Human Reproductive System

• The male reproductive system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, penis, scrotum, and accessory ducts.
• Dwarfism:

  • Short stature resulting from genetic or medical conditions
  • Caused by Growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
• Gigantism:

  • Very rare condition with high levels of growth hormone causing excessive growth
  • Caused by excess GH production due to a pituitary tumor
• Goiter:

  • Irregular growth of the thyroid gland
  • Caused by Iodine deficiency
• Functions of Human Reproductive system:

  • Produce egg and sperm cells
  • Transport and sustain these cells
  • Nurture developing offspring
  • Produce hormones
• Male Reproductive System:

  • Includes testes, ducts (epididymis, vas deferens), ejaculatory ducts, and penis
• Testes:

  • Develop high in the abdominal cavity and descend into the scrotum
  • Structure includes tunica albuginea, seminiferous tubules, and efferent ducts
• Spermatogenesis:

  • Process where spermatids mature into spermatozoa
  • Mature sperm has a head, midpiece, and tail with specific functions
• Duct System:

  • Includes epididymis, ductus/vas deferens, and ejaculatory duct
  • Sperm complete maturation in the epididymis and are propelled through the ductus deferens
• Ejaculatory Duct:

  • Formed by the joining of ductus deferens and seminal vesicle
  • Passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra
• Urethra:

  • Passageway for sperm and fluids
• Ejaculatory Duct:

  • Passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra
• Urethra:

  • Passageway for sperm and fluids from the reproductive system and urine from the urinary system
• Prostatic Urethra:

  • Receives the ejaculatory duct, containing sperm and secretions from the seminal vesicles, and ducts from the prostate glands
• Membranous Urethra:

  • Short region passing through the pelvic floor
• Penile Urethra:

  • Extends the length of the penis and opens to the outside at the external urethral orifice
• Seminal Vesicles:

  • Paired glands posterior to the urinary bladder
  • Fluid is viscous and contains fructose, prostaglandins, and proteins
• Prostate Gland:

  • Firm, dense structure located just inferior to the urinary bladder
  • Secretions are thin, milky colored, and alkaline, enhancing sperm motility
• Bulbourethral Glands:

  • Paired glands near the base of the penis
  • Secrete an alkaline mucus-like fluid for neutralizing acidity and providing lubrication
• Seminal Fluid:

  • Mixture of sperm cells and secretions from accessory glands
  • Usually contains between 50 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of semen
• Penis:

  • Cylindrical organ located anterior to the scrotum, transferring sperm to the vagina
• Male Sexual Response and Hormonal Control:

  • Includes erection, orgasm, and ejaculation of semen
  • Regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone
• Ovaries:

  • Solid, ovoid structures located in the pelvic cavity, producing egg cells
• Oogenesis:

  • Female sex cells develop in the ovaries by a form of meiosis
• Ovarian Follicle Development:

  • Follicles grow under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, forming layers of granulose cells
• Ovulation:

  • Release of an egg cell from the ovary prompted by luteinizing hormone
• Fallopian Tubes/Oviducts:

  • Funnel-shaped infundibulum near the ovary with fingerlike extensions called fimbriae
  • Fertilization usually occurs in the Fallopian tube
• Uterus:

  • Muscular organ receiving the fertilized oocyte and providing an environment for the developing fetus
• Vagina:

  • Fibromuscular tube serving as a passageway for menstrual flow, receiving the erect penis during intercourse, and acting as the birth canal
• External Genitalia:

  • Also known as the vulva or pudendum
• Female Sexual Response & Hormone Control:

  • Regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone
• Summary:

  • Reproductive system functions include producing egg and sperm cells, transporting and sustaining these cells, nurturing the developing fetus, and producing hormones