Human Reproductive System

Reproductive System Defined: organs & glands that produce hormones which help make a new human Puberty = sexual maturity (ability to reproduce) Controlled by hormones Hypothalamus & Pituitary glands release 2 major hormones: FSH LH Develop sexual characteristics and reproductive system

Males vs. Females Differences Similarities Male (XY) 2 compartments Produce MILLIONS of sperm every day Female (XX) One egg, once a month Similarities 2 compartments Testes Ovaries Start inside body Testicles drop before birth Fetus has glands that could become either female or male Father “determines” gender Depends on genes XX: Female XY: Male

Male Anatomy

Male Reproductive System Function: Produce sperm Deliver sperm to female egg Testes Outside body If temp is too high, sperm can’t be made Produces Testosterone Develops male sex characteristics Makes sperm FSH LH Testosterone

Review: Spermatogenesis Defined: Production of sperm cells spermatogonium Review: Spermatogenesis Meiosis 1 Defined: Production of sperm cells Location: male testes Process: Meiosis Makes final changes to sperm cell Four haploid sperm cells at a time 23 chromosomes in each Meiosis 2 Spermatogenesis

What is sperm? MYTH: tiny human inside TRUTH: Matures in the epididymis Contains Several Parts: 1) Head Enzymes to get through egg membrane 23 chromosomes 22 autosomes 1X or 1Y chromosome 2) Mid piece Mitochondria = Energy 3) Flagellum To swim through female system

Prostate Gland Function: Produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm Sperm + fluid = semen Prostate Cancer Most common male cancer Usually slow growing Prostate exams help monitor Treatment: Radiation, Chemotherapy, surgery

Fertilization Defined: Fusion of egg and sperm to create zygote

Fertilization Defined: Fusion of egg and sperm to create zygote Sperm Pathway: Epididymis  vas deferens  urethra

Fertilization Defined: Fusion of egg and sperm to create zygote Sperm Pathway: Epididymis  vas deferens  urethra 50-500 million sperm released Only 1 sperm fertilizes egg Enzymes in acrosome of sperm help penetrate egg Instant biochemical change (no more sperm can enter)

Review Which hormones stimulate the maturity of the male reproductive system? Which cellular process produces sperm cells? Explain the function of the following: pituitary gland, testes, prostate, epididymis, and vas deferens How does the structure of a sperm cell aid in it’s function? Describe how an egg is fertilized Are sperm cells haploid or diploid? A zygote? How many chromosomes can be found in a human sperm cell? A zygote?