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Chapter 31 The Reproductive System
Chapter 31 The Reproductive System
Medical Assisting
Third Edition
Learning Outcomes
31.1 List the organs of the male reproductive system
and give the locations, structures, and functions
of each.
Introduction
Male and female reproductive systems
Function together to produce offspring
Female reproductive system nurtures developing
offspring
Produce important hormones
Male
System
Orgasm
Sperm cells propelled out of testes into urethra
Secretions from accessory organs also released into urethra
Ejaculation
Semen is forced out of urethra
Sympathetic nerves then stimulate erectile tissue to release blood
Penis returns to flaccid state
___
F Mixture of sperm and fluids B. Testes
___
A Sperm cell formation C. Penis
___
G Secrete alkaline fluid / prostaglandins D. Vas deferens
___
B Produce testosterone E. Hypothalamus
E GnRH
___ F. Semen
___
C Erectile tissue G. Seminal vesicle
Muscular tube
Lined with mucous membrane and cilia
Propels ovum toward uterus
Internal Accessory
Organs
Back
Labia minora
Fold of skin between labia majora
Very vascular
Merge to form hood over clitoris
Vestibule – space enclosed by labia minora
Bartholin’s glands secrete mucus during sexual arousal External
Genitalia
Menopause – termination
of cycle due to normal
aging of ovaries
YIPPEE!
Apply Your Knowledge
True or False: ANSWER:
___
F The ovaries only produce estrogen. They also produce progesterone.
___
F Ovulation is the process of ovum formation. Oogenesis
___
G Cancer common in post-menopausal women B. Cervical cancer
___
B Develops slowly; detected by Pap smear C. Fibroids
___
F Uterine tissue grows outside uterus D. Breast cancer
D Second leading cause of cancer death in women E. Cervicitis
___
A Severe menstrual cramps
___ F. Endometriosis
___
C Benign tumors in the uterine wall G. Uterine cancer
Pregnancy: Fertilization
Pregnancy – condition of having a developing
offspring in the uterus
Fertilization – process in which a sperm cell unites
with an ovum; results in pregnancy
Only one sperm cell penetrates the follicular cells and the
zona pellucida that surround the ovum’s cell membrane
After fertilization, ovum releases enzymes that cause the
zona pellucida to become impenetrable to other sperm
Zygote forms from union of ovum and sperm
Contains 46 chromosomes
Amnion
Expulsion or parturition
Actual birth
May take 30 minutes or less
Impressive!
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
31-53
Contraception
Method Description
Coitus Penis is withdrawn from vagina before
interruptus ejaculation; not a reliable method
Rhythm method Requires abstinence around time of ovulation;
not a reliable method
Mechanical Prevent sperm from entering female
barriers reproductive tract
Chemical Destroy sperm in the female reproductive tract;
barriers primarily spermicides; often used with
mechanical barriers
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
31-54
Contraception (cont.)
Method Description
Oral Birth control pills; prevent ovulation by
contraceptives preventing LH surge
Injectable Prevent ovulation and alter lining of uterus to
contraceptives prevent implantation of blastocyst
Insertable Ring inserted vaginally and removed at the
contraceptives beginning of the 4th week to allow menstruation
Contraceptive Small rods of progesterone implanted beneath
implants skin; prevent ovulation
Contraception (cont.)
Method Description
Transdermal Contraceptives in the form of a patch; applied
contraceptives weekly for 3 weeks; not used the 4th week to
allow menstruation
Intrauterine Small, solid devices placed into uterus by MD;
device (IUD) prevents implantation of blastocyst
Surgical Tubal ligation – fallopian tube fulgurated to
methods prevent sperm from reaching oocyte
Vasectomy – vas deferens is fulgurated to
prevent ejaculation of sperm
Infertility
Inability to conceive a child
Primary – no prior pregnancy, unable to achieve
pregnancy in 12 months
Secondary – at least one prior pregnancy, unable
to achieve pregnancy after one year
Causes
15% unknown
35% male-related problems
50% female-related problems
Infertility (cont.)
Male-related Female-related
Scarring from STDs
Impotence
Pelvic inflammatory
Retrograde ejaculation disease
Low or absent sperm Inadequate diet
count No ovulation or menstrual
cycle
Medications / drugs
Endometriosis
Decreased testosterone Abnormal shape of uterus
Scarring from STDs or cervix
Prior mumps infection Hormonal imbalances
Cysts in ovaries
Inflammation of
Older than 40 years
epididymis or testes
Infertility (cont.)
Tests Treatments
Semen analysis Surgical repair of
Monitoring of morning abnormalities
body temperature Fertility drugs
Blood hormone Hormone therapies
measurements Artificial insemination
Endometrial biopsy In vitro fertilization
Urine analysis for LH Use of surrogate
Hysterosalpingogram
laparoscopy
Very
female-related (F), or both (B).
ANSWER:
___
F Pelvic inflammatory
good!
M Retrograde ejaculation
___ disease
___
M Mumps infection ___
F Hormone imbalances
___
F Inadequate diet ___
M Use of some medications
___
F Being over 40 years old
B Scarring from STDs
___
E
E Crabs
___ C. Syphilis
In Summary
Ability to reproduce is a basic characteristic
of life
Female and male systems work together to
produce offspring
Medical assistant must have knowledge of
reproductive systems to
Assist with exams and procedures
Provide patient education
End of Chapter
The
reproduction of
mankind is a
great marvel
and mystery.
~Martin Luther