The Human Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System  Anatomy  Ovaries Responsible for bringing ova to maturityResponsible for bringing ova to maturity  Fallopian tubes Extend from the ovaries to the uterusExtend from the ovaries to the uterus Carry the mature ova to the uterusCarry the mature ova to the uterus  Uterus The main reproductive organThe main reproductive organ Receives the fertilized eggReceives the fertilized egg The site where the embryo is brought to maturityThe site where the embryo is brought to maturity  Vagina Cavity that receives sperm and allows the passage of the fetusCavity that receives sperm and allows the passage of the fetus

Female Reproductive System

Female Puberty  At the onset of puberty, the pituitary gland (in the brain) produces two hormones, FSH and LH  These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce other hormones: estrogen and progesterone  These hormones produce a number of changes

Physiological Changes  Growth of body hair  Growth of breasts  Widening of hips  Development of genital organs  Beginning of menstruation

The Menstrual Cycle  Phase 1 – The Menstrual Phase Day 1 to Day 4-6Day 1 to Day 4-6 Bleeding to flush unfertilized eggs out of the systemBleeding to flush unfertilized eggs out of the system  Phase 2 – The Follicular Phase Up to Day 14Up to Day 14 Hormones stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries that produce ovaHormones stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries that produce ova The walls of the uterus also thickenThe walls of the uterus also thicken

The Menstrual Cycle  Ovulation A follicle releases an ovum into the Fallopian tubesA follicle releases an ovum into the Fallopian tubes If fertilized, the egg will implant itself in the uterusIf fertilized, the egg will implant itself in the uterus  Phase 4 – Luteal Phase Day 15 to Day 28Day 15 to Day 28 The non-fertilized egg(s) degrades and hormonal changes lead to menstruationThe non-fertilized egg(s) degrades and hormonal changes lead to menstruation

Male Reproductive System  Anatomy  Testicles Produce testosterone (hormone) and spermatazoaProduce testosterone (hormone) and spermatazoa The epididymis extends to form the vas deferensThe epididymis extends to form the vas deferens  Vas deferens Tubes connecting the testicles to the urethraTubes connecting the testicles to the urethra  Seminal vesicles Produce a liquid that forms 30% of semenProduce a liquid that forms 30% of semen

Male Reproductive System  Prostate Produce a milky liquid that forms 60% of semenProduce a milky liquid that forms 60% of semen  Cowper’s glands Produce a liquid that forms 5% of semenProduce a liquid that forms 5% of semen  Penis Erectile organ that ejaculates semen during intercourseErectile organ that ejaculates semen during intercourse

Cowper’s glands

Male Puberty  At the onset of puberty, the pituitary gland (in the brain) produces two hormones, FSH and LH  These hormones stimulate the testicles to produce hormones called androgens (such as testosterone)  Androgens produce a number of changes, in addition to the production of spermatazoa

Spermatazoa

Physiological Changes  Growth of body hair  Deepening of voice  Development of muscle  Changes to genital organs

Procreation

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Assisted Reproduction  Artificial insemination  Cryopreservation (freezing)  Sperm/egg donation  Fertility drugs  In vitro fertilization  Surrogacy

Ethical Issues  What to do with unused eggs and sperm…  Should surrogate mothers be paid for their “work”?  Should a child made by artificial insemination be allowed to find out who his/her “parents” are?