Response of the Internal Reproductive Organs to Clitoral Stimulation: the Clitorouterine Reflex

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Response of the Internal Reproductive Organs to Clitoral Stimulation: the Clitorouterine Reflex International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 121–126 & 2005 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 0955-9930/05 $30.00 www.nature.com/ijir Response of the internal reproductive organs to clitoral stimulation: The clitorouterine reflex A Shafik1*, O El-Sibai2, R Mostafa3, AA Shafik1 and I Ahmed1 1Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-Kom, Egypt; and 3Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Benha, Egypt We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of action potentials (APs). No waves registered from CU. Electrical or mechanical GC stimulation eliminated uterine electric waves, but anesthetized GC did not, nor did GC stimulation while the uterus anesthetized. Uterine pressure declined on electrical or mechanical stimulation. Results suggest presence of reproducible reflex relationship between GC and the uterus, we call ‘clitorouterine reflex’. GC buffeting seems to evoke reflex and initiate uterine responses. Reflex may prove of diagnostic significance in sexual disorders. International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 121–126. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901278 Published online 28 October 2004 Keywords: cervix uteri; uterus; clitoris; slow waves; action potentials; sexual disorders Introduction elongation of the vagina. The uterus rises in the pelvis from its anteverted and anteflexed position and the cervix moves away from the posterior The reactions of the female reproductive organs vaginal wall. The uterus enlarges by as much as during the sexual response cycle have been studied 1–6 50%. The cause of uterine erection and elevation by many investigators. Sexual stimulation causes is not exactly known;2 some theories have tried changes in the external and internal reproductive 2,3,7,8 to explain these changes during sexual stimula- organs of the woman. The labia majora straddle tion proposing that they could be due to vasocon- apart exposing the vaginal introitus. With continued gestion in the true pelvis or to neuronally produced excitation, the labia majora and minora become contraction of the smooth musculature in the thickened due to venous congestion. Glans clitoris ligaments that support the uterus.2 (GC) also swells and increases in both length and We hypothesized that the uterine changes hap- thickness. These changes in the external reproduc- pening during sexual stimulation are reflex in tive organs are suggested to be either brought about 2,9–12 nature and occur as a result of penile buffeting of reflexly or to represent a psychogenic response. the GC. This hypothesis was investigated in the Likewise, the internal reproductive organs of the current communication. woman undergo changes during the sexual response cycle.2–4 These changes comprise vaginal transduc- tion of a mucoid fluid as well as expansion and Materials and methods *Correspondence: A Shafik, Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Cairo University, 2 Talaat Harb Subject Street, Cairo 11121, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected] Received 27 January 2004; revised 16 June 2004; accepted The study comprised 23 healthy female volunteers 19 August 2004 with a mean age of 36.776.3 standard deviation Clitorouterine reflex A Shafik et al 122 (s.d.) y (range 28–44). The women were recruited GC stimulation. GC was stimulated both electri- during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cally and mechanically. Electric stimulation was cycle. They were sexually active, had normal performed with a surface electrode (Vickers Medi- menses and no gynecologic complaint in the past cal, Medelec, Woking, UK) applied to the GC and or at the time of enrolment. A total of 10 were fixed by electrode gel. Mechanical stimulation was nulliparous and 13 multiparous with normal vaginal carried out with a pencil electrode consisting of a deliveries. Physical examination including gyneco- solid steel rod, 15 cm long and 5 mm in diameter. To logic and neurologic assessment had normal find- avoid injury to the GC, the distal end of the ings. Sonograms showed normal genitourinary electrode was covered for about 2 cm by a polyvinyl organs. Women with vaginal discharge, cervical sponge which was fashioned like a cone to simulate erosions or sonographic lesions were excluded from the shape of the glans penis. The response of uterus the study. The subjects were fully informed about and CU to gentle stroking of the GC by the pencil the nature of the study, the tests to be performed and electrode was recorded. The GC stroking by the their role in the study. The study was approved by pencil electrode intended