The Reproductive Systems

The Endocrine System Endocrine System regulates long-term changes in the body, such as growth and development. Endocrine Gland produces and releases chemical substances that signal changes in other parts of the body.

The Endocrine System Endocrine glands release substances directly into the bloodstream, and then the blood carries those substances throughout the body. These chemical substances are known as hormones. The pituitary gland releases the hormones FSH and LH, which travel to the reproductive glands (ovaries and testes) that release sex hormones and this signals the start of puberty.

Puberty Puberty the period of sexual development during which a person becomes sexually mature and physically able to reproduce. It is also a time when an adolescent experiences mental and emotional changes, as well as, increased sexual feelings. Secondary Sex Characteristics the physical changes caused by sex hormones that develop during puberty, but are not directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary Sex Characteristics In both girls and boys voice deepens, muscle strength increases, body hair appears, skin releases more oils, and perspiration increases. In girls only breasts develop, hips widen, body fat increases, release of mature eggs. In boys only shoulders broaden, hair appears on face and chest, sperm production.

Female Reproductive System The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce sex hormones, to produce eggs, and to provide a nourishing environment in which a fertilized egg can develop into a baby.

Internal Organs Ovaries the reproductive glands in which eggs are produced. Two important functions of the ovaries: Produce the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone Release mature egg cells, a process known as ovulation

Female Sex Hormones Estrogen the sex hormone that activates certain physical changes at puberty, such as breast development and controls the maturation of eggs. Progesterone activates changes to a woman’s reproductive system before and during pregnancy.

Internal Organs Fallopian Tubes are two passageways that carry eggs away from the ovaries. When the ovary releases an egg during ovulation, the fingerlike ends of the fallopian tube draw the egg into the tube. Tiny hair like extensions called cilia line the tube and sweep the egg towards the uterus. If sperm are present around the egg, it may be fertilized. Fertilization - the process of a sperm cell joining with an egg.

Internal Organs Uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in which a fertilized egg develops and grows. It has several layers of tissue and a rich supply of blood that protects and nourishes a developing baby. This lining also sheds during the process of menstruation. The narrow base of the uterus is called the cervix. When a baby is ready to be born, the cervix dilates (softens and expands) to allow the baby to pass through the vagina.

Internal Organs Vagina is a hollow muscular passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the body. Sperm enter the female’s body through the vagina and during childbirth the baby passes out of the mother’s body through the vagina, which is also known as the birth canal. http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/female_repro.html

External Organs Mons pubis is a soft, fatty tissue at the base of the abdomen on top of the pubic bone. At puberty, the mons pubis becomes covered with pubic hair. Below the mons pubis and surrounding the vaginal opening are two folds of soft skin.

External Organs Labia majora the outer folds of skin that are covered with pubic hair.   Labia minora the inner folds of skin that contain many nerve endings and blood vessels.

External Organs Clitoris is a highly sensitive organ that is located within the inner labia. It contains many nerve endings and blood vessels, which play a role in female sexual arousal. Just below the clitoris is a small opening that leads to the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. Below the urethral opening is the separate opening to the vagina.

External Organs Hymen the thin membrane that may partly cover the vaginal opening. The hymen usually has several openings in it, which allow for the passage of menstrual flow. The hymen may tear for various reasons: vigorous exercise, tampon insertion, or sexual intercourse. Also, some girls are born without a hymen. http://kidshealth.org/misc/movie/bodybasics/bodybasics_female_repro.html

The Menstrual Cycle is a process during which an ovary releases a mature egg that travels to the uterus; if the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins. On average the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. However, cycles that are shorter or longer can be normal for teens during puberty.

Factors that can affect the Menstrual Cycle Diet Stress Exercise Weight gain Weight loss

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle Days 1 – 4 the uterine lining (blood and tissue) is shed during menstruation. A menstrual period lasts about 3 to 5 days. Most women wear either a maxi pad or tampon to absorb the flow. Days 5 –13 an egg matures in one of the ovaries, and the uterine lining thickens.

