Human Fertilization through the Reproductive System
The male and female reproductive systems work together to create life – sperm cells produced by males and egg cells produced by females are the main components to fertilization. When these two cells are joined, it is considered conception. The egg has been fertilized by one of the many sperm cells that enter the female’s fallopian tube through sexual activity. Once conception has occurred, the newly fertilized egg will travel to the uterus where it will implant on the uterine walls. Here, the embryo will receive the nutrients and support it needs to grow. Eventually, the embryo will develop human-like features such as eyes, arms, legs, and organs. At this point, the embryo has transitioned into a fetus and will continue to develop until birth. While this is a brief overview of how the reproductive systems work to facilitate fertilization, there is more to this incredible process.
The sperm and egg cells are unique since they only contain half the genetic information as other body cells. When these two cells combine, a full set of genetic information is created, which forms a zygote. Once a zygote is formed, it continues to divide and multiply as it travels to the uterine walls. After a zygote attaches to uterine walls, the cells begin to differentiate into the different bodily organs. Once the zygote has reached the embryonic phase, the reproductive system will begin to form. The development of ovaries and testes reveals the gender of the baby.
The reproductive system is a complex set of organs that has allowed for the growth of the human species. The beauty of the system is that it comes full circle – it uses the reproductive organs to create humans with their own reproductive system, so someday they can have children of their own if they choose. The complexity and beauty of the reproductive system should be acknowledged and appreciated.
HPV
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family. This article will explore common methods of transmission of the virus, symptoms, and mitigation strategies.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can be spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is often known to spread through convalescent carriers or carriers who don’t have any symptoms of the virus themselves. The viral organisms puncture through open wounds and enter through blood, often through sexual contact. Other nonsexual forms of transmission include sharing of needles or in rare instances through secondary fomites.
Common acute symptoms of HPV include warts on the face or other parts of the body. These warts form distinct, non symmetrical shapes that are easily identifiable as HPV. If the HPV infection is not treated, it can progress into various forms of reproductive cancer including cancer in the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus.
Prevention of the HPV virus typically entails receiving an HPV vaccination at the age of 11 or 12. The CDC reports that females have a 86% reduction in infections while males have a 71% risk of infections. Other than vaccinations, there are no other direct cures for the virus. Rather, clinicians focus on alleviating the symptoms of the virus including surgical removal of warts and administration of anti-tumor medications.
With over 43 million reported infections of HPV in 2018, the virus poses a significant health burden on the world population. Thus, awareness should be spread about transmission practices and vaccination programs should be implemented, especially in impoverished areas.
Work Cited:
Human Fertilization through the Reproductive System
Visible Body. (2021). Egg to Embryo to Fetus: The Reproduction and Development Process. https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/reproductive/reproductive-process
HPV
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
https://clinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/new-research-on-hpv
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/22894/
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