Gametes and Reproductive Cells

Gametes

• Gametes are sex cells, either sperm or egg.
• They contain half the number of chromosomes, known as haploid.
• Gametes fuse during fertilization.

Ovum

• An ovum is a mature female gamete, also known as an egg.
• Ova are produced in the ovaries.

Spermatogenesis

• Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperm cells are produced in the testes.

Spermatogonia

• Spermatogonia are undifferentiated male germ cells in the testes.
• They divide to eventually form sperm.

Spermatocytes

• Spermatocytes develop from spermatogonia.
• They undergo meiosis to become spermatids.

Spermatids

• Spermatids are haploid cells resulting from meiosis of spermatocytes.
• They mature into sperm.

Acrosome

• The acrosome is a cap-like structure on the head of a sperm.
• It contains enzymes needed to penetrate the egg.

Flagellum

• The flagellum is a whip-like tail that enables sperm to swim.

Female Reproductive System: Ovary

• The ovary is a gland that produces eggs (ova).
• It produces female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

Female Reproductive System: Follicle

• A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains an immature egg.
• It releases the egg during ovulation.

Female Reproductive System: Corpus Luteum

• The corpus luteum is a hormone-secreting structure that forms from the follicle after ovulation.
• It primarily produces progesterone.

Female Reproductive System: Fallopian Tube

• The fallopian tube carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.
• Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tube.

Female Reproductive System: Fimbriae

• Fimbriae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes.
• They help sweep the egg into the tube.

Female Reproductive System: Uterus

• The uterus is a muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy.

Female Reproductive System: Cervix

• The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• It dilates during childbirth.

Female Reproductive System: Endometrium

• The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.
• It thickens in preparation for pregnancy and sheds during menstruation.

Female Reproductive System: Myometrium

• The myometrium is the thick muscular layer of the uterus.
• It contracts during labor.

Female Reproductive System: Peritoneum

• The peritoneum is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
• It covers the organs, including parts of the reproductive system.

Male Reproductive System: Testes (Testicles)

• The testes are organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Male Reproductive System: Scrotum

• The scrotum is the external sac that holds the testes.
• It regulates the temperature of the testes.

Male Reproductive System: Seminiferous Tubule

• Seminiferous tubules are tiny tubes in the testes where spermatogenesis takes place.

Male Reproductive System: Sertoli Cells

• Sertoli cells are in the seminiferous tubules.
• They support and nourish developing sperm.

Male Reproductive System: Epididymis

• The epididymis is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

Male Reproductive System: Vas Deferens

• The vas deferens is a tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Male Reproductive System: Ejaculatory Duct

• The ejaculatory duct is where the vas deferens and seminal vesicle meet.
• Sperm travel through this before exiting the penis.

Male Reproductive System: Urethra

• The urethra is a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.

Male Reproductive System: Seminal Vesicle

• The seminal vesicle is a gland that produces a sugar-rich fluid (semen).
• Semen provides energy for sperm.

Male Reproductive System: Prostate Gland

• The prostate gland produces a fluid that helps sperm survive in the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.

Male Reproductive System: Cowper’s Gland (Bulbourethral Gland)

• The Cowper’s gland produces a pre-ejaculate fluid.
• This fluid lubricates and neutralizes acidity in the urethra.

Hormones: Estrogen

• Estrogen is a female sex hormone.
• It is responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics.
• It also regulates the menstrual cycle.

Hormones: Progesterone

• Progesterone is a hormone that maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy.
• It is produced mainly by the corpus luteum.

Hormones: FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

• FSH stimulates follicle development in ovaries.
• It stimulates spermatogenesis in testes.

Hormones: LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

• LH triggers ovulation in females.
• It stimulates testosterone production in males.

Hormones: GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

• GnRH is produced by the hypothalamus.
• It stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.

Hormones: Testosterone

• Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone.
• It is responsible for sperm production.
• It facilitates the development of male secondary sex characteristics.