The Reproductive System
The Birds & The Bees for Paramedics
The Reproductive System of the Male
The Reproductive System of the Male
Testes
–
Spermatogenesis
•
Mitosis
–Division of cells into two identical cells
•
Meiosis
–Division of cells to make sex cells (1/2 the chromosomes)
•
Spermiogenesis
–Development of the meiotic cells into mature sperm

Meiosis and Spermatozoon Formation
The Testes and Seminiferous Tubules

Spermatozoon Structure
The Male Reproductive System
•
Male Reproductive Tract
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Epididymis
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Ductus Deferens
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Urethra
•
Accessory Glands
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Seminal Vesicles
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Prostate Gland
–
Bulbourethral Gland
•
Semen
•
Penis
The Ductus Deferens

The Penis
The Male Reproductive System
•
Hormones and Male Reproductive Function
–FSH and Spermatogenesis
–LH and Androgen Production

The Reproductive System of the Female
The Reproductive System of the Female
•
Ovaries
–Oogenesis
•
Ovarian Cycle
–Formation of primary Follicle
–Formation of Secondary Follicle
–Formation of Tertiary Follicle
–Ovulation
–Formation and Degeneration of the Corpus Luteum
Meiosis and Oogenesis

Follicular Development during the Ovarian Cycle
The Reproductive System of the Female
•
Uterine Tubes
•
Uterus
–
Uterine Cycle
•Menses
•Proliferative phase
•Secretory phase
•
Vagina
The Uterus

The Reproductive System of the Female
•
External Genitalia
The Reproductive System of the Female
•
Mammary Glands
The Reproductive System of the Female
•
Hormones
–
Preovulatory Phase
–
Postovulatory Phase
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Uterine Cycle
–
Body Temperature

Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Activity
Hormonal Regulation of the Female Reproductive Cycle

The Physiology of Sexual Intercourse
•
Male Sexual Function
–
Parasympathetic stimulation increases outflow of the pelvic nerves and causes erection
–
Sympathetic stimulation causes emission
•Peristaltic contraction of the ductus deferens pushing sperm into the urethra
•Seminal Vessels contract
•Contraction of the prostate gland
•Closes the sphincter at the entrance to the bladder.
The Physiology of Sexual Intercourse
•
Male Sexual Function
–
Ejaculation
•Ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiousus muscles contract causing discharge
•Pleasurable sensation, aka orgasm
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Detumescence
•Blood leaves the erectile tissue
•Mediated by the sympathethic nervous system
The Physiology of Sexual Intercourse
•
Female Sexual Function
–
Parasympathetic activation leads to engorgement of erectile tissues
•Clitoris
•Secretion of fluids from cervical mucousa and vestibular glands
•Engorgement of the blood vessels at the nipples
The Physiology of Sexual Intercourse
•Female Sexual Function
– Rhythmic contact with the clitoris and vaginal walls, reinforced by touch sensations from the breast and other stimuli can provide stimulation that may lead to orgasm
– Peristaltic contraction of the vaginal and uterine walls
– Contractions of the Ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiousus muscles give rise to the sensations associated with orgasm
Aging and the Reproductive System
•
Menopause
–
Cessation of ovulation and menstruation
–
Decrease in estrogen levels may give rise to other disease processes in addition to decrease in breast and uterus size
•
Male Climacteric
–
Decrease of circulating testosterone with increase in FSH and LH
–
More gradual than menopause

Integration with Other Systems
Birth Control Strategies
Vasectomy Tubal Ligation