The Reproductive System

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The Reproductive System

The male and female reproductive systems are different with both

having specific roles.

The Male Reproductive System

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The main structures of the male reproductive system are the testes,

the penis and several glands. Male sperm carries genetic information

and are produced continually from the start of puberty. The primary

spermatocyte divides by meiosis make two secondary spermatocytes and

then four, which have half the amount of chromosomes as the mother

cell (46 in humans) therefore sperm (spermatozoa) has 23 chromosomes

(genetic information).

Sperm produced in the testes in a sac called the scrotum is 3°C cooler

than normal body temperature as they hang down between the legs. Sperm

does not develop well at 37°C.

Seminiferous tubule coiled tightly in the testes make up several

hundred compartments and here sperm cells are produced by the sertoli

cells. It takes two months for the full production of a sperm cell and

several hundred million are made each day. Those that are not

ejaculated are broken down and absorbed into the body.

Testosterone is secreted from cells in the testes. All cells in the

testes for normal function require hormones, these are a combination

of pituitary hormones called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH

(luteinizing hormone).

After its manufacture sperm is delivered to a long coiled tube called

the epididymis where it matures and stays there for at least 18 hours

before their mobility develops. Once this has taken place sperm then

passes along to another tube called the vas deferens where it is

stored. During intercours...

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...enta, the

lifeline between mother and offspring. Through this organ the foetus

gains all its needs and disposes of all its waste. Extensive changes

occur in almost all of the systems in a woman's body during pregnancy.

If conception does not occur preparations, in the form of a series of

changes each month, are abandoned. The materials that are produced

each month are scrapped and a fresh cycle begins, preparing again for

conception. This regular sequence is termed the menstrual cycle

because of the discharge of fluid (menses) occurring via the vagina at

regular intervals. The events of this cycle are divided into four

stages: -

1 Menstrual

2 Follicular

3 Ovulatory

4 Luteal

Phase 3, which is mid cycle, is the time that the ovum is released

from the ovary (this is what is known as ovulation).

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