________________
:11:
The Reproductive system
Gamete (Sex cell)
The ability to reproduce is one of the essential characteristics of life. In human beings the process is one of sexual reproduction. That is, it involves two sexes, each contributing a gamete (mature sex cell) for the formation of the new individual. The female produces an eggcell or ovum which is fertilized by the germ cell (spermatozon) produced by the male. The nucleus of every human cell contains 44 somatic and 2 sex chromosomes. Each gamete undergoes a special type of cell division called meiosis, so that each contains twenty-three chromosomes (22 somatic and ope sex chromosome). Thus the zygote Tesulting trom the fusion of an ovum and a sperm results in a cell with forty-six chromosomes.
The reproductive organs of the male and the female differ anatomically and physiologically, each being adapted to the functional activities they are required to perform. They are stimulated by the gonadotrophic hormones from the anterior pituitary gland.
The function of the male system is to form and transmit spermatozoa and implant them in the female so that they can meet the ova. The female system is adapted to form ova which, if fertilized by the sperm, remains in the cavity of the uterus where it is nurtured until it is born.
THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The Testes and Their Functions
The testes are small ovoid glands suspended in the scrotum. They are the reproductive glands or gonads of the male. Each testis consists of from 200 to 300 lobules composed of tubules. They provide the spermatogenic cells with nutrition.
the test nely are the consists provide
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
