Overview Pregnancy is a complex physiological state consisting of a symbiotic relationship between two genetically distinct, but related, individuals: the mother and the fetus. The success of pregnancy requires dramatic alterations of maternal physiology to accept, protect, house, and nurture…
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.…
Introduction The birth of a healthy baby is dependent on an ordered sequence of biological events during pregnancy. Important among these are: 1. Successful implantation of the developing embryo 2. Adaptation of maternal physiology to accept and retain the embryo…