Reproductive System

Reproduction: is the formation of new individuals

The reproductive system produces, stores, and releases specialized sex cells called gametes

Sexual reproductive systems allows organisms to produce offspring that receive half of their genetic information from their mother and half from their father

The primary reproductive organs in females are the ovaries.

The main function of the female reproductive system is to produce ova

Each ovary has about 400,000 primary follicles (clusters of cells that surround each cell)

Normally 1 egg is released about every 28 days

Ovulation- is the process when an egg cell is released

The egg is released and enters the fallopian tube

The egg is moved along by cilia

After a few days the egg passes to the uterus

If the egg is fertilized, it attaches to the lining of the uterus.

If not fertilized the egg passes through the vagina and then out of the body

The primary male reproductive organ is called testicles.

The primary function of the male reproductive system is to produce and deliver sperm

The testes are in an external sax called the scrotum The temperature in the scrotum is about 3 degrees lower than the rest of the body

The temperature in the scrotum is about 3 degrees lower than the rest of the body

The lower temperature is needed for sperm development

Sperm are haploid cells

Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules and stored in the epididymis 

Some sperm move into the vas deferens and then to the urethra

The sperm follow the urethra through the penis and then out of the body.

Glands lining the reproductive tract produce seminal fluid:

Provides nourishment for the sperm

Protects the sperm from the high acidity of the female reproductive tract

Semen- combination of sperm and seminal fluid

1 ml of semen has between 50-130 million sperm

The autonomic nervous system prepares the male organs to deliver sperm

The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream

Uses these hormones to deliver messages throughout the body

helps regulate the body in order to maintain homeostasis, or a steady balance of chemicals

Hormones are chemicals released in one part of the body that travel through the bloodstream to affect other parts of the body

Different hormones work on different cells-

Hormones bind to specific chemical receptors on target cells

The body responses to hormones are slower and last longer compared to nerve impulses

A gland is an organ that produces and releases a substance (hormone)

Pituitary Gland-

Regulates growth

Secretes nine hormones that regulates the actions of other glands

Reproductive Glands-

Ovaries: Produce eggs and secrete sex hormones

Testes: Produce sperm and secrete sex hormones