42.3 Human Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

In this and the next section, we continue to narrow our focus in order to consider reproduction in more detail. Here, we discuss human reproduction and development. Many features of human reproduction are seen in other mammals: Humans are amniotes, reproduce sexually, use internal fertilization, and are viviparous. Other aspects, however, are unique. Our focus on human reproduction allows for a detailed treatment of the topic in one species and also gives us a chance to explore ways we intervene in the process to promote, prevent, and follow pregnancy.