biology

Male Reproductive System Parts

Includes testes, vas deferens, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and penis, each playing a role in the production, storage, and delivery of sperm.

Female Reproductive System Parts

Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, with functions in egg production, fertilization, and providing a site for fetal development.

Sperm Formation vs Egg Formation

Sperm is produced continuously in males through spermatogenesis, while eggs are produced in females through oogenesis, where females are born with a finite number of eggs.

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

Includes the flow phase (shedding of the uterine lining), follicular phase (growth of follicles and egg maturation), and luteal phase (preparation for potential pregnancy).

Flow Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle where menstruation occurs and the uterine lining is shed.

Follicular Phase

The phase where follicles in the ovary mature into eggs under the influence of hormones like FSH.

Luteal Phase

The phase after ovulation where the corpus luteum forms and secretes hormones like progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

Zygote Formation

A zygote is formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg, typically occurring in the fallopian tube.

Protection and Nutrients for Sperm

The male body produces seminal fluid and regulates temperature in the scrotum to protect and nourish sperm.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg leading to the formation of a zygote, primarily occurring in the female reproductive tract.

Gland (in Endocrine System)

An organ that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that regulates physiological processes in the body.

Hypothalamus Function

Regulates the endocrine system by producing releasing hormones that influence the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland Function

The master gland that secretes hormones to regulate various bodily functions, including growth and metabolism.

Thyroid Gland Function

Produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and growth.

Thymus Function

Produces hormones important for the development of T-lymphocytes (T-cells) involved in the immune response.

Adrenal Glands Function

Produce hormones like adrenaline for stress response and corticosteroids for metabolism and immune response.

Pancreas Function

Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Gonads Function

Testes in males produce sperm and testosterone; ovaries in females produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Releasing Hormone

A hormone that stimulates the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland.

Steroid Hormones vs Non-steroid Hormones

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and can pass through cell membranes; non-steroid hormones are usually protein-based and cannot pass through the membranes.