Female vs. Male Reproductive system

Name

Institution

Primary reproductive structures

The primary reproductive structures of the females include the vagina, which is a canal that joins the cervix outside the body. The vagina is also referred to as the birth canal. The uterus is a hollow organ where the fetus develops. It is divided into two parts, the cervix, and the corpus. The corpus expands to hold a developing baby. The fallopian tubes are attached to the upper part of the uterus and are pathways for the ova (McHose, 2004).

The primary male reproductive structures include the vas deferens located behind the bladder and transports mature sperms. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder and ejaculates semen.Ducts

The male reproductive system has two ejaculatory ducts that lie on the sides of the midline. Ducts of seminal vesicle form the ejaculatory ducts, which is responsible for secretion of semen. Each duct is thin walled and has a lining of columnar cells.Associated glands

The female reproductive system has the Bartholins glands that are found near the vaginal opening on either sides and they produce a fluid that is mucus like. The ovaries are oval shaped glands located on the sides of the uterus and they produce eggs and hormones.

The male reproductive system has the prostate glands located below the urinary bladder near the rectum. The prostate glands are known to contribute to additional fluid of the ejaculate. The prostate fluids also nourish the sperm. The bulbourethral glands also called the Cowper’s glands are located at the sides of the urethra and they produce a fluid that empties directly into the urethra.External genital structures

The male external genital structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles. The penis is the male organ that is used for sexual intercourse. It is formed by three parts inclusive of the root that attaches it to the abdomen, the body, and the glands. The gland, which is also referred to as the head, is covered by loose skin called foreskin. The penis also consists of several nerve endings. The penis is cylindrical in shape and it has a loose skin that is elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection. The scrotum is a loose pouch like skin that hangs behind a penis. It consists of the testicles, nerves, and blood vessels. The scrotum plays a protective function and acts as a climate control for the testes. For normal sperm, development testes need to be at a temperature cooler than the body temperature. The testicles lie inside the scrotum and are secured by a structure called spermatic cord. Men usually have two testicles. The testicles are responsible for production of testosterone, which is the primary male sex hormone. The epididymis is long and it is located at the backside of every testicle. It carries out the function of transporting and storing sperm cells that are produced in the testes. It also carries out the function of bringing sperms into maturity (McHose, 2004).

The female external genital structure includes the labia Majora, which are large, lips enclosing the external reproductive organs. The labia Major contains sweat and oil secreting glands. The labia Minora are small lips that vary in size and shape. They are found inside the labia Majora and they surround the opening of the vagina and the urethra. This skin is delicate and sensitive and gets easily swollen and irritated. The clitoris is found where the two labia minora meet, it is small and sensitive protrusion. A skin fold called prepuce that is similar to the foreskin of a penis covers the clitoris. The clitoris is very sensitive and with stimulation, it can become very sensitive and erect (McHose, 2004).

References

McHose, C. (2004). Bodystories: A guide to experiential anatomy. Hanover, NH: University

Press of New England.