 Reproduction: Process by which living organisms produce new individuals of their kind.  Reproductive System: Consists of body organs and structures that make possible the production of offspring.  Reproductive Cells: ◦ Guys: Sperm, produced in testes ◦ Girls: Ova, produced in ovaries

 Scrotum: contains testes & controls temperature.  Testes: Produce sperm and make testosterone.  Testosterone: Hormone that regulates sexual development.

 Epididymis: tubes behind testes where sperm is stored and matured.  Vas Deferens: When sexually aroused blood vessels begin to get larger and send signal for sperm to go inside man’s body through vas deferens. ◦ Erection

 Coupers Gland, prostate gland, seminal vesicle all secrete fluids that mix with sperm to create semen.  Semen: neutralized so sperm lasts longer and survive through acidic urethra (what semen has to travel through in female).

 Ejaculation: Man comes to point in intercourse (called orgasm) where he releases semen through the urethra and out the head of the penis into the vagina (female).  Then….blood vessels retreat back into the body and penis becomes flacid again. ◦ million sperm released each time. ◦ There is a valve that blocks off the bladder.

 Nocturnal Emission: Ejaculation during sleep “wet dream”.

 Take a shower or bath daily to keep your external reproductive organs clean.  Always wear protective gear when you are participating in contact sports.  Examine your testes monthly for lumps, swelling, soreness or other problems. ◦ Discuss concerns with your doctor.  Get regular physical checkups.

 Hernia: Inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes into the groin. ◦ This occurs because of a weakness in the muscle wall.  Sterility: Unable to produce healthy sperm. Causes might be certain diseases & exposure to certain drugs.

 Testicular Cancer: Rare, but possible.  Symptoms: lump or swelling in the scrotum, pain or tenderness in one of the testicles or a heavy feeling in a testicle. ◦ Surgery in necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. ◦ Usually found through self examination.

 Ovaries: Holds eggs and releases one matured egg each month. ◦ You are born with all of your eggs. ◦ Switches sides each month. ◦ Also produce estrogen.  Estrogen: Hormone that regulates sexual development.

 OVULATION:  Fimbria: Finger-like parts at the end of fallopian tubes that find and sweep up an ovum into tube.  Fallopian Tubes: Route to the uterus where fertilization is possible. ◦ It takes 3-5 days to go through tubes.

 Fertilization: Needs to take place in first 24 hours or the egg slowly disintegrates on its way to the uterus. ◦ (sperm can last 7 days in the tube)  Ovum: The cell that starts pregnancy when it joins with a sperm cell.

 Menstruation: At the same time a female is ovulating, the lining of the uterus (endometrium), thickens. ◦ If the egg is fertilized, it will implant into this nutrient rich lining and grow.

 If not…. The egg is shed along with this thickened lining (since it’s not needed) and it goes through the cervix and vagina and out the body. ◦ This takes 5-7 days every cycle. ◦ “Having your period”

 Menstrual Cycle Occurs every 28 days: ◦ 1-13: Menstrual flow and a new egg is maturing inside the ovary. ◦ 14: Egg is released into fallopian tube. ◦ 15-20: Egg travels through tube. ◦ 21: Egg enters uterus. Lining breaks down. 7 days later, starts again.

 Hymen: skin that partly covers the opening of the vagina in some, not all, females.  Cervix: Opening at the bottom of the uterus into vagina (very small).  Vagina: muscular passageway leading from the uterus to outside the body. Also where penis is during intercourse.

 Clitoris: sensitive organ that when stimulated, gives pleasure.  Labia (vulva): Folds of skin that protect vagina.  Females have 3 openings. ◦ Anus, vagina, urethra  Yeast Infections are in the vagina.

 Shower or bathe daily to keep external reproduction organs clean. ◦ Keeping clean is partially important when menstruation is occurring.  Schedule check-ups.  Examine your breasts monthly for any unusual lumps, thickening, or discharge.

 Keep a record of your cycle.  If it becomes irregular, check with a doctor, or if you have any severe pain.

 Premenstrual Syndrome: To different degrees women may experience: ◦ Physical and emotional changes:  Headache  Breast tenderness  Irritability ◦ May range from mild to severe. ◦ Regular Exercise & dietary changes can often help.