Reproductive System PDF

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Modified By: Pauline Joyce B. Garcia, RRT The reproductive system's main job is to produce offspring. It does this by: 1.Producing gametes: Sperm and egg cells are made in the gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females) through meiosis. 2.Transporting and sustaining cells:...

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Modified By: Pauline Joyce B. Garcia, RRT The reproductive system's main job is to produce offspring. It does this by: 1.Producing gametes: Sperm and egg cells are made in the gonads (testes in males, ovaries in females) through meiosis. 2.Transporting and sustaining cells: It moves and supports these cells. 3.Nurturing offspring: It provides a place for offspring to develop. The system also produces hormones that control sex characteristics, fertility, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle. Male Reproductive System:  Produces hormones like testosterone to support sperm production and male reproductive function. Female Reproductive System:  Produces hormones like estrogen and progesterone.  Provides a place for a fertilized egg to grow and helps with childbirth. Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that combine during fertilization to create a new organism. In humans, there are two types of gametes: 1.Sperm (male gamete): Produced in the testes, sperm are small, mobile cells that carry the male's genetic material (DNA).  When a sperm fertilizes an egg, Gametes are produced through a their genetic material combines to type of cell division called meiosis, form a new cell called a zygote, which reduces the number of which develops into an embryo chromosomes by half, ensuring that and eventually a fetus. when the sperm and egg combine, the resulting zygote has the correct number of chromosomes.  Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system consists of an internal and an external group of organs, with the two groups connected by the vaginal canal. External Female Reproductive Organs: 1.Vulva: The external part of the female genitalia, which includes: 1. Labia majora: The outer, fleshy folds of skin. 2. Labia minora: The inner, smaller folds. 3. Clitoris: A sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva. 4. Vaginal opening: The opening to the vagina. Internal Female Reproductive Organs: 2.Vagina: A muscular canal that connects the external genitalia to the uterus. It serves as the passage for menstrual blood, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. 3.Uterus: A hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy. The uterus has three main parts: 1. Endometrium: The lining that thickens each month in preparation for pregnancy. 2. Myometrium: The muscular layer that contracts during childbirth. 3. Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 4.Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes): A pair of tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.  OVARIES The ovaries are small, almond-shaped glands. They have two main functions: 1.They produce hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. 2.They release ova (eggs), the female reproductive cells, during ovulation.  The ovaries are located on each side of the uterus, beneath and behind the fallopian tubes, near the outer wall of the pelvis. They are connected to the back of the broad ligament (a supportive tissue of the uterus) by a structure called the mesovarium.  UTERINE TUBES The two uterine tubes (also called fallopian tubes) extend from the sides of the uterus, passing above the ovaries and opening into the peritoneal cavity (the space in the abdomen). These tubes capture eggs (ova) released by the ovaries and transport them toward the uterus. Each tube is about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 13 cm) long, with a narrow opening at the uterine end that connects to the uterus. The tube itself is divided into three parts: the isthmus, the ampulla, and the infundibulum. The uterine tube (fallopian tube) has three main parts: 1. Isthmus: The short, narrow section near the uterus. 2. Ampulla: The wider, longer part of the tube, where fertilization typically occurs. 3. Infundibulum: The flared, open end of the tube, which is closest to the ovary. At the end of the infundibulum are finger-like projections called fimbriae, one of which is attached to or near the ovary. These fimbriae The inner lining of the uterine tube has tiny, hair-like projections called cilia. The lining also has folds that become more complex as they near the tube's open end (the fimbriae). The cilia help draw the egg (ovum) into the tube, where it is moved toward the uterus by peristaltic movements (wave-like contractions). The egg takes several days to travel through the tube. Fertilization usually occurs in the outer part of the tube. After fertilization, the egg (now a zygote) moves to the uterus for implantation.  