Reproductive System

Reproductive System Overview

Overview of Male and Female Reproductive Systems

The reproductive systems of males and females are designed to produce and transport gametes (sperm and ova), facilitate fertilization, and support the development of offspring.

Female Reproductive System Combining Forms

Key Combining Forms

• amni/o - amnion, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the embryo.

• cervic/o - neck or cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina.

• chori/o - chorion, the outermost fetal membrane that contributes to the placenta.

• colp/o - vagina, the muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the uterus.

• culd/o - cul-de-sac, the space between the uterus and the rectum.

• dilat/o - to widen, often referring to the cervix during labor.

• embry/o - embryo, the developing organism from fertilization until eight weeks.

• episi/o - vulva, the external part of the female genitalia.

• estr/o - female, referring to female characteristics or hormones.

• fet/o - fetus, the developing organism from the ninth week until birth.

• gynec/o - woman or female, often used in medical terms related to women’s health.

• hymen/o - hymen, a membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening.

• hyster/o - uterus, the organ that houses and nourishes the developing fetus.

• lact/o - milk, often relating to breastfeeding.

• mamm/o - breast, the organ that produces milk.

• men/o - menses, referring to menstrual cycles and periods.

• metr/o - uterus, connected to medical conditions involving the uterine tissue.

• nat/o - birth, relating to labor and delivery processes.

• o/o - egg, referring to the female gamete.

• oophor/o - ovary, the organ that produces ova and hormones.

• perine/o - perineum, the area between the vagina and anus.

• salping/o - fallopian tubes, where fertilization typically occurs.

• tox/o - poison, often associated with teratogenic substances affecting development.

• uter/o - uterus, again emphasizing its central role in reproduction.

• vagin/o - vagina, the birth canal and organ for copulation.

• vulv/o - vulva, highlighting its protective role for the internal reproductive organs.

Male Reproductive System Combining Forms

Key Combining Forms

• andr/o - male, often used in relation to male hormones and characteristics.

• balan/o - glans penis, the sensitive tip of the penis.

• crypt/o - hidden, often used in conditions like cryptorchidism.

• epididym/o - epididymis, the duct where sperm matures and is stored.

• genit/o - genitals, pertaining to the male and female reproductive systems.

• orch/o, orchi/o, orchid/o - testes, male gonads producing sperm and hormones.

• pen/o - penis, the organ for sexual intercourse and urination.

• prostat/o - prostate, gland that contributes fluid to semen.

• spermat/o - sperm, the male reproductive cell.

• testicul/o - testes, emphasizing their role in sperm production and hormone secretion.

• vas/o - vas deferens, the duct that transports sperm from the epididymis.

• vesicul/o - seminal vesicle, glands that produce semen constituents.

Female Reproductive System Suffixes

• –arche - beginning, often used in terms like menarche (the first menstrual period).

• –cyesis - the state of pregnancy, referring to different stages.

• –genesis - produced, relating to the formation of ova and embryonic development.

• –gravida - pregnancy, used in terms indicating the number of pregnancies.

• –oid - resembling, often to describe conditions or abnormal developments.

• –para - to bear offspring, used numerically (e.g., para 1 for one live birth).

• –partum - childbirth, referring to the act of giving birth.

• –salpinx - uterine tube, a focus of certain health conditions (e.g., ectopic pregnancy).

• –tocia - labor or childbirth, often used to describe complications in labor.

Male Suffixes

• –cide - to kill, often in relation to sperm viability.

• –plasia - formation of cells, relevant in conditions like hyperplasia in certain tissues.

• –spermia - condition of sperm, used in discussing issues like oligospermia (low sperm count).

Female Reproductive System Prefixes

• ante- - before, in front of, relates to stages before delivery.

• contra- - against, often used in terms discussing birth control and its implications.

• primi- - first, as in primigravida (a woman who is pregnant for the first time).

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

• Produces ova: Female gametes required for fertilization.

• Provides environment for fertilization and fetal development: The uterus nurtures the fertilized egg and develops the fetus until delivery.

• Secretes female sex hormones: Regulates menstrual cycles, ovulation, and pregnancy.

• Produces milk for infant nourishment: Lactation to provide nutrients to newborns post-birth.

Components of the Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries: Produce ova (eggs) and secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

• Fallopian Tubes: The pathway where sperm meets the ova for fertilization.

• Uterus: A muscular organ that hosts the embryo and later the fetus during pregnancy.

• Vagina: A muscular tube that connects the external genitals to the uterus; it is where semen is deposited during intercourse and the birth canal during delivery.

• Vulva: The external part of the female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

Menstrual Cycle Terms

• Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the endometrial lining when fertilization does not occur, comprising bleeding lasting several days.

• Menarche: The onset of menstruation, marking a girl's transition to womanhood, typically occurring between ages 12-15.

• Menopause: The natural cessation of menstruation, signifying the end of a woman's reproductive years, often occurs between ages 45 and 55.

Breasts

Breasts, or mammary glands, develop from the same embryonic tissue as reproductive organs. They produce milk via specialized cells (lactiferous glands) and ducts to nourish infants.

Pregnancy Stages

• Embryo: Developmental stage from implantation until eight weeks, during which major organs and structures begin forming.

• Fetus: Developmental period from the ninth week until birth, where growth and maturation take precedence.

Stages of Labor

• Dilation Stage: Strong uterine contractions push the fetus against the cervix. Effacement occurs (thinning of the cervix), and the cervix dilates to 10 cm, allowing baby passage.

• Expulsion Stage: Begins with full cervical dilation and ends with the birth of the baby (crowning).

• Placental Stage: Following the birth of the baby, the placenta is delivered, marking the completion of the childbirth process.

Common Reproductive Health Conditions

• PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease): Infection in the reproductive organs, potentially causing chronic pain and infertility if untreated.

• Endometriosis: A painful condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to heavy periods and complications.

• Fibroids: Benign (non-cancerous) tumors in the uterus that may cause symptoms like heavy bleeding and abdominal pain.

• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the ovaries, often asymptomatic but may cause pain or irregular periods.

Male Functions and Anatomy

• Males produce sperm cells, deliver them to the female reproductive tract, and secrete male hormones, primarily testosterone.

• Testes: Responsible for sperm production and testosterone secretion, crucial for male fertility and secondary sexual characteristics.

• Epididymis: A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored until ejaculation.

Male Reproductive Conditions

• BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia): A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can obstruct urine flow.

• Cryptorchidism: A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, increasing the risk of infertility and cancer.

• Hydrocele: A condition involving fluid accumulation around the testes, often requiring surgical intervention if symptomatic.

STDs Overview

• Chlamydia: A common sexually transmitted bacterial infection, often asymptomatic, can lead to serious reproductive complications if untreated.

• Genital Herpes: A viral infection characterized by painful blisters; lifelong management is required to handle outbreaks.

• Syphilis: A chronic sexually transmitted infection that affects multiple organ systems if left untreated, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.