REPRODUCTION IN HUMANS
Production of the ova/egg and sperm
In females, the ovary contains thousands of immature ova/eggs before birth.
Each egg is surrounded by a fluid filled sac called a primary follicle.
When a female reaches puberty, one immature egg will become mature only once
per month ( until menopause when it stops ).
Maturation of the egg involves the primary follicle becoming a secondary follicle and
then a Graafian follicle .
The Graafian follicle which has the matured egg inside, is ready for ovulation.
In males however, sperms are produced only when they reach the age of puberty in
the seminiferous tubule of the testes. They are stored in the epididymis until
needed.
The menstrual cycle
A cycle occurring every 28 days or so.
There are two main events happening in this cycle – ovulation and menstruation.
Ovulation – the release of the egg/ovum from the ovary.
Menstruation – the loss of the uterus lining from the body. Happens if the egg is NOT
fertilized.
This cycle is controlled by 4 hormones – oestrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH.
Follicle -stimulating hormone (FSH)
Secreted by pituitary gland
Oestrogen causes pituitary
Gland to STOP producing FSH
Graafian follicle :-
[Link] in ovary AND
[Link] oestrogen Stimulates uterus
Lining to thicken
Secreted
Luteinising by the
hormone (LH)pituitary
– causesgland
ovulation secreted by pituitary gland
( the graafian follicle bursts allowing egg to
leave ovary
CORPUS LUTEUM:
1. Develop after
ovulation
2. Secrete progesterone Keeps uterus lining thick
IF FERTILIZATION DOES NOT OCCUR:
corpus secretion of
uterus lining
luteum progesterone
breaks down
breaks down reduces
HENCE … MENSTRUATION OCCURS !!!
BRINGING THE SPERM AND EGG TOGETHER
When a male becomes sexually excited, the blood spaces in the penis becomes filled with blood-
erectile tissues - the penis then becomes erect and can be placed into the female’s vagina. Semen –
sperm + secretions (from seminal vesicle and prostate gland) are ejaculated into the top of the
vagina. The sperms then swim into the fallopian tubes.
FERTILIZATION
On an egg is in the fallopian tubes, one sperm is allowed to enter , leaving its tail behind. The egg
from an impenetrable membrane around itself preventing any other sperms from entering. When
the nucleus of the sperm and the nucleus of the egg fuse a zygote is formed – this is fertilization.
IMPLANTATION
The zygote divides repeatedly by mitosis to from an embryo. This ball of cells, moves down the
oviduct and sinks into the uterus lining ( implantation). Food and oxygen from the mother’s blood
into the embryo and carbon dioxide and waste will diffuse back into the mother’s blood.
Pregnancy and development of the embryo
The placenta : the cells of the embryo continue to divide , some of which develop into the placenta.
The placenta is a large disc of tissue with finger like projections called villi, which project inyo the
uterus lining giving the placenta a large surface [Link] run throughout th e[placenta as well
as inside the viili. The embryp is joined to the placenta by the umbilical cord – which has an umbilical
artery and an umbilical vein running through it. The umbilical vein carries dissolved food and oxygen
to the embryo; the umbilical artery carries dissolved carbon dioxide and other waste away from the
[Link] umbilical vessels connect the vessels in the embryo with those in the placenta.
Birth
Effects of pregnancy on the menstrual cycle :
Once fertilization has occurred, the corpus luteum remains in the ovary for about 3 months
where it will secrete progesterone – this will keep the uterus lining thick and menstruation
stops ( since the uterus lining needs to be kept as the embfryo is implanted there and kept
for the remaining of the pregnancy ). After 3 months the corpus luteum dies and the
placenta takes over, continuing the secretion of the progesterone. It will keep the lining
thick and m,aintain pregnancy; it also prevents the development af any more eggs thus no
ovulation and no menstruation.
Pre natal care :
Post natal care:
This is care after birth and is important for the proper growth and healthy development of
the baby AND also the proper physical and emotional health of the mother.
The baby :
Should be breastfed for a minimum of 6 months
Must be kept warm and clean
Interaction between mother and baby
Taken for regular check -ups by the doctor
Vaccinated by 2 -3 months
The mother :
Eat a balanced diet
No drugs or alcohol since she is breastfeeding and has a baby to care for
Regular exercise
Have emotional; and physical support ( since she can get post -partem depression )
About Contraception And Birth Control
Contraception is the prevention of pregnancy. Contraception, or birth control, also
allows couples to plan the timing of pregnancy. Some methods can also protect
against infections. Choosing a particular method of birth control depends on many
factors, including a woman’s overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number
of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future, and family medical history.
Individuals should work with their health care provider to choose a method that is
best for them. It is also important to discuss birth control methods with one’s sexual
partner.
General methods of contraception include:
Barrier—physically interferes with conception by keeping the egg and
sperm apart
Hormonal—regulates ovulation by changing the balance of hormones
related to development and release of the egg; changes cervical mucus
to impair sperm function or transport
IUDs—small devices inserted into the uterus that change the conditions
in the cervix and uterus to prevent pregnancy as well as inhibiting the
transit of sperm from the cervix to the fallopian tubes.
Sterilization—surgical procedures that make a woman permanently
unable to get pregnant and a man unable to get a woman pregnant
Some forms of birth control combine methods, such as IUDs that also release
hormones.
Importance of family planning:
A couple need to make decisions about the number of children in the family and the times
between the births. To do this involves contraception. Family planning is important :
Less expensive to have a smaller family
More time spent with each child in a smaller family – each child gets enough
emotional and physical care and a better education
Couples decide the age they want to have children and if they want to pursue a
career first.
Decreases health risks and maternal deaths
Women can complete their education before having a family
Women can get involved in society and advance in the workplace
Globally, since the human population is growing rapidly which can cause shortage of food,
space, water and other resources as well as increase pollution and the destruction of the
environment , unemployment and spread of diseases, family planning can reduce these
issues by reducing population growth.