Main description:

Essential Reproduction provides an accessible account of the fundamentals of reproduction within the context of cutting-edge knowledge and examples of its application. The eighth edition of this internationally best-selling title provides a multidisciplinary approach integrating anatomy, physiology, genetics, behaviour, biochemistry, molecular biology and clinical science, to give thorough coverage of the study of mammalian reproduction.

Key features:

Contains discussion of the latest on conceptual, informational and applied aspects of reproduction
New pedagogical features such as clinical case studies at the end of each chapter
Better use of boxed material to improve separation of narrative text from ancillary information
Highlighted key words for ease of reference relate to summary of key points
Introduction now split into two sections
Expanded content in Fetal challenges, and Society and reproduction
Substantial rearrangement and updating in Making sperm, Controlling fertility, and Restoring fertility

Contents:

Contributors vii

Preface viii

How to use this book x

Acknowledgements xi

About the companion website xii

Part 1: Introduction 1

1 What is reproduction? 3

2 The infrastructure of reproduction 13

Part 2: Making women and men 35

3 Sex 37

4 Sexual maturation 53

5 Gender 72

6 Sexual selection 88

Part 3: Preparing for pregnancy 107

7 Making sperm 109

8 Men 128

9 Making eggs 139

10 Women 158

Part 4: Making an embryo 181

11 Sperm and eggs 183

12 Fertilization 197

13 Initiating pregnancy 215

Part 5: Maintaining a pregnancy 237

14 Supporting the embryo and fetus 239

15 Growing the fetus 257

16 Fetal challenges 270

Part 6: A new individual 289

17 Preparing for birth 291

18 Giving birth 301

19 Lactation 318

20 Postnatal care 330

Part 7: Manipulating reproduction 345

21 Controlling fertility 347

22 Restoring fertility 363

23 Society and reproduction 383

Index 395