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Reproduction

The process of producing a new generation to continue the existence of a species by the fusion of t\vo cells from diffcrent individuals; this is achieved in human by the fusion of one sperm and one ovum. This fusion, which is called fertilization is achieved by sexual intercourse or artificial insemination.

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Reproductive system, female

The organs that enable a woman to ovulatc, to have sexual intercourse, to nourish a fertilized ovum until it has devcloped into a full-grown fetus and to give birth. With the cxception of the vulva (extemal genitalia), the female reproductive organs lie within the pelvic cavity.

Ova (eggs) are released at monthly intervals from the ovaries, two smali egg-shaped glands.

The ovaries also secrete female sex hormones, which control the reproductive cycle. Adjacent to each ovary is a fallopian tubę which carries ova to the uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ w-hich is situated between the bladder and the rectum. If, on its joumcy along the fallopian tubę, an ovum is successfully penetrated by a sperm, fertilization takes place.

Sperm travel upwards through the cervix and uterus on their joumey to the fallopian tubes. The cervix projccts in to the top of the vagina, a muscular passage which forms the !ow'er part of the birth canal and receives cjaculated sperm during sexual intercourse. Surrounding and protecting the opening of the vagina are the fleshy folds of the vulva.

The normal functioning of the female reproductive system begins at puberty with the onset of menstruation; the potential for reproduction ends at the time of the menopause.

The organs that enable,

Reproductive system, małe

a man to have sexual intercourse and to fertilize ova (eggs) with sperm. Sperm and małe sex hormones are produced in the testes, a pair of ovoid glands suspended in a pouch called the scrotum. From each testis, sperm pass into an epididymis, a long coiled tubę behind the testis, where they slowly maturę and are stored. Shortly before eja iculation. sperm are propelled from the epididymis into a long duet called the