1. Your Body’s Reproductive System
Chapter 19

2. The Male Reproductive System
Reaches maturity during early teen years
The testes begin to produce testosterone (male sex hormone)
Testosterone initiates physical changes such as broadening of shoulders, development of muscles, facial and other body hair, and deepening of the voice.
Testosterone also causes the production of sperm (male reproductive cells)
The Male Reproductive System

3. Testes: also known as testicles
Two small glands that produce sperm
100 million a day
Hang outside of the body in a sac called the scrotum
The scrotum protects sperm by keeping the testes at a temp below normal body temp.
Tight clothing around testes can interfere with sperm production.

4. External Male Reproductive Organs
Penis: a tube shaped organ attached to the trunk of the body just above the testes.
Composed of spongy tissue with many blood vessels
With increased blood flow, the penis becomes enlarged and erect
Erections can happen due to friction of clothing, for not reason at all, or because of sexual arousal
External Male Reproductive Organs

5. At the height of sexual arousal, a series of muscular contractions known as ejaculation may occur.
During ejaculation, semen-a thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions- is propelled from the penis.
If this happens during sexual intercourse, fertilization may be initiated.
Fertilization is the union of a reproductive cell from a male and one from a female.

6. External Male Reproductive Organs
Circumcision – surgical removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the penis
This is usually a parental decision that happens at the birth.
External Male Reproductive Organs

7. Internal Male Reproductive Organs
Urethra – moves liquid waste
Epididymis – large coiled tube connected to the tubes in the testes. It is a temporary storage facility for sperm. Sperm mature here.
Vas deferens – pair of connecting tubes that lead to the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland.
Thick muscular walls of the vas deferens propel sperm forward then it is combined with a fluid produced by the seminal vesicles.
Internal Male Reproductive Organs

8. This fluid contains nutrients and mixes with the sperm to make it more mobile.
Vas deferens and seminal vesicles meet to form the ejaculatory duct.

9. As the sperm continues to travel, it is then mixed with fluid from the prostate gland (small gland that surrounds the urethra) and fluid from the Cowper’s glands (located below the prostate gland).
Semen is now formed.
Semen and urine leave the body via the urethra.

10. Care of the Male Reproductive System
Cleanliness
Shower daily
Clean the penis and scrotum
Uncircumcised males must practice extra hygiene
Protection
Wear a protector or supporter during strenuous activity to help shield the groin
Self-examination
Monthly to check for signs of cancer
Lumps, thickenings, or change in texture or size of testes
Care of the Male Reproductive System

11. STDs
Inguinal hernia – near the top of the scrotum – sometimes the abdomen can tear and part of the intestine pushed through. Surgery is necessary.
Sterility – inability to reproduce
Enlarged prostate gland – caused by infections, old age, or tumors
Prostate cancer – 2nd highest incidence of cancer in males
Cancer of the testes – occurs frequently in males in the U.S. First sign is slight enlargement of one testicle.
Problems

12. The Female Reproductive System
Ova – female reproductive cells
Sperm enters through the vagina- a muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body
Ova are stored in the ovaries- the female sex gland
The two ovaries are located in the lower abdominal area
The Female Reproductive System

13. Ovulation – process of releasing one mature ovum each month
When a mature ovum is released, it moves into the fallopian tubes- pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that draw the ovum in.

14. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes
Zygote – cell that results from the union of an ovum and sperm
Uterus – small, pear-shaped, muscular organ where the zygote travels to and attaches itself

15. If the ovum does not become fertilized then the lining of the uterus breaks down into blood, tissue, and fluids which pass through the cervix- neck of the uterus
Menstrual flow happens once a month and lasts 3-5 days
After the menstrual cycle ends, the process begins again. The uterus lining thickens again preparing for the possibility of receiving a fertilized egg.
Most females start between the ages of 10 and 15
The menstrual cycle may be irregular at first
Poor nutrition, stress, and illness can affect the cycle
Menstruation

16. Care of the Female Reproductive System
Cleanliness
Vagina is a self-cleansing organ
Slight vaginal discharge is normal
Especially important during menstrual cycle
Sanitary napkins (pads) and tampons must be changed every few hours
Breast examinations are important
Should be done once a month
In the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down
Care of the Female Reproductive System

17. Problems Menstrual Cramps – abdominal cramps
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – several days to 2 weeks before the menstrual period
Nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, etc
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – rare but serious disease that may be fatal
Presence of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus
Signs include aching muscles, bloodshot eyes, sore throat, fever, vomiting, rash, etc
Problems

18. Problems That Can Cause Infertility
Blocked Fallopian Tubes – leading cause of infertility
Endometriosis – uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – infection of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding areas. Usually caused by STDs
Ovarian cysts – fluid-filled sac on the ovary
Cervical cancer – early sexual activity and family history are related to an increased incidence of cervical cancer
Pap tests help detect
Problems That Can Cause Infertility