Providing essential reading for medical, veterinary and biological science students, and students of physiology and trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology, the seventh edition of Essential Reproduction offers an up-to-date account of the fundamentals of reproduction within the context of cutting-edge knowledge and examples of its application. It provides a multidisciplinary approach integrating physiology, genetics, behaviour, anatomy and clinical science, to give thorough coverage of the study of mammalian reproduction.
Essential Reproduction is now accompanied by the Wiley E-Text: Powered by VitalSource, and includes:
- The latest on conceptual, informational and applied aspects of reproduction
- A new structure offering a more logical approach to study and revision
- Expanded further reading suggestions to support research
A companion website at
Table of Contents
Preface vii
How to use this book viii
Acknowledgements ix
Features of your textbook x
PART 1: Introduction 1
1 What is reproduction? 3
PART 2: Making men and women 33
2 Sex 35
3 Sexual maturation 50
4 Gender 69
5 Sexual selection 85
PART 3: Preparing for pregnancy 103
6 Making sperm 105
7 Men 122
8 Making eggs 133
9 Women 151
PART 4: Making an embryo 173
10 Sperm and eggs 175
11 Fertilization 189
12 Initiating pregnancy 206
PART 5: Maintaining a pregnancy 225
13 Supporting the embryo and fetus 227
14 Growing the fetus 245
15 Fetal challenges 258
PART 6: A new individual 271
16 Preparing for birth 273
17 Giving birth 283
18 Lactation 297
19 Postnatal care 309
PART 7: Manipulating reproduction 323
20 Regulating fertility 325
21 Restoring fertility 340
22 Society and reproduction 356
Index 365