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Objectives

At the end of the lecture, students would be able to; Define the relevant terminologies Identify and describe the functions of the female and male external and internal organs of reproduction Name and describe the functions of the uterine supporting muscles and ligaments Name and describe the functions of the hormones influencing the menstrual cycle and ovulation Differentiate the luteal, menstrual, proliferative, secretory and ischaemic phases of the menstrual cycle

Introduction
Sexual reproduction is the process of producing offspring for the survival of the species, and passing on hereditary traits from one generation to the next. The male and female reproductive systems contribute to the events leading to fertilization. Then, the female organs assume responsibility for the developing human, birth, and nursing. The male and female gonads (testes and ovaries) produce sex cells (ova and sperm) and the hormones necessary for the proper development, maintenance, and functioning of the organs of reproduction and other organs and tissues The reproductive system comprises the reproductive organs. In the male, the organs include the testes, accessory ducts, accessory glands, and penis. In the female, the organs include the uterus, uterine tubes, ovaries, vagina, and vulva.

Male reproductive organs The testes are paired reproductive organs in the scrotum, which hangs outside the human body. Normal sperm production requires the cooler outside temperature. Each testis contains coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm (male reproductive cells) production occurs

The accessory ducts store secretions from the testes and accessory glands and deliver secretions to the penis. The epididymis, a coiled tube next to each testis, receives sperm from the seminiferous tubules. 3 parts: a head, body, and tail -stores sperm and propels it toward the penis. Smooth muscle contractions in the epididymis walls move sperm through the duct. As sperm pass through the epididymis, the sperm mature and receive nourishment.

Female reproductive organs

Internal Reproductive Organs A. Located in the Pelvic Cavity Ovaries female gonads located on each side of the uterus. Functions include (1) Development and release of the ovum (egg) (2) Secretion of the hormones estrogen and progesterone Fallopian tubes (1) Carry the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. (2) Fimbriae sweep ovum into the tube. Uterus

Uterus 1) Hollow pear-shaped organ that stretches and enlarges during pregnancy to support the fetus.

(2) Other functions include menstruation and expelling of the fetus during labor. (3) Divisions of the uterus are: fundus uppermost portion; corpus the body; cervix lower third that exits into the vagina through the cervical os. Vagina (1) Curved tube leading from the uterus to the vestibule. (2) Functions as a passageway for menstrual flow, organ of copulation,and birth canal.

What are the Structures that support the Uterus? The uterus and vagina are kept in position in the pelvis by several supporting ligaments and muscles, which act as ropes on either side of the uterus. 1.The transverse cervical ligaments on either side

2-uterosacral ligaments at the back, form the chief supports of the uterus. All of these ligaments act like spokes of a bicycle wheel. Every one of them is weak by itself but together they form a strong mechanism.

3.The levator ani

is a large sheet of thick strong muscle, which spreads to form the floor of the pelvis, in the middle of which three important structures pass through. -the rectum, urethra and uterine cervix. The firm attachments of levator ani to pelvic bones and its muscular tone support the three canals. All three groups of muscles are important in controlling the mechanism of urinary continence (control) and defaecation (passing motion) during pregnancy.

Ovulation This is the process by which the mature oocyte is released from the primordial follicle. Ovulation is stimulated by hormones produced from the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones cause the mature follicle to swell up rapidly. Eventually the wall ruptures, permitting the oocyte to be released from the surface of the ovary. After ovulation, the oocyte is usually propelled towards the opening of a nearby fallopian tube. If the oocyte is not fertilized menstruation occurs

The menstrual cycle (also termed as female reproductive cycle) -defined as episodic uterine bleeding in response to cyclic hormonal changes. It is the process that allows for conception and implantation of a new life. The purpose of a menstruation cycle is to bring an ovum to maturity and renew a uterine tissue bed that will be responsible for its growth should it be fertilized.

Hormones of the Female cycle


Four Phases of the Menstruation Cycle a. Menstrual Phase (days 1 7) shedding of the endometrium; low estrogen levels, scanty cervical mucus; lining of the uterus is at its thinnest state; total blood loss during menses range from 30 to 80 ml b. Proliferative phase (days 8 11) endometrium thickens, increasing estrogen, and cervical mucus becomes more clear, thinner, and more elastic. This phase is also called follicular, postmenstrual and estrogenic phase. It is favorable to sperm.

