Reproductive Systems
Male Reproductive System
Testicles
• The testes are oval shaped glands responsible
for producing sperm and the hormone
testosterone
• Sperm leave the testes into the epididymis
where they finish maturing and are stored until
they are either re-absorbed by the body or
ejaculated
• Ejaculation is the forced movement of seminal
fluid through various tubes and out of the penis
Testicles
Sperm
• The male gamete (sex cell) is called
sperm.
• They consist of a head section that
contains the DNA and a tail which is used
for movement
Scrotum
• The scrotum is a pouch of skin that
contains the testicles and helps maintain a
reasonable temperature for the testes.
Vas Deferens
• The vas deferens are tubes that carry
sperm from the testicles to the seminal
vesicle
Seminal Vesicle
• The seminal vesicle produces the majority
of the fluid that makes up seminal fluid
(semen).
• This fluid contains such things as proteins,
enzymes, fructose, mucous, and vitamin
C.
• This fluid provides energy for the sperm.
Prostate Gland
• The seminal fluid leaves the seminal
vesicle through the ejaculatory duct which
is surrounded by the prostate gland which
adds an alkaline fluid to the semen.
• This alkaline fluid helps protect the sperm
from the acidity of the vagina.
Urethra
• The semen then enters the urethra which
is the final tube the semen will travel
through. This tube runs through to the tip
of the penis.
Female Reproductive System
Vagina
• The vagina is the passageway to the
uterus
• It’s function is to receive sperm and allow
the exit of a baby.
• Acidic environment
Uterus
• The uterus protects and nourishes a
developing baby
Cervix
• The narrow passageway between the
vagina and the uterus.
• The cervix allows sperm to enter the
uterus
Fallopian Tubes
• The fallopian tubes carry an egg from the
ovaries towards the uterus.
• Fertilization usually occurs within the
fallopian tubes.
• Fallopian tubes have little hairs (cilia) that
create a ‘current’ so the egg will continue
to move towards the uterus.
Ovaries
• The ovary produces eggs which then enter
the fallopian tubes.
• Produce the hormone estrogen
Endometrium
• The endometrium is the blood-rich lining of
the uterus that a fertilized egg will attach
to.
Hormones
• A hormone is a chemical messenger
released by a cell that causes a response
by a particular cell or group of cells.
Effects of Testosterone
Effects of Testosterone
•
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•
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Body hair
Muscle mass
Sperm production
Sex drive and aggression
Effects of Estrogen
• Maturation of eggs (menstrual cycle)
• Breast development
Conception
• Conception is the fusion of gametes.
• Conception usually occurs within the
fallopian tubes.
• About a week after fertilization, the
developing offspring will attach to the
endometrium.
Changes During Pre
Changes During Pregnancy
• Pregnancy is divided into trimesters which
are about 3 months each.
• Many changes occur to accommodate the
increasing size of the baby and to prepare
for childbirth and breastfeeding.
First Trimester
• Urination may increase from pressure on
the bladder
• Nausea and vomiting common
• Mammary lobules in breasts enlarge
Second Trimester
• Breasts enlarge
• Uterus enlarges causing pressure on the
intestines
• Forehead and cheek skin may darken
(‘mask of pregnancy’)
Third Trimester
•
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Breasts continue to enlarge
Abdominal skin stretches
Slight contractions felt
Fatigue, back pain, heartburn,
breathlessness
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
• Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that
mostly affects males but can affect
females
• Symptoms: Discharge of pus from the
penis or vagina, pain upon urination
• If left untreated, can cause infertility in
women.
Syphilis
• A bacterial infection that can spread
throughout the body and can cause death
if untreated
• Symptoms: Chancre sore’s on the penis or
vagina and swollen lymph nodes, rash, flu,
personality changes, mental illness, death
• Treatable
Chlamydia
• Only affects women (but can lead to other
things in males)
• Inflammation of the reproductive organs
• Symptoms: vaginal discharge, frequent
urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain, pain
during intercourse, can lead to infertility
• Common in Saskatchewan