Embryology maturation and anatomy of the reproductive system.

This is a general discussion of the development of the reproductive system in humans. While the sex genotype is determined at fertilization sex differentiation of the gonads and internal and external genitalia is not completed until after 12 weeks in the female embryo and after 14 weeks in the male. The male and female organs develop from an originally undifferentiated gonadal primordium. The gonads manufacture sex hormones beginning at puberty in sufficient quantity to cause rapid growth of the genitalia development of secondary sex characteristics and skeletal growth and maturation. These anatomical changes occurring at puberty in both males and females are described. The process of spermatogenesis is described and illustrated. The anatomy of adult males and females is described in relation to reproductive and contraceptive functions.