WEEK 9 NOTE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN VERTEBRATES
Most multicellular animals and plants undergo a complex form of sexual reproduction in which
especially differentiated male and female reproductive cells (gametes) unite to form a single cell,
known as a zygote, which later undergoes successive divisions to form a new organism. The
process takes place with the help of the system known as the reproductive system. This system
can be divided into
male reproductive system and
female reproductive system.
STRUCURES AND FUNCIONS OF MALE REPODUCION SYSTEM IN MAMMALS
STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION FUNCTIONS
Testis Oval shaped, found in - production of sperms
scrotal sacs in pairs outside - production of male sex hormones
the body to enjoy cooler (testosterone)
temperature. - development of secondary sexual
character in male
.
Seminiferous tubules Found within the testis, Site of sperm production
composed of a mass of
sperm producing tubes.
Epididymis Found outside the testis as a Collect and stores sperm temporary till
long coiled tube. maturity.
Vas deferens A narrow tube which leads Conduction of sperm from epididymis to
from epididymis to the seminal vesicle.
(sperm duct)
seminal vesicles.
Seminal vesicle A small sac at the back of - Stores sperm till ejaculation.
vas deferens. - Secretes part of the seminal fluid.
NOTE; Seminal fluid contains fructose
which provides energy for the sperms.
Prostrate gland Connected to the urethra Secretion of seminal fluid.
through many tubules
Cowper’s gland Located very close to the Secretes a part of the seminal fluid which
prostrate gland. raises the acidic ph of the female
reproductive medium which otherwise can
kill the sperm.
Urethra A narrow tube which passes Aids the passage of sperm into the vagina of
through the penis. the female animal and also passage of urine
out of the body hence it is called
urinogenital opening.
Penis Contains tissues which Helps to introduce sperm into the vagina of
makes it turgid (erect when the female animal and also passage of urine.
filled) with blood
STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION FUNCTION(S)
1 Ovaries Found on each side of the - Produce eggs (ova)
vertebra column (two in
- produces female sex hormone
every woman)
(oestrogen and progesterone)
- Development of secondary sexual
characters in female.
2 Oviduct A long narrow tube funnel -Fertilization takes place in the
opening which receives eggs oviduct
(fallopian tube)
released by the ovary and it is
- Allows the passage of egg from
a linkage between ovary and
ovary to the uterus
uterus.
3. Uterus A muscular organ which is a - Site of embryo development from
cavity for development of the implantation till birth
zygote into a baby.
4. Vagina A muscular tube leading from - It receives sperms from penis during
the uterus to the outside of intercourse
the body.
-Allows the passage of foetus during
birth
5 Cervix A ring of muscles with tiny -Controls the opening and closing of
opening that closes the lower the vagina especially during birth.
end of the uterus where it
joins the vagina.
6 Vulva Refers to all external parts of - Allows the passage of the penis into
the female reproductive organ the vagina during intercourse.
- permits passage of foetus during
birth.
7 Clitoris A small sensitive organ which - Helps to stimulate female
correspond to the male penis. during sexual
It is erectile and becomes stiff intercourse(experience
when stimulated due to blood orgasm)
inflow
STRUCTURE OF MAMMALIAN GAMETES
GAMETE
Gamete is a mature sexual reproductive cell having a single set of unpaired chromosome. It can
be male or female gamete. They are formed in the gonads (testis on ovaries) through a process
called gametogenesis.
A SPERM
This is called sperm (or spermatozoa) and produced in the male gonads (testis) by a process
called spermatogenesis. It is microscopic and unicellular in nature. Usually smaller and more
elongated than the egg; about 0.05 mm (0.005 cm) long.
Spermatozoon consists of the following parts:
1. Acrosome: It can be found at the upper part of the head, containing lytic enzymes used to
dissolve egg membrane to enhance penetration during fertilization.
2. Middle piece: It contains mitochondria for the generation of energy used by the sperm
for swimming towards the egg.
3. Flagellum: The long whip-like tail for propelling the sperm cell
4. Nucleus: It can be found in the head of the sperm cell containing genetic materials
(DNA-deoxyribonucleic acid) which fuses with the nucleus of the ovum at
fertilization.
THE OVUM
This is called egg (ovum) and is produced in the female gonad (ovary) by a process called
oogenesis. This is larger than sperm, about 0.1mm in diameter.
Each ovum is made up of the following
Cytoplasm
A central Nucleus: It contains the chromosomes which carry the genes.
Granules and yolk droplets: A source of nourishment for the embryo at the early stage of
development.
Plasma membrane: It surrounds the cytoplasm.
Outer vitelline membrane and jelly coat of glycoprotein.
Note: The nuclei of the sperm and ovum contains chromosome which carries the gene that are
responsible for transmission of characters from parents to offspring.