Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

Testes Also called gonads 2 of them Suspended in a sac called the scrotum Produce sperm Located outside the body where the temperature is lower and won’t kill the sperm Produces testosterone, male hormone Testosterone is responsible for secondary sex characteristics such as deeper voice, facial hair, larger muscles, and body hair

Epididymis Sperm leave the testes and enter the epididymis Tightly coiled tube, 20 feet long Located in the scrotum, just above the testes Function Store sperm until it matures Produce fluid which becomes part of semen

Vas Deferens Function Receives sperm from the epididymis Temporarily stores sperm Extends from the epididymis into the abdominal cavity Tube that is cut during a vasectomy, the procedure to produce sterility in males

Seminal Vesicles 2 small tubes located behind the bladder Function Produce a thick, yellow, rich in sugar that nourish the sperm This fluid composes a large part of the semen

Ejaculatory Ducts 2 short tubes Carry sperm and fluids known as semen through the prostate gland into the urethra

Prostate Gland Doughnut – shaped Located below the bladder Produces an alkaline secretion that increases sperm motility and neutralizes the acidity of the vagina During ejaculation, the prostate gland Contracts causing the expulsion of semen Closes off the urethra, preventing urine passage through the urethra

Cowper’s Gland 2 small glands located below the prostate gland Secrete a mucous-like fluid that serves as a lubricant for intercourse and an alkaline fluid to decrease the acidity of the urine residue in the urethra

Urethra Tube that extends from the bladder, through the penis, to the outside of the body Carries semen and urine 5-7 inches long in male

Penis External male reproductive organ Enlarged structure on the end of the penis – glands penis This is covered by the prepuce or foreskin The foreskin is removed in a procedure called circumcision Penis is made of spongy, erectile tissue Functions When erect, male organ of copulation/intercourse Provides for the elimination of urine from the bladder

Diseases

Prostatic Hypertrophy Enlargement of the prostate gland Common in men over 50 years old Causes Benign, due to inflammation Tumor Change in hormonal activity Malignant (cancerous) condition Treatment Prostatectomy TUR – trans urethral resection Radiation

Testicular Cancer Cancer of the testicles Frequent in men 20-35 Highly malignant and spreads quickly Treatment Orchiectomy, radiation ACS American Cancer Society Recommends STE Self testicular exam

Self Testicular Exam STE should start at age 15 Examine each testicle after a warm shower, exam each testicle separately, gently roll between fingers and thumb to feel for lumps, nodules or extreme tenderness Also check for any signs of swelling or change in appearance

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries Female gonads 2 small almond-shaped glands, located in the abdominal cavity, attached to the uterus by ligaments Contains thousands of small sacs called follicles Each follicle contains an immature egg or ovum Produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone Responsible for the secondary sex characteristics – breasts, hips widen, body hair

Ovulation The maturing and release of an egg every Occurs every 28 days If egg is not fertilized, the body sheds the lining of the uterus and menstruation occurs

Fallopian Tubes 2 of them 5 inches in length Attached to the upper part of the uterus Function Move the ovum from the ovary to the uterus Cilia and peristalsis keep the ovum moving Site of fertilization, the union of the egg and sperm

Uterus Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ 3 parts Function Layers Fundus – top Body – middle Cervix – narrow bottom Function Organ of menstruation Allows for the development and growth of the fetus Contracts during birth to aid in the expulsion of the fetus Layers - endometrial - If fertilization does not occur, this lining deteriorate, resulting in menstruation

Vagina Muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body Function Passageway for menstrual flow Receives sperm and semen from the male Female organ of copulation Birth canal during delivery of the infant

Bartholin’s Glands 2 small glands on either side of the vaginal opening Secretes mucous for lubrication during intercourse                                                       <>

Vulva Collective name for the external female genitalia Includes Mons pubis - pad of fat Labia majora – outer folds of tissue covered with pubic hair Labia minora – inner folds of tissue Perineum – area between the vagina and anus

Breasts Mammary glands Contain lobes that surface at the nipples Function Secrete milk – lactate after childbirth

Female Reproductive System Diseases Female Reproductive System

Breast Tumors Benign or American Cancer Society recommends SBE Self Breast Examination every month for adult females at the end of menstruation

SBE

Mammograms ACS recommends a baseline test between 35-40

Treatments Lumpectomy Simple mastectomy Radical mastectomy Radiation Chemotherapy

Cancer of the Cervix Detected by a PAP smear Treatment Hysterectomy Removal of cervix and uterus

Endometriosis Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus Can occur during surgery, through the fallopian tubes, blood and lymph

PMS Premenstrual Syndrome Group of symptoms that appear 3-14 days before menstruation Cause – unknown Related to hormonal changes or biochemical imbalance