Reproductive System

• The reproductive system functions in gametogenesis, the process of gamete production, as well as the events involved in fertilization of these gametes.
• The female reproductive system ensures the product of fertilization, a new human, is protected and nourished.
• The reproductive systems also influence many other aspects of a person’s life, anatomically, physiologically, as well as psychologically.
• The male and female reproductive systems are obviously different, but these two systems also have numerous similarities.
• Many reproductive organs of males and females are derived from the same embryological structures.
• Some of the same hormones function in both males and females, even though these hormones influence traits differently in males and females.
• Gametogenesis is very different in males and females.
• Subcutaneous adipose tissue is primarily responsible for the prominence of the labia majora.
• Reproduction is an essential characteristic of living organisms, and functional male and female reproductive systems are necessary for humans to reproduce.
• The two labia majora unite anteriorly in an elevation over the pubic symphysis called the mons pubis.
• The reproductive system performs the functions of gametogenesis, fertilization, development and nourishment of a new individual, and production of reproductive hormones.
• The lateral surfaces of the labia majora and the surface of the mons pubis are covered with coarse hair.
• The medial surfaces of the labia majora are covered with numerous sebaceous and sweat glands.
• The space between the labia majora is called the pudendal cleft.
• Most of the time, the labia majora are in contact with each other across the midline, closing the pudendal cleft and concealing the deeper structures within the vestibule.
• The female perineum is divided into two triangles by the superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles.
• Psychic stimuli can also inhibit the sexual act, and thoughts that are not sexual tend to decrease the effectiveness of the male sexual act.
• Rhythmic massage of the penis, especially the glans penis, produces extremely important sensory action potentials that initiate erection and ejaculation.
• Nerve action potentials that result in erection come from parasympathetic centers (S2–S4) and sympathetic centers (T2–L1) in the spinal cord.
• Action potentials from the cerebrum that reinforce the sacral reflexes are not absolutely required for the culmination of the male sexual act.
• Psychic stimuli, including sight, sound, odor, and thoughts, have a major effect on sexual reflexes.
• Ejaculation while sleeping is a relatively common event in young males and is thought to be triggered by psychic stimuli associated with dreaming.
• The sexual act can be performed by males who have suffered spinal cord injuries superior to the sacral region.
• In some cases, mild irritation of the urethra, as may result from an infection, can cause sexual sensations.
• Erection is the first major component of the male sexual act.
• When erection occurs, the penis becomes enlarged and rigid, a process known as erection.
• Engorgement of the prostate and seminal vesicles with their secretions also causes sexual sensations.
• Thinking sexual thoughts or dreaming about erotic events tends to reinforce stimuli that trigger sexual reflexes, such as erection and ejaculation.
• Action potentials travel from the spinal cord to the cerebrum to produce conscious sexual sensations.
• Sensory action potentials produced in surrounding tissues, such as the scrotum and the anal, perineal, and pubic regions, reinforce sexual sensations.
• The anterior urogenital triangle contains the external genitalia, and the posterior anal triangle contains the anal opening.
• The region between the vagina and the anus is the clinical perineum.
• The myometrium accounts for the bulk of the uterine wall and is the thickest layer of smooth muscle in the body, although the structure is not the same in all areas of the uterus.
• Columnar epithelial cells line the cervical canal, which contains cervical mucous glands.
• Simple tubular glands, called spiral glands, are scattered about the lamina propria and open through the epithelium into the uterine cavity.
• The thicker, superficial functional layer consists of most of the lamina propria and the endothelium and lines the uterine cavity itself.
• The innermost layer of the uterus is the endometrium, a mucous membrane that consists of a simple columnar epithelial lining and a connective tissue layer called the lamina propria.
• The mucus fills the cervical canal and acts as a barrier to substances that could pass from the vagina into the uterus.
• The perimetrium, or serous layer, is the visceral peritoneum that covers the uterus.
• The thin, deep basal layer is the deepest part of the lamina propria and is continuous with the myometrium.