University of Kirkuk Lec 1 College of Nursing Reproductive System 3rd Class2020-2021 Dr. jenan, Dr Suhailah The female reproductive organs include the , fallopian tubes & the . During reproductive years (13-50 years) about 450 follicle develop & expel their ova one each month.

Female Reproductive System

● Functions of Female Reproductive System ⮚ Allow for sexual intimacy and fulfillment ⮚ Produce children through the process of conception, pregnancy and childbirth

● Composition ⮚ The external genitalia () and internal reproductive organs

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External genitalia of the female reproductive system:

● ● majora ● ● ● Vestibule ● Perineum

Internal Reproductive Organs

● (Birth canal) - A muscular tube that leads from the vulva to the uterus ● Uterus (Womb) A hollow, pear-shaped muscular structure Functions of the uterus: 1. Prepare for pregnancy each month 2. Protect and nourish the growing child

Four sections:

⮚ - Connect the vagina and uterus - Outer os ⮚ Uterine Isthmus - Connects the cervix to the main body of the uterus - Thinnest portion of the uterus, and does not participate in the muscular Contractions of labor - Most likely to rupture during childbirth ⮚ Corpus (Body) - Main body of the uterus

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Fundus

Top most section of the uterus

Walls of the corpus and fundus have three layers - - - ⮚ Paired fallopian tubes - Tiny, muscular corridors 8-14 cm long

3 sections

1. Isthmus 2. Ampulla 3. Infundibulum ⮚ Ovaries

Two sex glands homologous to the male testes; located on either side of the uterus

Functions: - Produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone - Store ova and help them to mature

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- Regulate the menstrual cycle in response to anterior pituitary hormones

Regulation of Reproductive function:

● Puberty - The time of life in which an individual become capable of sexual reproduction. - Occurs between 10 and 14 years of age. - Development of secondary sex characteristics. - Menarche ● Menstrual Cycle

The normal reproductive years in female characterized by monthly changes in rate of secretion of female hormones, in the ovaries & sexual organs. The duration of menstrual cycle averages 28 days but may be as short as 20 days or as long as 45 days . As a result of this cycle :

● Only one mature ovum is released from the ovaries each month . ● The uterine endometrium is prepared for implantation of the fertilized ovum. ● The absence of cyclic menstruation is called amenorrhea ● The ovarian cycle consist of follicular phase & luteal phase.

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● Ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle Ovarian cycle ● Follicular phase ● Encompasses days 1-14 of a 28 day cycle ● Ovulation ● Luteal phase ● Large quantities of LH secreted by the anterior pituitary called the LH surge ,

LH is necessary for final follicular growth & ovulation & without

this hormone ovulation not occur . Two days before ovulation LH secretion

increase 6-10 folds & peaks 16 hours before ovulation (LH surge ).

The lining of uterus normally gets thicker to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

● Includes 15-28 days Uterine cycle - Refers to the changes that occur in the inner lining of the uterus It has four phases 1. Menstrual phase - Day 1 , onset of menstruation - Uterine lining is shed - Follicle begins to develop - Ends when the menstrual period stops on approximately day 5 of the cycle 2. Proliferative phase - Uterine lining becomes thicker - Ends with ovulation on day 14 3. Secretory phase - begins to produce progesterone - Prepares for pregnancy

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4. Ischemic phase - Days 27 and 28, estrogen and progesterone levels fall - Uterine lining becomes ischemic and begins to slough

Cervical mucus changes

- Menstrual phase: Cervix does not produce mucus - Proliferative phase: a tackey, crumbly type of mucus that is yellow or white - Ovulation: Distensible, stretchable quality called Spinnbarkheit - After ovulation: mucus becomes scanty, thick and opaque

Menopause

- Reproductive capability ends - Ovaries cease to function - Hormone levels fall (Usually between 47- 55 years of age)

Male Reproductive System

Urinary tract and reproductive system in male are closely connected

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The main purpose of the male reproductive organs is to perform the following functions:

- To produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen). - To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex - To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male reproductive sex.

Male External Genitalia ⮚ Penis ⮚ Scrotum

Penis:

- It is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It composed of three parts; the root, , the body (shaft) and the glans at the end of the penis which is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin (circumcision). - Serves a dual role as the male organ of reproduction and as the external organ of urinary elimination.

Scrotum: ⮚ An external sac that houses the testes in two internal compartments. ⮚ Protects the testes from trauma and regulates the temperature within the testes.

Male Internal Reproductive Organs

Testes: - Two oval organs, one within each scrotal sac - Produce male sex hormones (androgens) and form mature spermatozoa Ductal system (vas deference) ⮚ The muscular tube in which sperm begin their journey out of a man’s body. Accessory glands and semen (Seminal vesicles, Prostate, Cowper’s gland)

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