ATI TEAS Reproductive System

Reproductive system

Body system responsible for producing gametes and enabling reproduction

What is the main function of the reproductive system?

To produce gametes and support fertilization and development

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm in males and eggs in females)

Male reproductive system

Produces sperm and delivers them to the female system

Testes

Male organs that produce sperm and testosterone

Seminiferous tubules

Structures in testes where sperm are produced

Scrotum

Sac that holds testes and regulates temperature

Why is temperature important for sperm production?

Sperm require lower than body temperature to develop properly

Sperm

Male gametes that fertilize the egg

Vas deferens

Tube that transports sperm from testes to urethra

Urethra

Tube that carries sperm out of the body

Penis

Male organ that delivers sperm during reproduction

Prostate gland

Produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm

Seminal vesicles

Produce fluid that provides energy for sperm

What is the function of fluids from prostate and seminal vesicles?

To nourish, protect, and help transport sperm

Female reproductive system

Produces eggs and supports fertilization, pregnancy, and birth

Ovaries

Female organs that produce eggs and hormones

Ova (eggs)

Female gametes

Fallopian tubes

Tubes that transport eggs from ovaries to uterus

Where does fertilization usually occur?

Fallopian tubes

Uterus

Organ where embryo develops

Cervix

Opening between uterus and vagina

Vagina

Canal that serves as birth canal and receives sperm

Labia

External structures that protect vaginal opening

Clitoris

Sensitive structure involved in sexual response

Fertilization

Fusion of sperm and egg

Zygote

Fertilized egg

Blastocyst

Early stage of embryo that implants in uterus

Implantation

Process where blastocyst attaches to uterine wall

Placenta

Structure that provides nutrients and removes waste for fetus

What is the function of the placenta?

To exchange nutrients and waste between mother and fetus

Gestation

Period of pregnancy when embryo/fetus develops

Parturition

Process of childbirth

Hormone

Chemical messenger that regulates body functions

How does the endocrine system relate to reproduction?

Hormones control development, gamete production, and cycles

Puberty

Stage when reproductive system becomes functional

Hypothalamus

Brain region that releases hormones to start puberty

Pituitary gland

Gland that releases FSH and LH

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates gamete production

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and testosterone production

Testosterone

Male hormone that promotes sperm production and male traits

Estrogen

Female hormone that promotes egg maturation and uterine lining growth

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares uterus for implantation

What happens during ovulation?

An egg is released from the ovary

Corpus luteum

Structure that produces progesterone after ovulation

Menstrual cycle

Monthly cycle of uterine lining buildup and shedding

What happens if fertilization does not occur?

The uterine lining sheds (menstruation)

How is sperm production different from egg production?

Sperm are produced continuously, eggs are released cyclically

What triggers sperm production in males?

Testosterone and FSH

What triggers egg maturation in females?

FSH and estrogen

What causes ovulation?

Surge of LH

What happens after fertilization?

Zygote forms and may implant in uterus

How do reproductive hormones affect the body?

They control development and secondary sex characteristics

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Traits like facial hair, breast development, and body fat distribution

Which organ produces female gametes?

Ovaries

Which organ produces male gametes?

Testes

Which structure carries sperm out of the body?

Urethra

Which structure is the site of implantation?

Uterus

Why is the menstrual cycle important?

It prepares the body for possible pregnancy