The
Reproductive
System
Function

To ensure survival of the species

To produce egg and sperm cells

To transport and sustain these cells

To nurture the developing offspring

To produce hormones

Other systems strive to maintain a
state of homeostasis
Intro to Human Reproduction


Gametes – reproductive cells

Males – sperm

Females – egg or ovum
Gonads – reproductive organs that
produce gamete and sex hormones

Males – testis (plural: testes)

Females – ovary (plural: ovaries)
Intro to Human Reproduction

Puberty – the time during teenage years
when males start to produce sperm and
females start to release eggs.


Puberty occurs a couple of years
earlier for females than males
usually.
Menopause – the time when females stop
releasing eggs. This usually occurs
between 45 to 55 years of age.

Males do not undergo menopause and
produce sperm all their lives
following puberty.
Male – Path of the Sperm
Testes
Epididymis
Vas deferens
urethra
Male – Parts of the
Reproductive System
Male

Testes

Produce sperm


Sperm production begins at puberty
and continues throughout the life of
a male
Produce testosterone



Hair patterns and voice changes
Development of the male accessory
organs (prostate, seminal vesicles)
Stimulates the effect of protein
building in the body that is
responsible for the greater muscle
development and strength

Male
Duct system

Epididymis


Vas deferens


Transports mature sperm to the urethra
Ejaculatory ducts


Sperm mature in epididymis
Empty into the urethra
Accessory organs

Seminal vesicles


Cowpar's Gland


holds the liquid that mixes with sperm to form semen.
Semen contains fluid from the epididymis, seminal
vesicle, prostate gland, and vas deferens.
Produces a sugary-rich fluid that provides energy to
the sperm
Prostate Gland

The urethra runs through the center of the prostate,
from the bladder to the penis,controlling urine flow
out of the body. The prostate also secretes fluid that
nourishes and protects sperm.
Male


Urethra

Tube that carries urine from the
bladder to outside of the body

Also carries semen out of the body
(prostate enlarges to block flow of
urine)
Penis

The urethra is located in the penis

Male reproductive unit
Female – Path of the Egg
Ovary
Fallopian tube (oviduct)
Uterus (womb)
Cervix
Vagina
Female – Parts of the
Reproductive System
Female


Ovary

There are 2 ovaries

Produces eggs, femaile sex hormones (estrogen and
progesterone) that regulate the menstrual ccle, pregnancy,
and the secondary characteristics (breasts, enlarged hips)

At birth, females have all their eggs formed, but in an
immature state

After puberty and before menopause, one egg is released
about every 28 days from each ovary
Fallopian Tube


Connects between ovary and uterus, fertilization of egg by
sperm takes place here
Uterus

Strong, muscular and elastic organ where a fetus develops

After an egg is released from the ovary, a blood-filled
lining (endometrium) develops on the walls of the uterus
in preparation for the nourishment of the fetus. If no
fertilization occurs, then this lining passes out through
the vagina over several days as “periods” or menstruation
Female


Cervix

The opening between the uterus and
the vagina

During pregnancy, a plug forms
across the cervix separating the
uterus from the outside to prevent
infection of the fetus. This plug
falls out, and the cervix dilates
before the birth of a baby.
Vagina

An elastic muscular organ that
expands during birth to allow for
the passage of the baby.

A.K.A. Birth canal
Process of Fertilization
23
Unpaired
chromosome
s
Human egg cell
from the mother
Fertilized egg
23
Unpaired
chromosome
s
Human sperm cell
from the father
46
chromosome
s
In 23 pairs