Biological Science (101)

Male & Female Reproductive System with multimedia links

Predetermination of sex with fertilization
- female zygote has two "X" chromosomes
- male zygote has one "X" and one "Y" chromosome
- SRY gene on "Y" chromosome initiates a chain of events in 7 week old embryo that lead to development of male
See Nova Online How is Sex Determined?
Development of internal organs
- Gonad forms ovary [cortex] or testis [medulla]
- Mesonephric duct forms epididymis, ductus deferens, and ejaculatory duct.
- Paramesonephric duct forms uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.
Development of external organs
- Labioscrotal folds forms labia or scrotum.
- Genital tubercle forms penis or clitoris.
- Testis descends through the processus vaginalis into scrotum before birth
Structure of gametes before fertilization

See diagram of male reproductive system
Scrotum is supporting external pouch for testis
- Regulates temperature of testis
Testis produces sperm and the hormone testosterone
Sperm produced by meiosis (spermatogenesis)
Epididymis is single tube that is site of sperm maturation
Ductus deferens transport sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct [emission]
Prostate surrounds urethra at neck of bladder; produce fluid of semen
Seminal Vesicles produce fluid of semen

Try some quizzes on the reproductive systems

Take the male reproductive system diagram quiz at the University of Minnesota.
Take the male reproductive pathway quiz at the University of Minnesota.
Take the female reproductive system quiz at the University of Minnesota.
Take the female reproductive system diagram quiz at the University of Minnesota.
Test your knowledge with the Human Reproduction Problem Set at University of Arizona

Ovary Anatomy

Oocyte undergoes oogenesis (meiosis) in uterine tube

Steroid homones from ovary [Estrogen] [ Progesterone]

Uterine Tubes (fallopian tubes or salpinx) lead from ovary to uterus

Uterus is the site of fetus development

Vagina functions in parturition and coitus

Vulva refers to the external genitalia

Clitoris [glans clitoris & prepuce]
- erection [corpora cavernosa are erectile bodies]
- orgasm
Vaginal vestibule contains urethral and vaginal orifice
- Labia majora enclose vulva [homologous to scrotum]
- mons pubis is elevation of adipose tissue over pubic bone

List of female organs matched to physiology terms