Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Anatomy:
- Testes: Produce sperm and hormones (testosterone).
- Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.
- Vas deferens: Transport sperm to ejaculatory duct.
- Seminal vesicles: Produce seminal fluid.
- Prostate gland: Adds fluid to sperm to form semen.
- Urethra: Conducts semen and urine out of the body.
Spermatogenesis:
- Occurs in testes; begins at puberty.
- Spermatogonia divide and differentiate into sperm cells.
- Takes about 64-72 days for full maturation.

Anatomy:
- Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
- Fallopian tubes: Transport ovum; site of fertilization.
- Uterus: Site for implantation and fetal development.
- Cervix: Connects the uterus to the vagina; allows passage of sperm.
- Vagina: Birth canal and the site for sexual intercourse.
Oogenesis:
- Formation of ova in ovaries; begins before birth.
- Female is born with all the eggs she will ever have (about 1-2 million).
- At puberty, eggs mature monthly (about 400-500 will be ovulated).

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):
- Fertilization and implantation occur.
- Major organs and structures develop.
- Embryo transitions to a fetus around week 8.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26):
- Continued growth and development; recognizable features.
- Fetal movements may be felt.
- Organs mature further.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40):
- Rapid growth and weight gain.
- Development of fat layers and immune system.
- Prepares for birth; position changes to head-down.

Timing:
- Optimal fertilization occurs around ovulation (day 14 of a 28-day cycle).
Process:
- Sperm penetrates the egg in the fallopian tube.
- Sperm and egg nuclei fuse to form a zygote.
- The zygote undergoes cleavage, forming a blastocyst.
- Blastocyst implants into the uterine lining.

Key Aspects:
- Importance of regular health check-ups (e.g., Pap smears, prostate exams).
- Awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preventative measures.
- Family planning options and contraceptives.
- Understanding menstrual health and recognizing abnormalities.
Reproductive Rights:
- Access to reproductive healthcare and education.
- Importance of informed consent and autonomy over reproductive choices.

Anatomy:
- Testes are responsible for sperm and testosterone production.
- Epididymis stores and matures sperm, preparing them for ejaculation.
- Vas deferens transports sperm to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation.
- Seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid, which nourishes sperm.
- Prostate gland contributes additional fluids to form semen, enhancing sperm mobility.
- Urethra serves dual functions, conducting both semen and urine out of the body.
Spermatogenesis:
- Process begins at puberty in the testes, involving spermatogonia transforming into mature sperm cells.
- Complete maturation of sperm cells takes approximately 64-72 days.

Anatomy:
- Ovaries produce ova (eggs) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
- Fallopian tubes are responsible for transporting the ovum and are the typical site of fertilization.
- Uterus serves as the implantation site for fertilized eggs and supports fetal development.
- Cervix connects the uterus to the vagina and facilitates sperm entry.
- Vagina acts as a birth canal and is involved in sexual intercourse.
Oogenesis:
- Ova formation begins before birth; females are born with approximately 1-2 million eggs.
- Upon reaching puberty, roughly 400-500 eggs will mature and be ovulated throughout a woman's reproductive life.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):
- Fertilization occurs, followed by implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining.
- Major organs and structures begin developing, with the embryo becoming a fetus by week 8.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26):
- Continued growth results in recognizable fetal features; fetal movements may become detectable.
- Organs mature significantly during this period.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40):
- This stage is characterized by rapid weight gain and increased fat layer development.
- The fetal immune system develops, and the fetus prepares for birth, often shifting to a head-down position.

Timing:
- Optimal fertilization typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, coinciding with ovulation.
Process:
- Fertilization involves the sperm penetrating the egg in the fallopian tube.
- Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei creates a zygote.
- The zygote undergoes cleavage, leading to the formation of a blastocyst.
- The blastocyst then implants itself into the uterine lining for further development.

Key Aspects:
- Regular health check-ups, including Pap smears and prostate exams, are crucial for early detection of issues.
- Awareness and education on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) promote preventative practices.
- Family planning and contraceptive options are essential for reproductive autonomy.
- Understanding menstrual health helps in recognizing and addressing abnormalities.
Reproductive Rights:
- Access to reproductive healthcare and education is vital for empowerment.
- Informed consent and autonomy are crucial for personal reproductive choices.