1. Determining Sex In mammals, sex is determined early in development
the reproductive systems of human males and females appear similar for the first 40 days after conception
if the embryo is XY, it is a male and will carry a gene on the Y chromosome whose product converts gonads into testes
the sex-determining gene is SRY (sex-determining region of the Y chromosome)
if the embryo is XX, it is a female and the gonads will become ovaries

2. Males Sperm made in testis Matures in the epididymis
Mostly just a nucleus
Acrosome helps the sperm penetrate the egg
Matures in the epididymis
When ejaculated, sperm travels through vas deferens into urethra
Before getting to urethra, seminal vesicle and prostate gland add sugary substance

3. Production of sperm

4. Females Eggs made in ovary
Egg is released into fallopian tube during ovulation
Only one released per month
Travels to the uterus where it will implant in the endometrium if fertilized
Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube
If fertilization did not occur, the endometrium will be shed and discharged through the cervix and vagina

5. Production of eggs

6. Female reproductive cycle – menstrual cycle
Two phases
Follicular phase – maturation of egg and ovulation
Luteal phase – preparation of the body for pregnancy
Follicular phase
Begins with release of FSH by anterior pituitary gland
This stimulates the development of ovarian follicles
Ovarian follicles secrete estradiol – which causes growth in the lining of the uterus
Increase in estradiol levels eventually stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release LH
LH stimulates ovulation (or the bursting of the ovarian follicle, which releases the ovum (egg))
Luteal phase
Ruptured ovarian follicle is called the corpus luteum and it releases estradiol and progesterone
Progesterone prepares for pregnancy
Maintains lining
Prevents the ovaries from producing another follicle
Basis of birth control
If ovum becomes fertilized, it releases a hormone called human chrionic gonadotropin (hCG) that maintains the corpus luteum
If not, the corpus luteum degrades and progesterone is no longer released, signaling the body to shed the endometrium