1. The Reproductive System
Lesson Overview
The Reproductive System

2. Sperm Structure
A mature sperm cell consists of a head, which contains a highly condensed nucleus; a midpiece, which is packed with energy-releasing mitochondria; and a tail, or flagellum, which propels the cell forward.
At the tip of the head is a small cap containing enzymes vital to fertilization.

3. The Male Reproductive System
This figure shows the structures of the male reproductive system.

4. The Male Reproductive System
Vas deferens: extends upward from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity and eventually merges with the urethra
Function: tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

5. The Male Reproductive System
Penis: tube outside of the body that is considered the male sex organ
Function: is used for urination and during sexual functions

6. The Male Reproductive System
Urethra: tube outside of the body that is considered the male sex organ
Function: tube through which urine leaves the body

7. The Male Reproductive System
Seminal vesicle: located behind the bladder, above the prostate gland
Function: holds the liquid that mixes with sperm to form semen

8. The Male Reproductive System
Prostate gland: walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis
Function: secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm

9. The Male Reproductive System
Epididymis: long, coiled tube connecting the testes to the vas deferens
Function: stores sperm and transports it from the testis

10. The Male Reproductive System
Testes— the primary male reproductive organs
Function: produces sperm
The temperature in the scrotum is a few degrees lower than the normal temperature of the body. The lower temperature is important for sperm development.

11. The Male Reproductive System
Scrotum: thin sac of skin that is located externally
Function: hold the testis and is the body’s way of controlling the climate of the testis

12. Female Reproductive Structures
About 400 eggs are released in a woman’s lifetime.
The figure shows the other structures of the female reproductive system.

13. Female Reproductive Structures
Oviduct (Fallopian tube): is a narrow tube about 10 cm long and is located at top of the ovary
Function: passageway to the uterus

14. Female Reproductive Structures
Ovary: primary female productive organ
Function: produces egg

15. Female Reproductive Structures
Uterus: is a hollow, muscular organ with thick walls, roughly the size and shape of a pear
Function: to contain and protect the developing baby – where the developing fetus is implanted

16. Female Reproductive Structures
Cervix: neck of the uterus
Function: to connect the uterus to the vagina

17. Female Reproductive Structures
Vagina: flexible, thin-walled organ about 9 cm long
Function: used during sexual functions, birth canal through which the baby exits during birth, and a passageway for menstrual flow

18. Early Development
Ovulation: releasing of the egg into the ovary and is drawn up into the Fallopian tubes
Fertilization: the fusion of the sperm and egg in the oviduct or Fallopian tubes
Implantation: attaching of the blastocyst into the uterus wall
Gastrulation: production of the 3 cell layers of the embryo

19. Early Development
5. Neurulation: formation of the nervous system

20. Development of the Fetus
Placenta: is the connection between the mother and embryo that acts as the embryo’s organ of respiration, nourishment, and excretion
Umbilical cord: connects the embryo to the placenta
Amniotic sac: the thin membrane that cushions and protects the developing embryo.
Amniotic fluid: fluid inside of amniotic sac

21. Development of the Fetus