Endocrine System
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11.2 Ovaries – The primary reproductive organs – the ovaries, lie on each side of the pelvis. The two almond-shaped ovaries are about 3.5 centimetres long. They have two functions: to secrete female hormones and to produce eggs. The ovaries are covered by a layer. Internally, the ovary is distinguishable into two parts – an outer, broader zone called the cortex and an inner, narrower zone called the medulla. The cortex is filled with spherical groups of cells. These cells perform many important functions in the ovaries. They include the secretion of hormones, which play a vital role in the development of the female sexual characteristics.
11.3 Fallopian Tubes – Close to each ovary is an expanded funnel-shaped tube, down which the ova or eggs pass, when released from the ovary. This tube is called the Fallopian tube. The Fallopian tubes have finger-like projections which envelop the ovaries. They are also known as oviducts. Both oviducts are narrow tubes that open into the uterus. The oviducts have hair-like structure in their walls that sweep the ovum towards the uterus. The ovum is fertilised inside the Fallopian tube. So, the Fallopian tube is an important part of the female reproductive system. Fertilisation of the egg takes place in the Fallopian tube before it grows in another part called the uterus. If, in some cases, the Fallopian tubes are blocked, the fertilisation of the egg may not be possible at all.
11.4 The Uterus or Womb – The uterus is a large, pear-shaped, muscular, thick-walled organ, measuring about 5 centimeters by 10 centimeters and connected on either side to the Fallopian tubes. The body of the uterus is made of three coats. The innermost coat contains specially designed blood vessels and some glands. The middle coat has muscle fibres, and the outermost coat is thick and muscular. The outer layer or coat increases in weight during pregnancy. During labour it exerts a tremendous force. A healthy woman can double the total force by voluntarily contracting her abdominal muscles. Within a few weeks of birth, the uterus reverts to more or less its original size. The innermost layer forms part of the placenta during pregnancy.
What is Male Reproductive System?
11.5 A mass of coils and tubes makes up the internal genitals of a full-grown male.
11.6 Testes – The male reproductive organs, which are concerned with the formation of the male gametes or cells are the two egg-shaped glandular testes. The testes are suspended in thin pouches of skin and connective tissue, and located outside the main body cavity behind the penis. These testes exist at a temperature lower than that of the rest of the body, which is favourable for sperm production. In more than three quarters of men the right one is above the left. The testes are very sensitive and even slight pressure can cause considerable pain. If a man jumps into a cold pool of water, his testes will draw themselves up towards the crotch. Conversely, if he walks from the cold into a sauna, they lower themselves.
11.7 Epididymis – The epididymis is a storage tank consisting of 6 metre of coiled tube. It is in this storage tank that the maturation of sperms is completed. The epididymis lies alongside the testes in the scrotal sac. It stores the sperms, filters them and makes them mobile by the time they reach its posterior part. The epididymis serves as a passage for the transport of sperms. This is an important part of the male reproductive system since here the sperms are made mobile to travel around the system and finally take part in fertilisation.
