Reproductive system general slides

Why Reproduction Exists

• Pass genetic material onto further generations

• Survival of the fittest

• Increase biodiversity

Reproduction in humans

• NOT just about reproduction

• Hormone production

• Pleasure and bonding

Organisms that create connections with others and are a part of communities can…

• Live longer

• Withstands more threats

• More easily maintain homeostasis

• Live happier

Sex characteristics defintion

biological traits that develop under the influence of genes and hormones

Sex characteristics are controlled by

• Chromosomes

• Gene expression

• Hormones

Secondary sex characteristics

• Develop at puberty

• Not directly involved in reproduction

Examples of secondary sex characteristics

• Breast development

• Facial hair

• Voice depth

• Body fat distribution

• Muscle mass

• Hip and shoulder with

Sex assigned at birth

Sex assigned to you, by a doctor, at the time of birth based on external genitalia

Sex (gender) definition

• combinations of sex characteristics

• Exists on a spectrum of biological traits

• Your sex MAY or MAY NOT align with your sex assigned at birth

Intersex definition

People whose combinations of sex characteristics fall outside of the “typical female” and “typically male” clusters of sex characteristics

Major sex hormones/ what they do

• Androgens

  • Promote male-typical sex characteristics

• Estrogens

  • Promote female-typical sex characteristics

• Progestogens

  • Involved in reproductive cycling and pregnancy

Luteinizing Hormone

• in ovaries: Triggers ovulation, stimulates formation of the corpus luteum, stimulates progesterone production

• In testes: Stimulates testosterone production

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

• In ovaries: Stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, promotes estrogen production

• In testes: Stimulates sertoli cells, supports sperm maturation

Dehydroepiandrosterone( DHEA)

• Precursor hormone

  • Can be converted into androgens or estrogens

What embryonic tissues do all external genitalia come from

• Genital tubercle

• Urogenital folds

• Labioscrotal swellings

homologies between male and female

• Clitoris = penis

• Labia majora = scrotum

• Labia minora = shaft underside

• Vestibule = urethra opening

Bacterial vs Viral

Bacterial

• Treated and cured with antibiotics

• Damage stops when treated early

Viral

• Not curable with antiobiotics

• Medications reduce symptoms and transmission