Reproduction

Male Reproductive System

Seminal Vesicle

Prostate

Vas Deferens

Urethra

Epididymus

Testis Scrotum

Penis

Cowpers Gland

Important Glands

The following glands all contribute to semen:

• Seminal vesicle – secretes fructose for energy

• Prostate gland – alkaline buffer, protects from acidic environment of vagina

• Cowper’s gland – mucus-rich fluids

Testes

• Sperm are produced in seminiferous tubules within the testes

• Sperm mature and are stored in the epididymous

Spermatogenesis

Three types of cells in testes:

• Spermatagonia – produce sperm

• Sertoli Cells – influence/nurture developing sperm

• Interstitial cells – produce testosterone

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter28/animation__spermatogenesis__quiz_1_.html

Spermatogenesis

For each spermatagonium that undergoes meiosis – 4 sperm are produced

Five hormones that control male reproductive function

GnRH – released from Hypothalamus, stimulates pituitary to release FSH and LH

FSH – stimulates Sertoli cells which then signal sperm production

LH – stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone

Testosterone – male sex hormone

Female Reproductive System

Fimbriae

Uterus (womb)

Fallopian TubeOvary

Vagina

Ovaries

• Produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone

• Site of egg cell (ova) development and ovulation

• Contain cells called follicles that develop into oocytes (immature eggs)

Oogenesis (egg formation)

• Follicles make up two kinds of cells: primary oocyte and granulosa cells

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter28/animation__maturation_of_the_follicle_and_oocyte.html

Animation: Oogenesis and Ovulation

Hormones that Control Female Reproductive Function

FSH – stimulates follicle development

Estrogen – produced by growing follicles (and corpus luteum), high amounts signal ovulation

LH – stimulates corpus luteum growth and maintenance

Progesterone – produced by corpus luteum. Inhibits further ovulation, maintains uterine lining during pregnancy

Interesting…

• Women do not produce new eggs throughout life…unlike sperm production

• Women will produce on average of 400 mature eggs between ages 12-50 **new research