UTERUS The uterus is a pear- shaped, muscular organ. Its primary functions are to receive and retain the fertilized ovum until development of the fetus is complete and, when the fetus is mature, to expel it during birth. The uterus has four main parts: 1. Fundus: The rounded top part of the uterus. 2. Body: The middle section, which narrows from the fundus to the isthmus and connects to ligaments that hold the uterus in place. 3. Isthmus: A narrow area between the body and cervix, about 1.3 cm (½ inch) long. 4. Cervix: The lower, cylindrical part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. The vagina attaches around the cervix. The uterus is located in the middle of the pelvic cavity. It lies behind (posterior) and above (superior) the urinary bladder, and in front of (anterior) the rectum. The long axis of the uterus is slightly curved forward and points downward and backward, almost at a right angle to the vagina, with the lower part of the cervix extending into the vaginal canal.  VAGINA The vagina is a muscular canal that lies behind the urinary bladder and urethra, and in front of the rectum. It is about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and extends from the uterus to the outside of the body. The inner lining (mucosa) of the vagina is continuous with that of the uterus. The area between the labia minora is called the vaginal vestibule, and it contains the The primary sex hormones for females are estrogen and progesterone. The levels of these hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle and are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics and the lining of the uterus. Menstrual cycle The ovaries produce the majority of estrogen and progesterone during a female's reproductive years. The amount of these hormones secreted varies throughout the menstrual cycle, which lasts about 28 days. A surge of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) occurs around day 14, which triggers ovulation. Puberty During puberty, the pituitary gland produces more FSH and LH, which stimulates the ovaries to produce more estrogen and progesterone. This increase in hormones leads to the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development, increased height, and wider hips. Uterine lining Estrogen and progesterone maintain the lining of the uterus. When fertilization doesn't occur, the lining breaks down and a new follicle The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 45 days, especially in the first few years after a woman's first period.  Follicular Phase (or Proliferative Phase): What happens: This phase begins on the first day of menstruation (your period) and lasts until ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary). Hormones: During this phase, the hormone estrogen increases, stimulating the growth of several follicles (small sacs in the ovaries that contain eggs). Duration: The length of the follicular phase can vary, typically lasting 10 to 16 days, depending on the individual. Luteal Phase (or Secretory Phase): What happens: After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which releases the hormone progesterone. Hormones: Progesterone helps maintain the thickened uterine lining and prepares it for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Duration: The luteal phase is usually around 14 days long and is more consistent in length compared to the follicular phase.  Male Reproductive System The male genital system includes: 1.Testes: Two organs that produce sperm. 2.Vas deferens (ductus deferens): Tubes that carry sperm from the testes. 3.Prostate: Gland that adds fluids to the sperm. 4.Ejaculatory ducts: Channels that mix sperm with fluids from other glands. 5.Seminal vesicles: Glands that produce fluid that combines with sperm. 6.Bulbourethral glands: Small glands that also produce fluids that mix with sperm. These fluids together form semen. The 7. Penis and 8. Scrotum are the external organs. The scrotum holds the testes, 9. epididymis (where sperm mature), spermatic cords, and  TESTES The testes are oval-shaped, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and deep. Each testis is made up of 200 to 300 small compartments, which contain tiny tubes that produce sperm. These tubes come together to form 15 to 20 smaller ducts that lead out of the testis and connect to the epididymis, where sperm mature.  EPIDIDYMIS The epididymis is a long, curved structure attached to the top and back of the testis. The small ducts from the testis lead into the head of the epididymis, where they become part of the coiled tubes that make up the epididymis. The purpose of the epididymis is to store and mature sperm that are produced in the testes. Sperm enter the epididymis from the testis, where they undergo a process of maturation, becoming capable of fertilizing an egg. The epididymis also transport sperm from the testis to the vas deferens, which carries them toward the urethra for  DUCTUS DEFERENS The ductus deferens (vas deferens) is a tube about 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm) long. It carries sperm from the epididymis to the urinary bladder. It starts coiled, then travels alongside the testis and joins the spermatic cord. It passes through the inguinal canal into the pelvic cavity. Near the end, it expands into a storage area called the ampulla, where seminal fluid is kept. It then joins the seminal vesicle duct to form the ejaculatory duct, which releases sperm into the urethra during ejaculation.  