The Reproductive System KIN 312

Anatomy of the Male

Epididymis: The long, winding, tightly coiled tube that lies on the back side of each testicle and carries sperm from the testes to the vas deferens. The epididymis is where sperm collect and fully develop prior to traveling to the vas deferens. Prostate: A chestnut-sized gland located below the urinary bladder that completely surrounds the urethra. The prostate gland produces a thin fluid that neutralizes the normal acidity of the urethra and enables the sperm to pass through the urethra without harm. Scrotum: The external sac of skin that holds the testes.

Anatomy of the Male Seminal vesicles: A pair of glands located on each side of the male urinary bladder. The seminal vesicles secrete seminal fluid that becomes part of the semen (the thick, whitish fluid containing reproductive cells and other fluids that is discharged through the urethra during ejaculation). Seminal fluid nourishes the sperm and helps it move through the urethra. Testes: The egg-shaped male reproductive glands that secrete the male sex hormone testosterone and produce sperm. The testes are also called the testicles.

Anatomy of the Male Ureter: A long, narrow tube that carries urine from each kidney (the organ that filters waste products from your blood) to the urinary bladder. Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. In males, the urethra also carries semen. Urinary bladder: An elastic, muscular sac located in the lower part of the pelvic cavity that collects urine before it is excreted. Vas deferens: The tube on either side of the scrotum that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct, which is connected to the urethra.

The Male Sperm production begins at puberty at continues throughout life, with several hundred million sperm being produced each day. Sperm production begins at puberty at continues throughout life, with several hundred million sperm being produced each day. Once sperm form they move into the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. Once sperm form they move into the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. epididymis

The Male Sperm pass through the vas deferens and connect to a short ejaculatory duct that connects to the urethra. The urethra passes through the penis and opens to the outside. Secretions from the seminal vesicles add fructose and prostaglandins to sperm as they pass. The prostate gland secretes a milky alkaline fluid. The bulbourethral gland secretes a mucus-like fluid that provides lubrication for intercourse. Sperm and secretions make up semen. Sperm pass through the vas deferens and connect to a short ejaculatory duct that connects to the urethra. The urethra passes through the penis and opens to the outside. Secretions from the seminal vesicles add fructose and prostaglandins to sperm as they pass. The prostate gland secretes a milky alkaline fluid. The bulbourethral gland secretes a mucus-like fluid that provides lubrication for intercourse. Sperm and secretions make up semen.vas deferensejaculatory ducturethraseminal vesiclesprostaglandinsprostate glandbulbourethral gland semenvas deferensejaculatory ducturethraseminal vesiclesprostaglandinsprostate glandbulbourethral gland semen

Anatomy of the Female

The Female

Anatomy of the Female Ovaries The ovaries are the main reproductive organs of a woman. The two ovaries, which are about the size and shape of almonds, produce female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and eggs (ova). All the other female reproductive organs are there to transport, nurture and otherwise meet the needs of the egg or developing fetus. Ovaries The ovaries are the main reproductive organs of a woman. The two ovaries, which are about the size and shape of almonds, produce female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and eggs (ova). All the other female reproductive organs are there to transport, nurture and otherwise meet the needs of the egg or developing fetus.

The Female Fallopian tubes The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long and begin as funnel-shaped passages next to the ovary. They have a number of finger-like projections known as fimbriae on the end near the ovary. Fallopian tubes The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long and begin as funnel-shaped passages next to the ovary. They have a number of finger-like projections known as fimbriae on the end near the ovary. When an egg is released by the ovary it is ‘caught’ by one of the fimbriae and transported along the fallopian tube to the uterus. The egg is moved along the fallopian tube by the action of cilia — hairy projections on the surfaces of cells at the entrance of the fallopian tube — and the contractions made by the tube. When an egg is released by the ovary it is ‘caught’ by one of the fimbriae and transported along the fallopian tube to the uterus. The egg is moved along the fallopian tube by the action of cilia — hairy projections on the surfaces of cells at the entrance of the fallopian tube — and the contractions made by the tube.

