Formation of gametes in males and females by spermatogenesis and oogenesis respectively

Gametogenesis is the process of formation of gametes i.e., Sperms from primary spermatocytes and ova from primary oocyte in testes and ovaries respectively. Meiosis plays the most significant role in the process of gametogenesis.

Spermiogenesis Spermatogenesis lt is a process of formation of sperms from immature germ cells It is a process of transformation of a non-motile spermatid into a motile
spermatozoan Number of cells increased as each spermatogonium produces four spermatids No change in number of cells as only one spermatid develops into a spermatozoa

(i) It is a temporary endocrine gland formed from the ruptured Graafian follicle.
(ii) It secretes a large amount of progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium of the uterus. If fertilization does not occur it degenerates.

(i) FSH stimulates testicular growth and enhances the production of Androgen Binding protein (ABP) by the sertoli cells and helps in the process of spermiogenesis.
(ii) LH acts on the Leydig cells and stimulates the synthesis of testosterone which in turn stimulates the process of spermatogenesis.

(i) Sertoli cells are elongated and pyramidal and provide nourishment to the sperms till maturation.
(ii) They also secrete inhibin, a hormone which is involved in the negative feedback control of sperm production.

(i) Human ovum is non-cleidoic, alecithal and microscopic in nature.
(ii) Its cytoplasm called ooplasm contains a large nucleus called the germinal vesicle.
(iii) The ovum is surrounded by three coverings namely an inner thin transparent vitelline membrane, middle thick zona pellucida and outer thick coat of follicular cells called corona radiata.
(iv) Between the vitelline membrane and zona pellucida is a narrow perivitelline space.

1. Polyspermy: An egg that has been fertilized by more than one sperm
2. When a sperm comes in contact with the zona pellucida layer of the ovum, it induces changes in the membrane of the ovum to block the entry of additional sperms.
3. The prevention of polyspermy ensures that only one sperm can fertilize a single ovum.

	Germ Layers	Organ (or) Organ Systems
a.	Ectoderms	Central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and mammary gland.
b.	Mesoderm	Cartilage and bones, muscles, urinogenital organs
c	Endoderm	Epithelium of respiratory tract, liver, thyroid gland.

The extra embryonic membranes include amnion, yolk sac, allantois, and chorion. They protect the embryo from desiccation, mechanical shock, absorption of nutrients, gaseous exchange and placental formation.

	Embryonic membrane	Function
a.	Amnion	Innermost two-layered membrane with amniotic fluid providing buoyancy to embryo from injury regulates temperature and acts as a medium for fetal movement.
b.	Chorion	Outermost layer covering and protecting the embryo.
c.	Allantois	Forms an outpocketing of embryonic tissue at the tail of yolk sac which forms umbilical cord that links embryo to placenta and finally becomes the part of urinary bladder
d.	Yolk sac	Forms a part of gut and acts a source of earliest blood cells and blood vessels

(a) The figure 'F' represent ovulation.
Stage of oogenesis - Ovulatory or luteal stage of oogenesis
(b) (i) The ovarian hormone is progesterone which is released during ovulation.
(ii) The pituitary hormones are the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LSH) which are released during and ovulation from anterior pituitary gland.
(c) The endometrium of the uterus gets thickened and blood supply to the endometrium increase.
(d) Figure 'C' represents the secondary follicle and figure h represents the degenerating corpus luteum.

Secondary follicle	Corpus luteurn
lt is surrounded by layers of granulosa cells	Absence of granulosa cells
Theca layer is present	Theca layer is absent.

Menstrual cycle / Ovarian cycle
(i) The menstrual or ovarian cycle occurs approximately once in every 28/29 days, during the reproductive life of the female from menarche (puberty) to menopause except during pregnancy.
(ii) Menstrual cycle comprises of the following phases:
1. Menstrual phase
2. Follicular or proliferative phase
3. Ovulatory phase
4. Luteal or, secretory phase
(i) Menstrual phase: (Occurs and last for 3-5 days)
1. Menstrual flow is due to the breakdown of endometrial lining of the uterus, and its blood vessels due to decline in the level of progesterone and oestrogen.
2. Menstruation occurs only if the released ovum is not fertilized.
3. Absence of menstruation may be an indicator of pregnancy
4. However, it could also be due to stress, hormonal disorder and anaemia.
(ii) Follicular (or) proliferative phase: (extends from the 5th day of the cycle until the time of ovulation)
1. During this phase, the primary follicle in the ovary grows to become a fully mature Graafian follicle and simultaneously, the endometrium regenerates through proliferation. These changes in the ovary and the uterus are induced by the secretion of gonadotropins like FSH and LH, which increase gradually during the follicular phase. lt stimulates follicular development and secretion of oestrogen by the follicle cells.
(iii) Ovulatory phase (about 14th day):
1. Both LH and FSH attain peak level in the middle of the cycle.
2. Maximttm secretion of LH during the mid-cycle is called LH surge induces the rupture of the Graafian follicle and the release of the ovum (secondary oocyte) from the break down of ovary wall into the peritoneal cavity. This process called ovulation occurs at late luteal phase.
(iv) Luteal phase or secretory phase;
1. During luteal phase, the remaining part of the Graalian follicle is transformed into a transitory endocrine gland called corpus luteum at the end of ovulation.
2. The corpus luteum secretes a large amount of progesterone which is essential for the maintenance of the endometrium during pregnancy.
3. If fertilization takes place, it paves way for the implantation of the fertilized ovum.
4. The uterine wall secretes a nutritious fluid in the uterus for the foetus.
5. So, this phase is also called as secretory phase. During pregnancy all events of menstrual cycle stop and there is no menstruation.
6. In the absence of fertilization, the corpus luteum degenerates completely and leaves a scar tissue called corpus Albicans.
7. It also initiates the disintegration of the endometrium leading to menstruation, marking repetition of the next cycle.