Battle of the sexes!!!Are males and females all that
different?Well..YesAndNo!
Anatomy
MaleFemale
Similarities2 pouchesTesticlesOvariesStart out inside
bodyTesticles descend before birthFetus begins with starter parts
that could develop into either gender.
Around 7th WeekBabys body is told by DNA to become either male
or female.Unused parts disintegrateUsed parts continue
development(see overhead)
Male or Female???DNA determines babys genderXX = FemaleXY =
MaleDepends on which egg & sperm get together.Father determines
babys gender.
Anatomy similaritiesFunction VERY
different!MaleUncomplicatedProduce sperm2-4 MILLION every
dayFemaleVery Complicated!One eggOnce a monthCareful coordination
of hormones & bodyTiming perfect!
FemalesOvaries2 pouchesContain ovaBorn with all of her eggs (~
400,000)Use up ~500Wont run out!OvulationOne egg released from
ovary to oviduct (fallopian tube)
After OvulationEgg pushed along by ciliaFew days travel time to
arrive in uterus
Cervix Opening between uterus & vaginaNormally tinyAt birth
muscles pull open (dilation) cervix to allow baby to pass through =
Labor
Menstrual CycleComplex combination of 10-12 chemicals
(hormones)Usually one egg once a monthAll about timing!!!Uterus
must be ready when egg gets there in case it was fertilizedIf no
fertilization, tear down lining of uterus and rebuild for next
month
28-Day Cycle (average)Three StagesTear DownRebuildExtra
nutrients/blood for potential baby
No Baby?Back to #1
Chemicals (hormones)Regulate events in the
bodyEstrogenProgesteroneLH (leuteinizing hormone)FSH (follicle
stimulating hormone)Many others
Day 1First menstrual blood & tissueNo baby = breaks down
lining of uterus5-7 days of blood/tissue exits
bodyPre-Ovulation
~Day 14Ovulation = Egg releasedTemp spikes slightlyMost fertile
in next few days!Able to get pregnantEgg gets fertilized while
traveling through oviduct.Post-Ovulation
If fertilizedZygote begins to divide as it travels through
oviductImplants into lining of uterus
If not fertilizedEgg travels through oviduct to uterusExits body
with blood and tissues during menstruation
Birth Control PillsTrick body into thinking its pregnantExtra
hormonesNo ovulation occursNo ovulation = no egg = no fertilization
= no baby!No hormones taken for 7 days = menstruation
MaleTestesProduce 2-4 million sperm every day Outside body
why?Sperm like temps 1-2 cooler than body tempVas DeferensTube
sperm travel throughVasectomyCut/tie off tube sperm cant get
out!
