Reproductive System

1. Reproductive System Created by Sabrina Pond, Tracy Buechele, Brianna Carfora and Brittany Toscano

2. Overview of male and female anatomy • Male sex cell: sperm • Female sex cell: egg • Each sex cell are haploid (23 chromosomes) • Combine to create zygote (46 chromosomes) • Oogenesis: process of egg formation (meiosis) -occurs in ovaries • Spermatogenesis: process of producing sperm -occurs in testes and epididymis

3. Male anatomy (Internal) • Epididymis: stores sperm; brings sperm to ductus deferens • Ductus Deferens: brings sperm to ejaculatory duct • Seminal vesicle: secretes an alkaline fluid that neutralizes semen • Prostate gland: secretes an alkaline fluid that neutralizes semen • Cowper’s gland: secretes fluid that lubricates penis • Semen: contains sperm cells (120 million per milliliter)

4. Male Anatomy (External) • Scrotum: encloses, covers, and regulates temperature of testes (necessary for sperm survival) • Penis: conveys semen to the vagina during sex; has sensory endings • Testis: located underneath scrotum; composed of seminiferous tubules (produce sperm cells)

6. Relating male anatomy and physiology • Erection: blood accumulates in the erectile tissues, causing the penis to elongate • Orgasm: sexual stimulation and pleasure • Ejaculation: process when semen is forced through the urethra to the outside -skeletal muscles increase pressure • Emission: movement of sperm from the testes to the urethra (and fluid from prostate) to form semen -occurs because of nerve impulses from the spinal cord

7. Relating male anatomy and physiology (con’t) • Male anatomy structured to produce sperm • Composition of semen allows it to remain in the female (neutralize acidic female vagina by being slightly alkaline, thick) • Fertilization: sperm contain enzyme in head that breaks through egg’s exterior barrier -sperm swim (best chance to fertilize) • Scrotum: keeps sperm cells alive (temperature)

8. Female anatomy • Fallopian (uterine) tubes connect uterus and ovary -made of ciliated simple columnar epithelial cells • Uterus: hollow, muscular organ shaped like a pear • Vagina: fibromuscular tube • Breasts composed of mammary glands, milk ducts, adipose tissue • Ovaries release female hormone estrogen

10. Relating female anatomy and physiology • Women’s anatomy is favorable to produce offspring • Organs are spaced out, low in body (space to carry child) • Uterus’ pear shape supports the fetus • Menstruation: fertilization does not occur (body rids itself of wastes) • Lactation: production and release of milk to feed infant (hormone prolactin and oxytocin stimulate release of milk)

11. Sperm and egg • Sperm: tiny, tadpole-shaped structure with a flattened head, cylindrical mid piece and elongated tail -contains X and Y chromosomes • Egg: (ovum) round shaped cells -contains only X chromosomes

12. Ovulation vs. menstrual cycle • Ovulation is part of the menstrual cycle -ovarian follicle discharges an egg -egg travels down fallopian (uterine) tube -controlled by hypothalamus (stimulates release of hormones LH and FSH) -occurs the 10th to 19th day in menstrual cycle • Menstrual cycle is the first day of the menstrual period (lasts 28 to 32 days)

14. How Breasts Work • Composed of mammary glands (lobules), milk ducts, connective and adipose tissue • Mammary glands: sudoriferous glands (sweat glands) produce milk • Milk leaves the breast through the milk ducts • Growth stimulated by progesterone and estrogen (during puberty and pregnancy) • Milk produced because of: -prolactin: “mothering hormone”; produces milk -oxytocin: delivers milk • Milk provides other nutrients for baby’s health

16. Induced Lactation • Several different methods: • Dual Action Breast Pump: placed against breast • Babies stimulate milk production by sucking on breast • Domperidone increases prolactin secretion indirectly • Food and water intake • Some special herbs

17. Mittelschmerz • Pelvic pain women can experience during ovulation • Occurs in lower abdomen and pelvis • Symptoms are severe discomfort, vaginal bleeding, discharge and nausea • Fluid released by ovaries may irritate abdominal cavity

18. Male infertility • the inability of sperm cells to fertilize an egg cell • Can occur during fetal development -testes does not descend to scrotum • Certain diseases cause infertility (mumps)

19. Female infertility • the inability to conceive after a year of trying • Oftentimes due to a physical cause, not reproductive abnormality • Symptoms: -inability to conceive -abnormal menstrual cycle -no symptoms • Causes: -insufficient amount of glycoproteins -endometriosis: tissue blocks fallopian tubes -STDs (inflame uterine tubes, production of mucus)

20. Female Infertility • Treatments: must go to the doctor and find the cause of infertility • Surgery includes tissue removal, tubal reversal surgery and general tubal surgeries • Medication to promote fertility • Reproductive assistance (in vitro fertilization) • Artificial insemination: placement of semen into female

21. Homework Questions 1) Give two examples of how the male anatomy relates to its physiology. 2) Give two examples of how the female anatomy relates to its physiology.