FUNCTIONS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The male reproductive system plays a key role in human reproduction — that is, helping to
create a baby. Its main job is to produce, protect, and deliver sperm, which are the male sex
cells. It also produces hormones, especially testosterone, which is responsible for male
characteristics like a deep voice, facial hair, and muscle development.

Main functions of the male reproductive system;

1. Production of Sperm (Spermatogenesis)

v This happens in the testes (testicles).

v The testes produce millions of sperm every day.

v This process starts during puberty and continues throughout a man’s life.

2. Production of Testosterone

v The testes also produce the hormone testosterone.

v Testosterone controls:

v Growth of male sex organs during puberty

v Development of deeper voice, body hair, and muscles

v Sperm production

v Sex drive (libido)

3. Storage and Maturation of Sperm

 After being made in the testes, sperm move to the epididymis.

 In the epididymis, sperm are stored and matured.

 This is where they become strong enough to move and fertilize an egg.

4. Transport of Sperm

v During ejaculation, sperm travel through a tube called the vas deferens.

v The vas deferens connects the epididymis to the urethra.

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 v Along the way, fluids from other glands are added to the sperm.

5. Production of Semen

v Semen is the thick, white fluid that carries sperm.

v It is made by combining sperm with fluids from:

v Seminal vesicles (provide energy-rich fluid)

v Prostate gland (helps protect sperm in the female body)

v Bulbourethral glands (add lubrication)

These fluids nourish, protect, and help transport sperm during ejaculation.

6. Erection and Ejaculation

v The penis becomes firm (erect) when sexually stimulated.

v This allows it to enter the female body during sex.

v Ejaculation is the release of semen through the urethra.

7. Excretion of Urine

Although it’s not a reproductive function, the penis and urethra also allow for urination, as
urine exits the body through the same passage as semen (but not at the same time).

Summary of Key Male Reproductive Organs and Their Functions

Organ Functions
Testes Produce sperm and testosterone
Epididymis Store and mature sperm
Vas deferens Transport sperm from testes to urethra
Seminal vesicles Add fluid that nourishes sperm
Prostate gland Adds fluid to help sperm survive
Bulbourethral glands Add lubrication
Penis Delivers sperm during sex and passes urine
Urethra Carries semen and urine out of the body

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Conclusion

The male reproductive system has the important task of making and delivering sperm, along
with producing testosterone which supports male development and fertility. Every part —
from the testes to the penis — works together to support reproduction and overall male
health.

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 FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The female reproductive system is one of the most important systems in the body, especially
for reproduction and childbirth. Its main job is to produce eggs (ova), provide a safe place for
a baby to grow, and support childbirth. It also produces hormones like estrogen and
progesterone, which control the menstrual cycle and female body changes.

1. Production of Eggs (Ova)

 The ovaries are two small organs in a woman’s lower belly.

 They produce eggs, also called ova, every month after puberty.

 This process is called ovulation — when a mature egg is released from the ovary.

2. Production of Female Hormones

 The ovaries also produce important hormones:

 Estrogen – helps develop female features (like breasts and hips) and controls the
menstrual cycle.

 Progesterone – prepares the body for pregnancy and supports the early stages of it.

These hormones also control mood, bone health, and skin condition.

3. Transport of the Egg

 After an egg is released, it travels through the fallopian tubes.

 If sperm is present, fertilization (joining of egg and sperm) usually happens in the
fallopian tube.

4. Site of Fertilization

The fallopian tube is where the egg and sperm meet and fertilization happens.

If fertilized, the egg moves to the uterus to begin pregnancy.

5. Nourishment and Development of the Baby (Pregnancy)

 The uterus (womb) is a muscular organ where the baby grows during pregnancy.

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  It prepares each month with a lining called the endometrium to receive a fertilized
egg.

 If the egg is fertilized, it implants in the lining and begins to grow into a baby.

6. Menstruation (Period)

 If the egg is not fertilized, the uterus lining is not needed.

 It sheds and leaves the body as menstrual blood through the vagina — this is called a
period.

 Menstruation happens about once a month from puberty to menopause.

7. Birth of the Baby

 When the baby is ready to be born, the muscles of the uterus contract and push the
baby out through the vagina.

 The vagina is the birth canal through which the baby is delivered.

8. Sexual Intercourse

The vagina also receives the penis during sexual intercourse.

It allows sperm to enter the female reproductive system.

9. Breastfeeding Support (Secondary Function)

Though not part of the internal reproductive organs, the mammary glands (breasts) are
influenced by female hormones.

They produce breast milk after childbirth to feed and nourish the baby.

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Conclusion

The female reproductive system is designed to perform complex and important tasks from
producing eggs, supporting pregnancy, to giving birth and nourishing a baby. It works
together with hormones to maintain both reproductive health and the overall well-being of a
woman.

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References

Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.).
Wiley.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2022). Your Reproductive
System. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/your-
reproductive-system
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Sexual and Reproductive Health. Retrieved
from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-and-reproductive-health
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Reproductive Health. Retrieved from:
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/reproductive
Jarvis, C. (2020). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Reproductive Health Overview.
Retrieved from; https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/