In depth summary of the Human Body's Female and Male Reproductive System (images included)

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UNIT 4: CHAPTER 28
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

List the functions of the Reproductive System:
Reproduction is an essential characteristic of living organisms.
1. Gametogenesis: is the production of gametes, which are reproductive cells that are
produced in the gonads.
The male gonads are the testes, which are the site of sperm cell production.
The female gonads are the ovaries, which are the site of oocyte (egg) production.
2. Fertilization: The reproductive system allows for fertilization of the oocyte by the
sperm.
The duct system in males nourishes sperm cells until they are mature and are
deposited in the female reproductive tract by the penis.
The female reproductive system receives the sperm cells from the male and provides
a passageway for them to the fertilization site.
3. Development and nourishment of a new individual: The female reproductive system
nurtures the developing fetus in the uterus until birth and provides nourishment
(breast milk) after birth.
4. Production of reproductive hormones: Hormones produced by the reproductive
system control its development and the development of the sex-specific body form.
These hormones are also essential for the routine functions of the reproductive
system and for reproductive behavior.

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

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Describe the location, structure and function of: External Reproductive Organs
Location Structure Function
Penis It is located above The penis is divided It acts as a vessel for
the scrotum into 3 parts: the urination
root, body and glans. Serves a sexual
function
Scrotum The testes are A sac like structure Holds and helps
located outside the that contains the protect the testes.
body in the scrotum. testes.
Posterior to the It is divided into 2
penis. internal
compartments by an
incomplete
connective tissue
septum.
External Urethra Is about 20cm long The urethra is Carries urine from
and extends from divided into 3 parts: the urinary bladder
the urinary bladder the prostatic, to the outside.
to the distal end of membranous and
the penis. spongy urethra.
It acts as the The prostatic
passageway for both urethra is connected
urine and male to the bladder, it
reproductive fluids. passes through the
prostate gland.
The spongy or penile
urethra is the
longest part and
extends through the
length of the penis
where it opens at the
external urethral
orifice.

List the hormones that influence the male reproductive system. Describe their functions of
skin and hair: Pg1052
Hormonal systems that influence the male reproductive system involve: the hypothalamus,
pituitary gland and the testes.
o Testosterone: is a major male hormone secreted by the testes. It is classified as an
androgen because it stimulates the development of male reproductive structures and
secondary sexual characteristics.
o Testosterone affects the appearance of the skin. It causes the texture of skin to
become rougher and coarser. Pg 1054
o It also increases the quantity of melanin in skin, making it darker.
o It also increases the rate of secretion from the sebaceous glands, especially the face.
Near puberty, the increased testosterone level and increased sebaceous secretion
frequently cause acne.