Essay
UNIT 9C Hormonal control of reproduction
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
9C Hormonal control of reproduction
[Show more]
Content preview
Reproductive systemStructure and function of reproductive anatomy
Male
The most part of male reproductive system is found inside, but there are some organs as penis,
scrotum and testicles which are found outside. This system is also in charge of sexual function
and urine (get rid of liquid waste materials).
The sperm and semen are produced, maintained and transported by the system (the
protective fluid around sperm)
They expel sperm into the female reproductive tract
They also generate and secrete male sex hormones in order to maintain health
reproduction
- Epididymis is a long tube that is located at the back of each testicle. Sperm cells are
produced in the testes and are carried by epididymis.
- Testicle responsible for making testosterone, and it contains seminiferous tubes inside it
which is where the sperms are produced.
- The prostate is responsible for the production of nourishes and transports sperm
, - Seminal vesicle they produce fluid that turns into semen
- Penis used for urination and sexual interaction
- Urethra is a tube that urine passes and leaves the body
- Bladder, its walls relax and contract to store urine
- Vas deferens prepare mature sperms to be ejaculated by urethra
Formation of sperm and its way out
The formation of the sperms (mature gametes) is called spermatogenesis. A man produces
about 200-300 million sperms daily in the testes. At puberty, a man starts to produce sperms.
This happens in the seminiferous tubules inside the testes. In order to produce millions of
sperms the tubules contain germ cells also called spermatogonium. Primary germ cells go
through a series of phases before forming spermatids (immature sperms).
Spermatocytogenesis
The first phase is the germ cells were divided into four spermatids. The second phase is the
spermiogenesis in which no further cell division however for the immature cell to be able to
form mature sperms, they must go through a maturation and differentiation process.
Primary spermatogonium Type A found in the wall of the seminiferous tubules divide into two.
Type B primary spermatogonium which auto duplicate and maintains type A. Then the first
division of the mitosis which gives a primary spermatocyte of diploid cells. Then the primary
spermatocyte undergoes the first phase of meiosis, dividing into haploid cells and transforming
into a secondary spermatocyte. Secondary spermatocyte goes through meiosis 2 and maintains
the number of chromosomes. Spermatids are formed, four immature sperms. During cell
division the Sertoli cells give support and nutrients to the gametes.
Spermiogenesis is divided into 4 phases. First is the Golgi phase where enzymes form the
acrosome. The second is the acrosomal phase where acrosomes compact the nucleus. The third
phase is the centriole which extends to form the tail and the fourth and last one is the
maturation phase where the spermatid loses its excess cytoplasm and forms adult sperm. Then
during spermiation process, these mature cells are discharged into the lumen of seminiferous
tubules. Then the sperms spend a few days on the epididymis where they gain motility. And the
motile sperms are the one capable of fertilization.
The Leydig cells generate testosterone while the Sertoli cells generate androgen binding
protein. These two binds together to increase the production of sperm. The anterior lobe of the
pituitary glands releases a hormone called gonadotropins, which are divided into luteinizing
hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). These hormones are released as soon
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jussararodrigues. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £10.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
51036 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 15 years now