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle Days 14 – 15 the ovary releases the mature egg during ovulation. This is the time when a female is most fertile, or able to become pregnant. Days 16 – 22 the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus and the uterine lining continues to thicken and the blood supply to it increases.

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle Days 23 – 28 the unfertilized egg enters the uterus and the uterine lining starts to break down. Then the cycle starts again. http://kidshealth.org/misc/movie/bodybasics/bodybasics_female_repro.html

Menstrual Discomfort Cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus during the menstrual period.   Ways to relieve cramps: Moderate exercise Warm bath Heating pad on the abdomen Take aspirin or ibuprofen

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Discomfort or symptoms that some women experience a week to 10 days before their menstrual period. This is caused by the dramatic change in hormone levels prior to menstruation.  Symptoms include: nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, or irritability. Ways to reduce symptoms of PMS: Reduce intake of salt, sugar, and caffeine Get regular exercise Stress reduction techniques

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) A rare, but serious medical condition that is caused by a bacterial infection and is associated with tampon use. Symptoms include: high fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. To reduce the risk of TSS, women should use tampons with the lowest possible absorbency for their needs and change tampons often.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the female reproductive system Cleanliness or proper hygiene Sexual abstinence to avoid STI’s and unplanned pregnancy Prompt treatment for infections Vaginitis: a vaginal infection caused by yeast or bacteria Cystitis: an infection of the bladder Consult your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the female reproductive system Breast Self Exam Consult a doctor for heavy bleeding during menstruation, period stops completely or bleeding in between regular periods.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the female reproductive system Medical Check-ups Pap Smear: a medical procedure in which a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope to check for cervical cancer. Pelvic Exam: an internal exam where a doctor checks the uterus and ovaries. Detection and treatment of other reproductive problems, such as: ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and infertility.

Male Reproductive System The functions of the male reproductive system are to produce sex hormones, to produce and store sperm, and to deliver sperm to the female reproductive system.

External Organs Penis the external sexual organ through which sperm leave the body. The tip of the penis is covered with loose skin, called the foreskin. Some males have the foreskin removed shortly after birth. This surgical procedure is called circumcision.

External Organs Scrotum a sac of skin that contains the testes and regulates their temperature. The testes temperature is a few degrees lower than the temperature inside the body, this allows the sperm to develop properly and stay alive.

Internal Organs Testes the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone.   Sperm are the male reproductive cells. Testosterone the sex hormone that affects the production of sperm and signals physical changes at puberty, such as growth of facial hair.

The Pathway of Sperm Sperm are produced in the testes. They mature and are stored in the epididymis. Sperm travel through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles. The vas deferens is lined with cilia to help the sperm move.

The Pathway of Sperm Seminal vesicles add a fluid that provides a source of energy for the active sperm. The prostate gland adds a fluid that protects the sperm. The bulbourethral glands add a fluid that protects sperm from acidic conditions in the urethra.

The Pathway of Sperm Semen the mixture of sperm cells and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral glands. Urethra a tube that passes through the penis to the outside of the body. It carries urine and sperm, but not at the same time. http://kidshealth.org/misc/movie/bodybasics/male_repro.html

Release of Sperm Ejaculation the ejection of semen from the penis. It occurs when the penis is in an erect state. Erection the state in which the penis becomes larger and stiffer as chambers in it become filled with blood.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the male reproductive system Cleanliness or proper hygiene Sexual abstinence to avoid STI’s Protection from Trauma Wear a “cup” during athletic activities

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the male reproductive system Be careful when lifting heavy objects Hernia: pressure in the abdomen during lifting can push a loop of the intestines out of the abdominal cavity. Inguinal hernia: when part of the intestine pushes into the scrotum. surgery is needed to correct the problem.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the male reproductive system Use caution during strenuous exercise Testicular torsion: the twisting of a testis so that the blood vessels leading to the testis also twists, cutting off the blood supply. *This is a medical emergency and surgery is required to keep the testis alive.

Keeping Healthy: Caring for the male reproductive system Testicular Self Exam Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 34. Consult a doctor for pain when urinating, unusual discharges, or sores on genitals. Medical Check-ups Detection and treatment for other reproductive problems, such as: hernias, prostate cancer, and infertility.