to simulate GC buffeting the Review Board of the Cairo University Faculty of by the erect penis during coitus. It was performed by Medicine and its Ethics Committee. one investigator in all of the examined women. In all, 20 gentle GC strokes were made for each subject. The test was repeated at least twice in the individual subject. Methods The response of the uterus to electrical and Manometric studies. The uterine and CU pressures mechanical stimulation of the GC was determined. were measured by a manometric tube of a 0.5 mm inner and a 1 mm outer diameter, with two side ports, perfused with normal saline at a rate of 1.6 ml/ min by a pneumohydraulic perfusion system (Arn- Electromyographic (EMG) studies. The procedure dorfer, Medical Specialities, Greendale, WI, USA), A was carried out without sedation on an outpatient vaginal speculum was inserted into the vagina to basis. However, some women, especially the nulli- expose the CU. One lubricated tube was introduced parous, were given intravenous diazepam (10 mg; 4–5 cm into the uterine cavity and another one into Hoffman La Roche, Basle, Switzerland) for sedation the CU. They were connected to a strain gauge during cervical dilatation. With the women in the pressure transducer (Statham 230B, Oxnard, CA, lithotomy position, a self-retaining speculum was USA). We started recording the uterine electric introduced into the vagina. Cervical dilation was activity and pressure 30 min after the electrodes performed with Hegar’s dilators in the sizes from 2/5 and the manometric tubes had been applied to the to 3/6 mm. The uterine electric activity was recorded uterus and CU. During this half-hour the uterus by means of a 4F catheter attached to the uterine would have adapted to these devices. At least two wall by suction to a negative pressure of 20 cmH O 2 recording sessions of 60 min each were performed that was maintained during the test. The myo- for every woman. electric activity was recorded by a monopolar silver–silver chloride electrode, 0.25 mm in dia- meter and situated 1 cm from the tip of the catheter (Smith Kline-Becham, Los Angeles, CA, USA). The Clitoral and uterine anesthetization. To study protruding part of the electrode lay in contact with whether the uterine response to clitoral stimulation the endometrium, thus acting as a surface electrode. was a direct or a reflex action, GC stimulation was Three electrodes were applied to the uterus: two performed after individual anesthetization of the to the uterine and one to the cervix uteri (CU) uterus and GC. GC was anesthetized by means of mucosa. The two uterine electrodes were introduced xylocaine gel (Astra, So¨derta¨lje, Sweden). At 20 min through the CU to be attached by suction to the following gel application, the response of the uterus mucosa of the uterine wall, one electrode above the to GC electrical and mechanical stimulation was other and 2 cm apart. The third electrode was recorded. After 3 h later when the anesthetic applied to the cervical mucosa at about the middle response had disappeared, the uterine response to of the cervical canal. The reference electrode was a GC stimulation was registered. The test was re- metal disk applied to the skin of the abdomen. The peated using bland gel instead of xylocaine gel. On signals detected by the electrodes were amplified another day, the uterus was anesthetized by instil- using an AC amplifier with a frequency response ling 10 ml of 2% xylocaine, added to 10 ml of normal within 73 dB from 0.016 Hz to 1 kHz and were saline, into the uterine cavity through the CU. The displayed on a recorder at a sensitivity of 1 mV/cm. uterine response to GC stimulation after 20 min and A strain gauge respiration transducer was attached after 3 h was recorded. The test was repeated using to the thoracic wall to exclude respiratory artifacts. normal saline instead of xylocaine. International Journal of Impotence Research Clitorouterine reflex A Shafik et al 123 The results were analyzed statistically using the Student’s t-test. Values were given as the mean7s.d. Differences assumed significance at Po0.05. Results All the women finished the tests without complica- Figure 2 Electrohysterogram showing disappearance of the tions during or after the test performance and were uterine electric waves (U) on electrical stimulation of the glans evaluated. clitoris. m ¼ stimulation; C ¼ cervical waves. The suction electrodes were atraumatic to the uterine or cervical wall. They were easy to apply, were stable and not dislodged as long as the already mentioned suction pressure was maintained. Dis- lodgment of an electrode would have been recogniz- able from loosening of the catheter. Electromyographic recording Slow waves (SWs) were recorded from the two Figure 3 Electrohysterogram showing appearance of occasional uterine slow waves (U) on electrical stimulation of the glans electrodes applied to the uterus.
