Human Reproductive Biology

Preface 1 Introduction to Human Reproduction Introduction 1 The Evolutionary History of Human Reproductive Biology Current Choices and Questions Concerning Human Reproduction Chapter Summary Further ReadingPart 1 The Female and Male Reproductive Systems 2 The Brain and Pituitary Gland Introduction The Endocrine System The Science of Endocrinology The Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial Connection The Adenohypophysis The Hypothalamo-Adenohypophysical Connection Other Brain Areas and Gonadotropin Secretion Feedback Control of Gonadotropin Secretion Chapter Summary Further Reading 3 The Female Reproductive System Introduction The Ovaries The Oviducts The Uterus The Vagina The Female External Genitalia The Mammary Glands Chapter Summary Further Reading 4 The Male Reproductive System Introduction The Testes The Male Sex Accessory Ducts and Glands The Penis The Scrotum Chapter Summary Further Reading 5 Sexual Differentiation and Development Introduction Chromosomal Sex The Sexually Indifferent Stage Gonadal Sex Determination Differentiation of the Sex Accessory Ducts and Glands Differentiation of the External Genitalia Sexual Differences in Brain Development Summary of Sexual Determination and Development Disorders of Sexual Determination and Development Chapter Summary Further Reading 6 Puberty Puberty and Its Timing Gonadal Changes from Birth to Puberty Hormone Levels from Birth to Puberty What Mechanisms Cause Puberty? Environmental Factors and Puberty Inheritance and Age of Puberty Puberty and Psychosocial Adjustment Chapter Summary Further Reading Part 2 Procreation 7 The Menstrual Cycle Introduction Reproductive Cycles in Other Mammals Major Events in the Menstrual Cycle The Menstrual Cycle in Detail Variations in Length of Menstrual Cycle Phases Methods for Detecting Ovulation The Premenstrual Syndrome Menstrual Difficulties Absence of Menstruation Menstrual Taboos Menopause Chapter Summary 8 Gamete Transport and Fertilization Further Reading Introduction Semen Release Contents of Seminal Plasma Sperm Number and Structure Sperm Transport and Maturation in the Female Reproductive Tract Transport of the Sperm and Ovum in the Oviduct Sperm Capacitation and Activation The Process of Fertilization Prevention of Polyspermy Chemical Inhibition of Fertilization Sex Ratios Sex Preselection Multiple Embryos Parthenogenesis Cloning Chapter Summary Further Reading 9 Pregnancy Introduction Signs of Pregnancy Pregnancy Tests What to Do if You are Pregnant The Process of Pregnancy Fetal Disorders Fetal Scanning The Pregnant Woman Chances for a Successful Pregnancy Chapter Summary Further Reading 10 Labor and Birth Introduction Time of Birth Hormones and Birth Induced Labor Preparation for Labor The Birth Process Premature Births Multiple Births Difficult Fetal Positions Handling Difficult Births Use of Med