Reproductive

__//**Reproductive System**//__  o The function of the reproductive system of an organism produces whole new organisms like itself. The male reproductive system produces and maintains sperm cells. Components of the male reproductive system also transfer sperm cells into the female reproductive tract. The female reproductive system produces and maintains the female sex cells, transport the female sex cells within the female reproductive system, and can receive the male sex cell (sperm cells) for the possibility of fertilizing an egg. The female reproductive system also supports development of embryos, carries fetuses to term, and functions in the birth process.
 * obviously you did a lot of research and were very thorough, including both male and female! I'm impressed! ~Mrs. Rohland **

o __//**Characteristics of life**//__

Reproduction: production of new organisms and new cells

o **//__Organs found in system__//**

//__Male**:**__// -Unlike the female reproductive system, most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the body. These external structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.
 * **Penis:** Tale organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped part at the end of the penis.
 * **Scrotum:** loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes. For normal sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body temperature.
 * **Testicles (testes):** oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm.
 * **Epididymis:** long, coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle. It transports and stores sperm cells that are produced in the testes.
 * **Vas Deferens:** long, muscular tube that travels from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity, to just behind the bladder. It also transports mature sperm to the urethra. T
 * **Ejaculatory ducts:** formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles. The ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.
 * **Urethra:** tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body.
 * **Seminal vesicles:** sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder. The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm with a source of energy to help them move.
 * **Prostate gland:** walnut-sized structure that is located below the urinary bladder in front of the rectum. The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate. Prostate fluids also help to nourish the sperm.
 * **Testis:** seminiferous tubules- produce sperm cells Interstitial cells-Produce and secrete male sex hormones
 * **Bulbourethral glands: (**Cowper's glands) pea-sized structures located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. These glands produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. This fluid serves to lubricate the urethra and to neutralize any acidity that may be present due to residual drops of urine in the urethra.
 * **Ductus deferens:** Conveys sperm cells to ejaculatory duct

-The penis is surperior to the scrotum -The prostate gland is anterior - The bulbospongiosus (Cowper's) gland is proximal to the ejaculatory duct

//__Female__//**//__:__//**
 * **Cervix:** lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. The vagina has a thick layer outside and it is the opening where baby comes out during delivery. The cervix is also called the neck of the uterus.
 * **Vagina:** canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the body.... also known as the birth canal.
 * **Uterus (womb):** hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. Divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual to exit.
 * **Ovaries:** small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
 * **Fallopian tubes:** narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.
 * **Uterine tube:** Conveys secondary oocyte toward uterus; site of fertilization; conveys developing embryo to uterus
 * **Labia majora:** Enclose and protect other external reproductive organs
 * **Labia minora:** Form margins of vestibule; protect openings of vagina and urethra
 * **Vestibule:** Space between labia minora that contains vaginal and urethral openings
 * **Vestibular glands:** Secrete fluid that moistens and lubricates vestibule

-The ovaries are inferior to the fallopian tubes -The vagina is anterior



o __//**Also, name the body cavity where those organs are found**//__

The body cavities where the reproductive organs can be found are in the Ventral Cavity which houses the internal organs (viscera), and is divided into two subdivisions: - Thoracic and Abdominopelvic cavities. The other cavity is the cranial cavity which houses the brain. The brain produces/sends out the hormones to the reproductive organs in both women and men.

o __//**Example(s) of how the system interacts with other systems**//__

Integumentary Systems: skin sensory receptors play a role in sexual pleasure Cardiovascular Systems: blood pressure is necessary for the normal function of erectile tissue in the male and female Skeletal System: Bones can be a temporary source of calcium during lactation Lymphatic System: Special mechanisms inhibit the female immune system from attacking sperm as foreign invaders Muscular System: Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles all play a role in reproductive processes and sexual activity Digestive System: Proper nutrition is essential for the formation of normal gametes Nervous System: The nervous system plays a major role in sexual activity and sexual pleasure Respiratory System: Breathing provides oxygen that assists in the production of ATP needed for the egg and sperm development Endocrine System: Hormones control the production of eggs in the female and sperm in the male Urinary System: Male urinary and reproductive systems share common structures. Kidneys help compensate for fluid loss from the reproductive systems

o **//__How metabolism fits in with the organ system__//**

The metabolism fits in with the Reproductive system because the metabolism breaks down the food and sends it to all the organ systems. For men and women, they both need the metabolism to break down food so it can receive the approperiate nutrients and energy for their reproductive organs to work properly. For women, energy is needed for the egg to mature as well as to have a healthy menstrual cycle. For men, the nutrients help feed or give "fuel" to the sperm in order for it to have energy to go throughout the reproductive system. By the metabolism breaking down the food and sending out the nutrients and food, the male and female are able to have a healthy, working reproductive system.

(metabolism: breaks down the food and nourish the baby)

o __//**How homeostasis fits in with the organ system**//__

Enzymes function best within a certain range of temperature and pH balance. Cells must try to maintain a balance between having too much or too little water in relation to their external environment. Our bodies work best when they are at a specific internal environment and a specific external environment. Organisms accomplish this by having organs and organ systems that coordinate their homeostasis. In addition to the other functions that life must perform unicellular organisms must accomplish their homeostasis within a single cell.