Human Sexual Reproduction
By Thomas Saxby
Introduction to Sexual Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction is the formation of new individuals from two parents. Reproduction is important because it keeps the population of a species high and not endangered or extinct.
Funtions of the FEMALE reproductive system
The main function of the Female reproductive system is to produce Ovas. Also another function is to prepare the female body to nourish a developing embryo, and produce hormones.
Female reproductive system vocabulary
- Ovary- Produce a mature ova/egg each month
- Fallopian Tubes- Filled with fluid, where the egg is moved through by Microspic cilia
- Uterus- Receives the fertilized egg on its lining and develops the embryo
- Vagina- Leads to the outside of the body, where the fertalized egg comes out
Menstural Cycle
An egg developes and is released from an ovary. The uterus is ready to receive a fertilized egg. Ovulation is the shortest in the cycle, it lasts 3-4 days. The hypothalamus sends a large amount of hormones to the pituitary gland. Menstruation lasts 3-7 days, when the level of estrogen falls below a certain point that the lining of the uterus begins to detach and the tissue along with blood are discharged from the vagina.
Functions of the MALE Reproductive System
The main function of the Male Reproductive System is to produce and deliver sperm. FSH and testosterone stimulate the development of sperm, then once large numbers of sperm have been produced in the testes, then the reproductive system becomes functionable (Pueberty)
Male reproductive system vocabulary
- Testes- Remain in the scrotum, (a sac on the outside of the body under the penis), keeps the sperm warm
- Sperm- delivered from specialized cells in the tested, one key to reproduction
- Semen- When sperm move to the testes, a number of fluids are added creating semen
- Penis- External male reproductive organ semen/sperm ejaculates
The Human Sperm
- Head- contains a nucleus, to control it's development
- mid-piece/Body- Filled with energy releasing mitochondria
- Tail- Propels the sperm foward
Hormones in the reproductive system
The testosterone develops the sex cell organs before and after birth. Estrogen and progesterone are produced and released from the ovaries which cause the uterus, vagina, and ovaries to mature.
Embryonic development
The human embryonic development occurs when the sperm and egg meet, and a Zygote forms. Growth and differentiation occurs where the organism gets bigger and developes in the womb.
Factors that can cause risk to developing embryo
- Radiations like X rays can pass through the tissues of the mother and into the fetus
- Smoking, Heroin, LSD, Cocaine, and alcohol use by the mother can endanger a fetus and cause the offspring to be addicted to these things as well