The REPRODUCTIVE System

Unit 6

Reproductive System

Vocabulary

• Hystero– uterus• Salpingo- uterine tubes• Oophoro- ovaries• Orchio- testes• Balano- glans penis• Gyneco- woman• Masto- breast• Ova- egg• -centesis – puncture into a cavity

Vocabulary• Amenorrhea – lack of menses by a women after

puberty.

• Andrology – medical specialty that deals with male health.

• Gynecology – medical specialty that deals with female health.

• Ectopic – in an abnormal place or position.

• Puberty – period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

Functions of the Reproductive System

• Production of the gametes (egg and sperm) by gonads

• Produce hormones to help in the maturation process

Structures of the Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries• Fallopian tubes• Uterus• Vagina

Ovaries

• The 2 ovaries are in the pelvic cavity• Each ovary contains about 200,000 tiny egg sacs.• Produce the hormones estrogen and

progesterone• Produce eggs

Estrogen

• Helps in the formation of female secondary sex characteristics:– Breasts– Broadened pelvis– Increased body hair– Increased body fat

Maturation of an Egg• The eggs were produced before the female was

born• Approximately 400,000 were produced, only

around 500 eggs reach maturity• Follicle containing the egg will move to the

surface of the ovary• Follicle breaks, releasing the egg during the

process called ovulation• An egg can be fertilized for about 24-36 hours

after ovulation• The egg should be swept into the uterine tube

(Fallopian Tube)

Uterine Tubes• Connected to the uterus• Tube with a funnel-like opening NOT directly

connected to the ovary• Transport the egg from the ovary to the

uterus• Transport the sperm to the egg• Site of fertilization

Uterus• Inverted pear-shaped organ

above the urinary bladder• Three sections:

– The fundus (top),– body (middle section), – cervix (connects to the uterus)

• Three layers:– Perimetrium, myometrium,

and endometrium• Menstruation• Development of the

embryo/fetus• Aids in expulsion of the fetus

during labor

Vagina• Fibromuscular tube connecting the uterus

to the outside of the body

• Vaginal opening is located between the urethra and the anus

• Passageway for menstruation

• Birth canal during the delivery of the fetus

Tracing Egg Cells

1. Ovary

2. Fallopian Tubes

3. Uterus

4. Cervix

5. Vagina/Birth Canal

***TWINS – Identical (1 egg/1 sperm that divides), Fraternal (2 eggs/2 sperms form in separate sacs)

Structures of the Male Reproductive System

• Testes• Scrotum• Epididymis• Vas Deferens• Seminal vesicles• Prostate Gland• Cowper’s gland• Urethra

Testes• Located in the scrotum• Made up of small, coiled

tubes called seminiferous tubules where sperm are made

• Produce sperm• Can produce sperm

throughout the adult life of the male at the average rate of 30 million sperm a day

• Produce testosterone

Testosterone

• Development of the sperm and the male secondary sex characteristics.– Growth of the testicles and penis– Appearance of pubic hair– Shoulders widen– Larynx enlarges

Scrotum• Loose, muscular sac that encloses and

protects the testes• Maintains a constant temperature about 2 to 3

degrees below normal body temperature for optimal sperm production

Epididymis

• 2 coiled tubes located above each testicle

• Takes about 18 hours for sperm to mature

• Sugar (fructose) is provided to help the sperm meet their energy demands

• Provides a temporary storage area for the sperm

Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)

• 2 muscular tubules extending from the epididymis through the abdomen to the urethra

• Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

Seminal Vesicles

Secretes alkaline fluid that helps increase sperm motility and neutralizes the acidity of the vagina

Prostate Gland

• Gland located inferior to the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra

• Secretes a large amount of alkaline fluid that helps increase sperm motility and neutralizes the acidic vagina

Cowper’s Gland

Secretes a protective and lubricating mucus.

Sperm and 3 fluids that help make up Semen.

Urethra

• Tube that leads from the urinary bladder through the prostate gland to the outside of the body.

