2. Chapter 15

3. Applied Learning Outcomes
Use the terminology associated with the
reproductive system
Learn about the following:
• Organization of the female and male
reproductive systems
• Structure of the female and male
reproductive organs
• Function of the female and male
reproductive organs
• The female sexual response
• Human copulation, pregnancy, and
development
Understand the aging and pathology of the
reproductive system
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

4. Overview
The main job of the reproductive system is to ensure
the continuation of the human species.
Humans exhibit sexual dimorphism. Secondary sex
characteristics
become evident
after 14 weeks of
embryological
development.
Further
development
takes place at
puberty.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

5. Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is composed of the
reproductive
tract and the
mammary
glands. The
reproductive
tract is
composed of
the ovaries,
fallopian
tubes,
uterus, and
vagina.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

6. Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is composed of the testes,
seminal vesicles, and penis. The penis and scrotum
make up the external genetalia. Seminal vessel ducts
include the
epididymis, vas
deferens, and
ejaculatory duct.
The seminal
vessel glands
include the
seminal vesicles,
prostate, and
Cowper’s glands.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

7. Basics of Sexual Reproduction
The female has a menstrual cycle that prepares the body
for pregnancy.
Copulation is the transfer of sperm to the female
reproductive tract.
Fertilization of the
ovum takes place in
the fallopian tubes.
Implantation of the
embryo takes place
high up in the uterus.
Fetal development
continues until labor.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

8. Wellness and Illness over
the Life Span
• Diseases of the reproductive system tract are
congenital, infectious, or degenerative.
• Reproductive disorders can include inappropriate
implantation of the embryo.
• Most reproductive system aging is the result of the
aging of the endocrine and urinary systems.
• Reproductive system aging reduces egg and sperm
production, and causes the degeneration of the
reproductive organs.
• The decrease in sex hormones is called andropause
in males and menopause in females.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development

9. Summary
Male sexual structures are designed to
produce, store, and deliver sperm.
The female reproductive system not only
produces eggs, but also must nurture
embryogenesis.
The female menstrual cycle prepares the
body for pregnancy.
Human embryogenesis is a complex
sequence of events that forms a fetus.
Pathology of the reproductive system
commonly reduces a person’s ability to
produce offspring.
Chapter 15 – The Reproductive Systems and Human Development