Lesson 13

Male and Female Reproductive Systems

The reproductive systems produce gametes and, in females, support fetal development. Female anatomy includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina; male anatomy includes testes, epididymis, vas deferens, and penis. This lesson covers the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, STIs, and reproductive cancers.

65 min4 sections5 objectives

Learning Objectives

1Identify combining forms for reproductive anatomy
2Describe the menstrual cycle and its hormonal regulation
3Recognize common reproductive disorders in males and females
4Understand obstetric and gynecological terminology
5Identify reproductive cancers and screening methods

1Female Reproductive Anatomy

Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) + estrogen and progesterone; one released each month (ovulation)

Fallopian Tubes (uterine tubes/oviducts): Transport ovum from ovary to uterus; fertilization usually occurs here

Uterus: Pear-shaped muscular organ

Fundus (top), Body, Cervix (lower neck)

Layers: Perimetrium → Myometrium (muscle) → Endometrium (inner lining; sheds during menstruation)

Vagina: Birth canal; receives penis during intercourse

External Genitalia (vulva): Labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule

Breast: Mammary glands for milk production; 15–20 lobes drained by lactiferous ducts

2Menstrual Cycle

Average cycle: 28 days (range 21–35 days)

Days 1–14: Follicular Phase

FSH from pituitary → follicle development in ovary

Rising estrogen → endometrial proliferation

LH surge on day 14 → ovulation

Days 14–28: Luteal Phase

Corpus luteum → produces progesterone

Progesterone → endometrial secretory changes (prepares for implantation)

If no fertilization: corpus luteum degenerates → ↓progesterone → menstruation begins

Menstrual Terms:

Menarche: First menstrual period

Menopause: Cessation of menses (average age 51)

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation

Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual bleeding

3Common Female Disorders

Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue outside uterus → severe dysmenorrhea, infertility

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalance → irregular cycles, excess androgens, polycystic ovaries; most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age

Ectopic Pregnancy: Implantation outside uterus (usually fallopian tube) → life-threatening emergency

Cervical Cancer: HPV (types 16, 18) → cervical dysplasia → carcinoma; screened with Pap smear + HPV test

Ovarian Cancer: "Silent killer"; vague symptoms until advanced stage; CA-125 tumor marker

Breast Cancer: Most common cancer in women; BRCA1/2 gene mutations; screened with mammogram

4Male Reproductive System

Testes: Produce spermatozoa + testosterone; located in scrotum (cooler temperature needed for sperm)

Epididymis: Coiled tube on posterior testis; sperm maturation and storage

Vas Deferens: Tube transporting sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct

Seminal Vesicles (60%), Prostate gland (30%), Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's) → contribute to semen

Penis: Contains urethra; erectile tissue (corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum)

Male Disorders:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous prostate enlargement → urinary symptoms; very common in older men

Prostate Cancer: Most common cancer in men; screened with PSA test

Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Inability to achieve/maintain erection; often vascular, neurologic, or psychological

Testicular Cancer: Most common cancer in males 15–35; very treatable; self-exam important

Clinical Connections

►HPV vaccination prevents >90% of HPV-related cancers including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile
►Ectopic pregnancy affects 1–2% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of first-trimester maternal death
►PSA screening for prostate cancer remains controversial due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment concerns

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