Reproductive System

Function: The purpose of the reproductive system is to produce _gametes_ and allow for _fertilization_ to take place. Although a healthy reproductive system is not a requirement for an individual _organism, it is essential for continuation of a _species.

Male Reproductive System Scrotum – Contains testes; allows for _lower temperature needed for sperm production Testes – Site of _gamete_ production. Specialized _diploid (2n) cells undergo _meiosis_ to produce _haploid (n) sperm cells. Meiosis begins at _puberty and continues until _death Each meiotic division produces 4 sperm cells with 23 chromosomes

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Vas Deferens – Tubes that transport sperm to _urethra. Glands Prostate Gland and Seminal Vesicles – Produce _semen to provide _nutrients, protect sperm from acidic vagina Bulbourethral Gland – Produces acid neutralizer to protect sperm from any residual _urine_____ in urethra Penis – Means for sperm delivery via _urethra during _ejaculation_

Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system is designed for _gamete production and development of the _embryo_ following fertilization.

Female Reproductive System Ovary – Site of meiosis and gamete production; however there are three ways oogenesis differs from spermatogenesis: Meiosis begins _before birth, but it is paused until puberty so females are born with total set of immature egg cells. During the female menstrual cycle, one egg cell or _ovum__ completes meiosis. Meiosis stops when a female is 45-55 years old. Known as _menopause; menstruation ceases Meiosis produces only _one_ egg cell. The other 3 cells disintegrate so that the single egg cell contains all the _cytoplasm.

Female Reproductive system Oviducts – Also known as the _fallopian tubes____. Passageway for egg cell during ovulation. Site of _fertilization__. When sperm and egg cell fuse, a _diploid____ _zygote___ is created with _46__ chromosomes. Development of the zygote to an _embryo____ → _fetus____ → _baby__ is carried out through _mitosis

Female reproductive system Uterus – Site of _embryo development. Implantation takes place approximately 5-7 days following fertilization. If fertilization does not occur, lining of uterus is sloughed off during _menstruation____. Vagina – Also known as “_birth canal”; passageway for _sperm_ in and _baby_ out