Recommended publications
  • Reference Sheet 1
    MALE SEXUAL SYSTEM 8 7 8 OJ 7 .£l"00\.....• ;:; ::>0\~ <Il '"~IQ)I"->. ~cru::>s ~ 6 5 bladder penis prostate gland 4 scrotum seminal vesicle testicle urethra vas deferens FEMALE SEXUAL SYSTEM 2 1 8 " \ 5 ... - ... j 4 labia \ ""\ bladderFallopian"k. "'"f"";".'''¥'&.tube\'WIT / I cervixt r r' \ \ clitorisurethrauterus 7 \ ~~ ;~f4f~ ~:iJ 3 ovaryvagina / ~ 2 / \ \\"- 9 6 adapted from F.L.A.S.H. Reproductive System Reference Sheet 3: GLOSSARY Anus – The opening in the buttocks from which bowel movements come when a person goes to the bathroom. It is part of the digestive system; it gets rid of body wastes. Buttocks – The medical word for a person’s “bottom” or “rear end.” Cervix – The opening of the uterus into the vagina. Circumcision – An operation to remove the foreskin from the penis. Cowper’s Glands – Glands on either side of the urethra that make a discharge which lines the urethra when a man gets an erection, making it less acid-like to protect the sperm. Clitoris – The part of the female genitals that’s full of nerves and becomes erect. It has a glans and a shaft like the penis, but only its glans is on the out side of the body, and it’s much smaller. Discharge – Liquid. Urine and semen are kinds of discharge, but the word is usually used to describe either the normal wetness of the vagina or the abnormal wetness that may come from an infection in the penis or vagina. Duct – Tube, the fallopian tubes may be called oviducts, because they are the path for an ovum.
    [Show full text]
  • Ovarian Cancer and Cervical Cancer
    What Every Woman Should Know About Gynecologic Cancer R. Kevin Reynolds, MD The George W. Morley Professor & Chief, Division of Gyn Oncology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI What is gynecologic cancer? Cancer is a disease where cells grow and spread without control. Gynecologic cancers begin in the female reproductive organs. The most common gynecologic cancers are endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Less common gynecologic cancers involve vulva, Fallopian tube, uterine wall (sarcoma), vagina, and placenta (pregnancy tissue: molar pregnancy). Ovary Uterus Endometrium Cervix Vagina Vulva What causes endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer: one out of every 40 women will develop endometrial cancer. It is caused by too much estrogen, a hormone normally present in women. The most common cause of the excess estrogen is being overweight: fat cells actually produce estrogen. Another cause of excess estrogen is medication such as tamoxifen (often prescribed for breast cancer treatment) or some forms of prescribed estrogen hormone therapy (unopposed estrogen). How is endometrial cancer detected? Almost all endometrial cancer is detected when a woman notices vaginal bleeding after her menopause or irregular bleeding before her menopause. If bleeding occurs, a woman should contact her doctor so that appropriate testing can be performed. This usually includes an endometrial biopsy, a brief, slightly crampy test, performed in the office. Fortunately, most endometrial cancers are detected before spread to other parts of the body occurs Is endometrial cancer treatable? Yes! Most women with endometrial cancer will undergo surgery including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in addition to removal of ovaries and lymph nodes.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 28 *Lecture Powepoint
    Chapter 28 *Lecture PowePoint The Female Reproductive System *See separate FlexArt PowerPoint slides for all figures and tables preinserted into PowerPoint without notes. Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Introduction • The female reproductive system is more complex than the male system because it serves more purposes – Produces and delivers gametes – Provides nutrition and safe harbor for fetal development – Gives birth – Nourishes infant • Female system is more cyclic, and the hormones are secreted in a more complex sequence than the relatively steady secretion in the male 28-2 Sexual Differentiation • The two sexes indistinguishable for first 8 to 10 weeks of development • Female reproductive tract develops from the paramesonephric ducts – Not because of the positive action of any hormone – Because of the absence of testosterone and müllerian-inhibiting factor (MIF) 28-3 Reproductive Anatomy • Expected Learning Outcomes – Describe the structure of the ovary – Trace the female reproductive tract and describe the gross anatomy and histology of each organ – Identify the ligaments that support the female reproductive organs – Describe the blood supply to the female reproductive tract – Identify the external genitalia of the female – Describe the structure of the nonlactating breast 28-4 Sexual Differentiation • Without testosterone: – Causes mesonephric ducts to degenerate – Genital tubercle becomes the glans clitoris – Urogenital folds become the labia minora – Labioscrotal folds
