The Reproductive System Dr. Paul A. Rodriguez

Reproduction formation of new individuals involving vertebrate gametes - ♀ ova - ♂ spermatozoa fusion of sperm and egg (ovum) is sexual fusion of sperm and egg results in a zygote in humans and other vertebrates, the reproductive system produces, stores, and releases specialized sex cells called gametes gametes form and are ready for fertilization following a period of sexual development

Embryological Development the first six weeks of development for humans - embryo female and male embryos are identical in appearance

The Seventh Week + Primary reproductive organs form - testes (male) - ovaries (female) testes- endocrine glands which produce the male hormone TESTOSTERONE - stimulate formation of scrotum and penis ovaries- endocrine glands which produce the female hormone ESTROGEN - stimulate formation of uterus, cervix, vagina and labia (minora and majora)

At Birth + gonads (testes and ovaries) continue to produce small amounts of sex hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that continue to influence development of reproductive organs

Puberty period of rapid growth and sexual maturation during which the reproductive system becomes fully functional at the level of the CNS - the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to produce increased levels of hormones that will affect gonads FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) LH (luteinizing hormone)