Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Male Reproductive System, Seminiferous Tubule, Vas Deferens
Document Summary
The combined functions of both male and female reproductive systems are to pass on the genes of the individuals and to maintain the species. The sex of the future baby is determined at the point of fertilization. If a sperm carrying the x chromosome penetrates the egg carrying the x chromosome, then a female will develop (xx) If a sperm carrying the y chromosomes fertilize the x chromosome bearing egg, then a male will develop (xy) Development of each respective reproductive tract does not begin immediately after fertilization. During the first 6 weeks of development, male and female embryos contain common (sometimes called indifferent (gonad: these structures will eventually form the testes in the male or the ovaries in the female. There are 2 sets of primitive reproductive tracts: the mesonephric or wolffian duct, the paramesonephric or mullerian duct. With the correct cues, these structures will form either the male or female reproductive tracts.