L3.1: Brief Overview of Reproductive System

• male: testes

  female: ovaries


  gonads
• male: sperm

  female: ova or egg


  gametes
• male: testosterone

  female: progesterone and estrogen


  hormones
• produce gametes (sex cells) and secrete hormones.

  gonads
• chemicals that influence processes inside the body. In the concept of gonads, hormones provide secondary sex characteristics.

  hormones
• Testes

  ○ In males.

  ○ Produces sperm – male gametes

  ○ Testosterone – male hormone
• Ovaries

  ○ In females

  ○ Develops ova (eggs) – female gametes

  ○ Estrogen and Progesterone – female hormones
• Fertilization

  ○ Fusion of sperm and egg cells that produces a

  zygote.
• Main functions of gonads

  1. Produce egg and sperm cells
  2. Transport and sustain these cells
  3. Nurture the developing fetus
  4. Produce hormones
• [3] nurture the developing fetus

  ● If conditions are suitable, a super and egg fuse to become a fertilized egg (zygote)

  ● Once fertilization has occurred, the female uterus provides a protective environment in which the embryo, later called the fetus, develops until birth.
• [4] produce hormones

  ● Influence growth and development of many other organs and tissues in

  the body.

  ● Play vital roles in the development and function of the:

  ➔ Reproductive organs

  ➔ Sexual behavior and drives