SEMINAL VESICLES The seminal vesicles are two sac- like structures, each about 2 inches (5 cm) long. They are located on the back and side of the bladder. From the point where the ureter meets the bladder, each seminal vesicle slants downward and inward toward the prostate. Each ampulla of the ductus deferens (vas deferens) lies next to the medial side of the seminal vesicle and joins with it to form the ejaculatory duct, which carries semen into the urethra during  EJACULATORY DUCTS The ejaculatory ducts are formed when the ductus deferens (vas deferens) joins the duct of the seminal vesicle. These ducts are about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) long and begin just behind the neck of the bladder. The two ejaculatory ducts enter the prostate, pass through it at an angle, and open into the prostatic urethra (the part of the urethra inside the prostate). Before ejaculation, the ejaculatory ducts release sperm into  PROSTATE The prostate is a cone-shaped accessory organ, about 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm) long. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra in males, from the bladder neck to the pelvic floor, and is located just in front of the rectum, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind the lower part of the pubic bone. The prostate is made up of both muscle and glandular tissue. Its ducts release fluids into the prostatic urethra, which are a key part of  PENIS The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse and has three main parts: 1.Root: The part that attaches the penis to the body, at the wall of the abdomen. 2.Body (Shaft): The cylindrical main part, made up of three chambers filled with erectile tissue. When sexually aroused, these chambers fill with blood, causing the penis to become hard and erect for penetration. The skin is stretchy to accommodate size changes during an erection. 3.Glans: The rounded, cone-shaped tip of the penis, also called the head. It’s covered by a layer of skin called the foreskin, which may be removed in a procedure called circumcision.  SCROTUM The scrotum is a loose, pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. It holds the testicles (or testes) and contains nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum has two main functions: to protect the testicles and to act as a climate control system, helping to keep the testicles at the right temperature for sperm production.  Sperm Production:  Where it happens: Sperm is produced in the testes (plural of testicle), which are located in the scrotum.  How it's done: Inside the testes, specialized cells undergo a process called spermatogenesis to create sperm cells. This process is regulated by hormones like testosterone.  Hormone Production: Testosterone: The testes also produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male sexual characteristics (like facial hair, deeper voice, muscle mass) and regulating sperm production.  Storage of Sperm: Epididymis: Once sperm is produced in the testes, it moves to the epididymis, a coiled tube attached to each testicle. Here, the sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation.  Transport of Sperm: Vas deferens: During ejaculation, mature sperm travel from the epididymis through the vas deferens (a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra) toward the urethra, which runs through the penis.  Seminal Fluid Production: Seminal vesicles and prostate gland: Along the way, sperm mixes with fluids produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. These fluids nourish and protect the sperm, forming semen, which is ejaculated during sexual intercourse.  Ejaculation: When a male reaches orgasm, sperm is ejaculated from the urethra through the penis. The sperm can then travel into the female reproductive system to potentially fertilize an egg.  Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.  Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm.  Vas deferens: Transports sperm to the urethra.  Seminal vesicles & prostate gland: Produce fluids that combine with sperm to form semen.  Urethra: The tube that carries semen out of the body during ejaculation.  Penis: The organ through which semen is ejaculated during sexual intercourse.  MALE SEXUAL ACT 1. Erection Sexual arousal causes blood to fill the penis, making it hard and erect. 2. Emission Sperm and fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles move into the urethra in preparation for ejaculation. 3. Ejaculation Strong muscle contractions push the semen out of the penis. 4. Resolution After ejaculation, the penis becomes soft again, and the body returns to a resting state. There’s usually a period of