Males and females each have separate organs that, when combined, create a pregnancy. The reproductive system is complex and differs greatly between the sexes. Females have reproductive organs contained on the inside of the pelvis. Most of the male reproductive organs remain on the outside of the body. The purpose of the male reproductive organs is to deliver sperm to the egg inside of the female. The female reproductive organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The male reproductive organs include the penis, testicles, glands and ducts.
Vagina
Females have vaginas between the legs that open to the outside of the body. The vagina is a hollow space, approximately 3 to 5 inches in length, that expands and contracts to accommodate a penis, a tampon or a baby. The cervix, found internally at the top of the vagina, opens to the uterus.
Uterus
The uterus is a small, upside-down, pear-shaped muscular organ, explains KidsHealth.org. The numerous muscles expand to house a baby and contract forcefully enough to deliver the baby. Each month, in preparation for pregnancy, the uterus builds up a thick layer of tissue. If a pregnancy does not occur, the lining sheds through a menstrual period.
Fallopian Tubes
Two fallopian tubes connect to the top section of the uterus, one on each side. These tubes connect the uterus to the ovaries. The tiny fallopian tubes are the pathways for eggs to move from the ovaries to the uterus.
Ovaries
A female has two ovaries. The ovaries house eggs and produce female sex hormones. In a typical cycle, one ovary releases one egg for possible fertilization. The release of the egg happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Then, the next month, the opposite ovary releases a single egg.
Penis
The penis is an organ on the outside of the male body. A tube, called the urethra, runs through the middle of the penis. The urethra allows urine and seminal fluid to leave the body. The penis also contains blood vessels that engorge when sexually aroused and make the penis erect.
Testicles
The testicles house the testes and hang on the male body, below the penis. The function of the testes is to produce sperm and to stimulate the production of male sex hormones. TeensHealth.org says that sperm develops in the seminiferous tubules.
Ducts and Glands
After production, sperm leave the body during ejaculation. The sperm travel out of the testicles through a duct called the vas deferens. The prostate gland mixes a milky fluid with the sperm to create seminal fluid before ejaculation.
