Representation of the human reproductive cycle

Adrián Lois 3ºC 25/05/20

The cycle of Reproduction entails several processes, which chronologically ordered would be the
following:

1. Male Gametogenesis or Spermatogenesis.

During this stage, the male subjects’ gonads produce spermatozoid gametes, ne of which will later meet
the female ovum. The formation takes place in the seminiferous tubes in the testicles, where
spermatogonia cells are developed into sperm via the process of meiosis (mainly). The mentioned
procedure is not more complex than the division of the spermatogonium, which transforms into 4
gametes after a mitosis conversion and couple of divisions. For male individuals, gametogenesis is active
since puberty until the end of their lifetime. However, the sperm’s quality decreases annually once they
have reached the age of 41.

2. Fertilisation
The female gamete is then developed throughout the process of Oogenesis (the work’s headline does not
mention it), meaning that it’s time for the ovum and an spermatozoid to join. In order for the linking to
occur, some circumstances need to be fulfilled. Indeed, the effectiveness times of both gametes must
coincide; the ovum’s survival time is limited to 48 hours after the ovulation. The between 300 and 400
million spermatozoids released during an ejaculation, though, are capable of resisting up to five days.

Fertilisation takes place in the female’s reproductive system; concretely in two small tubes connecting
the uterus to the ovaries, the fallopian tubes. There, the spermatozoids surrounding the ovum secrete
certain substances which separate its cells, allowing them to go deeper. Next, a random spermatozoid
and the ovum identify each other and right after they join in the ovum’s pellucid. The identifying step is
compulsory, allowing only sperm from the same species as the ovum to meet with it. It is thanks to the
presence of specific proteins in the gametes’ membranes that different species aren’t allowed to perform
fertilisation. As a result of the process above, both gametes’ nuclei get fusioned and the zygote is
formed. The ovum is then enveloped by a protective cover, preventing other sperm from coming in.
 3. From Fertilisation to Implantation. Development of the embryo and fetus.

Along the following weeks, the previously composed zygote starts progressing through the fallopian
tubes, marking the beginning of the gestation process. The mentioned lasts for around 280 days (the
famous 9 months), and comprises all the development that an unicellular zygote undergoes until it
becomes a 100 billion cells human being. Firstly, the zygote divides itself several times, reaching the state
of a morula, an 8-cell mass which later develops into a blastocyst. The latter quickly attaches to the
endometrium’s walls, now receiving nutrients and oxygen from the mother which will help it in its
growth.

During the embryo stage, it will build up 3 different layers: an inner layer (endoderm), a middle layer
(mesoderm) and an outer layer (ectoderm). Finally, when all the different body structures and the
embryo develops a human shape, it will become a fetus. This fetus will continue evolving as well.
 4. Birth
In the most frequent circumstances, the fetus is ready to be born by the 40th week of gestation process.
In fact, it starts positioning itself correctly since the 32th week. The birth period is considered to have
three different stages:

1. Cervix’s dilation. Classified as the toughest section of birth, it is an uninterrupted series of

contractions suffered by the myometrium (the uterus’ muscle layer). This pushes, caused by the
oxytocin hormone, gradually become more intense and the time between them shortens as the
birth approaches. After 3 to 12 hours of these preparative contractions, the amnion membrane
ruptures, leading to a release of the amniotic fluid that used to protect the fetus from external
bumps or pressures. This is known as breaking water (romper aguas).

2. Fetus release. During this second stage, the fetus is finally extracted, making use of a caesarean
section if it brings out complications. Next, the umbilical cord from the new-born is cut away.

3. Delivery of the placenta. Even though the baby is already born, the mother still suffers some
extra contractions which have the purpose of getting rid of the placenta and umbilical cord.
 Funny.

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogonium

Oogenesis

Oogonium
Ovum

Morula (Embryo)

+4 days

It implants in the uterus

The fetal stage

Undergoes embryonic
stage

+Several months