THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Gonads- actual organ that produce gametes (mature haploid male or female germ
cell)
Reproduction:
A. Methods:
1. Sexual
2. Asexual
B. Function:
1. Produce hormones
2. Produce sperm and egg cell
3. Transport and sustain these cell
4. Ensure survival of species
5. Nurture developing offspring
MALE REPRODUTIVE SYSTEM
Located around the pelvic region
A. Parts
1. Testes- make testosterone, generate sperm
2. Epididymis- transport and store sperm, tube, bring sperm to maturity
3. Scrotum- sac of skin, contains the testes, climate control (cool down)
4. Penis- external reproductive organ, for se
A. Parts
A. Root- attaches to the abdomen
B. Body/ shaft
C. Glans penis- end
5. Vas deferens- thin tube, travels from epididymis to pelvic cavity, transport
mature sperm to the urethra
6. Urethra- transport semen and urine
7. Bulbourethral glands- “Cowpers” glands, below prostate glands, produce clear
slippery fluid (lubricate urethra and neutralize any acidity present due to urine)
8. Prostate gland- in front of rectum, produce fluid (nourish sperm)
Puberty- child to adult, physical changes
Secondary male characteristics
- Facial hair, deepening of voice, a prominent Adam’s apple, broadening of
shoulders, body hair
Hormones that affect male reproductive processes
1. GnRH- Hypothalamus; secrete gonadotropins
2. LH- pituitary; secrete testosterone
3. FSH- pituitary; secrete sperm
4. Testosterone- testes’ development of primary and secondary characteristics
5. Inhbin- testes’ production of FSH
SPERM CELL
Greek sperma (seed)
Male reproductive cell
Haploid cell
Parts
1. Head- contains nucleus, contains genetic material from the 23 chromosomes
2. Neck- contain mitochondria (supply the energy)
3. Tail- movement. 3 mm per min.
Made in the testes
72 days to produce a sperm cell
Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes
Nocturnal emission- “wet dream”
Masturbation- sexual stimulation
Ejaculation- ejecting of semen (Anejaculation- condition of unable to ejaculate)
Orgasm- sexual climax
Semen- seminal fluid, contains spermatozoa
Circumcision- removal of some foreskin (prepuce) from the penis; Latin circum
(around) caedere (to cut)
DISORDER
1. Testiscular trauma- mild injury
2. Varicocele- swollen vein in testicles
3. Testicular cancer- divide abnormally and form tumor
4. Epididymitis- inflammation of epididymis
5. Phimosis- tightness of foreskin
6. Hydrocele- fluid collection in the membrane of the testes
7. Micropenis- penis is below average size
FEMALE REPRODUCTIIVE SYSTEM
A. Two main parts:
1. Vagina
2. Uterus
Parts:
1. Ovaries- “eggs” are produced, w/n the ovary, a follicle consist of one precursor
egg cell
Ovulation- release of mature egg
One egg per cycle matured due to FSH. Due to LH ovulation occurs and
stimulates the follicle cells to turn into corpus luteum which secretes
progesterone
2. Fallopian tube- pair of tube, uterus to paired female ovaries, “oviducts”
Fertilization of ovum
Ectopic pregnancy- embryo attaches outside the uterus
Tubal ligation- cause infertility in women
3. Uterus- muscular womb, shape of flattened pear, lies in the urinary bladder
4. Endometrium- thinner membrane of mammalian uterus, lining for uterus,
increases during pregnancy.
Placenta forms which supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
5. Cervix- bottom end of the uterus, secretes mucus
6. Vagina- genital canal, forms the birth canal w/ the uterus,
Virgin- partially closed by thin fold of tissue (hymen)
7. Labia minora
8. Labia majora
9. Urethra- junction of the vagina and the vestibule
10. Clitoris- equivalent to penis. Most sensitive
11. Mons pubis- “mons”, flesh covered by pubic hair
Secondary Characteristics
1. Breast development
2. Body and facial hair
3. Pubic hair
4. Menstruation and fertility
5. Body odor
6. Body shape
Ovulation- release of an ovum (from one ovary- fallopian tube- uterus)
Menstruation- shedding of endometrium w/ blood loss, (menarche- first
time)
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Cycle last from 28 to 35 days
Interrupted by pregnancy
Copulation- sex
Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube
Pregnancy (Latin graviditas) – carrying embryo in the uterus, obstetrics (surgical field),
midwifery (non-surgical)
COMPLICATION
1. Infertility treatment- increase probability of pregnancy
2. Premature birth
3. Birth defect
4. Stillbirth- birth of dead
5. Birth trauma- baby experiences extreme pain during pregnancy
6. VBAC- vaginal birth before a caesarian birth
7. Miscarriage- abortion
DISORDER
1. Cervical cancer
2. Vulvodynia- burning of the vulva
3. Vaginismus- contraction of the vagina
4. Vestibulitis- severe pain on touch
5. Dyspareunia- pain during sex
6. STD (Sexually transmitted disease) or veneral disease
a. Syphilis-
b. Gonorrhea
c. Aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
d. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
e. Genital herpes
