The purpose of the reproductive system is reproduction. Unlike other organ systems, reproductive organs differ significantly between sexes of the same species. The human reproductive system consists of external and internal reproductive organs.
Development of the reproductive organs
The sex of a child is determined at conception, but the development of the reproductive organs begins later, around the seventh week of pregnancy. Although this development continues throughout gestation, the organs mature at the onset of puberty, when sex hormones induce the development of male or female sexual characteristics. The hormone testosterone influences the development of male reproductive organs, while female organs develop under the influence of estrogen.
In addition to their role in reproductive development, these hormones also affect other organs in the body — for example, differences in muscle mass or bone density.
The secretion of sex hormones is regulated by a very important gland — the pituitary gland — which controls all other glands in the body. At the beginning of puberty, it stimulates the gonads (testes) to produce sex hormones and sperm. Testosterone levels vary throughout life and are influenced by multiple factors such as genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, environment, and more.
It is important to note that male reproductive organs, unlike female ones, are also connected to the urinary system.
- Testes (lat. testis),
- Epididymides (lat. epididymis),
- Vasa deferentia (lat. ductus deferens),
- Seminal vesicles (lat. vesiculae seminales),
- Ejaculatory ducts (lat. ductus ejaculatorius),
- Prostate gland (lat. prostata),
- Bulbourethral glands (lat. glandulae bulbo-urethrales),
- Penis (lat. penis)
