1. The Reproductive System
Dr. Paul A. Rodriguez

2. 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

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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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)