Reproductive System Overview

Reproductive System

• Gametes: Sex cells; male = sperm, female = egg cell
• Gametogenesis: Formation of sex cells
• Fertilization: Union of sperm and egg cells
• Sexual reproduction functions: Production of gametes, fertilization, development, and nourishment (milk production), hormone production, and increase genetic variability.

Male Reproductive System

• Testes: Male reproductive organs; singular = testis; enclosed in scrotum; produce testosterone; contain seminiferous tubules for sperm development; located outside body for lower temperature.
• Epididymis: Long, coiled tube on back of testes; stores sperm temporarily for maturation (capacity to swim); transports sperm to vas deferens.
• Vas Deferens: Tube connecting testes to urethra; allows semen exit; transports sperm.
• Seminal Vesicle: Two small glands, store and produce fluid mixing with sperm to create semen; slightly alkaline.
• Prostate Gland: Secretes fluid that nourishes, protects, and transports sperm.
• Cowper's Gland (Bulbourethral Gland): Produces pre-ejaculate fluid; lubricant during sexual intercourse.
• Urethra: Tube through which urine and semen exit the body; allows semen and urine exit.
• Penis: Male organ for copulation (intercourse); transfers sperm to female; genitals arousal leads to stimulation from Parasympathetic Neurons System (morning erections, hormone shift).

Sperm Production and Ejaculation

• Spermatogenesis: Production and maturation of sperm cells in seminiferous tubules; involves meiosis.
• Seminiferous Tubules & Epididymis: Work together about 3-4 weeks for sperm production and maturation.

Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries: Produce egg cells and hormones (estrogen, progesterone); responsible for secondary characteristics development; egg highest in first half of menstruation.
• Fallopian Tubes: Tubes where fertilization occurs; about 4-5 inches long.
• Uterus: Largest part of the uterus; expands during pregnancy.
• Cervix: Lowest part of the uterus; prevents things from entering; allows sperm entrance and menstrual blood exit (opens during delivery).
• Vagina: Birth canal; widens during childbirth and shrinks back to hold things; depth around 3-7 inches.
• Hymen: Piece of tissue; internal part of vagina
• Labia Majora/Minora: Folded skin; protects and covers.
• Clitoris: Sensitive protrusion; covered by skin (prepuce).

Menstrual Cycle

• Oogonium: Immature egg cell
• Ovum: Mature egg cell
• Oogenesis: Production of egg cells; limited to 300-500 mature cells in a lifetime.
• Ovulation: Monthly release of an ovum from the ovary.
• Menstruation: Monthly shedding of the uterine lining if egg is not fertilized; blood vessels break, leading to bleeding.
• Follicular Phase: FSH and LH in blood; follicle develops estrogen.
• Ovulation Phase: Ovum released; estrogen and progesterone increase.
• Luteal Phase: Rupture follicle forms corpus luteum, secretes estrogen/progesterone; hormonal changes.

Endocrine System

• Glands: Organs that secrete hormones (chemical messengers) in the blood; 50 hormones and 12 glands; effect lasts for hours, weeks, or years.
• Hypothalamus: Connects nervous and endocrine systems; controls hormones from the central nervous system.
• Pituitary Gland: Releases hormones influencing various body functions.
• Pineal Gland: Produces melatonin; sleep regulation.
• Thyroid: Regulates metabolism.
• Adrenal Gland: Produces cortisol (stress hormone).
• Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon (regulate blood glucose).
• Ovaries: Produce estrogen and progesterone for female development.
• Testes: Produce testosterone for male development (fertility, puberty).

Explore the essential components and functions of the reproductive system, focusing on gametes, gametogenesis, and fertilization. Delve into the male reproductive system, including key organs such as the testes, epididymis, and vas deferens. Understand how these structures contribute to sexual reproduction and hormone production.