Human Reproductive System
Male System
The structure and function of the human male reproductive system, is very similar to that of many other mammals. The male system is designed to make sperm or male gametes and is adapted to provide for the delivery of these gametes to the female to allow for fertilization.
The structure and function of the human male reproductive system, is very similar to that of many other mammals. The male system is designed to make sperm or male gametes and is adapted to provide for the delivery of these gametes to the female to allow for fertilization.
Female System
The structure and function of the human female reproductive system, is very similar to that of many other mammals. It is designed to produce female gametes or eggs, allow for internal fertilization, support the internal development of the embryo and fetus, and provide nutrition through milk for the newborn.
The structure and function of the human female reproductive system, is very similar to that of many other mammals. It is designed to produce female gametes or eggs, allow for internal fertilization, support the internal development of the embryo and fetus, and provide nutrition through milk for the newborn.
Endocrine Interactions
Human reproduction and development are influenced by factors such as gene expression, hormones, and the environment. The reproductive cycle in both males and females is regulated by several different hormones. Some of these hormones include:
testosterone -- produced by the testes in the male and stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics (like facial hair and deeper voice).estrogen --produced by ovaries in the female and stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics (wider hips and mammary glands) as well as starting the thickening of the uterus lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy after the egg is released by the female each month.progesterone --produced by yellow tissue called corpus luteum in the empty ovarian follicle (place in ovary producing and releasing the egg) -- this hormone maintains the thickness of the uterus lining in case fertilization occurs and development of a fetus occurs.In human females of reproductive age, these hormones interact in a cyclic pattern called the menstrual cycle. This pattern of events repeats itself on average every 28 days unless a pregnancy or other disruption occurs. A graphic representation and written description of the stages of the human menstrual cycle is provided below.
Human reproduction and development are influenced by factors such as gene expression, hormones, and the environment. The reproductive cycle in both males and females is regulated by several different hormones. Some of these hormones include:
testosterone -- produced by the testes in the male and stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics (like facial hair and deeper voice).estrogen --produced by ovaries in the female and stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics (wider hips and mammary glands) as well as starting the thickening of the uterus lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy after the egg is released by the female each month.progesterone --produced by yellow tissue called corpus luteum in the empty ovarian follicle (place in ovary producing and releasing the egg) -- this hormone maintains the thickness of the uterus lining in case fertilization occurs and development of a fetus occurs.In human females of reproductive age, these hormones interact in a cyclic pattern called the menstrual cycle. This pattern of events repeats itself on average every 28 days unless a pregnancy or other disruption occurs. A graphic representation and written description of the stages of the human menstrual cycle is provided below.
Menstrual Cycle Stages
1. follicle stage (10-14 days average duration)
1. follicle stage (10-14 days average duration)
- production of ova/eggs occurs in tiny cavities in the ovary called follicles
- enlarging follicle produces estrogen which causes the uterus to get ready for embryo implantation (uterus thickens its lining)
- follicle enlarges and ruptures ovary wall
- egg is released to the oviduct (usually only 1 is released at a time)
- yellow tissue fills the follicle after ovulation called the corpus luteum
- "yellow body" secretes progesterone which maintains the thickness of the uterus in case a pregnancy occurs
- periodic shedding of the thickened lining of the uterus which occurs if fertilization does not occur