Fertility
Definitions and Normal Function
Guide to the human reproductive system
Gamete: Cell that fuses with another cell in sexual reproduction to produce an embryo
Gonads: The organ that makes the gametes
Male gamete: sperm
Female gamete: ovum
Testicles produce:
- Sperm
- Sertoli cells support sperm development
- Steroid hormones:
- Testosterone
- Produced from Leydig cells
Hypogonadism: Reduced function of the gonads
Azoospermia: No measureable level of sperm
Ovaries produce:
- Ova:
- During fetal development the number of developing follicles in the ovary is estimated at several million. This number consistently declines during development
- Approximately 450 ovulatory cycles occur
- Menopause occurs when there are approximately 1000 follicles remaining
- The average age of menopause is 51 years
- Steriod hormones:
