Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction is the biological process of forming a new individual through the fusion of two very specialised cells known as gametes. The fusion process is also known as fertilisation. In sexual reproduction, the two gametes involved are the egg (also known as ovum) and the sperm.
Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction is the biological process of forming a new individual from a single parent without the fusion of gametes.
| Feature | Sexual Reproduction | Asexual Reproduction |
| Requires the fusion of gametes | Yes | No |
| Number of parents required | Usually involves two parents but may occur within the body of a single hermaphroditic body organism (an organism with both male and female sexual organs) | One |
| Variation in offspring | Offspring has genetic variations (eg offsprings may have genetic differences between one another | All offspring are genetically identical and are also genetically identical to parent |
However, there are many organisms that are capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually.
Male Reproductive System
The function of the male reproductive system is to:
– produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
– discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract
– produce and secrete male sex hormones
These are some organs in the male reproductive system:
– Penis: ejaculates semen, which contains sperm (male reproductive cells), when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.
– Scrotum: Is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. Contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. Acts as a "climate control system" for the testes. (For normal sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body temperature. Special muscles in the wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and relax, moving the testicles closer to the body for warmth or farther away from the body to cool the temperature.)
– Testicles: responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled masses of tubes called somniferous tubules, which are responsible for producing sperm cells.
– Epididymis: is a long, coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle. It functions in the transport and storage of the sperm cells that are produced in the testes. It brings the sperm to maturity, since the sperm that emerge from the testes are immature and incapable of fertilization. During sexual arousal, contractions force the sperm into the vas deferens.
Female Reproductive System
The function of the female reproductive system is to:
– produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes.
– produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.
These are some organs in the female reproductive system:
― Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.
― Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.
― Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
― Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants to the uterine wall.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STDs refers to
– diseases transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse
– caused by bacteria and viruses
– affect the reproductive system
– may not show visible signs or symtoms
– infections can be fatal
Some examples of STDs:
– Syphilis
– Gonorrhea
– AIDS
Prevention of STDs
To reduce the spread of STDs,
– practice monogamy or abstinence
– wear condoms during intercourse
– do not abuse drugs
– do not share instruments that break the skin and may be contaminated with blood
– go to reliable practitioners who use sterilized/disposable instruments
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