Reproductive System Functions

The human reproductive system governs all factors that are responsible for birth of an individual. The functions of male and female reproductive organs contribute to formation of a new life, and it's one of the most important of all systems comprising a human anatomy. Failure of proper functioning of the reproductive organs leads to complications in the process of fertilization, childbirth, and it also gives rise to different types of health problems. Each component of reproductive system has functions specific for males and females.

First we shall explain to you the concrete structure of the male and female reproductive system, and then elaborate the important functions.

Male Reproductive System Structure

The complex structure of the male reproductive system is divided into external and internal parts. The external parts are basically the sex organs that support the process of unison of a male into a female. Expelling sperms for fertilizing the ovum in females is one of the most important function of the external organs. While, the internal organs aid in production, ejaculation and transportation of sperms to the internal ducts of females. Thus, each organ acts in a coordinated way for proper functioning of the reproductive system of males. Let's take a look at the organs.

Internal Organs

• Vas deferens
• Ejaculatory ducts
• Urethra
• Seminal vesicles
• Prostate gland
• Bulbourethral glands

External Organs

• Penis
• Scrotum
• Testicles
• Epididymis

Female Reproductive System Structure

The female reproductive system has a much more complex structure, and so are its functions. Sperms are delivered into the vagina, that get transported through the uterus, and finally they penetrate the eggs for fertilization. Fallopian tube is the site of fertilization and it is one of the most important of all the internal reproductive components. The external components of the female reproductive system help in achieving orgasm and secretion of fluids that lubricates the vagina. The external organs of females that arouses sexual stimulation are often compared with male reproductive structures. Here's the division of the external and internal organs.

Internal Organs

• Vagina
• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Fallopian tube

External Organs

• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Bartholin's glands
• Clitoris

Important Reproductive System Functions

Understanding the functions of the human reproductive system will become easier once you know its anatomy in details. The functions of the internal organs are completely different from the external organs. Listing each of its functions would make it complex, and therefore, we have broadly classified the most important of all the functions.

• The ovaries produce eggs, that get fertilized by sperms. Sperms in males are produced in the testes that also secrete the male sex hormone, testosterone. The temperature of the testes is a bit lower than the body temperature, and this phenomenon is regulated by the pouch like structure known as scrotum.
• After the sperms are produced, they get transported to the vas deferens and then to the ejaculatory ducts, which further carries them to the urethra for expulsion. The urethra opens at the glans of the penis. During an act of intercourse, sperms are discharged into the vagina and they swim to the eggs for fertilization. The vagina is also known as the birth canal because the baby comes out from this opening while performing a normal delivery.
• One of the most important function of the female reproductive system is its role in menstruation. Every month a woman prepares herself for potential pregnancy. The uterus sets itself up for receiving the egg (formation of womb for development and nourishment of baby), and if fertilization hasn't taken place, then the uterine lining is shed every month in the form of blood that get dispelled through the vagina. This cycle goes on till an average age of 45-50, after which blood discharge stops and this phase is known as menopause.
• The clitoris is extremely sensitive to touch and it is compared with penis because both cause sexual arousal. It's a natural instinct endowed on every individual, without which, mating between males and females is almost impossible. Thus, the function of clitoris has also a significant role in reproductive system of females.
• The functions of associated internal glands are extremely important since they provide nourishment to the sperms and accentuate their motility. These two functions are performed by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, respectively. Bulbourethral glands secrete a transparent slippery fluid, that neutralize the acidic environment on top of the penis, and the fluid is discharged via the urethra. Bartholin's glands produce a fluid that lubricates the vagina and it is secreted mostly during sexual arousal.

With this structured approach of the male and female reproductive system functions, I'm sure you have understood their significance. The activities are controlled by specific sex hormones that play an important role in our body. You must also be aware of the fact that reproductive system diseases are mostly transmitted sexually and therefore you must always practice the safe techniques while getting intimate with your partner. Last but not the least, I must say that the human anatomy is complex, the more you explore the more you get astonished by its coordinated function and complex structure.