This acclaimed text has been fully revised and updated, now incorporating issues including aging of the reproductive system, and updates on the chapters on conception and Gamete Transport and Fertilization, and Pregnancy.Human Reproductive Biology, Third Edition emphasizes the biological and biomedical aspects of human reproduction, explains advances in reproductive science and discusses the choices and concerns of today. Generously illustrated in full color, the text provides current information about human reproductive anatomy and physiology.The ideal book for courses on human reproductive biology - includes chapter introductions, sidebars on related topics of interest, chapter summaries and suggestions for further reading. All material competely updated with the latest research results, methods, and topics now organized to facilitate logical presentation of topics New chapters on Reproductive Senescence, Conception: Gamete Transport, Fertilization, Pregnancy: Maternal Aspects and Pregnancy: Fetal Development Full color illustrations

A primatologist explores the mystery of the origins of human reproduction, explaining that understanding the evolutionary past can provide insight into what worked, what didn't, and what it all means for the future of mankind.

Our knowledge of reproductive biology has increased enormously in recent years on cellular, molecular, and genetic levels, leading to significant breakthroughs that have directly benefitted in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in humans and animal systems. Animal Models and Human Reproduction presents a comprehensive reference that reflects the latest scientific research being done in human reproductive biology utilizing domestic animal models. Chapters on canine, equine, cow, pig, frog, and mouse models of reproduction reflect frontier research in placental biology, ovarian function and fertility, non-coding RNAs in gametogenesis, oocyte and embryo metabolism, fertilization, cryopreservation, signal transduction pathways, chromatin dynamics, epigenetics, reproductive aging, and inflammation. Chapters on non-human primate models also highlight recent advancements into such issues as human in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This book offers animal scientists, reproductive biology scientists, clinicians and practitioners, invaluable insights into a wide range of issues at the forefront of human reproductive health.

This book covers human female biology, how the menstrual cycle is controlled, how steroidogenesis is controlled and how the follicle and the egg are formed. This book covers male biology, and how steroid hormones are made, and how sperm are synthesised and matured. Then this book covers sex biology, such as how the brain deals with libido and sexual images, and how the brain controls erection and ejaculation. This book deals with how sperm are matured upon intercourse, how fertilisation takes place, and how the fertilised embryo is matured and implants in the uterus. The subjects of sexuality and homosexuality, chromosome disorders and hydatidiform moles are carefully discussed and considered.

The study of human reproductive ecology represents an important new development in human evolutionary biology. Its focus is on the physiology of human reproduction and evidence of adaptation, and hence the action of natural selection, in that domain. But at the same time the study of human reproductive ecology provides an important perspective on the historical process of human evolution, a lens through which we may view the forces that have shaped us as a species. In the end, all actions of natural selection can be reduced to variation in the reproductive success of individuals.Peter Ellison is one of the pioneers in the fast growing area of reproductive ecology. He has collected for this volume the research of thirty-one of the most active and influential scientists in the field. Thanks to recent noninvasive techniques, these contributors can present direct empirical data on the effect of a broad array of ecological, behavioral, and constitutional variables on the reproductive processes of humans as well as wild primates. Because biological evolution is cumulative, however, organisms in the present must be viewed as products of the selective forces of past environments. The study of adaptation thus often involves inferences about formative ecological relationships that may no longer exist, or not in the same form. Making such inferences depends on carefully weighing a broad range of evidence drawn from studies of contemporary ecological variation, comparative studies of related taxonomies, and paleontological and genetic evidence of evolutionary history. The result of this inquiry sheds light not only on the functional aspects of an organism's contemporary biology but also on its evolutionary history and the selective forces that have shaped it through time.Encompassing a range of viewpoints--controversy along with consensus--this far-ranging collection offers an indispensable guide for courses in biological anthropology, human biology, and primatology, along with

It's obvious why only men develop prostate cancer and why only women get ovarian cancer. But it is not obvious why women are more likely to recover language ability after a stroke than men or why women are more apt to develop autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Sex differences in health throughout the lifespan have been documented. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health begins to snap the pieces of the puzzle into place so that this knowledge can be used to improve health for both sexes. From behavior and cognition to metabolism and response to chemicals and infectious organisms, this book explores the health impact of sex (being male or female, according to reproductive organs and chromosomes) and gender (one's sense of self as male or female in society). Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health discusses basic biochemical differences in the cells of males and females and health variability between the sexes from conception throughout life. The book identifies key research needs and opportunities and addresses barriers to research. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health will be important to health policy makers, basic, applied, and clinical researchers, educators, providers, and journalists-while being very accessible to interested lay readers.

Human Reproductive Biology focuses on the processes, concerns, and trends in human reproduction. Divided into four parts with 19 chapters, the book starts by tracing the history of human reproduction biology and the questions and choices involved. The first part focuses on the male and female reproductive systems. The text notes the different organs involved in reproduction, including the penis, scrotum, vagina, oviducts, and mammary glands. The book discusses sexual development and differentiation, particularly noting the variance of sex ducts and glands, external genitalia, and disorders of sexual development and determination. The text also looks at puberty. Concerns include gonadal changes from birth to puberty; mechanisms that influence puberty; and puberty and psychosocial adjustment. The second part deals with menstrual cycle, fertilization, pregnancy, labor, and birth. Some of the concerns include length of menstrual cycle; absence of menstruation; transport of sperm and ovum in the oviduct; and semen release. The text also highlights labor and birthing processes as well as the relationship of neonates and parents. The third part looks at the medical aspects of human reproduction, infertility, and sexually transmitted diseases. Concerns include contraception, abortion, herpes genitalis, and vaginitis. The text folds with discussions on human sexual behavior, population growth, and family planning. Concerns include sexual dysfunction; the effects of overpopulation; and population control. The book is a vital source of data for readers interested in human reproduction.