Reproductive System
Functions of the Reproductive System
Sexual Reproduction- reproduction involving two (female & male) parents
Fertilization- fusion of egg and sperm creating a zygote
Reproduction- process by which new individuals of a species are produced
Hormones of the Reproductive System
Male Hormones
Female Hormones
Gonadotropin releasing hormone- stimulates anterior pituitary gland to release LH and FSH
Testosterone- stimulates reproductive organ and sex drive
Follicle Stimulating Hormone- at puberty stimulates sertoli cells for sperm production and maturation
Inhibin- released when high levels of testosterone are present
Leuteinizing Hormone- stimulate seminiferous tubules to secrete testosterone
Gonadotropin releasing hormone- stimulate anterior pituitary gland to release LH and FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone- stimulates the development and maturation of primary follicle into secondary follicle
Luteinizing hormone- spike of hormone will trigger ovulation and maturation of the most mature follicle
Inhibin- decrease release of FSH by anterior pituitary gland
Estrogen- primary female sex hormone released by follicle
Progesterone- stimulates the development and growth of the lining of the uterine wall to get ready fro implantation.
Anatomy of Male and Female Reproductive Structures
Male
Female
Seminal Vesicle- produces a thick, akaline, yellowish secretion
Prostate Gland- secretes a milkly fluid that helps activate sperm
Urethra- cares both sperm and urine
Bulbourethral Gland- pre- ejaculate cleanses neutralizes the traces of acidic urine
Vas Deferens- carries sperm from epididymis to the ejaculatory
Scrotum- Divided sac of skin outside the abdomen that holds testes
Epididymis- functions to mature and store sperm cells
Penis- delivers semen into female reproductive tract
Root- attached to body wall
Shaft- free, movable portion of penis
Glans Penis- contains urethral opening
Prepuce- fold cuff of skin around proximal end
Fallopian Tube- fertilization occurs in this organ
Infundibulum- not directly connected to ovary
Fimbriae- draws the ovum into the uterine tube
Uterus- nourishes the fertilized egg
Mons pubis- fatty pad overly the pubic area
Labia- skin folds around the vaginal area
Clitoris- corresponds to erectile tissue
Vagina- behind bladder and in front of rectum
Events of Female Hormonal Cycle
Ovarian Cycle
Uterine Cycle
Ovulation- Day 14- triggered by sudden spike in LH caused by steady increase in estrogen
Luteal Phase- Day 15-28- when follicle expels the oocyte, the empty shell becomes corpus Luteum
Follicular Phase- Day 1-14- FSH causes follicular cells to develop into primary follicle
Menstruation- Day 1-5- decline of estrogen and progesterone cause the spiral arteries to constrict
Proliferative phase- Day 6-14- estrogen stimulates growth of blood vessels of the endometrium, causing it to double in thickness
Secretory Phase- Day 15-28- In response to rising levels of progesterone and the uterus becomes ready for pregnancy
Disorders of the Reproductive System
Chlamydia
Herpes
Syphilis
Genital Warts
Gonorrhea
AIDS
Can be cured by antibiotics
Symptoms: pain and swelling in testicles or discharge from the penis in males
Symptoms: bleeding between menstrual periods or white of grey vaginal discharge in females
Male symptoms: frequent urination or swollen testicles
Female symptoms: cramps or pain in lower abdomen or may be pain when urinating
Can be spread from mother to child during child birth
Early symptoms: painful sores at point of contact called chancres
Goes symptomless for years
Spread from person to person through direct contact with syphilis sore, semen or vaginal fluids
Can lead to death in ten to thirty years
Cannot be cured but can be treated
Male symptoms: small sores or cluster of blisters on penis
Female symptoms: blisters in or around the vagina or fever and headaches
No cure but can be prevented through vaccination
Caused by HPV
Symptoms: warts look like tiny cauliflowers
Caused by HIV
No cure but a treatment
Symptoms: fever, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes
Pubic Lice or CRABS
Symptoms: a terrible, persisting itching around area
Caused by a parasite that looks like "crabs"
Spread through direct contact with lice
Trichomoniasis
Female symptoms: Itching and burning at the opening of the vagina and painful frequent urination
Male symptoms: No symptoms or discomfort in urethra or inflamed head of penis
Caused by a tiny parasite