The human reproduction system is defined as a sexual reproductive system. This means that
there are 2 parents (a bi-parental system) and the offspring receives chromosomes from both
parents.
• The parents produce Gametes which are basically sex cells that meet together to join a
fertilized egg (Zygote).
• The gametes must have 2 properties: motility and the ability to provide nutrition.
o One cell cannot provide both of these characteristics because in order to provide
nutrients, the cell must be large and heavy and therefore cannot really be
motile.
• In the human system we have 2 cells.
o The male sex cell is the sperm which is very small and very motile. The sperm is
the smallest human sex cell in the body and consists mainly of DNA and some
mitochondria in the tail of the sperm.
o The egg is the female sex cell which is very large and nutrient heavy. It is the
largest human cell and can be seen with the naked eye in some cases.
• The reproductive system of the male and female consists of primary and secondary sex
organs.
o Primary sex organs- Gonads will produce the gametes (sex cells)
▪ Male gonad- Testis.
▪ Female gonad- Ovary
o Secondary sex organs- crucial to the reproductive process
▪ Male: consists of a system of ducts and glands along with the penis that
allows for storage, survival and conveyance of sperm.
▪ Female system: contains uterus, uterine tubes, and vagina that allows for
the uniting of sperm and the egg, and also for the zygote to harbor and
develop into a fetus.
• Male reproduction system: produces the sperm and introduces them to the female.
o Scrotum- pouch that arises from the abdomen and contains the Testis (male
gonad)
▪ Testes are an exocrine gland because they produce sex cells which they
release from a series of ducts,
▪ Testes are an endocrine gland because they also produce the hormone
Testosterone and release it directly into the bloodstream.
,BIOD 152 AP2 Lab7 Study Guide
o
o CROSS
SECTION OF THE TESTES
▪ There are cells that are specifically designed to produce sperm or testosterone.
▪ Seminiferous Tubules- tightly coiled tubes that are the site of sperm
production caused by spermagenic cells.
▪ Interstitial Cells- found in between the seminiferous tubes and produce
testosterone
• Testosterone- a male sex hormone, a steroid hormone, and it
allows for the development of the male reproductive system and
it allows for the development of secondary sex characteristics
, BIOD 152 AP2 Lab7 Study Guide
(deepening of the voice, broadening of the physique, developing
facial hair)
▪ Testes develop first in the abdomen, and then through the gestational
period, will descend into the scrotal sac.
• They do this through the Inguinal Canal.
• Cryptorchidism- a condition when the testes do not fully descend
into the scrotum.
o If not treated surgically, it can lead to testicular cancer or
infertility.
• The epididymis: a coiled tube that allows a space for the sperm to mature and then to
be stored until its ready for elimination from the body.
o If sperm are stored in the epididymis longer than 40-60 days, they are
considered to be infertile sperm and the body will reabsorb them.
o The male body is constantly producing sperm so any old sperm is reabsorbed
and replaced by new sperm.
o The epididymis takes a sharp 180 degree turn and turns into the Ductus
Deferens (Vas Deferens)
• The next part of the tract is called the Urethra and is where the sperm is ejaculated from
the body.
• The Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens) is a muscular tube that helps to propel sperm out
of the male reproductive tract.
o Site of a vasectomy
o The vas deferens merges with the seminal vesicles:
o SEMINAL VESICLES
o Together, the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles merge to form the
Ejaculatory Duct.
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