Physiology 1021 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Hypothalamus, Ovulation, Zona Pellucida

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 1021
• Professor: John Ciriello

Document Summary

The function of this system is to produce hormones and sperm. Unlike other systems, you do not need the reproductive system to maintain life (homeostasis), it is only necessary for procreation. The site of hormone and sperm production is the testis. Testes are located inside the scrotum, found externally in humans. In order to produce viable, healthy sperm, the testes must have a temperature that is approximately 2 degrees below normal body temperature. Being on the exterior of the body allows for cooling, and the cremaster muscles can elevate the position of the testes for temperature regulation. A cross section of the seminiferous tubule will show the cells responsible for the production of sex hormones, primarily testosterone and sperm being produced through spermatogenesis. Can store sperm for 1-2 months, after that the sperm gets reabsorbed back into the body. The process of spermatogenesis is initiated at puberty.