Reproductive Structures

Male Reproductive Structures

Bryophytes

  Antheridium

    Produces and releases antherozoids (male gametes). Typically a sac-like structure containing numerous sperm cells.

Pteridophytes (Ferns and their allies)

  Antheridium

    Produces and releases sperm. Small, spherical structure on the prothallus (gametophyte).

Gymnosperms

  Microsporangium

    Produces microspores that develop into pollen grains. Found in male cones (strobili).

  Pollen Grain

    Carries the male gametes (sperm cells). Often contains two cells - a generative cell (that forms sperm) and a tube cell.

Flowering Plants (Angiosperms)

  Androecium

    The collective term for the male reproductive organs in a flower. Consists of all the stamens in a flower.

  Stamen

    The basic unit of the androecium; responsible for producing pollen. Consists of an anther and a filament.

  Anther

    Produces pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. Typically consists of four pollen sacs (microsporangia) where pollen is formed.

  Microsporangium (in Anther)

    Each pollen sac in the anther is a microsporangium that produces microspores (pollen grains).

Animals

  Testes

    Produce sperm and secrete testosterone. Contain seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs.

  Epididymis

    Stores and matures sperm. A long, coiled tube located on the back of each testicle.

  Vas Deferens

    Transports mature sperm to the urethra. A muscular tube that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.

Fungi

  Antheridium

    Produces male gametes (spermatia). Found in certain groups of fungi.

Female Reproductive Structures

Bryophytes

  Archegonium

    Produces and houses the egg cell (female gamete). Flask-shaped structure with a long neck and a swollen base.

Pteridophytes (Ferns and their allies)

  Archegonium

    Similar to bryophytes, it produces and houses the egg cell. Located on the underside of the prothallus (gametophyte).

Gymnosperms

  Megasporangium (Nucellus)

    Produces megaspores that develop into female gametophytes. Found within the ovules of female cones (strobili).

  Ovule

    Develops into a seed upon fertilization. Contains the megasporangium and is surrounded by integuments.

Flowering Plants (Angiosperms)

  Gynoecium

    The collective term for the female reproductive organs in a flower. Consists of one or more carpels.

  Carpel

    The basic unit of the gynoecium; each carpel contains an ovary. Consists of the ovary, style, and stigma.

  Ovary

    Contains ovules, which develop into seeds upon fertilization. The basal part of the carpel.

  Ovule

    Develops into a seed after fertilization. Contains the female gametophyte, where the egg cell is produced.

  Oogonium

    Produces and contains the egg cell. Found in lower plants like algae and fungi, not typically in flowering plants.

  Megasporangium (in Ovule)

    The tissue within the ovule where megaspores are produced. Inside the ovary.

Animals

  Ovary

    Produces eggs (ova) and secretes hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Contains follicles where eggs mature.

  Fallopian Tube (Oviduct)

    Transports eggs from the ovary to the uterus. A pair of tubes connected to the ovaries and the uterus.

  Uterus

    Houses and nourishes the developing fetus. A muscular organ with an inner lining called the endometrium.

Fungi

  Oogonium

    Produces and contains the egg cell. Found in certain groups of fungi.

Algae

  Antheridium

    Produces male gametes (sperm). Found in many types of algae.

  Oogonium

    Produces and contains the egg cell. Found in many types of algae.