reproductive system

1. The system of organs involved with animal reproduction, especially sexual reproduction. The structure of animal reproductive systems depends on the type of fertilization (internal or external) and whether the animal lays eggs or bears live offspring. In mammals, the reproductive system consists mainly of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina in females and the testes, sperm ducts, and penis in males.

2. The system of organs involved with the reproduction, especially the sexual reproduction, of plants and other complex multicellular organisms that are not animals. In flowering plants, the reproductive system consists of pistils and stamens. In conifers and most other gymnosperms, the reproductive system consists of male and female cones. The male gametes are produced directly from a cell in the pollen grain of these gymnosperms rather than in a distinct reproductive structure, while the female cones have ovules containing archegonia. In seedless plants (bryophytes and ferns), the reproductive system consists of archegonia and antheridia.

Example Sentences

Instead of treating her, the hospital sent her home, and the fertilized egg later ruptured, requiring emergency surgery to remove part of her reproductive system.

Read more on Salon

Wouldn’t it be convenient for those struggling in the tightening fingertrap of modern life if embracing the supposedly natural traits downstream of one’s reproductive system was enough to raise wages and make housing affordable?

Read more on Salon

The letter, seen by the BBC, points to potential health risks to children's developing brains, bones and reproductive system.

Read more on BBC

In the reproductive system, they help move eggs through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus.

Read more on Science Daily

“Charlotte has developed a rare reproductive disease that has negatively impacted her reproductive system,” the aquarium said.

Read more on Seattle Times