Male and Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive Organs

Female Reproductive System Terms

Ovaries

Two almond shaped organs that produce the female egg cell.

Size of a peach pit

Functions:

Produce hormones estrogen and progesterone

Produce egg cells before the female is born and stores them until release

Fallopian Tube

A passageway to transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus

About the size of spaghetti noodles.

Not actually connected to the ovaries

Outer end has finger like projections that are in motion to pick up ovulated eggs

Uterus/Womb

The organ that provides protection and nutrients and houses the unborn child.

About the size and shape of a pear

Muscular, thick-walled, hollow structure

Size increases to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy

Lined with endometrium to prepare for the possible fertilized egg

Endometrium is sloughed off if an egg is not fertilized

Material sloughed off is menstruation

Female Reproductive System Terms

Conception

Fertilization of the ovum.

Cervix

The opening in the uterus that leads to the vagina. It holds the baby in the uterus.

Plugs with mucous during pregnancy

Vagina (Birth Canal)

The passageway leading from the female’s external genital organs to the uterus.

Three functions are as an outlet for menstruation, passageway for sperm, and birth canal

Female Reproductive Terms

Pregnant

The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body.

Endometrium

Lining of the uterus. Provides nourishment for the fertilized egg. If it is not used, it is sloughed off at menstruation.

Fertilization

When the sperm penetrates the ovum.

Ovum/Egg

The female reproductive cell.

Size of a pinhole, largest cell in female body

200,000 eggs are present in the ovaries when the female is born

400-500 eggs mature and are released over the lifetime

Ovulation

Releasing the ovum from the ovary.

Egg moves to the surface of the ovary in a bubble, bubble bursts which pushes the egg into the opening of the fallopian tube

Occurs approximately every 28 days

Ovulation, Conception & Fertilization

The egg and the sperm each contain 23 chromosomes. During conception, these chromosomes combine to provide the 46 chromosomes needed to produce a human being. This newly formed cell begins to divide and is referred to as a zygote. As the cells continue to divide, the zygote makes its way through the fallopian tube and enters the uterus.

Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. After being

released, the egg travels through the fallopian tube and enters the

uterus.

Conception occurs when an egg is fertilized by one sperm. This normally occurs in the fallopian tube.

+ =2323 zygote

(46)

This process is very complex, and if any step of

this process is disrupted, the progression will

cease and everything will be expelled. This is

called menstruation.

Ovulation, Conception & Fertilization

The zygote divides itself multiple times so it is now a group of

cells.

The zygote bounces around on the uterine wall until it finds an

appropriate place to implant itself.

It then begins forming what will soon become the placenta, umbilical

cord, amniotic sac, and fetus.

The menstrual cycle is a continuous process of passing blood and tissue lining of the uterus from the body that begins at puberty. It continues through the childbearing years and ends with menopause. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days but may vary from 17-25 days and still be normal. There are four phases in this cycle.

Ovulation, Conception & Fertilization

Some women ovulate from both ovaries or two eggs from one ovary during a cycle.

If both eggs are fertilized by a sperm, the result is fraternal twins.

If the ovum is fertilized by one sperm, then completely divides into two separate cell masses, the result is identical twins. An incomplete separation would result in Siamese twins.

Menstrual Cycle

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

Fourth Stage (Premenstrual Phase, Days 15-28)

The endometrial lining is at its thickest. PMS may occur during this stage.

First Stage (Menstrual phase, Days 1-5)

The endometrial lining is shed, bleeding takes place.

Second Stage (Post Menstrual phase, Days 5-10)

Endometrial lining is very thin but is starting to thicken and an egg

is ripening ready for release.

Third Stage (Ovulation, Days10-14)

Endometrial lining thickens some more. The egg is released at the

end of this stage.

Menstrual Cycle

Although the menstrual flow always begins 14 days after

ovulation, the amount of time between the discharge

period and the next ovulation can vary.

28 days is just an average.

Many girls have shorter or longer cycles.

Only 4% have regular 28 day cycles.

Fertilization Math:

Cycle begins 14 days after ovulation

The egg is in the fallopian tube for 2 days

Sperm can live in the fallopian tube 5 days

Menstrual Cramps

Pain caused by the uterus contracting to push out the

endometrium.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Midol, etc. can help relieve cramps.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Emotions get out of control

Headaches

Irritability

What can help?

Exercise

Increasing protein in the diet

Taking vitamin B6

Menopause

Occurs generally around the age of 45-55.

Menstrual cycle stops

A woman is no longer capable of getting pregnant

Male Reproductive Organs

Male Reproductive System Terms

Prostate Gland A gland located beneath the bladder. It produces fluid to mix with the

semen. The fluid helps neutralize the acidity of the urethra.

Testes (Testicle) The organ that produces sperm

Size of a plum

Very sensitive, slightest bump can cause extreme pain

Sensitive to temperature

Epididymus The place where sperm are stored until they ripen or mature

Vas Deferens The passageway carrying the sperm from the epididymus to the seminal

vesicles

Seminal Vesicle Where a sticky, sugar fluid to nourish the sperm is produced. This fluid

provides 60% of the semen

Male Reproductive System Terms

Semen

Mixture of sperm cells and gland secretions.

Cowper’s Gland

Two small glands that secrete a clear sticky fluid to help neutralize the acidity of the urethra.

Urethra

The passageway to transfer urine or semen outside of the body. It passes through the middle of the penis.

Penis

The male external reproductive organ. It transfers sperm and semen.

Very sensitive to the touch

Circumcision is a process that surgically removes the foreskin that covers the end of the penis, usually done a few hours after birth

Sometimes done for religious reasons but is a very good health practice because it keeps the area cleaner and free from infection

Scrotum

The sac around the testicles. A muscular tissue that holds the testes to suspend them away from the body.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell.

Tiny, living cells that are 100 times smaller than a pencil dot.

Destroyed by warm body temperature, acid environment, and will self-destruct in the female body within 5 days