Reproductive System: Doesn't function continuously like other systems, both female and male organs are different but share same 4 tasks.

1. Form cells for sexual reproduction (gametes), Female: Ova Male: Sperm
2. Bring gametes from male and female together through sexual intercourse
3. Combine genetic info contained within gametes through fertilization
4. Support development of fetus. (Gestation) & birth of baby (parturition)

STI's/ REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

Chlamydia: Common Bacterial STI, caused by chlamydia trachomatis, can be contracted from birth canals. Responsible for 25-50% of cases of pelvic inflammatory cases. Symptons: Urethritis; penile, vaginal discharges, abdominal, rectal/testicular pain; painful intercourse; irregular menses.

Trichomoniasts: Parasitic infection that is more common in female then male, easily and inexpensively treated

Gonorrhea: Bacterial infection of mucosae of reproductive and urinary tracts. Caused by neisseria gonorrhoeae. In males: urethritis, discharge of pus from penis, inflammation of duct system. In females: abdominal discomfort, vaginal discharge, uterine bleeding, urethral symptons.

Syphilis: Bacterial infection transmitted sexually, caused by treponena Pallidum; infected fetuses die shortly after birth. Infection is asymptomatic for 2-3 weeks. Rashes, fever and joint pains show. Tertiary syphilis: lesions that develop in CNS, blood vessels bones, and skin.

Human Papillomavirus/Warts: (HPV) Group of 40 or more viruses most common STI in US. Over 50% of adults are infected during lifetime. CAUSES WARTS.

Genital Herpes: Caused by herpes simplex virus, most difficult pathogens to control due to unknown infection. Only 15% display signs of infection. Characterized by latent periods & flare up.

Puberty: FSH and LH are elevated and drop low during prepubertal years. Reproductive organs start growing.

MenoPause: Occurs when menses have ceased, estrogen levels decreases, causes atrophy of organs and breasts. Depressions, hot flashes, blood vessels undergo vasodilation, thinning of skin, & bone loss.

Ovulation: Few primary oocytes activated, cayse high hormonal levels, FSH, one is selected to become dominant follicle

Stages of Follicle Development
Phase 1- Gonadotropin- involves intrafollicular paracrines
Phase 2- Antral phase, FSH & LH, dominant follicle selected, primary oocyte resumes meiosis I.
Primordial Follicle becomes primary Follicle: Follicle is now primary.
Primary Follicle becomes secondary follicle: Primary follicle now secondary follicle
Secondary Follicle becomes vesicular Follicle: ANTRUM: Large cavity is formed when fluid coalesces. Isolated oocyte with its surrounding granulosa cells called corona radiata. It is ready to be ovulated.

OVARIAN CYCLE: Monthly series of events, with maturation of egg
Follicular: Several vesicular become sensitive to FSH and are stimulated to grow.
Ovulation: Ballooning ovary wall ruptures, expelling 2ndary oocyte with its corona radiata into peritoneal cavity.
Luteal: Ruptured follicle collapses and antrum fills with clotted blood. Remaining cells form corpus luteam=secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Hormonal Regulation

1. GnRH stimulates FSH & LH secretion
2. FSH & LH stimulate follicles to grow, mature & sex hormones
3. Negative Feedback: Inhibits gonedotropin release
4. Positive Feedback: stimulates gonadtropin release; estrogen levels up, triggers LH surge
5. LH surge triggers ovulation
   6.Negative feedback inhibits LH & FSH release.
   
   

Menstrual Cycle: Cyclic series of changes in endometrium that occur in response to fluctuating ovarian hormone levels.
DAYS 1-5: Menstrual phase

• Ovarian hormones low, gonadtropin levels up
  -Uterine wall sheds, Day 5 ovarian follicles make more estrogen
  DAYS 6-14: Proliferative (Preovulatory) Phase: More estrogen levels prompt generation of new stratum functionalis layer, as it thickens glands enlarge and sprial arteries increase in number. Ovulation happens at end on day 14
  DAYS 15-28: Secretory Phase: Most consistent in duration, endometrium prepares for embryo to implant.
  
  

ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE
Estrogen: Promote oogenesis and follicle growth in ovary, exert anabolic effect on male reproductive tract. Also has metabolic effects: Maintains low total blood cholesterol and High HDL levels, facilitates calcium uptake. 2ndary Sex characteristics: Growth of breasts, + deposit of fat, widening and lengthening of pelvis

Progesterone: Works with estrogen to establish and regulate uterine cycle. Promotes changes in cervical mucus, effects of placental progesterone during pregnancy, inhibits uterine mobility, helps prepare breasts for lactation.

Ovaries: Female Gonads, produces ova, secrete sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone

Ovaries: Paired structures flank the uterus, are almond shaped and about 2x as large.
-Ovarian Ligament: Anchors ovary medially to uterus
-Suspensory Ligament: Anchors ovary laterally to pelvic wall
-Ovarian follicles: Tiny saclike structures embedded in cortex, contain immature egg oocyte encased by one or more layers. Each month a ripened follicle ejects oocyte in event called ovulation.

FEMALE DUCT SYSTEM: Uterine tube system, no direct contact with ovaries.
Uterine Tubes: Also called Fallopian Tubes, recieve ovulated oocyte. SITES OF FERTILIZATION.

Infundibulum: Funnel-shaped opening into peritoneal cavity, projections called fimbriae, drape over ovary.

Uterus: Hollow-thick walled muscular organ.
Functions to recieve, retain, and nourish fertilized ovum.

1. Body: Major Portion
2. Fundus: Rounded superior region
3. Isthmus: Narrowed inferior region
   4.Cervix: Narrow neck, or outlet projects into vagina
4. Cervical Canal: Communicates with vagina and uterine body
   

Uterine Wall
-Perimetrium: Outer serous layer
-Myometrium: Bulky middle layer
-Endometrium: Mucosal Lining

VAGINA
Functions: Birth canal, passageway for menstrual flow, and organ of copulation.
Vaginal secretions are acidic in adult females.
Mucosa near vaginal orifice forms incomplete partition called hymen that ruptures with intercourse.

External Genitalia: Also called vulva
1.Mons Pubis: Fatty area overlying pubic symphysis
2.Labia Majora: Hair covered, skin folds
3.Labia Minora: Skin folds lying within labia majora
4.Vestibule: Recess within labia minora
5.Clitoris: Anterior to vestibule
6.Perineum: Diamond shaped region between pubic arch and coccyx

Mammary Glands
Produces milk for newborn, sweat glands consists of 15-25 lobes.
Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding nipple.
Lobules within lobes contain glandular alveoli that produces milk.

BREAST CANCER & HOMEOSTATIC IMBALANCE
2nd most common case of cancer death in U.S.
Risks:
Early onset of menstruation, late menopause
No pregnancies or pregnant late in life
Short periods of breast feeding
Family history of breast cancer.

70% of women with breast cancer have no known risk factors
10%- Hereditary defects
50-80%- of females with genes BRCA1 & BRCA2 with these genes develop breast cancer.
Diagnosis: Early detection via self-examination and mammography
Treatment: Depends on characteristics of lesion, radiation chemotheraphy or surgery to destroy stray cells.

Cervical Cancer: Affects 450,000 women per year, between ages 30-50
Risks: Frequent cervical inflammation; STI's including HPV or multiple pregnancies
Gardasil: 3-dose vaccine; protects against HPV
Papanicolau (pap) smear: for detection.