Question

Match each human reproductive structure with its description. $$ \text {testis} \quad \quad \text {a. maternal and fetal tissues} $$ $$ \text {vas deferens } \quad \quad \text {b. adds fluid to sperm in semen} $$ $$ \text {placenta } \quad \quad \text {c. produces testosterone} $$ $$ \text {vagina } \quad \quad \text {d. produces estrogen and progesterone} $$ $$ \text {ovary} \quad \quad \text {e. conveys egg to uterus} $$ $$ \text {oviduct } \quad \quad \text {f. secretes milk} $$ $$ \text {prostate gland } \quad \quad \text {g. birth canal} $$ $$ \text {mammary gland } \quad \quad \text {h. conveys sperm toward urethra} $$

Short answer

Testis - c, Vas deferens - h, Placenta - a, Vagina - g, Ovary - d, Oviduct - e, Prostate gland - b, Mammary gland - f.

Step-by-step solution

Match 'testis'

The testis is responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Therefore, it corresponds with description **(c) produces testosterone**.

Match 'vas deferens'

The vas deferens is the duct that conveys sperm from the testicle to the urethra. Thus, it matches with description **(h) conveys sperm toward urethra**.

Match 'placenta'

The placenta is composed of maternal and fetal tissues and is involved in nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus. Therefore, it corresponds with description **(a) maternal and fetal tissues**.

Match 'vagina'

The vagina acts as a birth canal during delivery. Thus, it matches with description **(g) birth canal**.

Match 'ovary'

The ovary produces female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, it corresponds with description **(d) produces estrogen and progesterone**.

Match 'oviduct'

The oviduct, also known as the fallopian tube, conveys the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Therefore, it corresponds with description **(e) conveys egg to uterus**.

Match 'prostate gland'

The prostate gland adds fluid to sperm to form semen. Thus, it matches with description **(b) adds fluid to sperm in semen**.

Match 'mammary gland'

The mammary glands are responsible for secreting milk. Thus, they match with description **(f) secretes milk**.

Key concepts

Testis

The testis is an essential organ in the male reproductive system. Located in the scrotum, it has two primary functions: producing sperm and generating testosterone, the male sex hormone.
Sperm production is vital for reproduction as sperm cells carry half of the genetic material necessary to form a new organism. The process of sperm production is called spermatogenesis.
Testosterone is crucial for the development of male physical characteristics such as a deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle mass. It also plays a role in maintaining libido and overall male health.

Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is a muscular tube that serves a pivotal role in the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to transport mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
This tube is part of the spermatic cord, which contains vessels and muscles that support the testicles. During sexual arousal and ejaculation, the vas deferens contracts to move the sperm forward.

• Key role: Sperm transport.
• Located: Spermatic cord.
• Function during ejaculation: Contracts to propel sperm.

Placenta

The placenta is an extraordinary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It forms a connection between the mother and the developing fetus, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products.
Functionally, it acts as a lifeline ensuring the growing baby receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood while removing carbon dioxide and other waste.
It also produces hormones that help maintain pregnancy and influence fetal development. When the baby is born, the placenta is expelled from the uterus during what is known as the "afterbirth."

Vagina

The vagina is a flexible and muscular canal that plays multiple roles in the female reproductive system. Extending from the cervix of the uterus to the outside of the body, it functions as the birth canal during childbirth.
Additionally, it serves as the passageway for menstrual fluids to leave the body. During sexual intercourse, it accommodates the penis, allowing for the exchange of fluids and sperm deposition.

• Main functions: Birth canal, menstrual fluid exit, sexual intercourse.
• Structure: Flexible, muscular canal.
• Location: Connects cervix to the external body.

Ovary

The ovary is a key component of the female reproductive system, equivalent to the male testis. Ovaries not only produce eggs, or ova, which are necessary for reproduction but also secrete essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen is crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of menstrual cycles. Progesterone plays a vital role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy after ovulation.
Ovaries release an egg during each menstrual cycle in a process known as ovulation, setting the stage for potential fertilization.

Oviduct

The oviduct, also called the fallopian tube, is a slender tube connecting the ovary to the uterus. It acts as the pathway for the egg to travel after ovulation.
Following ovulation, the egg is picked up by the fimbriae, the finger-like projections at the end of the oviduct. Once inside, the egg is moved along by tiny hair-like structures called cilia towards the uterus.
Fertilization of the egg by sperm occurs in the oviduct, after which the fertilized egg, now a zygote, continues its journey to implant in the uterine wall.

Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. It plays a critical role in male reproductive health by producing a significant portion of the fluid that makes up semen.
The fluid from the prostate is slightly alkaline, which helps to protect the sperm and ensure their vitality as they travel through the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
The prostate also contains muscles that aid in pushing semen into the urethra during ejaculation, facilitating successful sperm transport.

Mammary Gland

Mammary glands are specialized organs in the female breasts responsible for producing milk to nourish infants following childbirth.
These glands are highly responsive to hormonal changes, especially those associated with pregnancy and childbirth. The hormone prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin helps with the release of milk from the glands when the baby suckles.

• Function: Milk production.
• Sensitive to: Hormonal changes.
• Key Hormones: Prolactin (production), Oxytocin (release).

This nourishment is crucial for infant development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies.