Lessons in this chapter
- 1Male Reproductive System: Organs, Ducts and GlandsAnatomy of testes, seminiferous tubules, sperm transport, accessory glands and external reproductive structures.
- 2Spermatogenesis and Its Hormonal RegulationMeiotic production of haploid spermatids and how the hypothalamus, pituitary, testes and supporting cells coordinate sperm production.
- 3Sperm Structure, Maturation and SemenHow sperm anatomy supports delivery of the haploid nucleus, how epididymal changes aid function and how seminal plasma supports transport.
- 4Female Reproductive System and Mammary GlandsStructure and function of ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, external genital structures and mammary tissue.
- 5Oogenesis and Ovarian Follicle DevelopmentHow female germ cells begin meiosis before birth, how ovarian follicles develop and why the ovulated cell is usually a metaphase-II-arrested secondary oocyte.
- 6Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal CoordinationThe coordinated ovarian and uterine cycles, hypothalamic and pituitary control, ovulation, luteal progesterone and menstrual shedding.
- 7Fertilisation, Chromosomes and Early CleavageSperm–oocyte interactions, prevention of polyspermy, restoration of diploidy, typical XX/XY inheritance and cleavage to the morula stage.
- 8Blastocyst, Implantation and PlacentaDevelopment of the blastocyst, implantation in the endometrium, formation of the chorionic villi and placental exchange and endocrine activity.
- 9Pregnancy, Embryonic Development, Birth and LactationFormation of three germ layers, fetal development during gestation, hormonal adaptation, birth by positive-feedback labour and milk production and ejection.
- 10Chapter Summary and PracticeIntegrated account of reproductive anatomy, gamete formation, hormonal cycles, fertilisation, embryogenesis, pregnancy, birth and lactation with detailed responses to all twenty-one chapter exercises.