Fertilization It takes the egg about 5 days to reach the uterus and it is on this journey down the fallopian tube that fertilization may occur if a sperm penetrates and fuses with the egg. It takes the egg about 5 days to reach the uterus and it is on this journey down the fallopian tube that fertilization may occur if a sperm penetrates and fuses with the egg. The egg, however, is only usually viable for 24 hours after ovulation, so fertilization usually occurs in the top one-third of the fallopian tube. The egg, however, is only usually viable for 24 hours after ovulation, so fertilization usually occurs in the top one-third of the fallopian tube.

The Female Uterus The uterus is a hollow cavity about the size of a pear (in women who have never been pregnant) that exists to house a developing fertilized egg. Uterus The uterus is a hollow cavity about the size of a pear (in women who have never been pregnant) that exists to house a developing fertilized egg. The main part of the uterus (which sits in the pelvic cavity) is called the body of the uterus, while the rounded region above the entrance of the fallopian tubes is the fundus and its narrow outlet, which protrudes into the vagina, is the cervix. The main part of the uterus (which sits in the pelvic cavity) is called the body of the uterus, while the rounded region above the entrance of the fallopian tubes is the fundus and its narrow outlet, which protrudes into the vagina, is the cervix.

The Female Vagina The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that extends from the cervix to the vestibule of the vulva. Vagina The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that extends from the cervix to the vestibule of the vulva. The vagina receives the penis and semen during sexual intercourse and also provides a passageway for menstrual blood flow to leave the body. The vagina receives the penis and semen during sexual intercourse and also provides a passageway for menstrual blood flow to leave the body.

Female Genitals The female external genitals are collectively known as the vulva. The female external genitals are collectively known as the vulva.vulva The labia minora is a thin membrane of folded skin just outside the vaginal opening. The labia majora cover and protect the genital area. The labia minora is a thin membrane of folded skin just outside the vaginal opening. The labia majora cover and protect the genital area.labia minoralabia majoralabia minoralabia majora A clitoris, important in arousal, is a short shaft with a sensitive tip covered by a fold of skin. A clitoris, important in arousal, is a short shaft with a sensitive tip covered by a fold of skin.clitoris

Ovulation The ovarian cycle lasts usually 28 days. During the first phase, the egg matures within a follicle. The ovarian cycle lasts usually 28 days. During the first phase, the egg matures within a follicle. At midpoint of the cycle, the egg is released from the ovary in a process known as ovulation. At midpoint of the cycle, the egg is released from the ovary in a process known as ovulation.ovulation

Ovulation

Fertilization The period after ovulation is called the luteal phase, and it is marked by a slight, but clearly measurable, increase in body temperature. The period after ovulation is called the luteal phase, and it is marked by a slight, but clearly measurable, increase in body temperature. Following ovulation, the egg travels the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm (conception), then " implantation" should take place in the uterus (if implantation takes place outside the womb, this is an ectopic pregnancy. Following ovulation, the egg travels the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm (conception), then " implantation" should take place in the uterus (if implantation takes place outside the womb, this is an ectopic pregnancy.

Fertilization Ectopic pregnancy can occur in several places - but the most common is in the fallopian tube). Pregnancy begins if "implantation" occurs. If the egg is not fertilized, it will "expire" in about 24 hours. Ectopic pregnancy can occur in several places - but the most common is in the fallopian tube). Pregnancy begins if "implantation" occurs. If the egg is not fertilized, it will "expire" in about 24 hours. Ectopic pregnancy Ectopic pregnancy Without fertilization, levels of certain hormones will decrease, causing the lining of the uterus to break down and shed - otherwise known as menstruation, or a woman's "period". The first day of bleeding is "Day 1" of the next menstrual cycle. Without fertilization, levels of certain hormones will decrease, causing the lining of the uterus to break down and shed - otherwise known as menstruation, or a woman's "period". The first day of bleeding is "Day 1" of the next menstrual cycle.