Download The Reproductive System Part 2

The Reproductive System
Part 2
Chapter 39
Section 3
This artificially colored scanning electron micrograph
shows sperm (orange objects) on the uterine wall.
The Female Reproductive
System
• The main function of the female
reproductive system is to produce ova. In
addition, the female reproductive system
prepares the female's body to nourish a
developing embryo.
• the ovaries usually produce only one
mature ovum (plural: ova), or egg, each
month.
The Menstrual Cycle
• The interaction of the reproductive
system and the endocrine system in
females takes the form of a complex
series of periodic events called the
menstrual cycle
• The cycle takes an average of about
28 days. (about a month, test question)
• During the menstrual cycle, an egg
develops and is released from an
ovary.
• In addition, the uterus is prepared to
receive a fertilized egg.
• If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted
in the uterus and embryonic
development begins.
• If an egg is not fertilized, it is
discharged, along with the lining of
the uterus.
The process by which a sperm joins an egg is called
fertilization.
Once the sperm nucleus enters the egg, the egg's cell
membrane changes, preventing other sperm from
entering.
Gastrulation
• takes place in the uterus. (test question)
• The result of gastrulation is the formation
of three cell layers: ectoderm, mesoderm,
and endoderm. (test question)
• all of the organs and tissues of the embryo
will be formed from these germ layers.
• The ectoderm will develop into
the skin and the nervous
system.
• The endoderm forms the lining
of the digestive system and
many of the digestive organs.
• Mesoderm cells differentiate
to form many of the body's
internal tissues and organs.
placenta
• The placenta is the connection between
mother and developing embryo. (test question)
Assignment
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