Reproductive System

• Function of the reproductive system: To produce offspring of the same species
• Male reproductive system: Responsible for the production of sperm
• Parts of the male reproductive system and their functions:
• Spermatogenesis: Process of producing sperm in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
• Structure of a sperm cell: Head (encloses the nucleus), middle piece (contains mitochondria for energy), tail (used for movement)
• Testis: Secretes hormones, particularly testosterone, which controls sperm production and the development of male characteristics.
• Hypothalamus: Secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to initiate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.
• FSH and LH: Stimulate spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system.
• Ovary: Produces the egg cell.
• Fallopian tube: Serves as the passageway of the egg and is the site of fertilization.
• Uterus: Where the zygote grows and develops during pregnancy.
• Cervix: Separates the uterus from the vagina and stays closed until childbirth.
• Vagina: Serves as the passageway out of the female reproductive system.
• The most important part of the male reproductive system is the testis, as it secretes hormones that control sperm production and the development of male characteristics.
• During spermatogenesis, the testis produces sperm cells.
• The hormones involved in male reproductive processes are testosterone, GnRH, FSH, and LH. Testosterone controls sperm production and male characteristics, while GnRH, FSH, and LH stimulate spermatogenesis.
• The ovary is responsible for the production of the egg cell, and the pituitary gland secretes FSH and LH to initiate follicle development and ovulation.
• The menstrual cycle in sexually mature women lasts for 28 days and involves the release of an egg cell during ovulation, which can be fertilized in the Fallopian tube. If not fertilized, menstruation occurs.
• Menstrual cycle: The process in females where the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy, but if the egg is not fertilized, the lining breaks down and is released as menstruation.
• Menopause: The end of ovulation in females.
• Endocrine system: The system responsible for secreting hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Follicular phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle where the egg develops in the ovary.
• Luteal phase: The phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation where the uterine lining continues to thicken.
• Dysmenorrhea: Pain during menstruation often caused by a chemical imbalance.
• Fertilization: The process where the egg and sperm unite in the fallopian tube.
• Pregnancy: The development of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
• The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.
• The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
• The fallopian tube serves as the passageway for the egg and is the site of fertilization.
• The seminal vesicles produce a fluid that nourishes and helps transport sperm.
• Parts of the Male Reproductve System

  A) vas deferens

  B) ejaculatory duct

  C) penis

  D) urethra

  E) urinary bladder

  F) seminal vesicle

  G) prostate gland

  H) epididymis

  I) testis

  J) scrotum

  
• Sperm Cell and its parts

  A) tail

  B) midpiece

  C) head

  
• Parts of the Female Reproductive System

  A) uterus

  B) fallopian tube

  C) ovary

  D) cervix

  E) vagina

  
• The prostate gland produces a fluid that helps nourish and protect sperm.
• Bulbourethral gland or Cowper’s gland secretes an alkaline substance in the urethra, which neutralizes the acid from the urine. This helps protect the sperm as it passes along the urethra
• Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
• Estrogen is a hormone that plays a key role in the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
• Penis is a hollow tube that also contains the urethra
• Scrotum is a bag-pouchlike part that holds the testes
• Urethra is the passageway of both urine and semen