The male reproductive system of the platypus consists of the following organs:
* Testes: The testes are located in the abdominal cavity and produce sperm.
* Epididymis: The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that connects the testes to the vas deferens. Sperm cells mature and are stored in the epididymis.
* Vas deferens: The vas deferens is a muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the penis.
* Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are glands that produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and protects the sperm.
* Prostate gland: The prostate gland is a gland that produces prostatic fluid, which is added to the seminal fluid.
* Penis: The penis is a long, thin organ that is used to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract.
Female reproductive system
The female reproductive system of the platypus consists of the following organs:
* Ovaries: The ovaries are located in the abdominal cavity and produce ova (eggs).
* Fallopian tubes: The fallopian tubes are two long, coiled tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. The ova travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
* Uterus: The uterus is a muscular organ where the fertilized ova implant and develop into embryos.
* Vagina: The vagina is a short, muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. The vagina is also used to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract.
* Cloaca: The cloaca is a chamber that is formed by the junction of the rectum, the urinary tract, and the female reproductive tract. The cloaca empties to the outside of the body through a single opening.
Reproduction
Platypuses reproduce sexually. The mating season occurs in the spring and summer months. During mating, the male platypus inserts his penis into the female's cloaca and releases sperm. The sperm travels through the female reproductive tract to the uterus, where it fertilizes the ova.
The fertilized ova implant in the uterus and develop into embryos. The embryos develop for about 10 days before hatching. The hatchlings are born blind and hairless. They are cared for by their mother until they are able to fend for themselves.
Platypuses are unique among mammals in that they lay eggs. They are also one of the few mammals that have a cloaca.