Human Reproductive System
Objectives Explain the roles of the male and female reproductive systems. Describe the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems. Explain the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
Terms you must know -Puberty -Scrotum -Penis -Epididymis -Vas deferens -Prostate gland -Urethra -Semen -Follicle -Seminal vesicle -Ovulation -Fallopian tube -Uterus -Ovaries -Vagina -Menstruation -Cervix
Reproduction Reproduction is the formation of new individuals. If any other body system failed, the result would be death. An individual can lead a healthy life without reproducing. The reproductive system is the single most important body system for the continuation of a species.
Hormones and the Reproductive System Hormones play a very important role in the human reproductive system. Testosterone: Produced by the testes. Required for sperm production and development of male sex characteristics. Estrogen: Produced by the ovaries. Required for development of eggs and female sex characteristics. Progesterone: Produced by ovaries. Prepares uterus for arrival of developing embryo
Sexual Development & Puberty For the first six weeks of development, human male and female embryos are identical in appearance. During the seventh week, major changes occur. Testosterone produced by male testes lead to the development of male features. Estrogen and Progesterone produced by the female ovaries lead to the development of female characteristics.
Sexual Development & Puberty Although male and female reproductive organs develop from the same tissues in the embryo, it is the sex hormones that determine whether the embryo will develop into a male or female. After birth, the gonads produce small amounts of sex hormones that continue to influence the development of sex organs. Neither the testes nor the ovaries are capable of producing active gametes until puberty.
Sexual Development & Puberty Puberty: A period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the reproductive system becomes fully functional. After puberty, male and female reproductive glands are fully functional Puberty begins when the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to increase the amount of hormones that affect the gonads.
Male Reproductive System The main structures of the male reproductive system are: Testes -Epididymis Seminal vesicle -Vas deferens Urethra -Penis Prostate Gland -Scrotum These structures work together to produce and deliver sperm.
Function of male reproductive structures Scrotum: External sac containing the testes. Important in maintaining optimum temperature for sperm production (96 F) Testes: Organs that produce sperm and testosterone. Epididymis: Area where sperm fully mature and are stored. Seminal vesicle: Structure involved in the production of semen
Function of male reproductive structures Vas deferens: Ductis that lead sperm from epididymis to the urethra Urethra: Tube that leads sperm out of the body through the penis. Prostate Gland: Produces substances in semen to protect and nourish sperm Penis: Male sex organ, functions in releasing sperm.
Female Reproductive System The main structures of the female reproductive system are: -Ovaries -Fallopian Tubes -Uterus -Vagina -Cervix In addition to producing eggs, the female reproductive system prepares the female’s body to nourish a developing embryo.
Female Reproductive System
Function of female reproductive structures In contrast to the millions of sperm produced each day in the male reproductive system, the ovaries usually produce only one mature ovum (egg) per month.
Function of female reproductive structures Ovaries: Structures that produce eggs and female sex hormones—Estrogen and Progesterone Fallopian Tubes (oviducts): Fluid filled tubes through which an egg passes after it is released by the ovary.
Function of female reproductive structures Uterus: Organ in which the fertilized egg develops Vagina: Canal that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. Cervix: Opening of the uterus