Chapter II: BIOMEDICAL

PERSPECTIVE in
Gender and Sexuality
Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction
JEROME L. HERNANDEZ
Instructor I

GENDER AND SOCIETY

 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
When you finish reading this chapter, you should be able to:
1. Differentiate the female and the male reproductive systems; and
2. Understand the basis for physiologic processes in female and males.

PRE-TEST

CONTENT

Definition of Terms:
 Reproduction- process on producing off springs
 Genitals- external sex organ
 Primary sex characteristic- sex characteristics that are present at birth
 Secondary sex characteristics- sex characteristics that emerge during puberty

Introduction
Humans experience various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood. These changes
are gradual and progress at different ages and speed in different people. These stages are based on human growth
and development from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
This chapter focuses on the adolescent stage of human development, which is characterized by dynamic
changes in physical and behavioral traits. Despite differences in physical appearance, the sexual organs of men and
women arise from the same structures and fulfill similar functions. Each person has a pair of gonads: ovaries are
female gonads; testes are the male gonads. The gonads produce germ cells and sex hormones. The female germ
cells are ova (egg) and the male germ cells are sperm. Ova and sperm are the basic units of reproduction; their union
can lead to the creation of a new life.

THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE

Anatomy the study of body structure in relation to body parts. The female sexual anatomy is designed for
the production and fertilization of ovum, as well as carrying and delivering infant offspring. Puberty signals the final
development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.

A. The female external genitalia consists of the following:

vulva- all the external genital structures taken together;
mons veneris- pads of fatty tissue between pubic bone and skin;
Labia majora - outer lips surrounding all the other structures.
prepuce- clitoral hood (foreskin above and covering clitoris);
clitoris- glans (head), shaft, and crura (root), the clitoris is particularly sensitive to stimulation;
labia minora- inner lips surrounding the vestibule where sweat and oil glands, extensive blood
vessels, and nerve endings are located;
vestibule - area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina, which is highly sensitive with
extensive blood vessels and nerve endings;
urethral opening - end of tube connecting to bladder and used for urination;
vaginal opening- also called introitus; and
Perineum -area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus; distance is less in females than
males.

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 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

B. The female internal reproductive structures consist of the following as described and shown below:

Vagina- collapsible canal extending from vaginal opening back and upward into body to cervix and
uterus. During arousal, it is engorged with blood. This aids its expansion and triggers the release
of lubricants from vaginal mucosa;
Cervix- small end of uterus to which vagina leads. It is the opening in cervix leading to interior of
uterus;
uterus- womb, organ within pelvic zone where fetus is carried;
fallopian tubes - carry egg cells from ovaries to uterus, this is where fertilization occurs; and
Ovaries- produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen influences female sex characteristics and
initiates menstrual cycle. Progesterone aids in regulation of menstrual cycle and promotes mature
development of uterine lining to allow for zygote implantation. Also produce ova, egg cells, and
bring them to maturity. As many as I million immature ova are present at birth, with about 400,000
surviving to puberty. Of these, only about 400-450 are typically brought to maturity and released
into the fallopian tubes.

CONTEMPLATE. Name five physical changes that takes place in female during puberty:
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

PUBERTY

The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females. The first episode occurs between II to 15
years of age referred to as menarche. Menstruation pertains to the sloughing off of the uterine lining if conception has
not occurred. It may last within two to six days which follows a cycle ranging from 24 to 42 days. Regardless of the
length of the cycle, menstruation begins about 14 days after ovulation (plus or minus one to two days). The overall
cycle 1sgoverned by the hypothalamus as it monitors hormone levels in the bloodstream.

It involves changes in the endometrium in response to the fluctuating blood levels of ovarian hormones.
There are three phases as described and shown in the figure below.

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 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

Menstrual phase. This occurs if the ovum is not fertilized and does not implant itself into the uterine lining. The
continued high levels of estrogen and progesterone causes the pituitary to stop releasing follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease causing the endometrium to be
sloughed off, and bleeding ensues. It is during this time that ovarian hormones are at their lowest levels.

Proliferative phase. It occurs when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH that stimulates
the ovaries to produce estrogen and causes ova to mature in the ovarian follicles. Endometrium is repaired, thickens,
and becomes well-vascularized in response to increasing levels of estrogens.

Secretory phase. It occurs when the pituitary gland releases LH that causes the se ovary to release a mature ovum
and causes the remaining portion of the follicle to develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then, produces
progesterone. Endometrial glands begin to secrete nutrients, and lining becomes more vascular in response to
increasing level of progesterone.
Problems associated with menstruation include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (80-95% of women
experience), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation caused by overproduction of prostaglandins, causing the uterine
muscles to contract), and amenorrhea (disruption or absence of menstruation). All of these involve the fluctuation of
hormone levels associated with menstruation. At menopause (usually around age 45-50), a woman stops
menstruating as ova are no longer brought to maturity. During the three to four years of this transition women may
experience hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances(resulting in fatigue, irritability, short-term memory loss,
difficult concentrating), headaches, anxiety, depression, and difficulty of becoming sexually aroused.

Female secondary sexual characteristics emerge after puberty:

1. Widening of hips and pelvis - accommodates giving birth, but also results in downward shift in center of gravity.
2. Enlargement of breasts - at puberty, both the glandular and fatty tissues of the breasts develop considerably.
Differences in breast size between women are primarily due to differences in the amount of fatty tissue. It is also not
uncommon for one of a woman's breasts to be slightly larger than the other. The glandular tissue of the breasts
responds to sex hormones, and the breasts are involved in a women's sexual arousal. The glandular tissue produces
milk toward the end of pregnancy and after childbirth in response to hormone levels.

