Reproduction in Humans

13.1 Human Reproductive System

• Male Reproductive System:

  • Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
  • Vas Deferens: Carries sperm to the urethra.
  • Prostate Gland: Adds fluid to semen.
  • Penis: Delivers sperm to the female reproductive system.

• Female Reproductive System:

  • Ovaries: Produce eggs and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
  • Fallopian Tubes: Transport eggs, site of fertilization.
  • Uterus: Where embryo develops.
  • Vagina: Passage for sperm entry and childbirth.

13.2 Menstrual Cycle

• Phases:
  1. Menstruation: Day 1-5, shedding of the uterine lining.
  2. Follicular Phase: Day 6-14, egg maturation, estrogen secretion.
  3. Ovulation: Day 14, egg is released.
  4. Luteal Phase: Day 15-28, progesterone maintains uterine lining.

13.3 Fertilization

• Process: Sperm fertilizes egg in the fallopian tube, forming a zygote, which implants in the uterus.

13.4 Pregnancy

• Placenta: Provides nutrients and removes waste from the developing embryo.
• Hormones: HCG maintains the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and estrogen.

13.5 Labor and Birth

• Labor: Uterine contractions help push the baby through the birth canal.
• Stages: Contractions → Cervix dilates → Baby delivered → Afterbirth.