Anatomy & Physiology of the Reproductive System

General

• Procreate – to give life to a new person

• Genitalia – external reproductive organs (male & female)

Female Reproductive System

Functions

• Produce sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone)

• Produce ova (oocytes)

• Transport ova to site of fertilization (fallopian tubes)

• Support & protect embryo

• Implant fertilized egg in uterus

• Menstruation if fertilization/implantation does not occur

Internal Organs

• Vagina – joins internal & external structures; entryway for intercourse; moistens & protects against infection

• Uterus – houses fetus; parts: cervix (lower), corpus (body)

  • Layers:

  • Perimetrium – outer covering

  • Myometrium – muscular middle layer

  • Endometrium – inner lining; secretes nutrients for embryo, transports sperm

• Ovaries – produce ova & hormones; endocrine role in pregnancy

  • Layers:

  • Medulla – innermost, nerves & blood supply

  • Cortex – middle, follicles & ova

  • Tunica albuginea – outer protective layer

• Fallopian tubes (Salpinges) – site of fertilization; connect ovaries to uterus

• Fimbria – fringes near ovaries

• Ampulla – wider section where fertilization often occurs

External Organs

• Labia majora – larger outer folds

• Labia minora – smaller inner folds

• Clitoris – sexual pleasure organ, homologous to penis

• Mons pubis – fatty tissue above pubic bone

• Vaginal vestibule – external portion of vagina

• Urethral meatus – urinary opening

• Perineum – tissue between vaginal opening & anus

Male Reproductive System

Functions

• Produce, maintain, transport sperm & semen

• Discharge sperm into female tract

• Secrete male sex hormones (testosterone)

External Organs

• Penis – sexual organ; parts: root, shaft, glans (tip, covered by foreskin unless circumcised)

• Scrotum – sac holding testes

Internal Organs

• Testes – endocrine & reproductive organs; produce testosterone & sperm

• Epididymis – stores, matures sperm; connects testes → vas deferens

• Vas deferens – transports sperm to ejaculatory ducts

• Seminal vesicles – secrete fructose for sperm energy

• Prostate gland – secretes alkaline fluid to protect sperm in acidic vagina

• Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s) – add fluid to semen

• Ejaculatory ducts – union of vas deferens + seminal vesicles

• Urethra – dual role: urine & semen transport

Hormones

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – stimulates spermatogenesis

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) – stimulates testosterone production

• Testosterone – develops primary & secondary sexual characteristics

Disorders & Conditions

Female

• Breast cancer – malignant growth in breast tissue

• Cervical cancer – cancer of cervix

• Ovarian cancer – cancer of ovary

• Vaginitis – infection of vagina

• Endometriosis – uterine lining grows outside uterus

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – infection of female organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina)

• Cystocele – bladder collapses into vagina

• Rectocele – rectum pushes against vaginal wall

Male

• Enlarged prostate – hypertrophy of prostate

• Prostate cancer – cancer of prostate gland

• Testicular cancer – cancer of one/both testes

• Low testosterone – insufficient hormone levels

• Erectile dysfunction – inability to maintain erection

📝 Quick Mnemonics

• Uterus layers: PEM → Perimetrium, Endometrium, Myometrium

• Male ducts order: SEVEn UP → Seminiferous tubules → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra → Penis

• Female external organs: CLAMP UP → Clitoris, Labia (majora/minora), Mons pubis, Urethral meatus, Perineum