A. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY The Reproductive system’s main function is to produce offspring. Reproductive organs in males and females produce sex cells. These organs sustain the sex cells, transport them to the site where fertilization may occur and in the female, and nurture the developing offspring both before and, for a time, after birth. Reproductive organs produce hormones that play important roles in the development and maintenance of the reproductive system. The female reproductive system has both external and internal components. The structures that form the female external genitalia are termed the vulva (from the Latin word for covering). It consists the following: Mons Pubis, a soft, rounded, fatty pad over the symphisis …show more content…
The endocervix is the mucous membrane lining the cervix. The cells of the cervical lining secrete mucus to provide a lubricated surface so spermatozoa can readily pass through the cervix, the efficiency of this lubrication increases or wanes depending on hormone stimulation. The uterine wall on the other hand consists of three separate coats or layers of tissue: The Endometrium (inner one of mucous membrane) is a layer of the uterus that is important in terms of menstrual function and childbearing. It is not a single structure but is rather formed by two layers of cells. The layer closest to the uterine wall, or the basal layer, is not much influenced by hormones. The inner second glandular layer is greatly influenced by both estrogen and progesterone. This is the layer that grows and becomes so thick and responsive each month under the influence of estrogen and progesterone that is capable of supporting a pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, this is the layer that is shed as the menstrual flow. The muscle layer of the uterus called Myometrium is thick and made up of smooth muscle supported by connective tissue. Myometrium serves the important function of constricting the tubal junctions and preventing regurgitation of menstrual blood into the tubes. The intertwining arrangement of muscles which contains many large blood vessels at its middle, presses against
The gonads are the male and female reproductive organs, the testes (males) and ovaries (females). The testes and ovaries produce androgens (testosterone) and estrogens, these hormones affect aggressiveness, mood, and sexual interest and behavior. Higher levels of these hormones have been shown to promote aggressiveness in both sexes (Morris and Maisto, 2002).
The outer germ layer is the ectoderm that forms the outer part of the body (the skin) and the nervous system. The endoderm, the inner germ layer, forms many inner structures, including the digestive tract and many glands associated with it. Lastly, the mesoderm is the middle layer which forms much of the skeleton and muscles.
Estrogen and progesterone are involved because it aids in the stopping of a woman period. It allows the fluid in the virgina to become thick and the uterus lining so the fertilized egg cannot attach.
Firstly, the female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, uterus, breasts, vagina, fallopian tube, vulva and mammary glands. These seven organs
Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.
The Female Reproductive System structures are the egg / ovum. Its created and stored inside the ovaries. The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the exterior of the body. The uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located posterior and superior to urinary bladder. The Fallopian tubes are a pair of muscular tubes that extends from the left and right superior corners of the uterus to the edge of the ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small glands about the size
Women are mostly affected during the reproductive age about 2% to 22%, and 2% to 4% during menopausal age. The ectopic endometrial cells can be implanted in the abdominal or pelvic cavity, namely ovaries, uterine ligament, rectovaginal septum, and pelvic peritoneum. This abnormal cells goes through the process of proliferation, break down and sloughs off during normal menstrual periods. Inflammation and pain noted during the proliferation process cause fibrosis, scarring, and adhesion from the inflammatory process (Huether & McCance, 2012).
Endometriosis occurs when tissue typically found inside the womb grows in other portions of the body. As hormones change throughout the menstrual period, this tissue breaks down and can cause painful adhesions, or scar tissue. Doctors do not know why endometrial tissue grows outside the womb, but they've several theories. Heredity plays a role, and some cells could be present from birth. Another theory suggests that blood containing cells flows back through the rectal tubes and to the thoracic cavity rather of out from the body. These cells are believed to adhere to organs and maintain bleeding and growing with time.
Prostate- Secretes the fluid that makes up 30% of semen to reduce the acidity of the vaginal cavity and prolong the lifespan of spermatozoa.
Forms the external body covering; protects deeper tissues from injury; synthesizes vitamin D; location of cutaneous receptors (pain, pressure, ect.) and sweat and oil glands.
Endometriosis affects 10% of reproductive-age women (Yale School of Medicine). It affects nearly 176 million women, ranging from 15-49, all over the world (World Endometriosis, 2011). “Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus (endometrial implant) (Mayo Clinic, 2013)” It most commonly involves your ovaries and the lining of the pelvis, but in extreme cases can spread to other parts of the body. The displaced tissue continues to act like it normally would in the uterus, thickening and breaking down with each menstrual cycle. Since the displaced tissue has nowhere to go, it becomes trapped with no way to get out (Mayo Clinic, 2013).
Supportive Structures Form- When an embryo forms, supportive structures develop that are crucial for proper growth. These structures support and protect these developmental embryos. Some of these structures are the umbilical cord, amniotic sac, the placenta, yolk sac, chorionic villi, and the allantois. During the third week of embryonic development after conception, chorionic villi connect to the uterine wall, which provide maximum contact with maternal blood. They sprout from chorion, are an essential element in pregnancy and a product of conception. Branches of the umbilical arteries carry embryonic blood to the villi. Although the mother’s blood is in contact with the embryo’s villi, the systems
sperm as a superior and the egg as an expelling organ part. Moreover, the features of the egg and
Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develops in the myometrium layer of the uterus. A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue (EA, 2013). There are different types of growth patterns to uterine fibroids. Sometimes they are small and in some cases they are extremely large. Woman between the ages of 30-and 40 years old are more at risk of developing uterine fibroids. They develop mostly in the child bearing years of a woman’s life. African American women have a greater risk of developing uterine fibroids at a younger age than any other race. Uterine fibroids are also called leiomyomas or myomas. Uterine Fibroids can develop on the inside or outside of the uterus.
The reproductive system is questionably the body system that is the most important influence on life as we know it. It is the w ay in which we procreate and ensure our existence as a species. However, the penis is only one part of the male reproductive system, which constitutes of a series responsible for generating, storing, and transporting the genetic material contained in the sperm cells. The main organs include: testicles (or testes), the epididymides, the vas deferens, the ejaculatory duct, the urethra, and the penis. Others are the scrotum, urogenital opening, and the prostate gland.