HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

must be the process of creating new life. This process is
For life to have anon-going process, there
Human beings reproduce in much the same way as other mammals. There is
called reproduction. human reproductive process. Human
need for both male and female to be involved in the
intercourse.
reproduction takes place as internal fertilization by sexual
 Fimbria

Ovary Uterine
cavity

Uterus Fallopian
tube
Internal os

Endocervical canal

Endocervtx
Extemal os

Ectocervix Vagina

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The female reproductive anatomy includes internal and external structures.

The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genital) is twofold: To enable
sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms. The
main external structures of the female reproductive system include:

Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs.
Literallytranslated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively large and fleshy, and are
comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-secreting
glands. After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.
Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or up
to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the
vagina (the canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and
urethra(the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).
+ Bartholin's glands: These glands are located next to the vaginalopening and produce a fluid
(mucus) secretion.
+ Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is
comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the
prepuce, which is like the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very
sensitive to stimulation and can become erect.
Urethra
The opening to the urethra is just below the clitoris. Although it is not related to sex or
reproduction, it is included in the vulva. The urethra is used for the passage of urine. The urethra
is connected to the bladder. In females the urethra is 1.5 inches long, compared to males whose
urethra is 8 inches long.

Perineum
The perineum is the short stretch of skin starting at the bottom of the vulva and extending to the
anus. It is a diamond shaped area between the symphysis pubis and the coccyx. This area forms
the floor of the pelvis and contains the external sex organs and the anal opening. It can be further
divided into the urogenital triangle in front and the anal triangle in back.
The perineum in some women may tear during the birth of an infant and this is apparently natural.
Some physicians, however, may cut the perineum pre-emptively on the grounds that the "tearing"
may be more harmful than a precise cut by a scalpel. If a physician decides the cut is necessary,
they will perform it. The cut is called an episiotomy.

The internal reproductive organs include:

Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the
outside of the body. It also is known as the birthcanal.
C Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a
developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part
that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus
can easily expand to hold a developing baby. Achannel through the cervix allows sperm to
enter and menstrual blood to exit.
Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of
the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the
uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova(egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.
The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants to the uterine wal.

Ovary
This is the name for the sex gland that is similar in function to the male testicle. They are two in
number and are located on either side of the uterus (womb). Each ovary is covered by a tough
protective capsule and contains many follicles. Afollicle-sound is an egg cell surrounded by one or
more layers of follicle cells. It is estimated that about 400,000 eggs (ovum) are stored in each ovary
at birth. However, onlyone egg becomes ripe each month,once puberty begins, and departs from
 the ovary and travels into the faliorian tubes (oviduct). They also manufacture the female
hormones estrogen and progesteronewhich is instrumental in the onset of the menstrual cycle.

Ovum(ova) egg cell

A microscopic egg cell is released from one of the twO ovaries at an average cycle of once every 28
bees
days. When sperm cells encounter an ovum in the fallopian tube, they swarm around it like
around honey. Once one sperm cell breaks through the outer membrane of the ovum by using
hydrolytic enzymes, the egg immediately produces a wall that blocks a second sperm from
entering. When fertilization of an ovum occurs, menstruation stops, and no other ovum can be
discharged until the fetus has left the uterus.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)-sound

This hormone is responsible for triggering the release of the ripe egg from the ovary.

Corpus Luteum-sound
After the ovum (egg) is released from the ovary, a small temporary gland forms in the ovary and
begins to produce the hormone progesterone.

Progesterone-sound
Progesterone is secreted to help prepare the endometrium to receive a fertilized ovum. Once
menstruation occurs, progesterone levels decrease and slowly rise again to form a new
endometrium.

Fallopian tube (oviduct)-sound

The ovum is transported from the ovary to the uterus over a period of one to five days via the
fallopian tube. They are two in number and lead directly to the uterus. As the egg travels down the
tube, hair-like cilia move the egg toward the uterus by a swaying motion. If one fallopian tube
becomes blocked and an egg attempts to travel down to the uterus through it, the egg will not be
able to contact asperm cell.Occasionally, anegg will implant on the fallopian tube wall. When this
happens, the tube painfully ruptures as the egg matures into an embryo. The embryo is expelled
from the body and the fertilization process must begin again.

Fertilization (conception)
Fertilization occurs when one sperm unites with an egg. This usuallyhappens in the fallopian tubules
of the female. The cell formed through fertilization is called a zygote.
 Ovuiation
Ovulation isa period when a female becomes fertile and can conceive (when a sperm cell and an
egg can unite). It usually occurs two weeks before the onset of the female menstrual cycle and
lasts for one to five days; the amount of time it takes for an egg to travel down the fallopian tube.

Blastula-sound
The name for a zygote after the process of cleavage, cell division. The blastula is a hollow ball of
cells and travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. During this stage the growing egg implants
itself into the endometrium.

