Reproduction system
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Reproductive system
This article is about sexual reproductive systems. For the
reproductive systems of asexual organisms, see Asexual reproduction.
Reproductive system
pictorial illustration of the human male reproductive
system.
Latin
systemata genitalia
The reproductive system or genital system is a
system of organs within an organism which
work together for the purpose of reproduction.
Many non-living substances such as fluids, hormones, and pheromones are
also important accessories to the reproductive system.[1]
Unlike most organ systems, the sexes of differentiated species often
have significant differences. These differences allow for a combination of
genetic material between two individuals, which allows for the possibility of
greater genetic fitness of the offspring.[2]
The major organs of the human reproductive system include
the external genitalia
(penis and vulva) as well as a number of internal organs including the gamete producing gonads (testicles and
ovaries). Diseases of the human reproductive system are very common and
widespread, particularly communicable sexually transmitted diseases.[3]
Most other vertebrate animals have generally similar reproductive
systems consisting of gonads, ducts, and openings. However, there is a great
diversity of physical adaptations as well as reproductive
strategies in every group of vertebrates.
Human reproductive system
Further information: Human reproduction
Human reproduction takes place as internal fertilization by sexual intercourse. During this process,
the erect penis of the male is inserted into
the female's vagina until the
male ejaculates
semen, which
contains sperm,
into the female's vagina. The sperm then travels through the vagina and cervix
into the uterus
or fallopian
tubes for fertilization of the ovum. Upon successful fertilization and implantation, gestation of
the foetus then
occurs within the female's uterus for approximately nine months, this process
is known as pregnancy
in humans. Gestation ends with birth, the process of birth is known as labor. Labor consists
of the muscles
of the uterus contracting, the cervix dilating, and the baby
passing out the vagina. Human's babies and children are nearly helpless and
require high levels of parental care for many years. One important type
of parental care is the use of the mammary
glands in the female breasts to nurse the baby.[4]
Humans have a hig