Genitals

The genitals are the sexual organs of men and women. Based on their function, the genital organs are divided into sexual organs, which are used for sexual intercourse, and reproductive organs, which are needed for procreation. The development of the genitals of every human being takes place very early. While the embryo does not yet show any sex at the beginning of embryonic development, the formation of the sex begins from the eighth week. The predispositions are the same in both sexes, only the expression is gender-specific. Whether there is a Y-chromosome is responsible for which genitals are formed. A distinction is also made between internal and external genital organs. The external genitalia are clearly visible between the baby's legs at birth in almost all cases: either penis and testicles in boys or a vulva in girls. The sex of the newborn is determined on the basis of these external, primary sex organs. If no sex can be clearly assigned on the basis of the external genitalia at birth, this is called intersexuality. Primary sexual characteristics are of irreplaceable importance for reproduction and are also present from birth. All sexual characteristics that develop later are called secondary sexual characteristics. The entirety of the reproductive organs forms the human reproductive system.

The female reproductive system consists of organs located in the pelvic region and mainly within the female body. The female reproductive system consists of three main areas: the external vulva, the uterus and the two ovaries plus the fallopian tubes. The function of the vulva is to lead to the vagina. Inside the uterus, the foetus develops and the two ovaries and fallopian tubes produce and pass on eggs. The female breasts are not medically considered part of the female reproductive system, as they only play a role after birth. The vulva also includes the clitoris, the labia, the hymen and the vestibular glands (also called vestibular glands or Bartholin's glands), which provide lubrication when aroused. The vulva and labia form the entrance to the vagina, which is an elastic, muscular channel that connects the uterus to the outside world. The cervix protrudes into the vagina and, together with the cervix, forms the inner end. During sex, the vagina receives the penis. During menstruation, it serves as a channel for the menstrual flow from the uterus. During birth, on the other hand, the baby is pushed through the vagina (birth canal). The pear-shaped uterus in humans is about 7.5 cm long, 4.5 cm wide and weighs about 60 grams. It is located centrally in the woman's abdomen, directly behind the bladder. At the upper end, the two fallopian tubes flow into the uterus on the right and left. The fertilized egg nests in the lining of the uterus and grows into a foetus. The ovaries are the female gonads. There is an ovary on each side of the body that produces the eggs. The ovaries also secrete hormones that play a role in the menstrual cycle and fertility, and are therefore also endocrine glands.

The male reproductive organs can also be divided into three categories. The gonads produce and store sperm. Sperm production takes place in the testicles, which are located in the scrotum. The sperm that have not yet matured then move to the epididymis for development and storage. The second category is the ejaculatory fluid producing glands, which include the Cowper's gland, seminal vesicles, prostate, and vas deferens. The last category is the sexual organs responsible for copulation and the deposition of sperm in the male body. These are the penis, urethra, and vas deferens. The external male genitalia include the clearly visible scrotum as well as the penis. The male penis is in turn divided into the root, shaft, glans, and foreskin. The scrotum is located at the base of the penis and, together with the testicles, contains the two male gonads. The testicles release hormones that are responsible for both the formation of sperm and the formation of characteristic secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., beard growth).