The Zygote Within hours of conception the fused gametes, a zygote, undergoes cell division. The presence of a hormone called progesterone prevents further female eggs being produced. Within the first week after conception the fertilised egg travels towards the uterus, where the continued growth of the zygote will occur in the form of an embryo.

Upon arrival in the uterus, the zygote fuses itself to the uterine wall. At this point, cells of the zygote differentiate into two distinct types Embryoblast Cells - These cells continually divide into what will become the embryo, the baby itself Trophoblast Cells - These cells form the placenta, that form against the uterine wall

The Placenta The placenta is the life support machine of the developing embryo, providing oxygen and food for it and removing toxic material and CO2 from the developing embryo. The umbilical cord, a connection to the mothers' blood stream is responsible for this.

The Embryo By the end of the third week this placenta provides a rich source of nutrients for the unborn baby that now is roughly the size of this letter o.... Towards the end of the first month, the heart starts to form while designated cells begin to form the basic structure of the limbs, spine, nervous and circulatory systems. After the initial formation of these major bodily areas, less essential characteristics begin to develop such as the eyes, ears and nose. By the tenth week of pregnancy these facial characteristics become recognizable, and the overall silhouette of the embryo now resembles that of a human. By the fourteenth week, all the major characteristics of the embryo have more or less developed, and possesses all the requirements of a fully functional being. From this time onwards, the embryo will continue to grow in size rather in complexity via cell division. Forty weeks later, nine months since fertilization, the embryo, now in the foetal stage is mature enough to enter the world.

Secretory phase (days 18 25) Estrogen levels fall and progesterone increases. Endometrium becomes thicker and secretes glycogen to prepare for the fertilized ovum. If fertilization occurs, the fertilized ovum or zygote will implant in 7-8 days after fertilization. d. Ischemic phase (days 26 28) Levels of estrogen and progesterone fall. Spiral arteries, which nourish the endometrium, vasoconstrict causing the endometrium and blood to be shed, which begins the next menstrual phase. If fertilization does not take place, the corpus luteum shrivels as its lifespan is only up to 7 days from the date of ovulation.

Gametes

Before the initial cell can develop into a mature adult, the building blocks to create that cell must be available before fertilization can occur. Cells called gametes are produced by mature adults via meiosis which contain half the genetic information needed to produce the final cell capable of growth. Human males produce sperm, a gamete produced in the testes Human females produce ova, a gamete produced in the ovarian follicles For a short time period every month, the female gamete is readily available to be fertilized by sperm, to form a zygote.

Fertilisation The gametes, both containing half the genetic information needed to produce the offspring, fuse together, meaning all the genetic information required for the offspring to grow is present. For this to occur, sexual intercourse must occur in order for the semen (sperm) to be ejaculated and have the potential to fuse with the ovum. Millions of sperm are released at the point of ejaculation, and when ejected, they 'swim' towards the female egg with their thread-like tail. This race towards the egg is fuelled by a fuel tank of ATP that provides the energy for their efforts. After a long journey, many of the sperm will have died out in their efforts to reach the egg, though some still have to the potential to fertilise it.

Each will attach itself to the ovum but only one should succeed in penetrating it. Enzymes contained in the acrosome (head) of the sperm break down the wall of the egg. When fertilized, the egg secretes various hormones to prevent it from being overwhelmed by the other millions of sperm attempting to fertilize it.

Ovarian Cycle a. Follicular phase (days 1 14) Ovarian follicle (and ovum) mature under the influence of FSH and LH. At first, several follicles develop, but eventually one outgrows the others. The follicles secrete estrogen, which accelerates maturation. Estrogen affects endometrium, and ovulation occurs after the LH surge. b. Luteal phase (days 15 28) After ovulation, the ovarian follicle becomes the corpus luteum and produces progesterone, which suppresses the growth of other follicles. The corpus luteum degenerates after a week or so, and, if fertilization doesn t occur, the hormone levels drop, the endometrium is shed, and the menstrual flow starts.

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