Digging important functions and organs in the human reproductive system

Humans can have offspring because their bodies have organs and a reproductive system. Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not know the parts and functions of their own reproductive system. Yet by knowing the reproductive system, you can know exactly how to maintain the health of your own body. Come on, find out more details about the human reproductive system in this article.

Get to know the female reproductive system

The female reproductive system has several parts with their respective functions. The following is an explanation of the female reproductive system that you need to know:

1. Vagina

Many people think that the vagina can be observed with the naked eye. This is misleading. The vagina is inside the body so you can't see it directly. The part that you can see when you face the genitals is called the vulva.

The vagina itself is a channel that connects the cervix (cervix) to the outside of the body. The location of the vagina, precisely behind the bladder, is slightly lower than the uterus.

The function of this one organ is as a baby's birth canal during childbirth and a place for blood to come out during menstruation. The vagina is also the access point for sperm to the uterus.

2. Uterus (uterus)

The uterus is a small, hollow organ shaped like a pear. This organ is located between the bladder and rectum. The lower part of the uterus is a tube called the cervix. The cervix connects the vagina with the uterus.

The uterus has many important functions in the reproductive process. During a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is covered with thickened blood clots. This is done as an effort to prepare for pregnancy. If there is no fertilization, the blood clot will dissolve and come out through the vagina. Well, this process of shedding blood is called menstruation.

Conversely, if fertilization occurs, the uterus will be a home for the embryo to grow and develop before being born.

3. Ovaries

The ovaries are small, oval glands located on the right and left of the pelvic cavity, adjacent to the upper uterus to be precise. Ovaries function to produce eggs and female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

4. Fallopian tubes

The fallopian tube is two long, thin tubes that extend from the right and left ends at the top of the uterus to the ends of the ovaries.

This organ functions as a channel for the egg (ovum) to move from the ovary to the uterus. Conception, aka fertilization of an egg by sperm, occurs in the fallopian tubes.

Later, the fertilized egg in the fallopian tube will move towards the uterus.

5. Vulva

illustration of the vulva (external appearance of the vagina)

The vulva is the outer portion of the vaginal anatomy that you can see with the naked eye. This section consists of:

• Labia majora. Labira majora is also known as the "big lips". This section contains many sweat and oil glands. After puberty, the labia majora will be covered with fine hairs.
• Labia minora. The labia minora are called the "little lips." They are so called because this part is very small, which is about 5 cm. The labia minora are inside the labia majora, and surround the vaginal opening and urethra (the opening where you urinate). So, the hole through which urine exits the body is different from the hole where the blood exits when you menstruate.
• Clitoris. The clitoris is a small protrusion inside the labia minora. The clitoris is covered with a fold of skin, called the prepuce, similar to the foreskin at the tip on the penis. As with the penis, the clitoris is surrounded by many nerves, so it is very sensitive to stimulation and can become tight (erect).

Get to know the male reproductive system

As with women, the male reproductive system also consists of many parts. Each part of course has a function that is very vital. Here are the parts of a male reproduction system you need to know:

1. The penis

illustration of the penis and testicles (testes)

The penis is a male sex organ. Usually, this organ will reach its maximum size during puberty. The penis consists of three main parts, the base (radix), shaft (corpus), and head (glans).

At the tip of the head of the penis, there is an opening for the urethra to remove urine from the body. This hole also functions to release seminal fluid when a man reaches climax (orgasm).

Along the shaft of the penis, on the left and right sides, there is a network called the corpus cavernosum. This tissue will fill with blood when a man becomes sexually aroused. When this tissue is filled with blood, the penis will become stiff and erect, allowing a man to penetrate during sexual intercourse.

2. Scrotum

The scrotum is a bag of skin that is loose and hangs behind the penis. This part of the body is also known as the testicles and is closely related to the testes. Besides functioning to wrap the testes, the scrotum also plays a role in supporting the testes to produce normal sperm.

For a man to produce quality sperm, the testes must be at the right temperature, which is slightly cooler than body temperature. The presence of special muscles in the wall of the scrotum enables the testes to maintain the optimal temperature for sperm production.

3. Testes

The testes or commonly referred to as the testicles, testicles, or pubic seeds are oval-shaped organs. This organ is located in the sacs on the right and left of the back of the penis.

The main function of the testes is to produce and store sperm and produce testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone that is responsible for producing sperm and providing changes to the body during puberty.

Usually, male testes will start to grow around the age of 10-13 years. As the testicles grow, the skin around the scrotum darkens, hangs down, and has hair. The size of the testicles of each man is different, but the average testicle is between 5-7.5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide.

How to care for the human reproductive system

After knowing the anatomy and function of the human reproductive system, you also need to understand how to care for this one organ. Given, the human reproductive system is very sensitive so that the care needed should not be arbitrary. Here are simple guidelines for caring for the human reproductive system:

• After finishing urinating, make sure the penis and vagina are cleaned and dried properly and thoroughly.
• Avoid using powders, scented soaps, gels, and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the genital area which will cause irritation.
• Routinely change your underwear every day.
• There are many types of underwear for men and women. In general, choose cotton underwear for everyday use.
• Choose clothes or pants that are loose because it is good for your reproductive organs. Wearing clothes and pants that are too tight can make the genital area damp, allowing infection to occur.
• When you and your partner plan to have sex, you should first clean the genital area before getting into bed. Cleaning the genital area after sex is equally important.
• Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.