Human Reproduction

Human Reproduction

Human reproduction is any form of sexual reproduction resulting in human fertilization, typically involving sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. During sexual intercourse, the interaction between the male and female reproductive systems results in fertilization of the woman's ovum by the man's sperm. These are specialized reproductive cells called gametes, created in a process called meiosis. While normal cells contains 46 chromosomes, 23 pairs, gamete cells only contain 23 chromosomes, and it is when these two cells merge into one zygote cell that genetic recombination occurs and the new zygote contains 23 chromosomes from each parent, giving them 23 pairs. After a gestation period, typically for nine months, is followed by childbirth. The fertilization of the ovum may be achieved by artificial insemination methods, which do not involve sexual intercourse.

Fertilization

Simply put, the definition of human fertilization is the union or joining of the egg and the sperm, resulting in a fertilized egg, otherwise known as a zygote. But the process of human fertilization is very complicated and comprised of many steps and components necessary to achieve the ultimate result of human life. Read on to learn how such small things work together to make a fertilized egg.

Process

The process of human fertilization is a complicated one, but the egg and sperm will unite in the long run. Although technical in nature, you could also look at it as a journey to find the perfect match. The egg will sit waiting for one sperm out of up to 150 million that begin the race, and it will merge with that sperm to create human life. While the egg waits, the sperm race and compete to be the first to penetrate the egg. When the one sperm and egg finally meet, electricity fills the air. Seriously, electric signals are released. Although the details may not be so romantic, remember that it is the journey that counts. Human fertilization begins with a woman's menstrual cycle. This cycle prepares a woman's body for fertilization. About half way through this cycle, the woman's body is ready to begin the process of human fertilization. It is at this point that an egg cell is released, or ovulated, into the Fallopian tube. Inside this Fallopian tube, fertilization will take place.

Pregnancy

The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. This condition can be indicated by positive results on an over-the-counter urine test, and confirmed through a blood test, ultrasound, detection of fetal heartbeat, or an X-ray. Pregnancy lasts for about nine months, measured from the date of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). It is conventionally divided into three trimesters, each roughly three months long.