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The Reproductive System. Objective 3.4. Function of the Reproductive System. The reproductive system allows for the production of offspring and the continuation of life. Sexual vs. Asexual.
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The Reproductive System Objective 3.4
Function of the Reproductive System • The reproductive system allows for the production of offspring and the continuation of life.
Sexual vs. Asexual • Sexual reproduction brings together genetic material from two parents. There is a greater amount of variation among animals that reproduce sexually. • Asexual reproduction only involves one parent and the offspring produced are identical to the parent.
Sexual reproduction • An egg is the female sex cell, and a sperm is the male sex cell. • The joining of a sperm and egg is called fertilization. • A fertilized egg is called a zygote. • The young organism that develops from the zygote is called the embryo.
External vs. Internal fertilization • External fertilization is when the eggs are fertilized outside of the female’s body. The male spreads a cloud of sperm cells over the eggs. Most fish reproduce this way. • Internal fertilization is when the eggs are fertilized inside the female’s body.
The Male Reproductive System • The function of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm. • The main male sex hormone is testosterone. This hormone regulates the production of sex cells and male characteristics such as facial and chest hair.
Sperm production • The oval shaped testes are the organs where sperm are produced. • Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules in each testis. • They are then stored in the epididymis to mature.
The path of sperm • Once sperm cells form in the testes, they travel through the vas deferens and mix with other fluids produced by nearby glands. This mixture is called semen. • The penis transfers the semen to the female during intercourse.
The Female Reproductive System • The function of the female reproductive system is to produce eggs, nurture fertilized eggs, and give birth. • The ovaries produce eggs and sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. • The sex hormones regulate the production and release of eggs. The sex hormones also control the development of female characteristics such as breasts.
The Path of the Egg Cell • Eggs are produced and mature inside the ovaries. • After puberty, eggs are released from the ovary once a month during ovulation. • The egg then enters the fallopian tube, where it has potential to be fertilized. If it is not fertilized, the female will release the uteran build up during mentruation.
The Menstrual Cycle • During the menstrual cycle, an egg develops in an ovary. At the same time, the uterus prepares for the arrival of an embryo. • Once the egg is released, it can be fertilized for the next few days. If the egg is not fertilized, it breaks down. The lining of the uterus also breaks down. The extra blood and tissue from the thickened lining of the uterus pass out of the body through the vagina.
Conception • When the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube, it is called a zygote. • The cells of the zygote continue to divide and travel to the uterus. • When the zygote enters the uterus, it implants in the lining. It is then called an embryo.
The embryo • In order to survive, the embryo is fed nutrient-rich blood through an umbilical cord. The cord is attached to the placenta. • The placenta is a rich network of blood vessels attached to the wall of the uterus. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to the baby and gets rid of waste products.
