Reproductive System
Where Life Begins and Develops
GAMETOGENESIS AND HORMONAL CONTROL
• 1. Gametogenesis
• Gametogenesis is the process by which haploid sex cells (gametes) are
produced through meiosis and cell differentiation.
• In humans there are two types:
• Spermatogenesis – production of sperm in males
• Oogenesis – production of ova (eggs) in females
• Both processes reduce the chromosome number from diploid (2n = 46)
to haploid (n = 23).
SPERMATOGENESIS
• Location: Occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
• Process
• Spermatogonia (2n) divide by mitosis.
• They form primary spermatocytes (2n).
• Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to produce secondary
spermatocytes (n).
• Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to produce spermatids
(n).
• Spermatids differentiate into mature spermatozoa (sperm)
SPERMATOGENESIS
• Key Features
• Produces four sperm cells from one primary
spermatocyte.
• Occurs continuously from puberty throughout life.
• Millions of sperm are produced daily.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF SPERMATOGENESIS
• The process is controlled by hormones from the
hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes.
• 1. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
• Released from the hypothalamus and stimulates the pituitary
gland.
• 2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Secreted by the anterior pituitary.
• Stimulates Sertoli cells to support sperm production.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF SPERMATOGENESIS
• 3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Stimulates Leydig cells in the testes.
• Leydig cells produce testosterone.
• 4. Testosterone
• Promotes spermatogenesis and development of male
secondary sexual characteristics.
MALE SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Develop during puberty due to testosterone.
• Examples:
• Growth of facial and body hair
• Deepening of voice
• Increased muscle mass
• Enlargement of testes and penis
OOGENESIS
• Location: Occurs in the ovaries.
• Process
• Oogonia (2n) divide by mitosis during fetal development.
• They become primary oocytes (2n).
• Primary oocytes begin meiosis I but stop at prophase I until puberty.
• At puberty, one oocyte completes meiosis I each cycle forming:
• secondary oocyte (n)
• first polar body
OOGENESIS
• The secondary oocyte begins meiosis II and stops at metaphase II.
• Meiosis II completes only if fertilization occurs, producing:
• ovum
• second polar body
• Key Features
• Only one functional ovum produced per cycle.
• Process begins before birth.
• Ends at menopause.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF OOGENESIS
•The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hypothalamus–
pituitary–ovarian axis.
•1. GnRH
•Stimulates release of FSH and LH from the pituitary.
•2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
•Stimulates development of ovarian follicles
HORMONAL CONTROL OF OOGENESIS
3. Estrogen
Produced by developing follicles.
Functions:
• Thickens the endometrium
• Develops female secondary sexual characteristics
4. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
A surge in LH causes ovulation.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF OOGENESIS
•5. Progesterone
•Produced by the corpus luteum.
•Functions:
•Maintains the uterine lining
•Prepares uterus for implantation
FEMALE SECONDARY SEXUAL
CHARACTERISTICS
• Develop during puberty due to estrogen.
• Examples:
• Breast development
• Widening of hips
• Growth of pubic and underarm hair
• Fat distribution in hips and thighs
Feature Spermatogenesis Oogenesis
Location Testes Ovaries
Gamete produced Sperm Ovum
Number of gametes
Four sperm per cell One ovum per cell
produced
Cytoplasm division Equal Unequal
Start of process Puberty Before birth
Continues throughout
End of process Ends at menopause
life
Rate of production Continuous One ovum per cycle