Reproductive system

Male reproductive anatomy

Scrotum

sac that contains testes

2 testes

> site of sperm storage and production
> secretes testosterone

Penis

consists of erectile tissue connected to nervous system

Accessory glands

> prostate gland
> seminal vesicle
> secretions added to sperm

Functions of the male reproductive system

> testes produce sperm and testosterone
> ducts transport, store and assist in maturation of sperm
> accessory glands secrete liquid portion of semen
> penis provides passageway for ejaculation via urethra which also excretes urine

Female reproductive system (side angle)

Female reproductive system (front angle)

> consists of 2 cycles - ovarian and uterine

2 ovaries

> produce eggs
> hormones
> progesterone
> oestrogen
> attached to pelvis by ligament
> held close to fallopian tube

Fallopian tubes

connect ovaries to uterus

Uterus (womb)

> muscular organ (smooth muscle) with endometrium (lining with blood supply)
> nourish
> protect
> expel foetus

Cervix (neck of womb)

usually blocked by mucus (breaks down during intercourse and during ovulation)

Ovarian cycle

develops secondary oocyte (egg) for fertilisation

Uterine cycle

prepares endometrium to receive fertilised egg

Ovulation

release of oocyte into pelvic cavity

Phases of reproductive cycle

> menstrual phase
> pre-ovulatory phase
> ovulation
> post-ovulation

Fertilisation

1. sperm makes contact with egg
2. acrosome reacts with zona pellucida
3. acrosome reacts with perivitelline space
4. plasma membranes of sperm and egg fuse
5. sperm nucleus enters egg
6. cortical granules fuse with egg plasma membrane, which renders the vitelline layer impenetrable to sperm

Physiological changes in pregnancy

> physiological rather than pathological
> significant changes body undergoes can lead to pathologic states or leave her susceptible to other health conditions and more vulnerable

When is viability considered?

24 weeks

Cardiovascular changes in pregnancy

> diminished arterial bp
> increased cardiac output
> increased circulating vol.
> supine hypotensive syndrome

Hematologic changes in pregnancy

> relative anaemia
> leucocytosis
> diminished platelets
> elevated fibrinogen, normal coagulation

Pulmonary changes in pregnancy

> elevated diaphragm
> increased minute ventilation and todal vol.
> partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
> diminished functional residue capacity

GI changes in pregnancy

> increased uterine vol.
> displacement fo abdo contents
> relatively insensitive abdo wall
> delayed gastric emptying
> diminished gastroesophageal sphincter tone

Musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy

> increased ligamentous laxity
> lower centre of gravity
> greater back strain

Placenta

> organ that develops in uterus
> provides oxygen and nutrients to growing baby
> removes waste products from baby's blood
> attaches to wall of uterus and baby's umbilical cord arises
> attached to top, side, front or back of uterus
> highly vascular organ
> health depends on: maternal age, waters breaking early, HTN, clotting disorders, multiple pregnancy, substance abuse, uterine surgery