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'''Human reproduction''' is the mechanism by which we perpetuate our species.   

'''Human reproduction''' is the mechanism by which we perpetuate our species.   

In order for human reproduction to occur, a male and female (man and woman) of the species must cooperate in the act of sexual congress.  Most cultures enshrine this activity within a union we call marriage, a lifelong, legally sanctioned, bond between one man and one woman.

In order for human reproduction to occur, a woman must become pregnant through either sexual intercourse of assisted reproductive technology.  Most cultures enshrine this activity within a union we call marriage, a lifelong, legally sanctioned, bond between one man and one woman.  

The sexual act serves to unite the male and female gametes, the sperm and egg, respectively.  These gametes carry just one half of the genetic material (chromosomes) from each parent, and when they combine the new embryo contains a full set of chromosomes.  The process of gamete combination is called fertilization, and takes place inside the woman's body, in the fallopian tubes or uterus.  The embryo then attaches itself to the uterine lining, and is nourished by the woman's body while it develops.  This development takes roughly nine months.

 

In reproduction through sexual intercourse,  the male and female gametes, the sperm and egg, are united.  These gametes carry just one half of the genetic material (chromosomes) from each parent, and when they combine the new embryo contains a full set of chromosomes.  This process of gamete combination is called fertilization, and takes place inside the woman's body, in the fallopian tubes or uterus.  The embryo then attaches itself to the uterine lining, and is nourished by the woman's body while it develops.  This development takes roughly nine months.

At the end of this process of protected development, what was once an embryo is now born as a new baby.  Human babies are relatively helpless, and depend on the care and love of their parents in order to survive to maturity themselves.

At the end of this process of protected development, what was once an embryo is now born as a new baby.  Human babies are relatively helpless, and depend on the care and love of their parents in order to survive to maturity themselves.