    [Show full text]
  • Reproductive System, Day 2 Grades 4-6, Lesson #12
    Family Life and Sexual Health, Grades 4, 5 and 6, Lesson 12 F.L.A.S.H. Reproductive System, day 2 Grades 4-6, Lesson #12 Time Needed 40-50 minutes Student Learning Objectives To be able to... 1. Distinguish reproductive system facts from myths. 2. Distinguish among definitions of: ovulation, ejaculation, intercourse, fertilization, implantation, conception, circumcision, genitals, and semen. 3. Explain the process of the menstrual cycle and sperm production/ejaculation. Agenda 1. Explain lesson’s purpose. 2. Use transparencies or your own drawing skills to explain the processes of the male and female reproductive systems and to answer “Anonymous Question Box” questions. 3. Use Reproductive System Worksheets #3 and/or #4 to reinforce new terminology. 4. Use Reproductive System Worksheet #5 as a large group exercise to reinforce understanding of the reproductive process. 5. Use Reproductive System Worksheet #6 to further reinforce Activity #2, above. This lesson was most recently edited August, 2009. Public Health - Seattle & King County • Family Planning Program • © 1986 • revised 2009 • www.kingcounty.gov/health/flash 12 - 1 Family Life and Sexual Health, Grades 4, 5 and 6, Lesson 12 F.L.A.S.H. Materials Needed Classroom Materials: OPTIONAL: Reproductive System Transparency/Worksheets #1 – 2, as 4 transparencies (if you prefer not to draw) OPTIONAL: Overhead projector Student Materials: (for each student) Reproductive System Worksheets 3-6 (Which to use depends upon your class’ skill level. Each requires slightly higher level thinking.) Public Health - Seattle & King County • Family Planning Program • © 1986 • revised 2009 • www.kingcounty.gov/health/flash 12 - 2 Family Life and Sexual Health, Grades 4, 5 and 6, Lesson 12 F.L.A.S.H.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 24 Primary Sex Organs = Gonads Produce Gametes Secrete Hormones That Control Reproduction Secondary Sex Organs = Accessory Structures
    Anatomy Lecture Notes Chapter 24 primary sex organs = gonads produce gametes secrete hormones that control reproduction secondary sex organs = accessory structures Development and Differentiation A. gonads develop from mesoderm starting at week 5 gonadal ridges medial to kidneys germ cells migrate to gonadal ridges from yolk sac at week 7, if an XY embryo secretes SRY protein, the gonadal ridges begin developing into testes with seminiferous tubules the testes secrete androgens, which cause the mesonephric ducts to develop the testes secrete a hormone that causes the paramesonephric ducts to regress by week 8, in any fetus (XX or XY), if SRY protein has not been produced, the gondal ridges begin to develop into ovaries with ovarian follicles the lack of androgens causes the paramesonephric ducts to develop and the mesonephric ducts to regress B. accessory organs develop from embryonic duct systems mesonephric ducts / Wolffian ducts eventually become male accessory organs: epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct paramesonephric ducts / Mullerian ducts eventually become female accessory organs: oviducts, uterus, superior vagina C. external genitalia are indeterminate until week 8 male female genital tubercle penis (glans, corpora cavernosa, clitoris (glans, corpora corpus spongiosum) cavernosa), vestibular bulb) urethral folds fuse to form penile urethra labia minora labioscrotal swellings fuse to form scrotum labia majora urogenital sinus urinary bladder, urethra, prostate, urinary bladder, urethra, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral inferior vagina, vestibular glands glands Strong/Fall 2008 Anatomy Lecture Notes Chapter 24 Male A. gonads = testes (singular = testis) located in scrotum 1. outer coverings a. tunica vaginalis =double layer of serous membrane that partially surrounds each testis; (figure 24.29) b.
