Human Reproductive System

• Male vs Female Gametes

  Male :

  • has a head, middle piece and tail
  • nucleus contains either X or Y chromosome
  • about 60 micrometers long with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers for the head
  • has a tail that enables it to swim towards the oviduct
  • a large number of sperm is released per ejaculation

  Female :

  • spherical in shape
  • nucleus has one X chromosome
  • has diameter of 120 to 150 micrometers
  • passive movement along the oviduct due to movement of cilia of oviduct and peristalsis of the oviduct wall
  • only one egg is released per month, both ovaries together produce about 500 eggs