The Human Reproductive System

In humans, there is a difference in the male and female reproductive systems. Testes are
the main reproductive structure in males where sperms (male gametes) are produced
and ovum (female gamete) is produced inside the ovary.

Male reproductive system

1. The main reproductive organ in males is a pair of testes.
2. The prostate gland and the seminal vesicles are glands of the reproductive
system which make semen and nourish the sperm.
3. Penis, having urethra passing through it, is called copulatory organ.

Male Ducts
1. In males, the vas deferens and the urethra are the main ducts.
2. A single vas deferens carries sperms from respective testis up to the urethra.
3. The urethra acts as a common passage for semen and urine.

Female main reproductive organ

1. The main reproductive organ in a female is a pair of ovaries.
2. They produce the female sex cells called eggs or ova and also produce female sex
hormones called estrogen and progesterone.
3. The uterus is the site of fetal development and the vagina receives sperm from
the male.
4. Ovum is carried from ovaries to the uterus through a pair of oviducts.

Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation
1. Menstruation is the cyclic event of the release of the ovum from the ovary and its
removal from the body when fertilization does not happen.
2. During menstruation, the blood-rich endometrium of the uterus also breaks
down while the ovum is removed from the body.
3. Two pituitary hormones, LH and FSH, and two ovarian hormones, estrogen and
progesterone, all have their roles in menstruation.
4. In humans, the cycle repeats every 28 days.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, namely:

1. Menstrual phase:
Day 1, uterus lining which is prepared for implantation starts to shed which lasts
3 to 5 days.
2. Follicular phase:
In this phase, the primary follicle starts developing into a mature Graffian follicle.
The endometrium also starts proliferating. The uterus starts preparation for
another pregnancy.
3. Ovulatory phase:
Mid-cycle phase, this is the phase in which ovulation takes place (day 13-17). The
end of the follicular phase along with the ovulation period defines the
fertilisation period.
4. Luteal phase:
It is the post-ovulation phase, where the fate of the corpus luteum is decided. If
fertilisation occurs, pregnancy starts. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, it marks the
onset of another cycle.