Reproductive Health
Definitions The endocrine system includes various organs that work together to regulate body functions. Endocrine Glands: tubeless organs or groups of cells that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream Hormones: Chemical substances that help regulate many of your body’s functions
Endocrine system glands Thyroid gland: Regulates metabolism, body heat, and bone growth Regulates the way cells release energy from nutrients Parathyroid: Produces a hormone that regulates the body’s balance of calcium and phosphorus. Pancreas: Works for both the digestive and endocrine system They regulate the level of glucose in the blood, also release insulin.
Endocrine system glands Hypothalamus: Links the endocrine system to the nervous system and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones. Pituitary Gland: Regulates and controls the activities of all other endocrine glands. Adrenal Gland: Regulates salt and water balance. Responsible for your emergency response of “fight or flight”
Maintaining a Healthy Endocrine System Eat well balanced meals Minimize your stress levels Proper sleep Teens 8 to 9 hours a night Regular exercise Regular medical check-ups Some endocrine disorders require medication (diabetes is an example)
Male Reproductive System Includes both external and internal organs that allow physically mature males to produce children. 2 main functions of Male Reproductive System Produce and store sperm. (Reproductive cells) millions are produced each day Testosterone production, initiates physical changes that signal maturity. Testosterone also controls the production of sperm
External Reproduction Organs Testes (testicles): 2 small glands that secrete testosterone and produce sperm Scrotum: External skin sac the testes are located in Penis: Tube-shaped organ that extends from the trunk of the body just above the testes Semen: A thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system
Side View
Male Reproduction Ejaculation occurs at the height of sexual arousal. Seminal fluids leaving the body Fertilization can result if ejaculation occurs during sexual intercourse. Fertilization is the joining of the male sperm and female egg
External continued Sperm cannot live in temps. higher than the 98.6 degrees. The scrotum protects the sperm by keeping the testes slightly below normal body temp. When the body gets warm the scrotum relaxes and lowers away from the body. When the body gets cold the scrotum tightens and moves the testes closer to the body
Internal Organs Sperm produced in the testes must travel through several structures inside the body before they are released Structures include Vas deferens, urethra, seminal vesicles, and the Cowper’s gland Hand out explaining each
Maintaining a Healthy Reproductive System Bathe regularly Wear protective equipment in sporting events Practice abstinence Get regular check-ups
Male Reproductive System Problems Inguinal hernia: Part of the intestine pushes through a tear in the abdominal wall. Caused by straining the abs by lifting heavy objects. Symptoms include a lump in the groin area near the thigh, pain in the groin, or blockage of the intestine Surgery can repair it
Male Reproductive System Problems Sterility: The inability to reproduce, as a result of too few sperm or poor sperm quality. Causes of sterility include Hormonal imbalances, exposure to X-rays or radiation, toxic chemicals (lead). Use of steroids and contracting an STD
Male Reproductive System Problems Testicular Cancer: Most often occurs between the ages of 14 – 40. If caught early it is treatable through surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy Prostate Cancer: Prostate gland becomes enlarged as a result of an infection, a tumor, or age. Early detection increases survival rate, but can be deadly.
Female Reproductive Organs Ovaries: Female sex glands that store the ova (egg) and produce female sex hormones. Uterus: The hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ that nourishes and protects a fertilized ovum (egg/baby) until birth. Ovulation: The process of releasing a mature egg into the fallopian tube each month. Fallopian Tubes: Mature eggs move from the ovary to the uterus through theses tubes
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