggs that are released monthly during the menstrual cycle. If an egg gets fertilised, it forms an embryo that develops into a baby.