Reproductive System Functions
The reproductive system is the key to the procreation and survival of the human race. Human reproduction is the effort of a male and female that involves four functions of the reproductive systems. According to Librarythinkquest.org, these functions are production of egg and sperm cells, transportation and sustenance of cells, development and nurturing of offspring and production of hormones. The male and female hormones have significant effects on the functions of the reproductive system.
The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, Fallopian tubes and uterus and vagina, as well as the accessory glands and external genital organs. The female reproductive system produces female hormones. It's responsible to produce and sustain the ova or eggs, transport the eggs to the Fallopian tube for fertilization with the sperm, and then transport the fertilized ova to a nurturing environment in the uterus for the fetus to develop and be delivered from the womb.
The Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system consists of internal and external structures that include the testes, duct system, scrotum and penis. These organs are responsible for production, maintenance and transportation of the sperm and seminal fluid, and for its deposit into the female reproductive tract. The testes produce and store millions of sperm cells for the fertilization of the ova. The duct system is a muscular tube along the testicles called the vas deferens that transports semen. The vas deferens is connected to the epididymis, a set of coiled tubes. The scrotum houses the testicles and epididymis, and regulates the temperature of the testicles. This enables the production of sperm cells.
Hormones' Effect on the Reproductive System
The male and female reproductive systems are controlled by hormones. The female hormones are progesterone and estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the development of the female secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of breasts and curvatures of the hips and thighs. Estrogen also teams with progesterone in preparing the soft, comfortable lining of the uterus to receive and nurture the fetus. The male hormone testosterone is significant. It produces male characteristics such as a deep voice and bulky muscular growth, heavy bone structure, the growth of the male reproductive organs, a strong sex drive and the production of sperms.
