1.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The physical differences between men and women are called (se llaman) sexual
characteristics. There are two types of them:

 Primary sexual characteristics: they are the differences between the reproductive
organs (órganos reproductores).

 Secondary sexual characteristics: they are the other differences between men and
women bodies. They appear (aparecen) in the puberty (pubertad). For example, men
usually have more body hair (vello corporal) than women.

The female reproductive organs

Most of the women reproductive organs are internal (internos). They are located in the
lower abdomen (parte baja del abdomen).

 Ovaries (ovarios)

The ovaries produce the female reproductive cells, the ova (óvulos).

 Fallopian tubes (trompas de Falopio)

They transport the mature ova (el óvulo maduro) to the uterus (útero).

 Uterus (útero)

The uterus is the place where the baby develops (se desarrolla). The baby leaves (sale) the
uterus through the cervix.
  Vagina

The vagina is a tube that goes from the uterus to the outside (hacia el exterior) of the
body. The external part of the female reproductive organ is called (se llama) vulva.
 Puberty in girls
Puberty in girls usually happens (sucede) around 10-16 years of age. Girls become
physically mature and their bodies change. The most important changes are:

 Girls grow taller (más altas).

 Breasts (pecho) starts to develop (desarrollarse).
 Hair grows (crece) in pubic areas and armpits (axilas).
 Acne or spots can appear.

Menstrual cycle (período)

The menstrual cycle or period usually starts in girls around 10-15 years of age. Girls’ body
starts to release (expulsar) ova into the fallopian tubes. This happens (sucede) around every
28 days. This is called ovulation.

This happens because the girls’ body is physically ready for fertilisation. But, in case
fertilisation does not occur (si no hay fertilización), the body expels (expulsa) the ova
outside the body. This is called menstruation (menstruación).
 2. THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Some of the male (hombre) reproductive organs are external (externos), while others
(mientras que otros) are internal. All these organs work together to produce sperm.

The male reproductive organs

 Testicles (testículos)

Testicles are located (se encuentran) in a bag of skin called (llamada) scrotum. The scrotum
maintains (mantiene) testicles in a right temperature. This is important for creating good
quality sperm.

 Vasa deferentia (conductos deferentes)

They are tubes that transport sperm to seminal vesicles and prostate.

 Seminal vesicles and prostate (vesicular seminal y próstata)

These organs produce a liquid substance (una sustancia líquida) to help sperm move. The
mixture of sperm and this liquid is called (se llama) semen.

 Penis (pene)

The penis is a tubular organ (órgano con forma de tubo) that contains the urethra. The
semen leaves (sale) the body through (a través de) this organ.
 Puberty in boys
Puberty in boys usually happens (sucede) around 11-16 years of age. The brain creates
testosterone (testosterona), a substance that causes (provoca) some physical changes. The
most important changes are:

 Boys grow taller and heavier (más altos y pesados).

 Voice become deeper (más grave).
 Hair grows (crece) in pubic areas, armpits (axilas) and face.
 Acne or spots can appear.