    [Show full text]
  • Differential Studies of Ovarian Endometriosis Cells from Endometrium Or Oviduct
    European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2016; 20: 2769-2772 Differential studies of ovarian endometriosis cells from endometrium or oviduct W. LIU1,2, H.-Y. WANG3 1Reproductive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical University of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui, China 3Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, the West Branch of Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China Abstract. – OBJECTIVE: To study the promi- In most cases, EMT affects ovary and peritone- nent differences between endometriosis (EMT) um, and as a result a plump shape cyst forms in cells derived from ovary, oviduct and endometri- the ovary. The cyst is called ovarian endometrio- um, and to provided new ideas about the patho- sis cyst (aka ovarian chocolate cyst) which usually genesis of endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: contains old blood and is covered by endometrioid From June 2010 1 to June 2015, 210 patients diagnosed with en- epithelium. In 1860, Karl von Rokitansky studied dometriosis were enrolled in our study. Patients the disease and observed retrograde menstruation were treated by laparoscopy or conventional in nearly 90% of child-bearing women, and later surgeries in our hospital. Ovarian chocolate proposed “retrograde menstruation implantation cyst and paired normal ovarian tissues, fimbri- theory”. However, this theory explained endo- ated extremity of fallopian and uterine cavity en- metriosis in the abdominopelvic cavity does not domembrane tissues were collected, prepared 2 and observed by microscope. PCR was used for explain endometriosis outside of enterocelia . Lat- 3 4 amplification of target genes (FMO3 and HOXA9) er on, Iwanoff and Meyer proposed “coelomic and Western blot was used to evaluate FMO3 metaplasia theory” which stipulated that endome- and HOXA9 expression levels.
    [Show full text]
  • Echography of the Cervix and Uterus During the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca Radiata)
    Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Vol 53, No 1 Copyright 2014 January 2014 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Pages 18–23 Echography of the Cervix and Uterus during the Proliferative and Secretory Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Bonnet Monkeys (Macaca radiata) Uddhav K Chaudhari,1,* Siddnath M Metkari,2 Dhyananjay D Manjaramkar,2 Geetanjali Sachdeva,1 Rajendra Katkam,1 Atmaram H Bandivdekar,3 Abhishek Mahajan,4 Meenakshi H Thakur,4 and Sanjiv D Kholkute1 We undertook the present study to investigate the echographic characteristics of the uterus and cervix of female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The cervix was tortuous in shape and measured 2.74 ± 0.30 cm (mean ± SD) in width by 3.10 ± 0.32 cm in length. The cervical lumen contained 2 or 3 col- liculi, which projected from the cervical canal. The echogenicity of cervix varied during proliferative and secretory phases. The uterus was pyriform in shape (2.46 ± 0.28 cm × 1.45 ± 0.19 cm) and consisted of serosa, myometrium, and endometrium. The endometrium generated a triple-line pattern; the outer and central lines were hyperechogenic, whereas the inner line was hypoechogenic. The endometrium was significantly thicker during the secretory phase (0.69 ± 0.12 cm) than during the proliferative phase (0.43 ± 0.15 cm). Knowledge of the echogenic changes in the female reproductive organs of bonnet monkeys during a regular menstrual cycle may facilitate understanding of other physiologic and pathophysiologic changes. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive, atraumatic, and simple Materials and Methods method to assess various organs in humans and nonhuman pri- Animals and husbandry practices.
