SEXUALITY AND REPRODUCTION IN HUMANS

C. JACKSON

WHAT IS PUBERTY?
This

is the period when eggs / ova and sperms are first produced Marks the beginning of adolescence - a period of rapid growth Accompanied by body as well as hormone changes.

CHANGES WHICH TAKE PLACE DURING EARLY ADOLESCENCE

In males and females physical and emotional changes are brought about by the Pituitary gland at the base of the brain Puberty begins when hormones or chemical messages are sent to the sex glands

In Females The sex glands / ovaries become very active The hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) produced are carried by the blood around the body and bring about many changes.

CHANGES IN GIRLS

These changes may include:

The breasts get bigger Hair grows in the pubic area and under the arm Hips get wider Skin may get more oily Sweat glands get more active Menstrual period starts Vagina and uterus grow Once a month an ovum matures in one of the ovaries It is now possible for a girl to get pregnant

CHANGES IN BOYS
Body

makes more testosterone Penis enlarges Produce sperms Chest may get bigger Muscle develops Hair grows around the pubic area, under the arm, on the face chest and legs Voice deepens Possible to get a girl pregnant

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FUNCTION OF THE MAIN PARTS OF THE

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Vagina

leads from the uterus to the

outside Uterus This is where the embryo and foetus develop when a woman is pregnant Cervix A muscle surrounding the bottom of the uterus Ovaries produce an ovum each month as well as the hormone oestrogen Fallopian tube / Oviduct- Fertilization takes place here. The path along which the ova travels to the uterus from the ovary

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

FUNCTION OF THE MAIN PARTS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Scrotum the sack of skin that contains the testes Penis usually soft and small but contains erectile tissue and so can become large and stiff. This is called an erection. Testes located in the scrotum. At puberty the testes begin to manufacture sperms. Male hormones, Testosterone are made in the testes. Vas deferens sperm duct Urethra Passage way for urine as well as sperm at different times

MENSTRAL CYCLE

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

THE AMNIOTIC SAC

Amniotic

fluid is a pale yellow fluid enclosed in the

amniotic sac. It serves to

Cushion the unborn baby from jolts and bumps. It provides a stable temperature and assists in maintaining a consistent body temperature for the unborn child. The fluid allows the baby to move freely and exercise growing muscles to develop a symmetrical musculoskeletal system. It allows for lung development as the baby begins to breathe amniotic fluid to strengthen his lungs and swallow fluid to develop the gastrointestinal tract. The kidneys develop as the baby urinates in the fluid.

DEVELOPING FOETUS

EFFECTS OF PREMATURE RUPTURE

Premature

rupture of the amniotic sac, often referred to as water breaking: Increases the risk of infection for the unborn baby and requires medical observation.
Labor

is often more difficult and may be prolonged in women whose amniotic sac has ruptured prior to the onset of labor. the amniotic sac has not ruptured, doctor or midwife may break the sac to initiate labor.

If

THE PLACENTA
The

placentas primary role is to ensure that - oxygen and nutrients are moved into the babys blood stream - carbon dioxide is carried away from the baby however the waste is not limited to carbon dioxide and also includes removing other waste which is produced by the baby.

THE PLACENTA
The

placenta is an extremely complex piece of

biological equipment. It allows the mothers blood and the baby's to come into very close contact - but without ever mixing. The placenta enables nutrients and oxygen to pass from the mothers blood to the baby, and waste products like carbon dioxide to go back from baby to mother. It acts as the lung, kidney and digestive system for the baby.

THE PLACENTA
The

placenta also performs the important function of protecting the baby from possible infection however, it is not always able to distinguish between what is a good substance and what isnt Pregnant women are asked to avoid substances such as caffeine, alcohol, herbal substances and drugs which may pass across the placenta and cause harm to the developing foetus.

THE

THREE STAGES OF CHILDBIRTH

Stage 1 Labor. This stage begins when the pregnant woman has regular contractions that open (dilate) her cervix. This stage lasts until the cervix is fully opened to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). This stage can occur gradually with no noticeable contractions over a period of days, but it can also happen in just a few hours with very clear contractions. Every labor is different.

Stage 2 Pushing and Delivery. This stage begins when the cervix is fully open and ends with the birth of the baby. The average length for this stage is one to two hours, but many women have shorter or longer experiences.

THE

THREE STAGES OF CHILDBIRTH

Stage

3 Delivery of the Placenta. This stage begins immediately after the birth of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage usually lasts between 10 minutes and one hour. For the mother the main risks in this stage of birth are hemorrhage during or after separation of the placenta, as well as retention of the placenta.

STAGES OF CHILDBIRTH