The male reproductive system includes the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles. The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina.
The function of the following male organs are: PENIS: Penetrate and deposit sperm into female reproductive tract. SCROTUM: Sac that holds testes. TESTES: Produce sperm, and testosterone. EPIDIDYMIS: Place in which sperm mature and become motile. Coiled tubule lying just outside each teste. VAS DEFERENS: Carries sperm from epididymis eventually to urethra. (receive mature sperm from epididymis) and prevents sperm and urine from being in the utrethra at same time. PROSTATE: Secretes a buffer (alkaline) that protects sperm in the acidic enviroment of the vagina. SEMINAL VESICLES: A mucus-like fluid containing fructose (for sperm nutrition) and prostaglandins to semen or seminal fluid.
The ovarian cycle repeats at intervals of 28 days, with ovulation occurring midcycle. However, only 10–15% of women naturally have 28-day cycles, and cycles as long as 40 days or as short as 21 days are fairly common. In such cases, the length of the follicular phase and timing of ovulation vary, but the luteal phase remains constant: It is always 14 days from the time of ovulation to the end of the cycle.
Major Contraceptives: Abstinence is 100% effective, free, no side effects and works by not having sex. Condoms are 84% effective if used properly, no side effects besides possible break during use. "Pulling Out" 75% effective, side effect pre-ejaculate can still contain viable sperm, very ineffective. Sterilization 99% effective, side effects bleeding, pelvic pain and it is costly and tubes might reconstruct.
Normal set points for reproductive system is having period every month and normal menstrual cycles. For males keeping sperm slightly cooler than body temperature.
Female uses negative feedback loops to maintain menstrual cycle. Females also use positive feedback loops when pregnant for milk production and contractions before birth. In males negative feedback loop is used when testosterone levels are high.
In males testosterone stimulates metabolic pathways, especially those concerned with protein synthesis and muscle growth. The parasympathetic neurons cause penis to become erect. Females also use parasympathetic neurons when aroused causing body to prepare for intercourse.
The function of the following female organs are: OVARIES: produces estrogen and progesterone that control the female reproductive system and also produces oocytes. FALLOPIAN TUBES: Set of 2 tubes on either side of ovaries through which eggs pass from ovaries into the uterus. UTERUS: Place where the fertilized egg grows into a fetus. CERVIX: Opening of the uterus that allows menstrual blood, sperm and babies to go through, expands & contracts during childbirth. VAGINA: It has the mucus membranes which lubricate allow for stretching during intercourse and childbirth.