Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Includes all internal and external parts.

Female System

Functions Produce an Ovum (egg cell) When united with the sperm produces a

fertilized ovum. No fertilization-Menstrual cycle Organs of intercourse

External Organs

Called the Vulva (includes)• Clitoris

• Mons Pubis

• Labia Majora

• Labia Minora

• Vaginal Opening

• Vestibule

External Organs Mons Pubis – rounded fatty pad of tissue,

covered with pubic hair, located in the front on top of the pubic bone.

Labia Majora – Outer two folds of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening, also covered with pubic hair.

Labia Minora – Inner two folds of skin, forms a hood like covering over the clitoris.

The labia serve as a line of protection against pathogens (infection), also function in sexual arousal.

Vaginal Opening

Hymen – Thin membrane that stretches across the vaginal opening.

Clitoris – Small knob of tissue in the front of the vaginal opening, important in sexual arousal.

Bartholin’s Glands – Produce a lubricating liquid during sexual arousal

Urethral opening – Area where urine leaves the body.

Internal Organs Vagina – Elastic, tube like passageway. Organ of sexual

intercourse. Also known as the Birth Canal. Cervix – Neck of the uterus or the opening to the uterus, during

child birth the cervix will dilate to allow the passage of the baby. Uterus – Strong, elastic muscle about the size of a fist. Main

function is to hold and nourish the developing embryo and fetus.

Fallopian tubes – Tubes on each side of the uterus. Path way for the ovum.

Ovaries – female sex gland situated on both sides of the uterus at the ends of the fallopian tubes. Houses the ova and produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation

The process of releasing the one mature ovum each month into the fallopian tube is called ovulation.

The ovum can live for two days in the fallopian tubes.

Menstruation If the ovum is not fertilized, or if the fertilized ovum does not

attach to the wall of uterus, the lining is not needed. The muscle of the uterus contracts will cause the lining to

gradually break down. Abdominal Cramps 2-3 Tablespoons of blood The rest of the tissue that make up the lining. The process will

take anywhere from 4 to 7 days. The cycle repeats itself every 24-36 days depending on the

person. The cycle will start around the ages of 10-15. Menopause – the ceasing of menstrual cycle, 45-50 on the

average.

Concerns about the female system

PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome, Last from several days to two weeks.• Symptoms – Nervous tension, anxiety,

irritability, bloating, weight gain, depression, mood swings, and fatigue.

Concerns with PMS

Dysmenorrhea – Painful contractions, lasting for days, avoid aspirin.

Amenorrhea – Lack of the menstrual cycle, a 16 yr.old female who has never had a period or one that has discontinued for three months or more.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – Caused by a bacterial infection. Most cases have been traced to the use of super absorbent tampons which provide an oxygen rich environment for the bacteria.

Vaginitis – Vaginal infection which is common, yeast infection is one example.

Other Concerns and Side Effects Sterility Blockage in the fallopian tubes Unable to ovulate Endometriosis – Endometrial tissue grows outside the

uterus Untreated STI’s (gonorrhea, Chlamydia Breast Cancer (Most common in women) Cervical Cancer – Pap Smear to detect . It will not detect

STI’s. Ovarian Cancer Lining of the Ovary

Male Reproductive System Function – To produce sperm cells Male reproduction cell (sperm cell) unites with

a female egg cell (ovum) to form a fertilized ovum.

Production starts around 12 to 15 years of age. Otherwise known as puberty.

Testosterone causes the testes to produce sperm.

Spermatogenesis – Production of sperm for the rest of the males life.

External Male Reproduction System

Testes – Male sex glands, manufacture the male sex hormone. Testosterone and produce male reproduction cell – sperm.

Scrotum – Sac that holds the testes.

Testes – Seminiferous tubules – sperm is produced in this section of the testes.

500 million each day. Epididymis – Stores newly produced

sperm. 64 days for sperm to fully mature.

Penis

Tube like organ that functions in sexual reproduction, sexual pleasure and the elimination of body waste.

Erections – Blood fills three cylinders (sinus) which surround the urethra.

Ejaculation – Release of reproductive fluids. (Semen)

Circumcision

Foreskin – The fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. Males are born with this.

Surgical procedure to remove this fold of skin.

Usually done after a few days of birth. Aids in keeping the reproductive organs

clean.

Internal Reproductive Organs Vas Deferens – A long tube that connects the epididymis with the

urethra. Seminal Vesicles – Two little pouches just above and either side of the

prostate gland. Secrete a fluid that mixes with the sperm. The fluid travels down the ejaculatory duct to mix with the sperm.

Prostate Gland – Below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Secretes a milky and alkaline fluid that mixes with the sperm. It it the size of a chest nut.

Cowper’s Gland – Glands open into the urethra, secretes a clear sticky fluid that will clean the urethra of acid from urine.

Urethra – Tube like organ that travels thru the penis and leads to the ejaculatory duct, passage way for urine and sperm.

Semen – Mixture of fluids from the seminal vesicles, cowper’s gland, and the prostate gland.

Concerns about the male system Nocturnal Emissions Hernia – Pushing of a body part thru the

muscle wall that normally contains it. Inguinal Hernia – Weak spot in the abdominal

wall near the top of the scrotum. Part of the intestine will push thru.

Sterility – Weak malfunctioning sperm or no sperm. Can be caused by temperature changes, surgery, certain chemicals, smoking, contracting the mumps as an adult, untreated STI’s.

Other Concerns

Testicular cancer – 1%of all cancer in men ages 15-34.

Prostate cancer – Prostate enlarges and blocks the urethra or bladder. 2nd most common type of cancer in men.