Zygote-sound
The fertilized ovumthat can divide into agroup of human tissue cells and becomes an embryo is
called the zygote. Azygote usually forms in the fallopian tubules.

Menstrual cycle
Females of reproductive age (anywhere from 11-16 years) experience cycles of hormonal activity
that repeat at about one-month intervals. (Menstru means "monthly"; hence the term menstrual
cycle.) With every cycle, a woman's body prepares for a potential pregnancy, whether or not that
is the woman's intention. The term menstruation refers to the periodic shredding of the uterine
lining.

The average menstrual cycle takes about 28 days and occurs in phases: the follicular phase, the
ovulatory phase (ovulation), and the luteal phase.
There are four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or organs)
involved in the menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and
progesterone.

Follicular phase
Thisphase starts on the first day of your period. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle,
the following eventsoccur:
 Two hormones, follicie stinulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH)are
released from the brain and travel in the blood to the ovaries.
ovaries each in its
The hormones stimulate the growth of about 15-20 eggs in the
own "shell," called afollicle.
female
These hormones (FSH and LH) also trigger an increase in the production of the
hormone estrogen.
follicle-stimulating
As estrogen levels rise, like a switch, it turns off the production of
hormone. This careful balance of hormones allows the body to limit the number of follicles
that complete maturation, or growth.
As the follicular phase progresses, one follicle in one ovary becomes dominant and
continues to mature. This dominant follicle suppresses all the other follicles in the group.
Asa result, they stop growing and die. The dominant follicle continues to produce estrogen.

Ovulatory phase
The ovulatory phase, or ovulation, starts about 14 days after the follicular phase started. The
ovulatory phase is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with the next menstrual period starting
about 2 weeks later. During this phase, the following events occur:

The rise in estrogen from the dominant follicle triggers a surge in the amount of
luteinizing hormone that is produced by the brain.
This causes the dominant follicle to release its egg from the ovary.
As the egg is released (a process called ovulation) it is captured by finger-ike
projections on the end of the fallopian tubes (fimbriae). The fimbriae sweep the egg into the
tube.
Also, during this phase, there is an increase in the amount and thickness of mucus
produced by the cervix (lower part of the uterus.) If a woman were to have intercourse
during this time, the thick mucus captures the man's sperm, nourishes it, and helps it to
move towards the egg for fertilization.

Luteal phase
The luteal phase begins right after ovulation and involves the following processes:

Once it releases itsegg, the empty follicle develops into a new structure called the
corpus luteum.
The corpus luteum secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone
prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant.
 if intercourse has taken place and a man's sperm has fertilized the egg (a process
called conception), the fertilized egg (embryo) will travel through the fallopian tube to
implant in the uterus. The woman is nowconsidered pregnant.
If the egg is not fertilized, it passes through the uterus. Not needed to support a
pregnancy, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) breaks down and sheds, and the next
menstrual period begins.
Two weeks, on the average, after ovulation, if the egg is not fertilized, it dies and the blood rich cells
of the membrane of the uterus and the microscopic unfertilized ovum pass through the uterus out
through the vagina in a process called menstruation..

Uterus (womb)-sound
The uterus is athick, muscular organ in the reproductive system shaped like an upside-down pear
located within the abdomen of afemale. It is the place where the membrane lining of the uterus
endometrium becomes thicker as it amasses blood and nutrients to accommodate the embryo
which will develop and grow into a fetus. It is also the origin of the bloody discharge that usually
occurs monthly during the reproductive years of a female. The unique arrangement of the When it
is time for the fetus to be born, the uterus willcontract to expel its contents.

Cervix
An opening at the top end of the vagina leading to the uterus is called the cervix. After an embryo
has favorably been implanted in the uterus, the cervix is sealed off to stop infection and allow
amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus) to fill the uterus. During the first stage of labor,
expulsionof the fetus from the uterus,the cervix dilates (increases in size) to fornm a passageway
for the fetus into the vagina.

Endometrium-sound
This isthe lining of the uterus that is prepared to receive the fertilized ovum. The rich endometrium
isequipped with blood vessels which attach to the growing embryo and nourish it.

