1. Human Reproduction
Chapter 17.1
Page

2. Objectives
Describe the path that sperm cells take through the male reproductive system
Identify the organs of the female reproductive system and describe their functions
Describe the major events of the female reproductive cycle.

3. Key Terms Fertilization Testis Scrotum Sperm cell Penis Urethra
Seminal vesicles

4. Key Terms Semen Ejaculation Bulbourethral gland Uterus Ovary
Fallopian tubes
Vagina

5. Key Terms
Follicle
Ovulation
Menstruation

6. The Male Reproductive System
The testis produce Testosterone, a hormone that is crucial for the development of primary sex characteristics.
The development of male reproductive organs before birth
Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics
Adult males
Larger skeletal muscles, hair on the face, a deep voice

7. The Male Reproductive System
Testosterone signals Sperm cell production by the testis through an complex hormone system
About 200 – 400 million per day, (one sperm cell can take 10 weeks from start to finish)
They contain the genetic information, (1/2 the DNA)
They have a special shape allowing them to move
Semen is a mixture that contains sperm cells
The prostate gland and seminal vesicles produce fluids that are added to the sperm in a tube called the vas deferens

8. The Male Reproductive System
Sperm cells move from the testis to the penis
The penis is composed of spongy tissue
During arousal, the spongy tissue fills with blood, becoming erect, preparing a male for intercourse
Sperm is deposited in the female reproductive system
The urethra is a tube on the underside of the penis
It can carry urine from the bladder or semen from the vas deferens
Even before ejaculation watery discharge from the Bulbourethral gland may expel sperm into the female system
Semen is expelled from the body by ejaculation
Ejaculation is a reflexive response to nerve signals
Contractions of the vas deferens expel semen

9. The Male Reproductive System
Sperm cells carry the genetic material that determines the characteristics of offspring
Males carry an X & Y chromosome and females carry an X & X chromosome
Males determine the sex of the baby because only they carry the Y chromosome

10. The Female Reproductive System
The center of the female reproductive system is the Uterus
Contains and nourishes the developing baby inside the mother, (the womb)
The Ovaries contain the reproductive cells of the female
An undeveloped egg cell develops each month
These egg cells are in place when the female is born, (each ovary contains about 400,000 cells), yet only about 400 may mature
Unfertilized eggs are eliminated with the menstrual flow

11. The Menstrual Cycle Hormones needed for the cycle:
FSH, (follicle stimulating hormone), begins the process of egg production
Estrogen causes the production of LH, (luteinizing hormone), and matures the egg
Progesterone is the body’s signal to prepare for pregnancy and stops LH and FSH production
Brain hormones control the entire process

12. The Female Reproductive System
As egg cells are released into the Fallopian Tubes from the ovary
The egg moves down the Fallopian Tube to the Uterus
Fertilization occurs in the Fallopian Tube by sperm
Sperm cells released into the Vagina during the previous 72 hours may enter the egg
The fused cells develop into a baby

13. Summary
The male reproductive system consists primarily of two testes, two vas deferens, two seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, the bulbourethral gland, (or Cowper’s gland), and the penis
The testes produce the male reproductive cells, (sperm cells), and the male hormone, (testosterone)
Semen, the fluid that contains sperm cells, exits the male body by a reflex called ejaculation, (referred to in the path of sperm)

14. Summary
The female reproductive system consists mainly of two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the vagina
The ovaries contain egg producing cells and produce the female hormones, progesterone and estrogen
A single egg producing cell matures in one ovary, is expelled, (ovulated), every month