Reproductive System Male and Female

Background information Gonads (Testes and Ovaries) Associated Ducts External Genitals Which are concerned with sexual reproduction

Function of the Male repo. system… To produce, maintain and transport sperm Release sperm within female reproductive tract Produce and secrete male sex hormones.

Lets start with the male… Testicles or Testes Located in the scrotum Main source of testosterone Generates Sperm Secured and connected by spermatic cord

Epididymis Transports and stores sperm cells Bring sperm to maturity (for fertilization)

Vas Deferens Transports mature sperm to urethra Cut when a vasectomy is performed.

Urethra Can Urine and Semen pass through the urethra at the same time? Carries Urine from bladder to outside of body. Also expels semen from the body.

What makes up Semen? fluid released by prostate gland (walnut-sized; located below urinary bladder) to aid with sperm mobility Fluid from seminal vesicle- sugar rich to help with mobility and nourishment. Fluid from cowper’s gland (aka Bulbourethral glands) serves as lubrication and neutralizes the acidity.

Malfunctioning male… Testicular Cancer: cells in testicle divide and form a tumor. Epididymitis: Inflammation of epididymis Inguinal Hernia: Intestines push through the abdominal wall and into the groin or scrotum.

Moving on… Function of Female… To produce and maintain ova (egg cell) Provide environment for developing offspring To move offspring to the outside (birthing process) Produces female sex hormones

Ovaries Produce Ova (egg cells) Produce female sex hormones (estrogen) About the size and shape of an almond.

Fallopian Tubes… Tunnel for egg to travel from ovaries to uterus Conception Usually occurs here Fertilized egg then travels to uterus Cut during a tubal ligation (tubes tide)

Uterus aka: Womb Receives fertilized egg Lining of uterus is called the endometrium endometrium is shed during menstruation Protects Fetus during development about the size of a clenched fist (when not pregnant)

Malfunctioning Female Ovarian Cysts: non-cancerous sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material. HPV: 50% of sexually active people will have it sometime in their life. Ectopic Pregnancy: Development of the zygote (fertilized egg) implants somewhere other than the uterus (usually fallopian tubes).