Vagina-sound
This tubular female sex organ serves many functions. It is the place where menstrual discharges
pass out of the body. It also stretches to function as a birth canal when it is time for the fetus to be
expelled from the uterus. It is the channel through which the sperm in the semen travel up toward
the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. Although its muscular tissue is much thinner than the uterus,
the walls are strong enough to contract to hold apenis or allow passage of a baby's head.
 MALE REPRODUCTIVESYSTEM
organs
reproductive system (or male genital system) consists of a number of sex
The human male this type of reproductive system, these sex
reproductive process. In
that are a part of the human region.
the pelvic
organs are located outside the body, around

organs are the penis and the testes which produce semen and
The main anatomically male sex ovum in an anatomically female person's body
intercourse fertilize an
sperm, which as part of sexual fetus, which is later born as achild
gradually develops into a
and the fertilized ovum (zygote)
consists of the urethra, prostate gland, testicles, scrotum, vas
The male reproductive system
deferens, seminal vesicle, and penis. seminal vesicle
ureter

bladder

rectum

prostate gland vas deferens

penis
epididymus
urethra testes

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The organsof the male reproductive system are specialized for the following functions:

" To produce,maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
"Todischarge sperm within the female reproductive tract.
" Toproduce and secrete male sex hormones.
Externai reproductive structures
system is located outside of the man's body. The external structures
Most of the male reproductive
male reproductive system are the penis, the scrotum and the testicles.
of the

organ for sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which
Penis The penis is the male
abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped
attaches tothe wall of the penis, is covered with a loose layer
called the head of the
end of the penis.The glans, which also is removed in aprocedure called circumcision.) The
sometimes
of skin called foreskin. (This skin is and urine, is at the tip of the glans penis.
transports semen
opening of the urethra, the tube that
nerve endings.
The penis also contains afew sensitive
shape and consists of three internal chambers. These
cylindrical in
The body of the penis is thousands of large
erectile tissue. Thistíssue contains
chambersare made upof special, sponge-like aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes
issexually
spaces that fill with blood when the man sexualintercourse. The skin of the penis is loose
penetration during
rigidand erect,which allows for erection.
changes in penis size during an
and elastic to accommodate
(ejaculated) through the end of the penis when the
expelled
at Semen, which contains sperm, is penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the
(orgasm). When the
man reaches sexual climax
orgasm.
urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated
contains
the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. It
Scrotum- The scrotum is a
testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum has
the testicles (also called system for the testes. For normal
sperm
acts as a climate control
protective function and body temperature.
temperature slightly cooler than the
development, the testes must be at a and relax,moving the testicles closer
scrotum allowit to contract
Special muscles in the wallof the the body to coolthe temperature.
protection or farther away from
to the body for warmth and
scrotum,
organs about the size of large olivesthat lie in the
Testicles (testes)-The testes are oval Most men have two testes. The
called the spermatic cord.
secured at either end by a structure sex hormone, and for generating
testosterone, the primary male
testes are responsible for making called seminiferous tubules. These tubules are
coiled masses of tubes
sperm. Within the testes are
process called spermatogenesis.
responsible for producing the sperm cells through a

epididymis is a long, coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle. it
Epididymis - The are produced in the testes. It also is
of the sperm cells that
TuNctions in the transport and storage the sperm that emerge from the
the sperm to maturity, since
the job of the epididymis to bring
testes are immatureand incapable of teriibzation. During sexual arousal, contractions force the
sperm into the vas deferens.

Internal reproductive organs

The internal organs of the male reproductive system, also called accessory organs, include the
following:

Vas deferens - The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that travels from the epididymis
into the pelvic cavity, to just behind the bladder. The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the
urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
Ejaculatory ducts These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal
vesicles. The ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.
Urethra- The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside ofthebody.
In males, it has the additional function of expelling (ejaculating) semen when the man reaches
orgasm. When the penis is erect during sex, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing
only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.
Seminal vesicles-The seminalvesicles are sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens
near the base of the bladder. The seminal vesicles produce asugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides
sperm with a source of energy and helps with the sperms' motility (ability tomove). The fluid of the
seminal vesicles makes up most of the volume of a man's ejaculatory fluid, or ejaculate.
Prostate gland The prostate gland is awalnut-sized structure that is located below the
urinary bladder in front of the rectum. The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to the
ejaculate. Prostate fluids also help to nourish the sperm. The urethra, which carries the ejaculate to
be expelled during orgasm, runs through the center of the prostate gland.
Bulbourethral glands The bulbourethral glands, or Cowper's glands, are pea-sized
structures located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. These glands produce
urethra
aclear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. This fluid serves to lubricate the
and to neutralize any acidity that may be present due to residual drops of urine in the urethra.

The male reproductive system function

stimulate
The entire male reproductive system is dependent on hormones, which are chemicals that
functioning of the
or regulate the activity of cells or organs. The primary hormones involved in the
and
male reproductive system are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH)
testosterone.

FSH is necessary
FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
testosterone, which
for sperm production (spermatogenesis), and LH stimulates the production of
also is important in the
is necessary to continue the process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone
bone
development of male characteristics, including muscle mass and strength, fat distribution,
mass and sex drive
Hormone Regulation

Hormones which control reproduction in males are:

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH):

The hypothalamus secretes this hormone into the pituitary gland in the brain.
There are two gonadotropic hormones, FSH and LH. Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
the
The pituitary gland secretes this hormone after receiving a GnRH signal from
hypothalamus.
LHstimulates Leydig cells, in the testes, telling them to produce testosterone.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):

The pituitary gland also secretes this hormone.
Sertoli cells, located in the
Testosterone helps FSH run through the bloodstream to make
sperm.
seminiferous tubules of the testes, to make immature sperm to mature

Testosterone:
Also known as "the male hormone" and "androgen".
Testosterone is vital to produce sperm.