    [Show full text]
  • FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Female ReproducVe System
    Human Anatomy Unit 3 FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Female Reproducve System • Gonads = ovaries – almond shaped – flank the uterus on either side – aached to the uterus and body wall by ligaments • Gametes = oocytes – released from the ovary during ovulaon – Develop within ovarian follicles Ligaments • Broad ligament – Aaches to walls and floor of pelvic cavity – Connuous with parietal peritoneum • Round ligament – Perpendicular to broad ligament • Ovarian ligament – Lateral surface of uterus ‐ ‐> medial surface of ovary • Suspensory ligament – Lateral surface of ovary ‐ ‐> pelvic wall Ovarian Follicles • Layers of epithelial cells surrounding ova • Primordial follicle – most immature of follicles • Primary follicle – single layer of follicular (granulosa) cells • Secondary – more than one layer and growing cavies • Graafian – Fluid filled antrum – ovum supported by many layers of follicular cells – Ovum surrounded by corona radiata Ovarian Follicles Corpus Luteum • Ovulaon releases the oocyte with the corona radiata • Leaves behind the rest of the Graafian follicle • Follicle becomes corpus luteum • Connues to secrete hormones to support possible pregnancy unl placenta becomes secretory or no implantaon • Becomes corpus albicans when no longer funconal Corpus Luteum and Corpus Albicans Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes • Ciliated tubes – Passage of the ovum to the uterus and – Passage of sperm toward the ovum • Fimbriae – finger like projecons that cover the ovary and sway, drawing the ovum inside aer ovulaon The Uterus • Muscular, hollow organ – supports
    [Show full text]
  • Pelvic Anatomyanatomy
    PelvicPelvic AnatomyAnatomy RobertRobert E.E. Gutman,Gutman, MDMD ObjectivesObjectives UnderstandUnderstand pelvicpelvic anatomyanatomy Organs and structures of the female pelvis Vascular Supply Neurologic supply Pelvic and retroperitoneal contents and spaces Bony structures Connective tissue (fascia, ligaments) Pelvic floor and abdominal musculature DescribeDescribe functionalfunctional anatomyanatomy andand relevantrelevant pathophysiologypathophysiology Pelvic support Urinary continence Fecal continence AbdominalAbdominal WallWall RectusRectus FasciaFascia LayersLayers WhatWhat areare thethe layerslayers ofof thethe rectusrectus fasciafascia AboveAbove thethe arcuatearcuate line?line? BelowBelow thethe arcuatearcuate line?line? MedianMedial umbilicalumbilical fold Lateralligaments umbilical & folds folds BonyBony AnatomyAnatomy andand LigamentsLigaments BonyBony PelvisPelvis TheThe bonybony pelvispelvis isis comprisedcomprised ofof 22 innominateinnominate bones,bones, thethe sacrum,sacrum, andand thethe coccyx.coccyx. WhatWhat 33 piecespieces fusefuse toto makemake thethe InnominateInnominate bone?bone? PubisPubis IschiumIschium IliumIlium ClinicalClinical PelvimetryPelvimetry WhichWhich measurementsmeasurements thatthat cancan bebe mademade onon exam?exam? InletInlet DiagonalDiagonal ConjugateConjugate MidplaneMidplane InterspinousInterspinous diameterdiameter OutletOutlet TransverseTransverse diameterdiameter ((intertuberousintertuberous)) andand APAP diameterdiameter ((symphysissymphysis toto coccyx)coccyx)
    [Show full text]
  • The Reproductive System
    27 The Reproductive System PowerPoint® Lecture Presentations prepared by Steven Bassett Southeast Community College Lincoln, Nebraska © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Introduction • The reproductive system is designed to perpetuate the species • The male produces gametes called sperm cells • The female produces gametes called ova • The joining of a sperm cell and an ovum is fertilization • Fertilization results in the formation of a zygote © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System • Overview of the Male Reproductive System • Testis • Epididymis • Ductus deferens • Ejaculatory duct • Spongy urethra (penile urethra) • Seminal gland • Prostate gland • Bulbo-urethral gland © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Figure 27.1 The Male Reproductive System, Part I Pubic symphysis Ureter Urinary bladder Prostatic urethra Seminal gland Membranous urethra Rectum Corpus cavernosum Prostate gland Corpus spongiosum Spongy urethra Ejaculatory duct Ductus deferens Penis Bulbo-urethral gland Epididymis Anus Testis External urethral orifice Scrotum Sigmoid colon (cut) Rectum Internal urethral orifice Rectus abdominis Prostatic urethra Urinary bladder Prostate gland Pubic symphysis Bristle within ejaculatory duct Membranous urethra Penis Spongy urethra Spongy urethra within corpus spongiosum Bulbospongiosus muscle Corpus cavernosum Ductus deferens Epididymis Scrotum Testis © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System • The Testes • Testes hang inside a pouch called the scrotum, which is on the outside of the body
