Human Reproduction Study Guide

Male Reproductive System

The primary role is to produce, store, and deliver sperm to the female reproductive system for fertilization. It also produces testosterone, the hormone responsible for male characteristics like deeper voice and facial hair.

Female Reproductive System

The primary role is to produce eggs (ova), provide an environment for fertilization, and support a developing fetus during pregnancy. It also produces estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Puberty

The stage of life when a person's body matures sexually, meaning they can reproduce. It includes physical, emotional, and hormonal changes.

Puberty Occurrence for Girls

Typically occurs around 9-14 years old.

Puberty Occurrence for Boys

Typically occurs around 11-16 years old.

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Scrotum

Holds and protects the testes. Regulates temperature (cooler for sperm production).

Epididymis

Stores and matures sperm before it moves to the vas deferens.

Vas Deferens

A tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Seminal Vesicles

Produce a sugary fluid that nourishes sperm and gives them energy.

Prostate Gland

Produces fluid that protects sperm from the acidic environment of the female reproductive system.

Bulbourethral (Cowper's) Glands

Secretes a lubricating fluid that neutralizes acidic urine in the urethra.

Urethra

Carries sperm out of the body during ejaculation.

Male Gamete

Sperm (produced in testes through spermatogenesis).

Female Gamete

Egg (Ovum) (produced in ovaries through oogenesis).

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production.

Oogenesis

The process of ovum (egg) production.

Chromosome Count in Sperm and Egg Cells

Sperm and egg cells contain 23 chromosomes each (haploid).

Zygote Chromosome Count

When fertilization occurs, they combine to form a zygote with 46 chromosomes (diploid).

Genetic Makeup of a Healthy Sperm & Egg Cell

Half + Half = Whole Baby!

Sperm Production

Produced in: Testes

Sperm Maturation

Matured in: Epididymis

Sperm Storage

Stored in: Epididymis and Vas Deferens

Structure of a Sperm Cell - Head

Contains DNA (genetic material).

Structure of a Sperm Cell - Midpiece

Contains mitochondria (powerhouse for energy).

Structure of a Sperm Cell - Tail

Helps the sperm swim toward the egg.

Structure of Seminal Fluid

Seminal Vesicles: Provide a sugary fluid for energy.

Structure of Seminal Fluid - Prostate Gland

Produces a protective fluid.

Structure of Seminal Fluid - Bulbourethral Gland

Lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acidity.

Ovaries

Produce eggs and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).

Fallopian Tubes

Carry eggs to the uterus; where fertilization happens.

Uterus

Supports pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants.

Cervix

Opening to the uterus; widens during childbirth.

Vagina

Passage for sperm, birth, and menstruation.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle that prepares the female body for pregnancy.

Estrogen

Grows the egg and uterine lining.

Progesterone

Maintains uterine lining.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Matures the egg.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Triggers ovulation.

Fertilization

Joining of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Implantation

When the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus wall.

Function of the Placenta

Provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby; removes waste from the baby's blood.

1st Trimester

Organs form, heartbeat starts.

2nd Trimester

Baby moves, grows hair.

3rd Trimester

Fully develops, gets ready for birth.

Testosterone

Male hormone that helps with sperm production.

Ovulation

Release of an egg from the ovary.

Menopause

The end of a woman's menstrual cycle.