Male and Female Reproductive System: Functions and Diseases

The male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside and in pelvis region. The male reproductive systems main purpose is to provide sperm to fertilize the ovum. The major parts of the male are the sperm production and storage. The first category is sperm production and storage. The production of sperm occurs in the testes. Sperm that is not the ejaculatory fluid producing glands which include the yet developed travels to the duct behind the testis where it is kept and allowed to mature. The actual glands to produce semen are comprised of the seminal vesicles, prostate, and the vas deferens. Lastly, are those used for sex, and deposition of the sperm, these include the penis, urethra, vas deferens, and Cowper’s gland Secondary sexual characteristics includes things like deepened voice, larger muscular stature body hair, and development of an Adam’s apple. An important sexual hormone of males is androgen, and testosterone.

This hormone controls sperm development, facial hair and how deep your voice is. The outer structures of the female system are comprised of the clitoris, labia majora, labia minora, and Bartholin’s glands. The major internal organs of the female reproductive system include the vagina and uterus which act as the receptacle for semen, and the ovaries, which produce the female’s ova which is the egg cell. The vagina is connected to the uterus through the cervix, the fallopian tubes attach the uterus to the ovaries. During hormonal changes a female’s uterus releases an egg and it travels down the fallopian tube. If It’s not fertilized by sperm then the eggs is discarded through menstruation. However, if sperm finds its way into the egg, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus where it then begins embryogenesis (when the embryo forms) and morphogenesis (when the fetus begins to take shape). When the fetus is fully developed the uterus starts to contact and the cervix dialates to allow for the fetus to be pushed out through the birth canal.

The reproductive system works with the nervous system because the reproductive hormones affect brain development and sexual behavior also the brain controls mating behavior the reproductive system interacts with the endocrine system to drive maturation and maintain sexual functions for example in males testosterone contributes to sex drive and function While estrogen contributes to a female’s ability to bear children. The circulatory system maintains the tissues and provides physical mechanisms for arousal. Penile and clitoral erectile tissue relies on the circulatory system. One of the most common diseases is the communicable sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STD’s. Four main categories included in the human reproductive diseases. The first group is genetic or congenital abnormalities. The second group is cancers. The third group is infections which are commonly STD’s. The fourth group is functional problems caused by environmental factors, psychological issues, or other causes. In females, cancer can attack the uterus, ovaries, breast and cervix, among other organs.

Many women are taking proactive measures by having breasts and internal reproductive organs removed if they have a family history of cancer before there are signs of the disease. There is no cure for any of these cancers but there is radiation treatment. Ovarian cancer tends to have a poorer outcome than other gynecological cancers, because it is not typically diagnosed until it has progressed significantly. Of male-specific diseases of the reproductive system, prostate cancer is the most common, but men can also suffer from testicular and penile cancer. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on a lot of things. The usual treatments for prostate cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, watchful waiting, and hormonal treatment. Erectile dysfunction is a common condition. It can be linked to vascular disease.

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