Reproductive system

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Reproduction

process that include the formation of gametes, the physiological preparation for pregnancy, sexual intercourse, fertilization and lactation, and labor and delivery

Seminiferous tubules

the actual site of sperm production

Testis

structure which houses the seminiferous tubuels

Scrotum

a skin covered bag suspended from the groin

Epididymis

storage compartment for the sperm (up to 4 weeks)

Vas deferens

(sperm duct)-tubules which conduct sperms from the epididymis thru the penis during ejaculation.

Urethra

a structure that carries both urine and sperms to the outside of the body through the penis (although not at the same time).

Penis

a structure which consists mainly of tissue that can fill with blood to cause an erection during sexual arousal. This structure consists of a shaft that supports the glans or head of the penis

The penis contains a – Glans

the head of the penis which is richly supplied with nerve endings and is highly sensitive to stimulation

Foreskin

a fold of skin that covers the glans. This is removed during circumcision

Meatus

the opening in the glans

Accessory glands

There are three sets of glands which are associated with the male reproductive system

Three sets of glands 1

Seminal vesicles (two) secrete a thick, clear fluid that lubricates and nourishes the sperms

Three sets of glands 2

Prostate gland-secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that balances the acidity of any traces of urine in the urethra and helps protect the sperm from the natural acidity of vagina

Three sets of glands 3

Bulbourethral glands (two) - secrete of few drops of fluid during sexual arousal. The fluid helps lubricate the urethra thereby helping the sperms move through it. This pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperms.

Ovaries

almond shaped structures which contain anywhere between 40,000-400,000 follicles. Only several hundred of these follicles will be released during her reproductive years.

Fallopian tubes or oviducts

this resembles a funnel fringed with fingerlike projections. The mature egg will pass from the ovaries to these tubes on its way to the uterus

Uterus

commonly called the womb. It is the actual site of pregnancy. It has a thick muscular wall, and its inner lining (the endometrium) is richly supplied with blood vessels

Cervix

the narrow neck of the uterus

Vagina

a thin-walled, muscular chamber that serves as the birth canal through which the baby is expelled. It also accommodates the male’s penis during copulation

Labia minora

skin folds which border the opening of the vagina

Labia majora

thick and fatty ridges that protect the entire genital region

Hymen

a thin membrane which partly covers the vaginal opening. IT HAS NO KNOWN FUNCTION

Bartholin’s glands

located near the vaginal opening. It secrete lubricating fluid during sexual arousal.

Clitoris

located near the vaginal opening. It secrete lubricating fluid during sexual arousal.

MENSTRUATION

The monthly process of discharging blood and other matter from the womb that occurs between puberty and menopause

Hormones associated with the menstrual cycle

– Estrogen – Progesterone – GnRH – FSH – LH

MENSTRUATION-1

At the start of menstruation, the hypothalamus secretes GnRH

MENSTRUATION-2

This stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH

MENSTRUATION-3

FSH stimulates the follicles to grow

MENSTRUATION-4

The maturing egg will begin to secrete estrogen

MENSTRUATION-5

As the levels of estrogen increase, the pituitary gland will begin to secrete LH

MENSTRUATION-6

LH triggers ovulation which is the release of the egg

MENSTRUATION-7

Progesterone and estrogen are secreted by the egg will maintain the endometrium if pregnancy occurs

MENSTRUATION-8

The rise in progesterone and estrogen will inhibit FSH and LH secretion during the last phase of the cycle

MENSTRUATION-9

Low levels of estrogen and progesterone signals the endometrium to break down.

MENSTRUATION-10

The production of prostaglandins help to dispel the endometrium

MENSTRUATION-11

• Menstruation occurs for 3-6 days • the cycle begins again • Average cycle is 28 days.

Fertilization-1

Union of the sperm and egg- during this process, the nucleus of the sperm fuses with the nucleus of the egg. This forms a zygote.

Fertilization-2

Fertilization usually takes place in the fallopian tubes.

DEVELOPMENT-1

First cleavage takes about 12 hours to complete

DEVELOPMENT-2

By the 4th day, a structure called a morula is formed (this consists of about 200 cells)

DEVELOPMENT-3

The morula turns into a structure called a blastula around day 6. This structure consists 500-2000 cells.

DEVELOPMENT-4

The blastula is carried down the fallopian tube and enters the uterus where it implants in the endometrium. (this occurs anywhere between days 6-8 after conception.

First week

fertilization, cleavage and implantation

Second week

gastrulation (formation of the distinct layers-ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm

Third week

neuralation (development of the nervous system) and initiation of the heartbeat

Fourth week

organogenesis (formation of the major organs

Fifth week

arm and leg buds from.

Sixth week

muscle and skin finish developing

Seventh-eighth week

every organs is in place and functioning. At the point, the embryo becomes a fetus.