More female characteristics:

 generally shorter than men;
 greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men;
 two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked conditions; and
 Lower mortality rate at every age and longer projected lifespan than men.

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 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

THE BIOLOGICAL MALE

The male sexual anatomy is designed for the production and delivery of sperm for fertilization of the
female's ovum. Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.

A. The male external genitalia consist of the following structures:

 prepuce- foreskin covering head of penis, removed in male circumcision;
 Penis glans (head), shaft, and root. The glans is particularly sensitive to stimulation. Running the length of
the penis is the urethra surrounded by the spongy body and two cylindrical chambers known as the
cavernous bodies. During arousal, these become engorged with blood, resulting in erection;
 Corona- rim of glans where it arises from shaft;
 frenulum- thin strip of skin connecting glans and shaft on underside of penis;
 Scrotum-sac that encloses the two compartments housing the testes;
 Urethral opening-found on head of penis this is the end of tube connected to bladder and used for urination.
It is also tube to which internal structures deliver semen by which male ejaculates; and
 Perineum - area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus, distance is greater in males than females.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE:

What is the difference between uncircumcised
and a circumcised penis? Is it necessary to
undergo circumcision in males? Why or Why
not?

B. The male internal reproductive organs:

 testes produce androgen, particularly large quantities of testosterone, which greatly influence male
development and drive sexual motivation; also produce sperm cells in virtually unlimited quantity over the
entire course of the lifespan;

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 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

 vas deferens - travels from testicle toward urethra carrying sperm;

 Seminal vesicles - two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar, comprising some 70% of
semen volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to start self-propulsion and sugar may provide sperm
nutrients. Ducts carry fluid and connect with vas deferens forming ejaculatory ducts;
 ejaculatory ducts - connect vas deferens to urethra;
 Prostate- gland producing alkaline secretions that account for about 30% of semen volume. Alkaline nature
may help counteract otherwise, acidic environment of urethra and vagina making them more hospitable for
sperm. Fluid passes through a series of ducts along wall of urethra; and
 Urethra -tube within penis that carries sperm and semen the rest of the way to the opening of the penis.

More Male Characteristics:

 generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water;
 proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood fluid volume;
 exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body and facial hair, but also increased
frequency and degree of baldness; and
 Single X chromosome resulting in sex-linked conditions such as colorblindness and hemophilia.

MALE HORMONES
The testosterone is the major male hormone produced mainly by the testes, but there are other glands
called the adrenal glands that also produce some testosterone. In case a man has lost his testes, these glands would
continue to produce testosterone to support the male physical appearance. Testosterone is responsible for the
growth and development of a boy during adolescence and for the development of sperm and secondary sexual
characteristics.

CONTEMPLATE. Name five physical changes that takes place in male during puberty:
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

Male secondary sexual characteristics that emerge after puberty:

 no monthly cycle;
 elongation of vocal cords (lower voice);
 broader shoulders; and
 Deeper chest cavity.

Farrell, K. et al. (1995). Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program. Washington DC Advocates for the
youth.
German Foundation for World Population DSW (2006). Sexual and Reproductive Health Training for Manual for
Young People.
Jones, J. (2011). Human Sexuality.

Photo/Image Attributions https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1116_Muscle_of_the_Female_Perineum.png.

p22https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubal factor_infertility#/media/File:Biausen_0732_PID-Sites.png, p23lsometrik and
Kaldari [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sal3.0), P25https:/lsc_wikipedia_org/wiki!File:Uierine

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 Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

_anatomy_P8, p25Don Bliss (Illustrator) [P ubli.c domain], p27Male_anatomy.png: alt. sex FAQderivative work:
Tsaitgaist [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://
creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sal3.0/)), p28

Summary
Humans experience various physical changes from childhood to adulthood a traits. Despite differences in
physical appearance, the sexual organs of men and women from the same structures and fulfill similar functions.
Each person has a pair of ovaries are female gonads; testes are the male gonads. The gonads produce germ cells a
sex hormones. The female germ cells are ova (egg) and the male germ cells are sperms. Ova and sperm are the
basic units of reproduction; their union can lead to the creation of a new life.

ASSESSMENT
1. Compare and contrast the male and the female genitalia
2. Draw a mind map showing the progression of the male and female from birth, puberty and adulthood.

IMPORTANT: Answer, Contemplate, What are your thoughts, communicate, collaborate and assessment.

REFERENCES
Farrell, K. et al. (1995). Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program. Washington DC
Advocates for the youth.
German Foundation for World Population DSW (2006). Sexual and Reproductive Health Training for
Manual for Young People.
Jones, J. (2011). Human Sexuality.

Photo/ImageAttributions
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1116_Muscle_of_the_Female_Perineum.png.p22
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubalfactor_infertility#/media/File:Biausen_0732_PID-Sites.png, p23
lsometrik and Kaldari [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sal3.0),P25
https:/lsc_wikipedia_org/wiki!File:Uierine _anatomy_P8, p25
Don Bliss (Illustrator) [P ubli.c domain], p27
Male_anatomy.png: alt. sex FAQderivative work: Tsaitgaist [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-
sal3.0/)), p28

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