Reproductive organs

Reproductive organs, as the name suggests, are organs such as testes, penis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, epididymis etc in males, and vulva, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries etc in females.

Female reproductive system

Female reproductive system

Function

The major purpose or function of the reproductive system is to ensure survival of the species. Within the context of producing offspring, the reproductive system has four functions:

• Produce egg and sperm cells
• Transport and sustain these cells
• Nurture the developing offspring
• Produce hormones

Sexual organs - male

Sexual organs - male

Primary and secondary reproductive organs

These functions are divided between the primary and secondary, or accessory, reproductive organs.

Primary reproductive organs

The primary reproductive organs, or gonads, consist of the ovaries and testes. These organs are responsible for producing the egg and sperm cells gametes), and hormones. These hormones function in the maturation of the reproductive system, the development of sexual characteristics, and regulation of the normal physiology of the reproductive system.

Secondary reproductive organs

All other organs, ducts, and glands in the reproductive system are considered secondary, or accessory, reproductive organs. These structures transport and sustain the gametes and nurture the developing offspring.

Also see

• Male reproductive organs
• Female reproductive organs
• Reproductive system