Reproductive System

• : The primary function of the reproductive system is to produce offspring. It involves the production of gametes (sperm in males, ova in females), fertilization, and the nurturing of offspring during pregnancy (in females).
• Sexual Reproduction: Requires the interaction of male and female reproductive organs to produce a fertilized egg (zygote), which develops into an embryo and eventually a fetus
• Testes: Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone. Located in the scrotum. ▪ Structure: Each testis contains seminiferous tubules where sperm are produced.
• What are the male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone?

  Testes
• o Epididymis: A coiled tube on the back of each testis where sperm mature and are stored.
• Where are the testes located?

  In the scrotum
• What is the function of the epididymis?

  Sperm maturation and storage
• o Vas Deferens: A muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
• What type of structure is the epididymis?

  A coiled tube
• What does the vas deferens do?

  Transports sperm to the urethra
• What type of tube is the vas deferens?

  A muscular tube
• What do seminal vesicles secrete?

  A fluid rich in fructose
• What is the purpose of the fluid secreted by seminal vesicles?

  To nourish sperm and provide energy
• Seminal Vesicles: Glands that secrete a fluid rich in fructose to nourish sperm and provide energy.
• What does the prostate gland produce?

  A fluid that activates sperm
• How does the fluid from the prostate gland affect the vaginal tract?

  It neutralizes its acidity
• What do bulbourethral glands secrete?

  A lubricating fluid
• When do bulbourethral glands secrete their fluid?

  During sexual arousal
• What is the function of the urethra in the male reproductive system?

  To carry sperm to the outside
• Prostate Gland: Produces a fluid that activates sperm and neutralizes the acidity of the vaginal tract.
• What does the urethra transport sperm through?

  The penis
• What is the external organ used for sperm deposition?

  Penis
• What is the role of the penis during intercourse?

  To deposit sperm into the female tract
• What are the main organs of the male reproductive system?

  • Testes
  • Epididymis
  • Vas deferens
  • Seminal vesicles
  • Prostate gland
  • Bulbourethral glands
  • Urethra
  • Penis
• Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands): Secrete a lubricating fluid during sexual arousal.
• Urethra: The duct that carries sperm from the vas deferens through the penis to the outside of the body.
• Penis: The external organ used for the deposition of sperm into the female reproductive tract during intercourse.
• Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis): o Process: Occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Spermatogonia (stem cells) undergo mitosis and meiosis to produce sperm.
• Stages: ▪ Spermatogonia (diploid cells) divide by mitosis. ▪ Primary spermatocytes (diploid) undergo meiosis I to form secondary spermatocytes (haploid). ▪ Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to form spermatids (haploid). ▪ Spermatids mature into spermatozoa (sperm).
• o Maturation: Sperm mature in the epididymis before ejaculation.
• Hormonal Regulation:

  o Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone produced by the testes, responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., deep voice, facial hair) and the stimulation of spermatogenesis.

  o LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone.

  o FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Works with testosterone to stimulate spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules.

  o Inhibin: Secreted by Sertoli cells in response to high sperm count, inhibiting FSH production to regulate sperm production.
• Ovaries: Female gonads that produce ova (eggs) and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Oogenesis: The process of egg formation. Oocytes (immature eggs) are formed before birth and arrested in prophase I of meiosis. At puberty, each menstrual cycle triggers the completion of meiosis I and initiation of meiosis II in a few oocytes. However, only one oocyte completes meiosis II if fertilized
• Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes): Tubes that transport the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs here.
• Uterus: A muscular organ that houses and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.
• Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle to prepare for possible pregnancy.
• Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, allowing passage of sperm into the uterus and menstrual blood out of the uterus.
• Vagina: A muscular canal that connects the uterus to the external body and serves as the passage for sperm during intercourse and for the baby during childbirth.
• Ovarian Cycle: The cyclic changes that occur in the ovaries during each menstrual cycle, which include:
• Follicular Phase: The development of a dominant follicle that will release an egg (ovulation).