    [Show full text]
  • Luteal Phase Deficiency: What We Now Know
    ■ OBGMANAGEMENT BY LAWRENCE ENGMAN, MD, and ANTHONY A. LUCIANO, MD Luteal phase deficiency: What we now know Disagreement about the cause, true incidence, and diagnostic criteria of this condition makes evaluation and management difficult. Here, 2 physicians dissect the data and offer an algorithm of assessment and treatment. espite scanty and controversial sup- difficult to definitively diagnose the deficien- porting evidence, evaluation of cy or determine its incidence. Further, while Dpatients with infertility or recurrent reasonable consensus exists that endometrial pregnancy loss for possible luteal phase defi- biopsy is the most reliable diagnostic tool, ciency (LPD) is firmly established in clinical concerns remain about its timing, repetition, practice. In this article, we examine the data and interpretation. and offer our perspective on the role of LPD in assessing and managing couples with A defect of corpus luteum reproductive disorders (FIGURE 1). progesterone output? PD is defined as endometrial histology Many areas of controversy Linconsistent with the chronological date of lthough observational and retrospective the menstrual cycle, based on the woman’s Astudies have reported a higher incidence of LPD in women with infertility and recurrent KEY POINTS 1-4 pregnancy losses than in fertile controls, no ■ Luteal phase deficiency (LPD), defined as prospective study has confirmed these find- endometrial histology inconsistent with the ings. Furthermore, studies have failed to con- chronological date of the menstrual cycle, may be firm the superiority of any particular therapy. caused by deficient progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum or failure of the endometrium Once considered an important cause of to respond appropriately to ovarian steroids.
    [Show full text]
  • New Insights Into Human Female Reproductive Tract Development
    UCSF UC San Francisco Previously Published Works Title New insights into human female reproductive tract development. Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7pm5800b Journal Differentiation; research in biological diversity, 97 ISSN 0301-4681 Authors Robboy, Stanley J Kurita, Takeshi Baskin, Laurence et al. Publication Date 2017-09-01 DOI 10.1016/j.diff.2017.08.002 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Differentiation 97 (2017) xxx–xxx Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Differentiation journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/diff New insights into human female reproductive tract development MARK ⁎ Stanley J. Robboya, , Takeshi Kuritab, Laurence Baskinc, Gerald R. Cunhac a Department of Pathology, Duke University, Davison Building, Box 3712, Durham, NC 27710, United States b Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, 460 W. 12th Avenue, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, Columbus, OH 43210, United States c Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: We present a detailed review of the embryonic and fetal development of the human female reproductive tract Human Müllerian duct utilizing specimens from the 5th through the 22nd gestational week. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) as well as Urogenital sinus immunohistochemical stains were used to study the development of the human uterine tube, endometrium, Uterovaginal canal myometrium, uterine cervix and vagina. Our study revisits and updates the classical reports of Koff (1933) and Uterus Bulmer (1957) and presents new data on development of human vaginal epithelium. Koff proposed that the Cervix upper 4/5ths of the vagina is derived from Müllerian epithelium and the lower 1/5th derived from urogenital Vagina sinus epithelium, while Bulmer proposed that vaginal epithelium derives solely from urogenital sinus epithelium.
    [Show full text]