• 6-8 inches in length

• Passageway for sperm and urine

***Men are fertile from the time of puberty, 24/7, for the rest of their lives!!***

Tracing Sperm Cells

1. Testes

2. Epididymus

3. Vas Deferens

4. Seminal Vesicles

5. Prostate Gland

6. Cowper’s Gland

7. Urethra/Penis

Vocabulary for Conception• Spermatozoa – mature male sex cell

• Gametes – a mature sperm or egg germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

• Fertilization – act of fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

• Implantation – the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.

• Embryo – an unborn human baby in the first 8 weeks from conception.

• Fetus – unborn human baby more than 8 weeks after conception.

Diseases and Disorders

Reproductive System

Female Reproductive Disorders

• Cervical/Ovarian Cancer – Cancer cells can form on the cervix, so a PAP

Smear test (sample of cervical cells) is taken during an annual physical exam when the woman becomes sexually active.

– Blood test for Ovarian cancer.

Cervical Cancer

• Symptoms– None– Abnormal vaginal bleeding– Increased vaginal

discharge– Pelvic pain– Pain during intercourse

• Treatment– Surgery– Radiation– chemotherapy

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle

• Symptoms are usually predictable and occur regularly during the two weeks prior to menses

• Symptoms may diminish after menstrual flow starts, but may continue even after the flow has begun

• PMS is a collection of symptoms

PMS

• Most common symptoms include– Abdominal bloating– Cramping– Breast tenderness– Itching of the breast– Stress or anxiety– Depression– Appetite changes & food

cravings– Sleep problems– Joint & muscle pain– Headache– Fatigue

– Acne– Tenderness of the breasts– Irritability and anger

PMS

• Treatment includes– Aerobic exercise– Reduced caffeine,

sugar, and sodium– Increase fiber– Rest/sleep– Hormonal therapy– Anti-inflammatory

drugs

Endometriosis

• Presence of the endometrium outside of the uterus

• Seems to be caused by the backflow of menstrual blood

• Symptoms include very painful periods, heavy periods, chronic abdominal pain, and infertility

• Controlled by birth control pills

• Surgery to remove the tissue from organs

Breast Cancer• Leading cause of cancer death among

women in the United States• Generally found with routine breast self

exams and mammograms—• When should self exams be performed?

– 1 week after menstrual cycle is over

• Risk factors include:– Genetics– Exposure to radiation– High fat diet– Having the first baby after age 30

Male Reproductive Disorders

• Sterility – 20% of normal sperm production. Sperm cells are malformed and/or weak.

• Prostate Cancer – 2nd leading type of Cancer in men over 50. PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test to detect prostate cancer.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

• Abnormal growth of prostate cells, but the condition is NOT cancerous

• Prostate undergoes abnormal growth and presses against the urethra and bladder

• Interferes with the normal flow of urine

Testicular Cancer• About 7,500 men in the USA are diagnosed

each year

• Occurs most often in men ages 15 to 39

• Most common cancer in men between ages 16 to 34

• Most testicular cancers are found by —Self Exams!!!

Careers of the Reproductive System

Geneticist

• Usually work in research labs, clinics and hospitals. Some work for private corporations to develop new products such as new seed varieties for fruit trees and vegetables.

• Education: Masters Degree is a minimum requirement for a Geneticist.

• Salary: $70,000/ year

Obstetrician/ Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

• Provide medical care for women related to their reproductive system. Provide service such as cancer screenings, testing for STDs, and advising on family planning.

• Education: Medical school

plus a four year residency

program in OB/GYN.

• Salary: $200,000/year

Mammographer

• A radiologic technician who specializes in screening breast tissue. Uses Ionizing radiation to produce an image of the breast in order to detect abnormalities in the tissue.

• Education: Associates or Bachelors in Radiation technology plus licensing.

• Salary: $55,000/year

Certified Nurse Midwife

• RNs with additional training in caring for pregnant women. They performs routine exams and provide prenatal care to healthy pregnant women.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a registered nursing license. Certification

can be obtained after 2-4 years of

nursing experience, preferably in

obstetrics and gynecology.

• Salary: $95,000/year