REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

MALE Structure/Function Testes-found in scrotum, size of a small egg. Produces small gametes [spermatozoa], male hormone [Testosterone]. Made up of 250 lobules, each contains coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm develop. In embryo, testes formed in abdomen and during last 2 mos, migrate into scrotum Epididymis-where sperm are stored, connects testes to (Ductus Deferens) Vas Deferens---------- Vas Deferens-passageway for sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct, connects to urethra (Vasectomy in males done here)

MALE Structure/function Scrotum-serves as container for Testes Penis-contains erectile tissue, organ of copulation. Tip of Penis covered with foreskin, which is often removed during circumcision Prostate Gland-surrounds beginning of urethra, secretes seminal fluid, enhances sperm motility and adds fluid to semen, contracts Bulbourethral Glands[Cowper’s]-located below prostate, adds alkaline secretion to semen to help sperm live longer Erection & Ejaculation-urethra excretes urine and expels semen, erection occurs when erectile tissue fills w/blood, ejaculation expels semen

MALE Structure/Function Impotence-unable to “copulate” [hold an erection] Can be medically related, medication or psychological

FEMALE Structure / Function Ovaries-approx size of an almond, located in lower abd. Each ovary contains thousands of microscopic sacs. Primary sex organs of the female, produces ova [female gamete], manufactures female sex hormones [Estrogen & Progesterone]. During reproductive years., a single follicle matures every 28 days with an ovum inside. Reproductive ability begins with menarche (menses, period)during puberty

Ovulation Mature ovum is released about 2 weeks before menstrual period begins. After ovulation, the ovum travels down the fallopian tubes. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube, usually within 2 days of ovulation. Following fertilization, the zygote implants in the uterus. Follicle StimulatingHormone (FSH) controls follicle development Lueitenizing Hormone (LH) causes ovulation Fallopian Tubes-NOT attached to ovaries, smooth muscle and cilia (Fimbriae- fringelike folds) propels ova into the uterus

Uterus Hollow, thick walled, pear shaped, highly muscular organ. Lies behind urinary bladder and in front of rectum. Fundus- bulging upper part of uterus Cervix- narrow neck of uterus that extends to the vagina Uterine wall- myometrium [middle layer] extremely thick, smooth muscle endometrium [inner layer] mucous lining Vagina- smooth muscle, contains cilia, mucous membrane lining Hymen- membrane @ opening of vagina. Has small opening to allow for blood flow during menstration. First act of intercourse enlarges the opening and causes bleeding.

External Genitalia Vulva- external organ Labia- (Minora & Majora) folds of skin that surround entrance to vagina Clitoris- contains many nerve endings, when properly stimulated, provides sexual pleasure for the female Perineum- area between vagina and rectum, area where episiotomy is done to facilitate childbirth Orgasm- reverse peristalsis; purpose is to propel sperm toward the ovum Accessory Organs- Breasts-mammary glands Areola- darkened area that surrounds the nipple- enables secretion of milk after childbirth

Menstrual Cycle Occurs about every 28 days, divided into 4 stages: 1.Follicle Stage-FSH from Pituitary to the Ovaries, stimulates follicle with ovum to mature, releases Estrogen and prepares uterine lining, lasts 10 days 2. Ovulation Stage-Pituitary stops FSH & releases LH, 14th day –follicle ruptures and mature ovum released 3. Corpus Luteum Stage- CL secretes Progesterone. If ovum fertilized, continues to secrete Progesterone , prevents further ovulation, maintains uterine lining. 14 days

Menstrual Cycle cont’d. 4. Menstruation Stage- if no embryo, corpus luteum dissolves, progesterone decreases, uterine lining breaks down and is discharged (period). Lasts 3-7 days. Menopause- menstrual cycle ends, usually around age 50. Sx’s- hot flashes, dizziness, headaches, emotional changes. [Irritability/Crying]

Conception & Pregnancy Gametes are produced by the gonads: Ovaries/Testes, Ova[ovum]/Sperm Chromosones-female gametes have 22 pairs of autosomes and single pair of sex chromosones [xx]. Male gametes have 22 pairs of autosomes and single pair of sex chromosomes [xy] Who determines the sex of a child? Why?

Answer The father because he carries an X & Y chromosome. It depends which one gets to the ovum first. X [male] chromsome can not live in an acidic enviroment. Y [female] chromosome can not live in alkaline enviroment. Depending on the woman’s diet, the ph of the enviroment depends on which sperm will make it to the ovum. YES….the foods you eat CAN determine the sex of your baby! Newsweek, Dec. 10, 2007 Fast carbs decrease fertility, while slow carbs increase fertility. Blood Sugar & insulin levels effect hormonal functions

Fertilization When gametes combine to form a zygote [fertilized egg] One sperm penetrates and fertilizes the ovum Zygote has 46 chromosomes Zygote cells divide & multiply as it travels down the fallopian tube and implants in uterus At 7 days , zygote becomes an embryo. At 3 months, it becomes a fetus

Pregnancy Gestation-prenatal period of pregnancy Normal pregnancy-40 weeks or 280 days Quickening-1st recognizable fetal movement in 4th or 5th month Miscarriage-spontaneous abortion (Abort- means to end, whether by miscarriage or by choice) Saline abortion- by choice

Calculate Due date Take 1st day of LMP [last menstrual period], add 7 days, then add 9 months Ex: LMP Jan 1st, add 7 days, Jan 8th, add 9 months, October 8th would be the due date

When can a female become pregnant? At the onset of menses 5 days BEFORE ovulation and 24 hours after ovulation. ***This is because sperm can live for up to 5 days in a woman's body, and the ovum lives for only 12-24 hours.*** For women with regular cycles between 26-32 days it is much easier to simply know that you can get pregnant as early as day 8 of your cycle and as late as day 19 of your cycle and on all the days in between. Figuring out the exact timing of ovulation can be tricky, because it does not happen at exactly the same time each cycle. Some medications can interfere with BCP’s, such as SOME antibiotics. Alternative methods may need to be used to prevent pregnancy.

How Can I Use This Information to Plan or Prevent Pregnancy?  The Standard Days Method, (family planning method) identifies days 8 - 19 as the potentially fertile days for women with cycles between 26 and 32 days long. This fertile window takes into account the variation in the timing of ovulation from one cycle to the next, the lifespan of the sperm and ovum, as well as cycle lengths for the majority of women*.

Girls, KNOW your body!!! Keep up with your cycle! Guys, KNOW your partner!!!! If you are sexually active, Keep up with her cycle to protect yourself! DO NOT EVER FORGET: #washburnwisdom