The Reproductive System Overview

A condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, constricting the urethra and causing difficulty urinating. It can lead to kidney damage and bladder infections.

Cancer that develops in the prostate gland. It is the third most common cancer in men and is often slow-growing, making early detection crucial.

Cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It's prevalent in women between 30 and 50, and risk factors include frequent intercourse with multiple partners, STDs, and inflammation.

Cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It's the leading cause of death in women, but men can also get it. Early detection via mammography is crucial.

A series of symptoms that occur during the premenstrual phase, including irritability, fatigue, and depression. The cause is unknown, and treatment focuses on symptom relief.

A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and bleeding during menstruation.

Infections spread through intimate sexual contact. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

These are examples of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by different pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Glands located behind the bladder that contribute a thick, yellowish fluid to semen, making up about 60% of its volume. This fluid contains fructose for sperm nourishment, prostaglandins to stimulate uterine contractions, and fibrinogen to temporarily clot semen in the vagina.

A gland located below the bladder that secretes an alkaline fluid which neutralizes the acidity of the vagina, aiding sperm survival. It also contributes clotting enzymes and fibrinolysin to semen, making up about 30% of its volume.

Small spherical glands that secrete a clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal. This fluid lubricates the urethra, providing a smooth passage for sperm.

The male organ responsible for delivering sperm to the female reproductive tract. It consists of a base, shaft, glans (head), and foreskin, and contains erectile tissue (corpus spongiosum and corpus cavernosum) that allows for erection.

The process of egg production in females. It starts during fetal development with the formation of primary oocytes, which remain dormant until puberty. At puberty, the ovarian cycle begins, leading to the maturation and release of an egg (ovulation) each month.

The primary female reproductive organ responsible for producing eggs (oogenesis) and secreting female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are crucial for ovulation, maturation of the egg, sperm transport, and preparation for pregnancy.

A pear-shaped organ located in the female pelvis, where menstruation occurs, fertilized eggs implant, and fetuses develop. Composed of three layers: endometrium (inner), myometrium (middle), and perimetrium (outer).

The lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It contains the cervical canal, a small opening serving as a pathway for sperm and the passageway for childbirth.

A muscular, expandable tube connecting the uterus to the external environment. It serves as a passageway for menstrual flow, sperm, and childbirth.

The external genitalia of the female, comprising the labia minora and labia majora, which are skin folds surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings. The clitoris, a small erotic structure, is located at the anterior end of the vulva.

A monthly cycle occurring in the ovaries, consisting of two alternating phases: the follicular phase (dominated by maturing follicles) and the luteal phase (characterized by the presence of corpus luteum). These phases regulate egg production and hormone secretion.

The first half of the ovarian cycle, characterized by the growth and maturation of follicles, which contain the developing egg. During this phase, theca cells within the dominant follicle secrete increasing amounts of estrogen, culminating in ovulation.

The last 14 days of the ovarian cycle, where the remnants of the ruptured follicle transform into the corpus luteum. This structure produces progesterone and estrogen, preparing the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.

A cycle occurring in the uterine lining (endometrium), coordinated with the ovarian cycle. It consists of three phases: menstrual phase (shedding of the lining), proliferative phase (regeneration of the lining), and secretory phase (preparation of the lining for implantation).

The union of a sperm and an egg, typically occurring in the upper third of the fallopian tube. This event triggers a chemical change in the egg's membrane, preventing further sperm entry.

An organ that develops during pregnancy, facilitating exchange between maternal and fetal blood. It serves as a temporary endocrine gland, secreting hormones essential for pregnancy maintenance, such as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

The primary reproductive organs are called gonads. In males, these are the testes, and in females, they are the ovaries.

Mature gonads have two main functions: producing gametes (sperm in males and ova in females) and secreting sex hormones.

The reproductive tract is a system of specialized ducts that transport or house gametes after they are produced.

Accessory sex glands are glands that empty supportive secretions into the reproductive tract.

The testes are responsible for producing sperm (spermatogenesis) and delivering sperm to the female.

The testes are located in the scrotum, a skin-covered sac outside the abdominal tract.

The penis is the organ used to deposit semen into the female.

The male reproductive tract includes the epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.

The accessory glands in the male reproductive system are the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

Testosterone controls development, growth, and maintenance of male sex organs, stimulates muscle and bone development, causes sperm maturation, and influences secondary sexual characteristics.