Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Male and Female Reproductive System

Chapter 2
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
Female Reproductive System
Female Reproductive System


• Pelvis
 Forms a fixed passage for the delivery of the baby
 Size & shape very important
 Ischial spines-palpated during vaginal exam; determine “station” or how far the baby’s head had descended down into the birth canal
• Pelvic Divisions – true pelvis most important
• Pelvic Measurements – fig 2.4
 diagonal conjugate-must be adequate size for passage of fetal head
• Pelvic types-fig 2-5
 Gynecoid or normal, female-type; round
 Android or male-type; heart shaped
 Anthropoid which has a long a-p outlet
 Platypelloid which has a wide transverse outlet

Female Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
• Accessory Glands – produce secretions to:
 nourish the sperm
 protect the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina
 enhance movement or motility of the sperm
• Seminal Vesicles
• Prostate gland surrounds the urethra just below the bladder
• Bulbourethral glands situated by the prostate gland

Male Reproductive System
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SEX ACT
• MALE
 sperm can reach the woman’s vagina within 5 minutes & remain viable for 4-5 days
 millions of sperm are ejaculated, a few thousand reach the fallopian tube, but only one fertilizes each ovum
• FEMALE
 during orgasm the posterior pituitary gland secretes oxytocin which causes contraction of the uterus & dilation of the cervical canal which helps the sperm reach the fallopian tubes
 is also the reason why sexual abstinence is advised if there is a high risk for miscarriage or preterm labor
 egg lives only about 24 hours