Fetal development is a highly organized process. The most rapid phase of growth transpires in at a degree of hypoxemia that mimics ascent to Mount Everest, while nutrients reach the fetus indirectly, from the maternal circulation. The transition to the…
Transport of Gametes and Fertilization Cilia and smooth muscle transport the egg and sperm within the female genital tract Following ovulation, the fimbriae of the fallopian tube sweep over the ovarian surface and pick up the oocyte—surrounded by its complement…
The female reproductive system functions to (1) produce haploid gametes— ova, (2) facilitate syngamy —or fertilization—between an ovum and a spermatozoon, (3) supply a site for implantation of the embryo (if syngamy occurs) and the establishment of pregnancy, (4) provide…
The male reproductive system consists of two essential elements: the gonads (in this case the testes) and the complex array of glands and ducts that constitute the sex accessory organs ( Fig. 54-1 A, B ). Open full size image…
Reproduction is a fundamental process of life. All living organisms must reproduce either asexually (e.g., bacteria) or sexually (e.g., mammals). Asexual reproduction is highly efficient and produces large numbers of genetically identical offspring in a relative short amount of time.…