A concise, bullet-pointed summary on Human Reproduction. Covers strictly what you need to know for all tests and assessments (as dictated by the SAGS guidelines). Includes annotated diagrams and images to illustrate points mentioned, as well as additional research, helpful when understanding the wo...
- Sexual reproduction: fusion of a male and female gamete
- Asexual reproduction: production of offspring without gametes, one parent
- Gonad: an organ that produces gametes and hormones
- Gamete: haploid sex cells
- Zygote: fusion of gametes
Male Reproductive System
Testes:
- 2 oval structures suspended outside the body in the scrotum
- Scrotum is a thin-skinned sac that:
1. Regulates temperature by keeping testes 2-3 degrees lower than the body temperature
(needed for sperm production)
2. Protects testes
- Consist of many compartments which contain highly convoluted tubules called seminiferous
tubules
- Germinal epithelium lines the seminiferous tubules which is where sperm cells are produced
- Interstitial cells (cells of Leydig) are found between the tubules and secrete testosterone
- Cells of Sertoli nurture developing sperm through spermatogenesis
Ducts:
Epididymis:
- Seminiferous tubules join to form the epididymis
- Maturation of sperm occurs
- Sperm stored here for several months
Sperm duct/vas deferens:
- Continuation of the epididymis
- Pushes sperm forward by peristalsis by ejaculation
- Ejaculation is expulsion of semen and an erection is the stiffening of the penis
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,Chloë van Beukering Life Sciences Notes 2020
Urethra:
- Functions as the common duct for semen and urine to pass, although never together
- Semen is sperm and seminal uid
- Average number of sperm ejaculated is 700 million per ejaculation
Internal structure of a testis:
Prostate Gland and Seminal Vesicles:
- Prostate is a plum-sized gland surrounding the urethra
- Secretes a milky uid to neutralise acidity of any urine and protects sperm from acidic
secretions in the female tract
- Seminal vesicle uid is clear and functions in nourishing the sperm
- Cowper’s glands secrete seminal fluid that acts as a lubricant
Penis:
- Consists of spongy, erectile tissue
- Arteries dilate to bring an erection
- Foreskin protects the head of the penis
- Deposits semen with sperm into the female’s vagina to increase the chance of fertilisation
Structure of sperm:
- Smallest of all human cells
- Consists of head, neck, body and tail
- Sperm can survive in the female tract for up to 48 hours
- Tail: contains contractile fibres that allow for whip-like movements
- Mitochondria: provides energy (ATP) for tail movements
- Nucleus: contains haploid set of chromosomes
- Acrosome: contains hydrolytic enzymes to digest outer layers surrounding egg cell and allow
sperm to penetrate
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, Chloë van Beukering Life Sciences Notes 2020
Male Infertility
- Due to low sperm production, misshapen or immobile sperm or blockages that prevent the
delivery of sperm
- Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role
in causing infertility
- Signs and symptoms: inability to conceive a child, problems with sexual function (erectile
dysfunction, ejaculation difficulty), pain and swelling in the testicle area, decreased face or body
hair, lower than normal sperm count
- Possible environmental causes: industrial chemicals, heavy metal exposure, radiation or x-rays,
alcohol use, stress, weight, tobacco smoking, prolonged cycling
- Possible medical causes: infection, ejaculation causes, antibodies that attack sperm, tumours,
chromosome defects, celiac disease, sperm duct defects, certain medications
- Treatments may include: surgery, treating infections, hormone treatments, assisted
reproductive technology involving obtaining sperm through normal ejaculation, surgical
extraction or from donors
Female Reproductive System
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