Overview of Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System:

Structures:

1. Testes:

   • Produce sperm and testosterone.
   • Located in the scrotum for temperature regulation.

2. Epididymis:

   • Stores and matures sperm.

3. Vas Deferens:

   • Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

4. Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, and Bulbourethral Glands:

   • Contribute fluids to semen.

5. Penis:

   • Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Functions:

• Sperm production (spermatogenesis).
• Production of male sex hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.

Female Reproductive System:

Structures:

1. Ovaries:

   • Produce eggs (ova) and female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone).

2. Fallopian Tubes:

   • Site of fertilization.
   • Transport the egg to the uterus.

3. Uterus:

   • Nurtures a developing fetus during pregnancy.

4. Cervix:

   • Connects the uterus to the vagina.

5. Vagina:

   • Birth canal and copulatory organ.

Functions:

• Egg production (oogenesis).
• Hormone production.
• Pregnancy support.

Ovulation and Luteinization:

Ovulation:

• Release of a mature egg from the ovary.
• Typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Luteinization:

• Transformation of the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum.
• Secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.

Atresia:

• Natural degeneration and reabsorption of ovarian follicles.
• A normal process that occurs throughout a woman's reproductive life.

Reproductive Cycles:

Puberty:

• Onset of sexual maturity.
• Development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Initiation of menstrual cycles in females.

Menstrual Cycle:

1. Follicular Phase:

   • Development of a mature egg in the ovary.
   • Increasing levels of estrogen.

2. Ovulatory Phase:

   • Release of the mature egg.
   • Surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).

3. Luteal Phase:

   • Formation of the corpus luteum.
   • Increased progesterone levels.

4. Menstruation:

   • Shedding of the uterine lining if fertilization does not occur.

Menopause:

• Cessation of menstrual cycles.
• Decline in ovarian function and hormone production.
• Typically occurs around the age of 50.

Role of Hormones in Reproduction:

Male Reproductive Hormones:

1. Testosterone:
   • Promotes sperm production.
   • Stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Female Reproductive Hormones:

1. Estrogen:

   • Stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
   • Regulates the menstrual cycle.

2. Progesterone:

   • Prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy.
   • Works in coordination with estrogen.

3. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):

   • Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

4. Luteinizing Hormone (LH):

   • Triggers ovulation.
   • Promotes the development of the corpus luteum.