Physiology of Human Reproduction. Notes for Students

Introduction

CHAPTER 1: THE ADULT MALE

1.            The three basic requirements for fertility in the male

2.            Endocrinology of the male reproductive system

3.            Physiological actions of testosterone and related androgens

4.            Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis

5.            Production of seminal plasma

6.            Testicular thermoregulation; varicocoele

7.            Penile erection

8.            Cellular mechanism of PDE-5 inhibitors in treating erectile dysfunction

9.            Emission and ejaculation

10.          Infertility

CHAPTER 2: THE NONPREGNANT ADULT FEMALE

11.          The menstrual cycle: a perspective

12.          Oogenesis

13.          Folliculogenesis

14.          Follicular production of sex hormones

15.          Recruitment of the dominant follicle

16.          Transition from the follicular to the ovulatory phase: the LH surge

17.          The luteal phase

18.          The corresponding uterine phases: menstrual, proliferative, secretory

19.          Estrogen

20.          Progesterone

21.          Putting it together

CHAPTER 3:         PREGNANCY, PARTURITION, LACTATION

22.          Fertilization and early embryogenesis

23.          Implantation

24.          Multiple births

25.          Placentation

26.          Endocrinology of pregnancy

27.          Prenatal testing for fetal aneuploidy and other maternal and fetal conditions

28.          Maternal adaptations during pregnancy

29.          Embryonic and fetal growth

30.          Lactation and breast feeding

31.          Long term health effects of pregnancy on mother and child

CHAPTER 4:         THE HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE

32.          General considerations

CHAPTER 5:         AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

33.          Childhood and adolescence

34.          Puberty

35.          The aging male and female

Physiology of Human Reproduction provides students with a concise and accessible overview of more than 200 vital concepts, from the basic physiology of the male and the nonpregnant female, to fertilization, embryonic and fetal growth, labor, lactation, and more. Presented in a readable style, key terms are highlighted throughout the main text to enable students to quickly find a concept and read the appropriate information.

Whether reading the book from cover to cover, or using a focused approach to learn about specific concepts, readers will find this textbook to be an invaluable tool for increasing their understanding of human reproduction. An essential companion for standard Anatomy and Physiology courses, this student-friendly textbook: 

• Covers physiology of the male, the physiology of the nonpregnant female, pregnancy and lactation, and age-related changes such as menopause 
• Discusses pregnancy, birth control, and the reproductive system in childhood, adolescence, and puberty 
• Describes the anatomy, physiology, and phases of the human sexual response 
• Explains genetic conditions and disorders including androgen insensitivity syndrome and Kallman’s syndrome  

Physiology of Human Reproduction is a must-have learning guide for students in the medical and life sciences, including medicine, nursing, biology, physiology, and biomedicine, as well as those in courses covering human reproduction and pregnancy.  

George Osol, Ph.D., is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine; a University Scholar and an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association, specializing in vascular physiology and preeclampsia.