Male Reproductive System and Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm production. It involves meiosis, creating four mature sperm from one spermatogonium.
Internal Anatomy: Includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. These structures are vital for sperm production, transport, and the creation of seminal fluid.
External Anatomy: The penis, and scrotum hold the testes.

Spermatogenesis (Male): Produces many (4) sperm from a single spermatogonium. The final products are haploid.
Oogenesis (Female): Produces only one ovum (egg) from a single oogonium. The process involves meiosis, though only one cell undergoes meiosis II unless fertilization occurs. The final products also are haploid.
Key difference: Spermatogenesis produces many haploid sperm cells, while oogenesis produces one haploid ovum and several polar bodies.

Tunica Albuginea: A fibrous sheath surrounding the testes.
Seminiferous Tubules: Tightly coiled structures within the testes where sperm are produced.
Sertoli Cells: Support and nourish developing sperm within the seminiferous tubules.
Leydig Cells: Produce testosterone, a vital hormone for male development and reproduction.

Seminal Vesicles: Produce fructose, a source of energy for sperm motility.
Prostate Gland: Produces components of seminal fluid. Key elements of it are an enzyme, and water.
Bulbourethral Glands: Produce a lubricating fluid.

Corpora Cavernosa: Two erectile tissues that fill with blood during erection.
Corpus Spongiosum: Surrounds the urethra; also plays a role in erection.
Glans Penis: Enlarged tip of the penis.
Urethra: The tube that carries both urine and semen.

External view: A pouch containing the testes.
Muscle layers: Cremaster and dartos muscles regulate temperature for optimal sperm development.
Deep tissues: Include the testicular artery, veins, nerves and the cord.

Prostate Cancer: A malignant tumor affecting the prostate gland.
Inguinal Hernia: A condition where part of the intestine protrudes into the inguinal canal.

External Anatomy: Includes the vulva (mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, and hymen).
Oogenesis: The process of egg production.
Internal Anatomy: Includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Mons Pubis: Pad of fatty tissue overlying the pubic symphysis; covered with hair in adult females.
Labia Majora: Outer folds of tissue surrounding the vulva, containing adipose tissue and sweat glands.
Labia Minora: Inner folds of tissue, containing sebaceous glands but lacking hair.
Clitoris: Analogous to the male penis; highly sensitive erectile tissue.
Urethral Opening: Opening of the urethra.
Vagina: Muscular tube leading to the uterus, allowing passage of sperm and menstrual flow.
Vestibule: Area between the labia minora, containing openings to the urethra and vagina.
Hymen: Membranous tissue partially covering the vaginal orifice; can vary in form.
Bartholin's Glands: Produce mucus to lubricate the vagina during sexual activity.
Skene's Glands: Produce mucus that supports the function of Bartholin's gland.

Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones, crucial for reproduction.
Fallopian Tubes: Passages leading from the ovaries to the uterus in which fertilization occurs.
Uterus: Muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.
Myometrium: The middle muscular layer of the uterus.
Cervix: Lower part of the uterus; connects to the vagina.
Vagina: Muscular tube extending from the vulva to the cervix.

Ovarian Cycle: A cyclical series of changes occurring in the ovaries, influencing the menstrual cycle; involves the development of follicles. Includes estrogen and LH.
Menstrual Cycle: Cyclical changes in the uterus in response to hormonal changes from the ovaries; includes menstruation.
Phases of Menstrual Cycle: Follicular phase (estrogen release), Ovulatory phase (ovulation), Luteal phase (progesterone release), and Menstrual phase (shedding of the uterine lining).
Uterine Cycle: Correlates with the hormonal changes of the ovarian cycle.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition impacting the ovaries, affecting ovulation and hormone balance.

First cell division: The fusion of a sperm and egg into the zygote, marking the first stages of embryonic development.
**Cleavage:**Rapid series of cell divisions forming the morula, containing 8 to 16 cells. Eventually becomes the blastocyst.
Blastocyst Formation: Eventually the blastocyst implants into the uterine wall. The inner cell mass will develop into the embryo, and the outer layer of cells (trophoblast) will form the placenta.

Stages of Development from Fertilization to Birth: The sequence of progressive development between fertilization and birth.
Brain development stages: Include neural tube formation, early neuron formation and arrangement of more complex neural structures.

HIV: The virus causing HIV/AIDS.
AIDS: The advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely compromised immune system.
CD4 cells: Cells crucial for immune function; targeted by HIV.
HIV Infection Mechanism HIV initially attacks the CD4 T cells in the immune system, eventually leading to a reduced ability to fight infections, often showing through opportunistic infections.