1. The
Reproductive
System

2. • Reproduction is the process that continues life on
earth
• Males and females each have structures
specialized for their roles in reproduction

3. • The male reproductive system consists of both
external and internal organs
• The main external (outside the body) organs are
the penis and the scrotum
• The scrotum contains the testes, which produce
the hormone testosterone
• The testes also produce male reproductive cells
called sperm

4. • Each sperm consists of a head and a tail; the head
contains hereditary information and the tail moves it
• Semen is the mixture of sperm and fluid that helps
move reproductive cells through the urethra and
out of the body

5. • The internal parts of the male reproductive
system include:
• vas deferens, a long, muscular tube that travels
from the epididymis (a long tube that rests on the
back of each testicle) into the pelvic cavity.
• The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the
urethra

6. • Female reproductive organs are internal
• Ovaries are the female reproductive organs that
produce eggs, the female sex cells
- When a female is born,
she already has all the
cells that will become eggs

7. • Ovulation is a process in which an egg is released,
about once every month. The two ovaries release
eggs on alternating months

8. • The uterus is a muscular organ with thick,
protective walls
• A fertilized egg develops in the uterus (aka womb)
• Fertilization is the joining of egg and sperm

9. • The cervix is the lower end of the uterus; it is
directly connected to the birth canal (vagina)
• It is through the birth canal that a baby travels
from the womb to the outside world.

10. • The menstrual cycle is the monthly cycle of
changes in the female reproductive system.
• This cycle is controlled by hormones, which begin
by developing eggs in the ovary.
• Hormones also cause the lining of the uterus to
become thicker, in preparation for the possibility
of protecting and nourishing a baby

11. • Ovulation occurs about 14 days before
menstruation begins; once an egg is released, it
must be fertilized within 24 hours or it begins to
break down
• If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus
breaks down. Blood and tissue cells are released
in menstrual flow.
• The entire menstrual cycle averages 28 days,
though this can vary

13. • The average age at which menstrual cycles begin is
12 or 13 years, though this can vary widely.
• The cycle continues until around age 50 or 51
(again, this varies). (these years between are called
a woman’s reproductive years)
• Menopause occurs when both ovulation and
menstrual periods end
• In years right before menopause, hormone
production begins to shut down and changes in the
cycle occur. This time is called perimenopause