Reproductive Phase of Life in Humans

REPRODUCTIVE PHASE OF LIFE IN HUMANS

• Adolescents become capable of reproduction when their testes and ovaries begin to produce gametes.

Reproductive Phase in Females

• In Females, the reproductive phase of life begins at puberty (10-12 years of age and generally lasts till the age of approx 45-50 years).
• Ova matures and is released by one of the ovaries once in about 28-30 days. A fertilized egg develops pregnancy.
• Unfertilized eggs along with the thickened lining of the uterus and blood vessels are shed off in the form of bleeding in women once in about 28-30 days is termed MENSTRUATION.
• Initial menstrual flow begins at puberty and is termed MENARCHE.
• Stoppage of the menstrual cycle at 45-50 years of age is called MENOPAUSE.

The ability of production of gametes in humans lasts until a certain time period only. This time period varies between males and females.

• It begins from the age of 10 to 12 years and lasts until the age of 45 to 50 years.
• When females hit puberty, the eggs or ova start getting mature.
• One of the ovaries then releases the mature ovum around 28 to 30 days.
• The wall of the uterus at this time, when the egg is released, becomes thick to hold the egg in case fertilization occurs and the egg develops.
• When the fertilization does not take place, the lining of the uterus sheds along with the egg and the blood vessels.
• This results in menstruation or bleeding in females.
• The first menstrual flow occurs at puberty and is called the Menarche.
• When the menstrual flow stops, it is termed Menopause.
• The whole menstrual cycle occurs because of female hormones.