DISEASES OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVESYSTEM

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) in hormone levels. It is bleeding

the vagina that is due to changes
DUB is abnormal bleeding from bleeding can also be associated with
or Miscarriage. Dysfunctional
that is not caused by Pregnancy
obesity, excessive exercise, or emotional stress.

Vulvitis
inflammation of the Vulva (entrance of the vagina). Vulvitis may be caused by parasitic
Vulvitis is an reactions or retention of a foreign
chemical irritations, allergic
infection, poor personal hygiene, pruritus, painful
Symptoms include mild to severe inflammation, edema, redness, burning,
body.
most women at some time.
urination. Vulvitis mayoccur at any age and affects

Atrophic Vaginitis
Vagina due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased
Inflammation of the
lubrication.
 transmitted
Cervicitis
Cervicitis are mostlycaused by three sexually
cervix.
Cervicitis isan inflammation of the trichomonas. Syrnptoms include pronounced vaginal discharge
diseases, chlamydia, gonorrhea, andvaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, irritation of
the
following menstruation, profuse itchiness, a burning sensation during urination, lower
back
vaginal
external genital area, intensive
at some point in their lives.
pain. Cervicitis affect half of allwomen

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and

infection caused by bacteria such
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an the vagina, moves up through the cervix, gets
infection starts in
Chlamydia trachomatis. Usually the ovaries. Because pelvic inflammatory disease is
tubes and into the
into the uterus, up the fallopian organs, there isa risk that it cause a permanent
of inner reproductive
an illnessaffecting avariety
damage to these organs.

as a UTI)
A urinary tract infection (also referred to
UTIis abacterial infection affecting the urinary tract.

Cystitis
an infection of the bladder and is also commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
It is
when bacteria enters the bladder via the urethra (the tube that goes from the
Cystitis occurs
bladder out of the body).

Uterine Fibroids:
varying in size from a pea
Non-cancerous growths in or onwalls of uterus, sometimes on a stalk and
may take a few or many years to
to alarge plum; tend to occur severally rather than singly and
to heavy, prolonged
develop; small fibroids are often symptomless, but large ones can give rise
pregnancy, or
periods); they may also prevent conception, cause Miscarriage or pain during
severe pain
obstruct delivery; if stalk of fibroid becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply, result is
in lower abdomen.

Ovarian cysts (PCOD):

An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary. Small cysts, measuring between 3 and 5
cm, commonly develop as a complication of the menstrual cycle and normally do not require any
treatment because they goaway on their own.

Toxic shock syndrome

Itis caused bytoxins released into the body during atype of bacterial infection that is more likely
todevelop if a tampon is left in too long. It can produce high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and shock.
Cancer of Female Reproductive System
Breast Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Uterus Cancer
+ Cervix Cancer

implanted in some area

Ectopic pregnancy - The situation in which a fertilized ovum becomes
severe pelvic
other than the uterine cavity. The most common site is a fallopian tube. Can cause
menstrual period following
pain. The ectopic site commonly ruptures after the first missed
conception. Can be life threatening to the mother.

Endometrial cancer - Amalignancy of the endometrium.

be in the ducts and/or lobes and
Breast cancer - A malignancy of the breast. The malignancy can
can spread to surrounding tissue.

Amenorrhea - Absence of menstruation.

reproductive capabilities. Attributed to

Menopause- Cessation of menses and end of awoman's
decreased ovarian function and decline in estrogen production.

Infertility- The inability to conceive.

DISEASES OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Erectile dysfunction
enough for sexual intercourse. This can also call
E.D. is the inability to getor keep an erection firm
other problems that can interfere
impotence.The word "impotence" may also be used to describe
problems with ejaculation or orgasm and lack
with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as
clarifies that those other problems are not
of sexual desire. Using the term erectile dysfunction
involved.

Benign ProstaticHyperplasia
enlarged as a man age. Doctors call this condition
It is common for the prostate gland to become
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Testicular Cancer
It occurs when cells in the testicle divide abnormallyand'form a tumor.
Testicular cancer can spread
to other parts of the body, but if it's detected early, the cure rate is excellent.

Prostate cancer:

Prostate cancer is disease which onlyaffects the men. Cancer cell begins to grow in the prostate (a
gland in the male reproductive system)

Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Anycontagious disease that is spread during sexualcontact, primarily sexual intercourse. Examples
include syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Also called venereal disease.