Reproductive organ

The reproductive organs are involved in the process of mating and are essential for the production of offspring. The organs differ between males and females but are both the source of the reproductive tract. The male reproductive system involves the testes and the female reproductive system involves the ovaries. The reproductive system can be split into two different parts - the primary reproductive organs and the secondary reproductive organs.

Primary reproductive organs
The primary reproductive organs are called the gonads and this is the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female. They are classed as primary as they are primarily responsible for the function of the reproductive system. The gonads produce the gametes which are the sex cells known as the sperm in males and the egg in females. The gonads are also involved in the production of hormones which control the maturation and release of the gonads. These hormones are also crucial in development as they ensure that the reproductive organs develop properly. Testosterone is produced by the male gonads and oestrogen is produced by the female. Although these are the two hormones associated with either male or female, both hormones are found in both sexes but just with varying amounts. The production of the hormones also helps the development of gonads into either female or male reproductive parts.

Secondary reproductive organs
The secondary reproductive organs are also known as the accessory organs and these aid the production of offspring. They are usually the transport regions of the reproductive system such as the fallopian tubes in the female. The glands are also classed as secondary organs.