Human Anatomy and Physiology: The Reproductive System

Overview

Reproductive System: Encompasses gonads (testes and ovaries) producing sex hormones and gametes (sperm and eggs).
Involves glands, ducts, external genitalia, and brain areas supporting gonads and gametes.
Purpose: Facilitate mating, genetic material combination, and reproduction.

Gametes: Haploid cells produced through meiosis; differ from body cells produced by mitosis.
Fertilization: Occurs when sperm (male gamete) unites with an egg (female gamete), forming a zygote.

Primary Organ: Testes; produce testosterone.
- Located in the scrotum, which provides cooler temperatures for optimal sperm development.
- Encased in two layers: Tunica albuginea (inner) and tunica vaginalis (outer).
- Contains seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs.
Duct System: Includes the epididymis and vas deferens.
- Sperm matures and is stored in the epididymis.
- During ejaculation, sperm travels through vas deferens to ejaculatory duct and urethra.
External Genitalia: Penis and scrotum.
Accessory Glands:
- Seminal Vesicles: Produce semen, mixing with sperm during ejaculation.
- Prostate Gland: Contracts during ejaculation, aiding sperm activation.
- Bulbo-urethral Glands: Produce mucus for lubrication.

Primary Organs: Ovaries; produce ova (egg cells), estrogen, and progesterone.
- Located inside the body, encased in tunica albuginea.
- Contains follicles with immature oocytes; oogenesis occurs here.
- Ovulation: Mature follicle releases egg into fallopian tubes for potential fertilization.
Fallopian Tubes: Site of fertilization.
Uterus: Fertilized egg embeds here for development during pregnancy.
Vagina: Copulatory organ and childbirth passageway.
External Genitalia (Vulva):
- Mons Pubis: Fatty area above pelvic bone.
- Labia Majora and Minora: Protect internal structures.
- Vestibule: Houses urethral and vaginal orifices.
- Anus: Exit point for fecal matter.

Endocrine System Link: Hormones regulate reproductive organs.
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary: Central command for hormone regulation.
- Anterior Pituitary: Produces hormones like prolactin, FSH, and LH.
- Posterior Pituitary: Stores/releases hormones like oxytocin.
Gonadal Hormones:
- Ovaries: Produce estrogen (uterine lining growth) and progesterone (maintains uterine lining, fetal development).
- Testes: Produce testosterone (sperm production, male secondary characteristics).
Hormone levels and roles vary between sexes.