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ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. The Reproductive system

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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

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