Reproductive Systems

anatomy

Ovaries: holds eggs and produces hormones. At birth, females hold 200,000-400,000 immature eggs
Fallopian Tubes: passageway between the ovaries and uterus
- Where fertilization occurs.
- Uterus: where the fetus develops
- Cervix: neck of uterus which dilates during child birth
- Vagina: also called the birth canal; passageway from the uterus out of the body
- Clitoris: small tissue in front of vaginal opening. Sexually stimulated during intercourse
- Hymen: membrane over the vaginal opening, some females are born without it. May tear during physical activity or intercourse. It has several openings for menstrual flow

reproductive health

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): tension, irritability, bloating, mood swings a woman may experience. Probably caused by hormones or nutritional inadequacies. Usually affects women in their 30’s
Breast Cancer: second most common cancer among women after lung cancer. A lump in the breast
Cervical Cancer: pap smear of the cervix taken during a pelvic exam, used to detect the cancer
Ovarian Cancer: Next most common cancer after lung, breast, and colon cancer

the menstrual cycle

Ovulation: Each month, an egg is released from one of the ovaries into the fallopian tubes
- An egg can live about 2 days in a fallopian tube
Fertilization: Sperm enters the egg
- If the egg has been fertilized, it moves to the uterus and attaches to the wall where it will develop
Menstruation: When the egg is not fertilized, the muscles of the uterus contract and cause the lining to break down and pass through the vagina, and out of the body
- Menstruation may last 3-7 days and about 2-3 tablespoons of blood is normally lost
- Muscle contractions may cause abdominal cramps
- Because of low body fat or high levels of exercise, some women may stop menstruating which is called amenorrhea
- As women get older there is a decrease in estrogen and eventually a cessation of the menstrual cycle called menopause

anatomy

sex hormones: testosterone and estrogen
Testes: a gland where hormones and sperm are produced.
Scrotum: a sac which holds the testes. Can shrink when cold to bring testes closer to body.
Seminal Tubules: within testes. Produces sperm.
Epididymis: within testes. Stores sperm.
Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, Cowpers Gland: forms semen which carries and nourishes sperm.
Vas Deferens: tube which connects epididymis to urethra.
Urethra: tube through which urine or sperm travels (not at the same time)
Penis: organ through which the urethra passes. When filled with blood, it becomes erect
Ejaculation: the release of semen

reproductive health

Circumcision: removal of a fold of skin on the penis called the foreskin. Uncircumcised males must wash thoroughly (smegma)
Inguinal Hernia: part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall into the scrotum
Prostate Cancer: second most common cancer in men after lung cancer
Testicular Cancer: 12% of the cancers in men age 12-34. It is a hard lump on the testicle. May have an ache in the lower abdomen
Castration: removal of the testicles