IndexThe female reproductive systemThe male reproductive systemThe reproductive processesThe menstrual cycleThe female reproductive systemThere are several organs and tissues that make up the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the vagina, vulva, mammary glands and breasts. They are also involved in the production and transport of gametes and the production of sex hormones. The female reproductive system is also responsible for fertilizing eggs by sperm and supporting the development of offspring during the process of pregnancy and childhood. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe ovaries are located in the abdominal cavity and are held in place by ligaments. The surface of the ovaries is covered by germinal epithelial tissue made up of cells called Oogonia. These cells produce the egg. Oogonia cells undergo mitosis to produce primary oocytes, diploid cells, and follicular cells that are responsible for protecting and nourishing the egg before it is released into the oviducts during ovulation. The funnel of the fallopian tubes is located near the ovary. This funnel is lined with fimbrae, finger-like structures that, when activated by hormones, capture a released egg and move it into the fallopian tube. The fimbras are lined with cilia. Secondary oocytes (the oocyte created by the first division of meiosis) are pushed along the fallopian tubes by the cilia and muscles of the fallopian tubes. These fallopian tubes lead to the uterus and join the uterus at a point called the uterine horn. Myometrium is the name of the smooth muscles that make up the uterus. The uterus is lined by the endometrium which is a tissue with a high blood supply. The blastocyst will become embedded in this tissue. The lower end of the uterus has an opening called the cervix. The cervix leads into the vagina which allows the cervix to be connected to the external environment through the vulva. The vulva is made up of several folds of skin called labia. There are two inner folds called the labia minora and two outer folds called the labia majora. The clitoris is also part of the female reproductive system, it is a small body of erectile tissue enclosed inside the labia. It is a highly sensitive tissue that swells with blood during sexual stimulation.Male Reproductive SystemThe male reproductive system is responsible for the production, maintenance, and transport of sperm and protective fluids. Sperm and protective fluids must be discharged within the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse. There are three important glands within the male reproductive system that have ducts that join the urethra. These glands are called seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's gland. These glands are responsible for nourishing the sperm and raising the pH, they do this by secreting fluids. The purpose of making semen alkaline is to neutralize acidic conditions in the urethra and vagina. If the sperm has a more acidic pH, the chances of conception could be compromised. Each testicle is divided into several compartments called lobules which contain the seminiferous tubules. These seminiferous tubules are lined with a layer of cells called germinal epithelial cells. Inside the seminiferous tubules are cells called spermatogonia that produce sperm. These spermatogonial cells undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes (diploid cells). The seminiferous tubules connect together to form a network of tubules, this network is called the efferent vessel. These then connect and form the epididymis which is a longtube and is located outside the testicle. The epididymis connects to the vas deferens which leaves the scrotal sac and then joins the urethra. Sperm is stored in these sections of the testicle until ejaculation occurs. During the ejaculation process, semen and fluids are released into the urethra from the end of the penis. This mixture of semen and fluids is called semen. Reproductive Processes Production of Gametes The production of gametes is known as gametogenesis and occurs in the gonads. Sex cells develop in the testes and ovaries during gametogenesis through the process of meiosis. During gametogenesis, meiosis occurs to produce haploid gametes. This is done to produce diploid offspring during fertilization.SpermatogenesisSpermatogenesis is the process of formation of sperm in the testes. This process occurs in the seminiferous tubules and begins when a human male reaches puberty. Spermatogonial cells undergo mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes. These primary spermatocytes then divide through meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes which develop into spermatids. Spermatids contain the correct number of chromosomes to be classified as gametes but do not have the structure of a sperm cell. They don't have certain organelles like the flagellum that can help them swim to the egg. In order for spermatids to develop into mature sperm, they need to be nourished and protected. In the wall of the seminiferous tubules there are Sertoli cells that secrete a fluid that nourishes and protects the spermatids. Testosterone stimulates Sertoli cells, testosterone is released from a cell near the seminiferous tubules called Leydig cells. Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis The hypothalamus releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH travels to the testis to the spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules which will stimulate spermatogenesis. LH will travel to the interstitial cells which will then release testosterone. In some target tissues testosterone will be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT and testosterone will bind to certain target receptors called androgen receptors in specific target tissues and will be responsible for secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair in males. Testosterone and FSH also travel to the Sertoli cells which will release androgen binding protein (ABP). The effect of ABP is the exertion of tropic effects on spermatogenesis. When spermatogenesis reaches a certain level, Sertoli cells release inhibin which inhibits the release of FSH. Testosterone will also inhibit at the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Oogenesis Oogenesis is the process of formation of eggs in the ovaries. It begins before birth, when the female is a fetus. The oognoia divides to form primary oocytes.Hormonal control of oogenesisCells found within the germinal epithelium divide to form follicular cells. These follicular cells then surround the primary oocytes to form primary follicles. Meiosis then begins in primary oocytes but stops at prophase 1. During puberty FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the development of primary follicular cells. A few follicles will begin to develop each month, but usually only one of them will mature to form a Graafian follicle. FSH also stimulates the formation of estrogen. Within the Graafian follicle the primary oocyte completes the first meiotic division to create primary oocytes and a polar body. The follicular cells surrounding the secondary oocyte.