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Boundless Anatomy and Physiology
Physiology Textbooks Boundless Anatomy and Physiology
Physiology Textbooks
Physiology

Chapter 26

The Reproductive System

Book Version 29
By Boundless
Boundless Anatomy and Physiology
Physiology
by Boundless
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Section 1
Overview of the Reproductive System
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Overview of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems

The human reproductive system functions to produce human offspring, with the male providing sperm and the female providing the ovum.

Section 2
Meiosis
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Introduction to Meiosis

Meiosis is the nuclear division of diploid cells into haploid cells, which is a necessary step in sexual reproduction.

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Comparing Meiosis and Mitosis

Mitosis and meiosis share some similarities, but also some differences, most of which are observed during meiosis I.

Section 3
The Male Reproductive System
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Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system includes external (penis, scrotum, epididymus, and testes) and internal (accessory) organs.

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Scrotum

The purpose of the scrotum is to provide the testes with a chamber of appropriate temperature for optimal sperm production.

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Testes

The testis is homologous to the ovary in that it produces the male gamete (sperm) while the ovary produces the female gamete (egg).

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Penis

In human males, the penis serves as both a reproductive organ and as a urinal duct.

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Testes Ducts

Testes ducts, which include the seminiferous tubules and vas deferens, are involved in the creation or transportation of sperm.

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Accessory Sex Glands

The accessory sex glands produce seminal fluid and clean and lubricate the urethra.

Section 4
Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
Male Sexual Response

Physiological changes occur to male genitalia during sexual arousal.

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Sperm

Sperm are the male "seeds," germ cells, or gametes.

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Spermatogenesis

Male gametes (sperm cells) are haploid cells produced via spermatogenesis.

Semen

Semen is a fluid produced by the seminal vesicles.

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Hormonal Regulation of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is regulated by the production, stimulation, and feedback of specific hormones.

Section 5
The Female Reproductive System
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Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

The human female reproductive system contains two main parts: the uterus and the ovaries, which produce a woman's egg cells.

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Ovaries

The ovaries are the ovum-producing organs of the internal female reproductive system.

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Uterus

The uterus is the largest and major organ of the female reproductive tract that is the site of fetal growth and is hormonally responsive.

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Female Duct System

The Fallopian tubes, or oviducts, connect the ovaries to the uterus.

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Vagina

The vagina is the female reproductive tract and has two primary functions: sexual intercourse and childbirth.

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Vulva

The vulva is the external genitalia of the female reproductive tract, situated immediately external to the genital orifice.

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Perineum

The perineum is the region between the genitals and the anus, including the perineal body and surrounding structures.

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Mammary Glands

A mammary gland is an organ in female mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring.

Section 6
Physiology of the Female Reproductive System
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Oogenesis

Oogenesis is the maturation of the female gametes through meiotic division.

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Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the physiological process that fertile women undergo for the purposes of reproduction and fertilization.

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Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

The uterine cycle describes a series of changes that occur to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, during a typical menstrual cycle.

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Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive Cycle

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a series of changes in hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone.

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Extrauterine Effects of Estrogens and Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone have several effects beyond their immediate roles in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and labor.

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Female Sexual Response

Female sexual arousal causes physiological changes including increased blood flow to the genitals and enlargement and lubrication of the vagina.

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Boundless Anatomy and Physiology by Boundless
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Body Fluids and Acid-Base Balance
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The Reproductive System
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  • Meiosis
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  • Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
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Human Development and Pregnancy
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