This document provides an in-depth, yet straight-to-the-point summary of my lecture notes on the reproductive system. It includes information on both the male and female reproductive system, with detailed notes and labelled diagrams.
Reproduction is a sexual act, requiring the bonding of male and female gamete
cells (sperm and egg cells) to fuse together and create a foetus.
PUBERTY...
Puberty is the point when a child becomes sexually active, involving the start of the
production of gametes which can trigger body changes to compensate for gamete
production and reproduction
Puberty starts at different ages depending on gender;
-boys tend to start puberty between the ages of 9 to 15 years old
-girls can start puberty from the age of 7 to 14 years (often starting 2 years before
boys do)
Puberty for boys:
-the first sign is usually a growth spurt due to increasing testosterone production in the
testes which combines with other hormones such as thyroxine & cortisol to stimulate
bone and muscle growth.
,Increase in testosterone is triggered by luteinising hormone (from the anterior pituitary
gland) which triggers interstitial cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
Testosterone production causes:
-sperm cell production (spermatogenesis)
-testicular & penis growth
-axilla and pubic hair growth
-skeletal and muscle growth
-changes in sweat and sebaceous glands (can make sweat more odorous & increases risk
of acne due to blocked sebaceous glands)
-change in libido (increases sexual thoughts and desires)
Puberty for girls:
For girls, puberty is triggered by critical weights (which is why girls are more vulnerable to
early puberty). The ovaries produce oestrogen, progesterone and androgens that help
trigger the changes during puberty.
Pre-puberty the ovaries produce a small amount of oestrogen which helps inhibit the release
of luteinising hormones. The hypothalamus starts to release the luteinising hormones and
follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), which increases the release of oestrogen, progesterone
& androgens.
Puberty in girls causes:
-production of egg cells (oogenesis)
-enlargement of the breasts, vagina & uterus
-triggers the onset of menarche (the first period which then turns into the menstrual cycle)
-axilla and pubic hair growth
-changes in sweat & sebaceous glands (similar to boys)
-changes in libido (increase sexual thoughts and desire)
, REPRODUCTIVESYSTEM:
THEMAALE
The primary responsibilities of the male reproductive system include;
-the production and maintenance of sperm
-production of the transport fluid called semen to transport sperm
-the discharge of sperm during sexual intercourse
-production and secretion of male specific reproductive hormones
The male reproductive system is made up of:
-the testes & scrotum
-the male duct system
-the prostate gland
-the penis
SPERM
The sperm cell consists of 4 main
Parts; the head, neck, middle piece
& tail.
The sperm head contains the nucleus which has the chromosomes essential for the
creation of a foetus. At the front of the head is the acrosome which is a pocket of
enzymes used to help with the penetration of the egg cell.
The neck of the sperm contains a high number of mitochondria which provides the
sperm with energy whilst trying to locate the egg cell after ejaculation. The mitochondria
allows the sperm to perform the swim-like movement for a period of time.
The tail of the sperm cell helps it’s movement through the female reproductive system to
the ovum - a sperm cell can last up to 48 hours once ejaculated into the female.
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