Reproductive biology includes both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Reproductive biology includes a wide number of fields:
- Reproductive systems
- Endocrinology
- Sexual development (Puberty)
- Sexual maturity
- Reproduction
- Fertility
Human reproductive biology
Endocrinology
Human reproductive biology is primarily controlled through hormones, which send signals to the human reproductive structures to influence growth and maturation. These hormones are secreted by endocrine glands, and spread to different tissues in the human body. In humans, the pituitary gland synthesizes hormones used to control the activity of endocrine glands.
Reproductive systems
Internal and external organs are included in the reproductive system. There are two reproductive systems including the male and female, which contain different organs from one another. These systems work together in order to produce offspring.
Female reproductive system
The female reproductive system includes the structures involved in ovulation, fertilization, development of an embryo, and birth. Androgen and estrogen receptors are abundant in epithelial cells of the male reproductive tract.
Animal Reproductive Biology
Animal reproduction occurs by two modes of action, including both sexual and asexual reproduction. In the case of some species of frogs, such as the Mallorcan midwife toad and the Kihansi spray toad, it has been possible to repopulate areas where wild populations had been lost.
Gametogenesis
Gametogenesis is the formation of gametes, or reproductive cells.
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the production of sperm cells in the testis. In mature testes primordial germ cells divide mitotically to form the spermatogonia, which in turn generate spermatocytes by mitosis. Then each spermatocyte gives rise to four spermatids through meiosis. Genetic recombination during meiosis provides the benefit of recombinational repair of damage in the germline DNA passed on to progeny.