Definition
noun
An organ system that functions primarily for the purpose of reproduction, and is comprised of sex organs
Supplement
An organ system, (sometimes simply system), is a group of organs that work together to carry out a particular task. In humans and other animals, the organ systems are integumentary system, lymphatic system, muscular system, nervous system, reproductive system, urinary system, respiratory system, skeletal system, and immune system.
The reproductive system is an organ system comprised of male or female sex organs. In vertebrates, the male sex organs include testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis whereas the female sex organs include ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb), vagina (birth canal), and mammary glands. The function of the reproductive system is primarily for production of gametes and reproduction. The male reproductive system produces sperm cells (male gametes) by spermatogenesis. The sperm cells are stored in the epididymis. The female reproductive system produces egg cells or ova (female gametes) by oogenesis. The egg cell is released from the ovary, which occurs during ovulation. Through copulation or sexual intercourse, the sperm cells are released to travel towards the egg cell. The sperm cell that is able to fertilize the egg cell would give rise to a zygote that implants to the uterine wall and proceeds to embryogenesis.
In plants, particularly the angiosperms, the reproductive structures are found in the flowers. The androecium consists of stamens bearing the pollen. The gynoecium consists of carpels, which in turn contain the ovary.
Synonym(s):
- genital system
See also:
