Reproductive Physiology

Male Reproductive System

• The male reproductive system consists of organs such as the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis.
• The testes are responsible for producing sperm through a process called spermatogenesis.
• Sperm are transported from the testes to the urethra through the epididymis and vas deferens during ejaculation.

Female Reproductive System

• The female reproductive system includes organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
• The ovaries produce eggs (ova) through a process called oogenesis.
• The fallopian tubes are the site where fertilization occurs when sperm meets the egg.

Hormonal Regulation

• Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system. In males, the hormone testosterone is produced by the testes and is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
• In females, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy.

Fertilization and Pregnancy

• Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates and fuses with an egg cell, forming a zygote.
• The zygote undergoes cell division and eventually implants in the uterus, leading to pregnancy.

Childbirth

• Childbirth, also known as labor, is the process by which the baby is born from the mother's uterus through the vagina.
• The stages of childbirth include dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta.

Understanding reproductive physiology is essential for comprehending human development and the processes involved in the continuation of life.