REP. SYSTEMS

Puberty in females occurs…

between ages 8-13.

Physical changes during puberty

Breast development, pelvic shape, fat distribution.

Process of ovulation

The egg develops in the ovaries, goes through the fimbria, travels to the fallopian tube to be fertilized, and then to the uterus where it is implanted to make a baby or expelled as a part of menstruation.

Menstruation

Happens because the body builds up a lining in the uterus each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy happens, the lining is shed.

Average female menstrual cycle

28 days.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone made by the brain that helps control the menstrual cycle and tells the ovaries to grow and mature eggs.

Estrogen

A hormone made mainly by the ovaries that helps control the menstrual cycle, develops female body features during puberty, and keeps bones, skin, and the reproductive system healthy.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone made by the brain that helps control the menstrual cycle and causes the ovary to release an egg during ovulation.

Progesterone

A hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation that helps prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy by thickening the lining.

Menstrual fluid composition

Mostly made up of blood, uterine lining (endometrial tissue), cervical mucus, and vaginal secretions.

Menarche

The first menstrual period a girl has, marking the beginning of her ability to become pregnant.

Menopause

When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, usually between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of her ability to get pregnant.

Graafian Follicle

A mature follicle in the ovary that contains a fully developed egg ready to be released during ovulation, secreting estrogen.

Corpus luteum

What the follicle becomes after it releases an egg during ovulation, secreting progesterone (and some estrogen) to help maintain the uterus lining.

Hymen

A membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening, its purpose is often associated with virginity and can vary in thickness and elasticity.

Hymen

A thin piece of tissue that partially covers the opening of the vagina, thought to provide some protection to the vaginal opening during infancy and childhood.

Ectopic Pregnancy

When a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, which can be dangerous because the tube can't hold the baby.

Conception

When a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman, starting a pregnancy, usually occurring in the fallopian tube.

Day of Conception

Conception usually occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, which is when ovulation happens and the egg is released.

Implantation

For a successful pregnancy, the fertilized egg should implant in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).

Clitoris

Similar to the penis in males, both have erectile tissue and are sensitive to stimulation.

Path of Sperm

1- Spermatozoa is produced in the seminiferous tubules. 2- Spermatozoa then travel to the epididymis where they mature & grow a tail. 3- The sperm travels into the vas deferens (Long 18 inch tube with ejaculatory ducts). 4- Sperm meets the Seminal Vesicles and receives short term energy and nourishment. 5- Sperm and fluid next travels through Prostate gland and receives long term energy. 6- The Cowper's gland secretes pre-ejaculate urethra not acidic (could kill the sperm). 7- Sperm is released into the urethra(tube) and leaves the body through the head/glans of the penis.

Testosterone

The male hormone responsible for the onset of puberty.

Physical Changes in Males During Puberty

Testicular size, voice change, body/facial hair.

Nocturnal Emission

Also known as a '*', it is a normal occurrence.

Urine and Semen Passage

No - The acid in the urine would kill the semen.

Storage of Sperm

Epididymis, where they mature and grow a tail.

Testicles

The male reproductive organ that secretes testosterone.

Function of Cowper's Gland

Lubes urethra & neutralizes acidic environment.

Erection of Penis

Physiologically caused by filling with blood in erectile tissue.

Composition of Semen

Composed of Seminal Vesicle (Energy source), Prostate Gland (Protects sperm), Cowper's Gland (Lubes urethra & neutralizes acidic environment), and Sperm (fertilize).

Male Sterilization Procedure

Vasectomy - Prevents sperm from being ejaculated.

Gynecomastia

Overdevelopment of the male breast, where glandular tissue of the breast swells due to a lack of testosterone.