Human Reproductive System Overview

The human reproductive system is responsible for producing gametes and enabling reproduction.
It consists of both male and female systems with distinct structures and functions.

Main Organs:
- Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
- Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.
- Vas deferens: Transports sperm to the urethra.
- Seminal vesicles: Produce seminal fluid to nourish sperm.
- Prostate gland: Adds fluids to semen for mobility and protection.
- Bulbourethral glands: Secrete pre-ejaculatory fluid.
- Penis: Delivers sperm to the female reproductive tract.
Spermatogenesis:
- Process of sperm production in the testes.
- Occurs in seminiferous tubules.
- Takes about 64-72 days for sperm to mature.

Main Organs:
- Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
- Fallopian tubes: Transport eggs from ovaries to uterus; site of fertilization.
- Uterus: Supports fetal development; consists of endometrium (inner lining) and myometrium (muscular layer).
- Cervix: Connects uterus to vagina; allows passage for sperm and menstrual fluid.
- Vagina: Birth canal; receives penis during intercourse.
Oogenesis:
- Process of egg production in the ovaries.
- Primordial follicles develop into mature eggs during menstrual cycle.
- One egg is typically released during ovulation (approximately every 28 days).

Phases:
1. Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the endometrium; lasts 3-7 days.
2. Follicular Phase: FSH stimulates follicle development and estrogen production; lasts about 14 days.
3. Ovulation: Surge in LH causes release of a mature egg.
4. Luteal Phase: Corpus luteum forms, secreting progesterone; prepares the uterus for potential implantation.

Fertilization:
- Occurs in the fallopian tubes when sperm meets the egg.
- Zygote formation initiates cell division.
Pregnancy Stages:
- First Trimester: Major organ development; high risk for miscarriage.
- Second Trimester: Fetal growth; mother experiences physical changes.
- Third Trimester: Preparation for birth; fetus gains weight.

Barrier Methods: Condoms, diaphragms prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Hormonal Methods: Birth control pills, patches regulate hormones to prevent ovulation.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Prevent fertilization or implantation.
Natural Methods: Calendar method, withdrawal method rely on timing and self-control.

Common reproductive health issues include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Erectile dysfunction
- STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Key hormones:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Estrogens and progesterone (female), testosterone (male)
Hormonal feedback loops regulate reproductive functions and cycles.

Responsible for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) and enabling reproduction.
Includes distinct male and female reproductive systems with unique structures and roles.

Main Organs:
- Testes: Produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
- Epididymis: Stores sperm and supports its maturation.
- Vas deferens: Transports mature sperm to the urethra.
- Seminal vesicles: Secrete fluid that nourishes sperm.
- Prostate gland: Adds fluids to semen, enhancing sperm mobility and protection.
- Bulbourethral glands: Produce pre-ejaculatory fluid for lubrication.
- Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.
Spermatogenesis:
- Sperm production occurs in seminiferous tubules of the testes.
- Maturation process lasts approximately 64-72 days.

Main Organs:
- Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones including estrogen and progesterone.
- Fallopian tubes: Transport eggs; site of fertilization.
- Uterus: Supports fetal development, with inner endometrium and muscular myometrium layers.
- Cervix: Connects uterus to vagina, allowing sperm entry and menstrual flow.
- Vagina: Acts as the birth canal and receives the penis during intercourse.
Oogenesis:
- Egg production occurs in the ovaries, where primordial follicles develop into mature eggs.
- Typically, one egg is released during ovulation every 28 days.

Phases:
- Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the endometrium, lasting 3-7 days.
- Follicular Phase: Driven by Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), promoting follicle development and estrogen production over approximately 14 days.
- Ovulation: Triggered by a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH), leading to release of a mature egg.
- Luteal Phase: Formation of corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare uterus for possible implantation.

Fertilization:
- Occurs in fallopian tubes when sperm encounters an egg, forming a zygote that initiates cell division.
Pregnancy Stages:
- First Trimester: Key organ development, higher chance of miscarriage.
- Second Trimester: Significant fetal growth; mother experiences physical changes.
- Third Trimester: Fetus prepares for birth, gaining weight substantially.

Barrier Methods: Include condoms and diaphragms that inhibit sperm from contacting the egg.
Hormonal Methods: Birth control pills and patches that adjust hormone levels to prevent ovulation.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Devices that prevent fertilization or implantation.
Natural Methods: Calendar tracking and withdrawal method that rely on timing and self-control.

Common reproductive health issues encompass:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Key hormones regulating the reproductive system include:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Estrogens and progesterone (in females), testosterone (in males).
Hormonal feedback mechanisms are crucial for managing reproductive functions and cycles.