Anatomy &
Physiology of the
Male &Female
Reproductive
System
Female Reproductive
System
External Genitalia:
1. Vulva
The female external reproductive organs consist of the mons
pubic, which is
covered with pubic hair; two folds of tissue, called the labia
majora and labia
minora , which surround a space called vestibule.
2. Mons Pubis
The mons pubis is formed at the upper margin of the symphysis
pubis and is
shaped like an inverted triangle. It is located over the two pubic
bones of the
pelvic. This structure is composed of fatty tissue lying beneath
the skin and from
puberty on, is covered with varying amount of hair. The mons
pubis surrounds
delicate tissue and protects it from injury.
3. Labia Majora and Labia Minora
The labia majora : are two folds of fatty tissue that form the
lateral boundaries of the vulva. They are covered with
coarse skin and pubic hair on the outer aspect and are
smooth and moist on the inner aspect , where the openings
of numerous small glands are found.
The labia minora : are soft folds of skin that are rich in
sebaceous glands. The labia minora are moist and are
composed of erectile tissue containing loose connective
tissue , blood vessels, and involuntary muscles. The
functions of the labia minora are to lubricant and waterproof
the vulvar skin and to provide bactericidal secretion that
help prevent infections.
4. Clitoris The clitoris is a small, sensitive structure that, like the
penis, is composed of erectile tissue, nerves, and blood vessels; it
is covered at the tip with very sensitive tissue. It exists primarily
for female sexual enjoyment.
5. Vaginal Vestibule The vaginal vestibule is a boat-shaped
depression enclosed by the labia minora and is visible when the
labia minora are separated. The vestibule contains the vaginal
opening ( introitus ) , which is located between the external and
Make
internal genitalia. Thea vestibule
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6. 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 actually 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.
8. 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. The perineum in some women may tear
during the birth of an infant and this is apparently natural. Some
physicians may cut the perineum preemptively 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.
Internal
Reproductive
Organs
Vagina-Collapsible canal extending from the
vaginal opening back and upward into the body to
the cervix and uterus. During arousal, it is
engorged with blood. This aid its expansion and
triggers the release of lubricants from the vaginal
mucosa.
Cervix- small end of the uterus to which the
vaginal leads. It is the opening cervix leading to
the interior of the uterus.
Uterus- womb, an organ within the pelvic zone
where the fetus is carried;
Fallopian tubes- Carry the egg cells from ovaries
to uterus, this is where fertilization occurs; and
. Ovaries- The ovaries in the female and the testes in the male are similar in embryologic
origin. The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs
located on each gland. Approximately 2 million ova are present at birth. Many ova
degenerate until puberty, when a few thousand remain. During the course of a woman’s
reproductive life, only about 400 ova mature enough to be fertilized. During each
menstrual cycle, one follicle matures into a graafin follicle, which contains the ovum
released each month during ovulation. Estrogen released by the ovary stimulates the
development of secondary sexual characteristics such as the breasts. Progesterone is
responsible for preparing and
maintaining the lining of the uterus for implantation of the ovum.
The Normal Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a predictable event normally occurs
monthly. The typical monthly menstrual cycle is influenced
by ovarian follicle maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum
formation and ends with menstrual bleeding. The changes that
occur depend on the changes occurring simultaneously in the
ovaries. The development of endometrium occurs at the
precise time of the month that the release of a mature ovum
occurs. Ovulation occurs 14 days before the beginning of the
next menstrual cycle. And the ovum remains fertile for 24
hours. The sperm can survive up to 5 days. Fertilization most
often occurs in the first few hours after ovulation.
The Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the first stage of the menstrual cycle.
It's also when you get your period. This phase starts when an
egg from the previous cycle isn't fertilized. Because pregnancy
hasn't taken place, levels of the hormones estrogen and
progesterone drop.
The follicular phase of the female menstrual cycle includes the
maturation of ovarian follicles to prepare one of them for
release during ovulation. During the same period, there
are concurrent changes in the endometrium, which is why the
follicular phase is also known as the proliferative phase.
Breast
The breast is composed of glandular, ductal, connective,
and adipose tissue. Embedded in the fibrous tissue are fat
and lobules which make up the mammary glands,
accessories to reproduction in women, but rudimentary
and functionless in men. In men, little fat is present in the
breast, and the glandular system normally does not
develop. In women, the breasts are the most prominent
superficial structure on the anterior thoracic wall, and the
amount of fat in the glandular tissue determines the size of
the breasts. A small part of the mammary gland often
extends into the axilla, forming the axillary tail of Spence.
Male Reproductive System
The Male Internal Reproductive Organs
*Testes- produce androgen, particularly large quantities of
testosterone, which greatly influence male development and drive
sexual motivation; also produce sperm cell in virtually unlimited
quantity over the entire course of the lifespan.
*Vas deferens- travels from testicle toward urethra carrying sperm.
*Seminal vesicles- two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in
fructose sugar comprising some 70% of semen volume. Alkaline
nature may stimulate sperm to start sel-propulsion and sugar may
provide sperm nutrients. Ducts carry fluids and connect with vas
deferens forming ejaculatory ducts;
*Ejaculatory ducts- connect vas defense to the urethra.
*Prostate- gland producing alkaline secretions that account for about 30% of
semen volume. Alkaline nature helps counteract the otherwise, acidic
environment of the urethra and vagina making them more hospitable for
sperm.
. *Urethra- tube within the penis that carries sperm and semen the rest of the
way to the opening of the penis.
Spermatogenesis- It is the formation of
sperm process begins at puberty and
continues during the male’s life. A
sperm’s fertile life is 5 days after
ejaculation. Sperm are much smaller than
ova. Sperm cells resemble tadpoles in
shape with oval heads and long tails.
During each ejaculation approximately
300 million sperm are deposited in to the
vagina .only few reach the ova and just
one sperm penetrates and fertilizes the
ovum.
