Reproductive system

• Scrotum

  • functions are to support the testes and to help regulate the temperature of sperm.
• Testes

  • two ovoid glands, 2 to 3 cm wide, that lie in the scrotum
  • interstitial cells (Leydig’s cells) and a
  • seminiferous tubule
• interstitial cells or Leydig’s cells

  • produces testosterone
• seminiferous tubule

  • produces spermatozoa
• Penis

  • serve as the outlet for both the urinary and the reproductive tracts in men
• Nitric oxide

  • released when there is sexual exitement in men
  • causes the erection of penis
• Male internal structures

  • epididymis
  • vas deferens
  • seminal vesicles
• Epididymis

  • responsible for conducting sperm from the tubule to the vas deferens
• Sperm are immobile and incapable of fertilization as they pass or are stored at the epididymis level. It takes at least 12 to 20 days for them to travel the length of the epididymis and a total of 64 days for them to reach maturity
• Vas deferens

  • carries sperm from the epididymis through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity
• Seminal vesicles

  • two convoluted pouches that lie along the lower portion of the posterior surface of the bladder and empty into the urethra by way of the ejaculatory ducts.
  • secrete a viscous alkaline liquid that has a high sugar, protein, and prostaglandin content
• Bulbourethral Glands or Cowper’s glands

  • secrete an alkaline fluid that helps counteract the acid secretion of the urethra and ensure the safe passage of spermatozoa.
• Semen is derived from the prostate gland (60%), the seminal vesicles (30%),the epididymis (5%), and the bulbourethral glands (5%)
• Mons veneris

  • pad of adipose tissue located over the symphysis pubis, the pubic bone joint
  • protect the junction of the pubic bone from trauma
• Labia Majora

  • serve as protection for the external genitalia and the distal urethra and vagina
• Bartholin’s glands

  • help to lubricate the external genitalia during coitus.
  • alkaline pH of their secretions helps to improve sperm survival in the vagina.
• Ovaries

  • two ovaries
  • produce, mature, and discharge ova
  • produce estrogen and progesterone and initiate and regulate menstrual cycles
• Fallopian tubes

  • convey the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus and to provide a place for fertilization of the ovum by sperm.
• 4 parts of fallopian tubes

  1. interstitial portion (most proximal)
  2. isthmus
  3. ampulla (longest)
  4. infundibular (most distal)
• Isthmus

  • portion of the tube that is cut or sealed in a tubal ligation, or tubal sterilization
• Ampulla

  • It is in this portion that fertilization of an ovum usually occurs.
• Uterus

  • receive the ovum from the fallopian tube
  • provide a place for implantation and nourishment
  • furnish protection to a growing fetus
  • at maturity of the fetus, expel it from a woman’s body
• Vagina

  • Its function is to act as the organ of intercourse and to convey sperm to the cervix so that sperm can meet with the ovum in the fallopian tube
• True conjugate

  • From upper margin of symphysis pubis to sacral promontory, should be at least 11cm
• DIAGONAL/OBLIQUE CONJUGATE

  • From lower border of symphysis pubis to sacral promontory; should be 12.5cm to 13cm
• OBSTETRIC CONJUGATE.

  • From inner surface of symphysis pubis; slightly below upper border to sacral promontory
  • it is the most important pelvic measurement
  • can be estimated by subtracting 1.5cm – 2cm from diagonal conjugate.
• INTERTUBEROUS CONJUGATE

  • Measures the outlet between the inner border of the ischial tuberosities, should be at least 8cm.
• ANDROID

  Narrow heart shaped; male type pelvis
• ANTHROPOID

  Narrow oval shaped; resembles ape pelvis
• GYNECOID

  • Classic female pelvis; wide and well-rounded in all directions.
• PLATYPELLOID

  Wide but flat, may still allow vaginal delivery
• Proliferative (first phase)

  • Immediately after a menstrual flow (whichoccurs during the first 4 or 5 days of a cycle), the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, is verythin
• Secretory/progestational/luteal/premenstrual phase

  • After ovulation, the formation of progesteronein the corpus luteum (under the direction of LH) causes the glands of the uterine endometriumto become corkscrew or twisted in appearance and dilated with quantities of glycogen (an elementary sugar) and mucin (a protein).
• Ischemic

  • If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum inthe ovary begins to regress after 8 to 10 days. As it regresses, the production of progesteroneand estrogen decreases
• Menses (fourth phase)

  • Blood from the ruptured capillaries
  • The microscopic, atrophied, and unfertilized ovum
  • Fragments of endometrial tissue
  • Mucin from the glands
• During the first half of the cycle, when hormone secretion from the ovary is low, cervical mucus is thick and scant. Sperm survival in this type of mucus is poor
• when the estrogen level is high, cervical mucus becomes thin and copious. Sperm penetration and survival at the time of ovulation in this thin mucus are excellent.
• fern test

  • high levels of estrogen makes cervical mucus form fernlike patterns
• High levels of estrogen = before ovulation
• High levels of progesterone = after ovulation