Reproduction in Humans
Structure of female reproductive system
The female reproduction system consist of the following:
Ovaries
Are two oval cream coloured structures found in lower abdomen below the
kidneys. Oviducts.
They produce the ova.
Are tubes which conduct the ova produced by the ovaries to the uterus.
Fertilisation occurs in the upper part of the oviduct.
Uterus
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ found in the lower abdomen.
The embryo develops inside the uterus.
The inner lining endometrium supplies nutrients to embryo.
The embryo is implanted into the inner uterine wall- the endometrium which
nourishes the embryo.
The thick muscles of the uterus assist in parturition.
Cervix
Has a ring of muscles that separates the uterus from the vagina.
It forms the opening to the uterus
Vagina
Is a tube that opens to the outside and it acts as the copulatory and birth canal
through the vulva.
Structure of male reproductive system
The male reproductive system consists of the following: Testis:
Each testis is a mass of numerous coiled tubes called semniferous tubules.
Each is enclosed within a scrotal sac that suspends them between the thighs.
This ensures that sperms are maintained at a temperature lower than that of
the main body.
Seminiferous tubules
The lining of seminiferous tubules consists of actively dividing cells which give
rise to sperms.
Between the seminiferous tubules are interstitial cells which produce the male
hormones called androgens e.g. testosterone.
The seminiferous tubules unite to form the epididymis, which is a coiled tube
where sperms are stored temporarily .
Vas deferens (sperm duct) is the tube through which sperms are carried from
testis to urethra.
Seminal vesicle produces an alkaline secretion which nourishes the
spermatozoa.
Prostate gland
Produces an alkaline secretion to neutralise vaginal fluids.
Cowpers' gland
Secretes an alkaline fluid.
All these fluids together with spermatozoa form semen.
Urethra
Is a long tube through which the semen is conducted during copulation.
It also removes urine from the bladder. Penis
Is an intro-mittent organ which is inserted into the vagina during copulation .
Fertilisation in Animals
Fertilisation is preceded by copulation in which the erect penis is inserted into
the vagina.
This leads to ejaculation of semen.
The sperms swim through the female's genital tract to the upper part of the
oviduct.
The head of the sperm penetrates the egg after the acrosome_ releases lytic
enzymes dissolve the egg membrane.
The tail is left behind.
Sperm nucleus fuses with that of the ovum and a zygote is formed.
A fertilisation membrane forms around the zygote which prevents other sperms
from penetrating the zygote.
Implantation:
After fertilisation the zygote begins to divide mitoticaly as it moves towards the
uterus.
It becomes embedded in the wall of the uterus a process called implantation.
By this time the zygote is a hollow ball of cells called blastocyst or embryo.
In the uterus the embryo develops villi which project into uterus for
nourishment later the villi and endometrium develop into placenta.
Embryonic membranes
Embryonic membranes develop around the embryo.
The outermost membrane is the chorion which forms the finger-like projections
(chorionic villi) which supply nutrients to the embryo.
The amnion surrounds the embryo forming a fluid filled cavity within which the
embryo lies.
Amniotic cavity is filled with amniotic fluid.
This fluid acts as a shock absorber and protects the foetus against mechanical
injury.
It also regutates temperature.
The chorionic villi, allantois together with the endometrium form the placenta.
The embryo is attached to the placenta by a tube called umbilical cord which
has umbilical vein and artery.
The maternal blood in the placenta flows in the spaces lacuna and surrounds
capillaries from umbilical vein and artery.
The umbilical cord increase in length as the embryo develops.
Role of placenta
Protection
Maternal blood and foetal blood do not mix.
This ensures that the pathogens and toxins from maternal blood do not reach
the foetus.
The placenta allows maternal antibodies to pass into the foetus, providing the
foetus with immunity.
Nutrition
The placenta facilitates the transfer of nutrients from maternal blood to foetus.
Excretion
Placenta facilitates the removal of nitrogenous wastes from the foetus' blood to
maternal blood.
Gaseous exchange
Oxygen from the maternal blood diffuses into the foetal blood while carbon (IV)
oxide from foetal blood diffuse into maternal blood.
Production of hormones
Placenta produces progesterone and oestrogen.
Gestation period
The period between conception and birth is called gestation.
In humans gestation takes nine months (40 weeks).
The embryo differentiates into tissues and organs during this period.
Reproductive Hormones
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Male
Testerone is the main androgen that stimulates the development of secondary
sexual characteristics.
Broadening of the shoulders.
Deepening of the voice due to enlargement of larynx.
Hair at the pubic area, armpit and chin regions.
Penis and testis enlarge and produce sperms.
Body becomes more masculine. Female
Enlargement of mammary glands.
Hair grows around pubic and armpit regions.
Widening of the hips.
Ovaries mature and start producing ova.
Menstruation starts.
Oestrogen triggers the onset of secondary sexual characteristics.
Menstrual Cycle
This is characterized by discharge of blood and tissue debris (menses) from the
uterus every 28 days.
This is due to the breakdown of the endometrium which occurs when the level
of progesterone falls and the girl starts to menstruate.
The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the Graafian follicle to develop
and also stimulate the ovary to release oestrogen.
Oestrogen hormone triggers the onset of secondary sexual characteristics.
Luteinising hormone (L.H) causes the mature ovum to be released from the
Graafian follicle - a process called ovulation.
After ovulation progesterone hormone is produced.
After menstruation, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland starts secreting the
follicle stimulating hormone (FS.H) which causes the Graafian follicle to develop in
the ovary.
It also stimulates the ovary tissues to secrete oestrogen.
Oestrogen brings about the repair and healing of the inner lining of the uterus
(endometrium) which had been destroyed during menstruation.
Oestrogen level stimulates the pituitary gland to produce (Luteinising Hormone
(L.H).
This hormone makes the mature Graafian follicle to release the ovum into the
funnel of oviduct, a process called ovulation.
After releasing the ovum, the Graafian follicle changes into a yellow body called
corpus luteum.
The luteinising hormone stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete a hormone
called progesterone which stimulates the thickening and vascularisation of
endometrium.
This prepares the uterine wall for implantation of the blastocyst.
If fertilisation takes place, the level of progesterone increases and thus inhibits
FSH from stimulating the maturation of another Graafian follicle.
If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum disintegrates and the level of
progesterone goes down.
The endometrium, sloughs off and menstruation occurs.
