Biology Chapter on Reproduction

Sexual Reproduction

• Sexual reproduction involves a male sperm fertilizing a female egg, creating offspring.
• Males produce sperm in the testicles, and females produce eggs in the ovaries.
• The joining of a sperm and egg is called a zygote.
• Internal fertilization occurs when the sperm fertilizes the egg inside the female's body.
• External fertilization occurs when the sperm and egg meet outside the female's body, (e.g., fish).

Asexual Reproduction

• Asexual reproduction creates offspring from a single parent, without a male.
• Cell division creates a copy of the parent's DNA, forming a new cell.
• Budding involves a new cell growing on the parent, detaching when fully developed.
• Splitting creates new organisms when an organism splits down the middle.
• Pathogenesis produces identical offspring when reproduction occurs without a mate.

Male Reproductive System

• The bladder stores urine.
• Seminal vesicles produce a fluid rich in fructose and nutrients for sperm.
• The prostate gland contributes to semen production during ejaculation.
• The epididymis stores and transports sperm to the sperm duct.
• The sperm duct transmits sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
• The anus is the exit point for waste matter like feces.
• The urethra is a tube transporting urine and semen.
• The penis is the external male sex organ for urination and ejaculation.
• Testicles produce sperm and testosterone.

Female Reproductive System

• The scrotum protects the testicles.
• The fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
• The ovaries produce eggs.
• The cervix is a narrow opening to the uterus, preventing bacteria from entering.
• The vagina is a passageway for both menstrual flow and intercourse.
• The urethra is a tube that transports urine from the bladder.
• The clitoris is a pleasure center.
• The vulva is external female genitalia.
• The hymen is a membrane partially covering the vaginal opening.

Menstrual Cycle

• Days 1-6: menstruation (shedding of uterine lining).
• Days 6-10: uterine lining regenerates.
• Day 10-14: ovulation (egg release from ovary).
• Days 15-28: uterine lining thickens, preparing for potential pregnancy.
• If egg isn't fertilized, the cycle starts again with menstruation.