Human Reproduction and Development Human Reproduction Structures The

Human Reproduction and Development

Human Reproduction Structures **The reproductive system is the only system that would not result in death of the organism if the system failed. **But, it is the ONLY system that ensures the continuation of a species.

A) Sexual Development The result of human reproduction is the union of an egg and sperm cell, development of a fetus, and the birth of an infant. All of these are possible because of the hormones, organs, and glands of the male and female reproductive systems.

B) Male Reproductive Structure The functions of the male reproductive system are to produce and deliver sperm. The male reproductive glands (gonads) are called the TESTES. This is where the male reproductive hormone, testosterone, is produced. q. They are located in a pouch outside of the body called the scrotum. q. Why is it necessary for the testes to be located outside the body cavity? q. The male gamete, the sperm, is produced in the seminiferous tubules, which are located within the testes.

q. Once produced in the testes, the sperm travel to the epididymis. This is a structure located on top of each testis where sperm mature and are stored. q. When the sperm are released from the body, they travel through the Vas deferens. This is a duct that leads away from the testis. q. The two vas deferens from each testis join together and enter the urethra. This is the tube that expels both semen and urine through the penis.

C) Female Reproductive Structure q. The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce egg cells, receive sperm, and provide an environment that is ideal for fertilization of an egg and the development of an embryo. q. The female reproductive cells, or gametes, are called egg cells and are produced in the ovaries. q. Inside each ovary are oocytes. These are immature eggs. q. A mature egg is called an ovum and one is usually released every 28 days. The ovum is surrounded by follicle cells that protect the egg.

After the egg is released from the ovary, it travels through an oviduct. This is also known as the Fallopian tube and is connects to the uterus. q The uterus, or womb, is where the baby develops before birth. It is a muscular, hollow organ. q The cervix at the lower end of the uterus has a narrow opening into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the female body. q

Create two flow charts. THE FIRST ONE SHOULD SHOW THE PATH OF SPERM FROM THE TIME IT IS PRODUCED UNTIL IT LEAVES THE BODY. THE SECOND FLOW CHART SHOULD SHOW THE PATH OF AN EGG CELL FROM THE TIME IT IS PRODUCED UNTIL IT IS FERTILIZED.