Chapter 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the

Reproductive System
Components of the Male and Female Reproductive
System
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Female
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Reproductive cells: eggs or ova
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Organ for development of the fetus: uterus
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Male
•

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Reproductive cells: sperm
•
Organ for deposit of the sperm: penis

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Function of the External Female Reproductive Organs

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Collectively called the “vulva”
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Protects urethra and vaginal openings
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Highly sensitive to touch to increase
female’s pleasure during sexual arousal

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External Female Reproductive Organs #1

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Components of the vulva
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Mons pubis
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Labia majora and minora
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Clitoris
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Vestibular structures
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Perineum

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External Female Reproductive Organs #2

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Function of the Labia and Clitoris

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Labia majora: contains sweat and sebaceous glands;
protects the vaginal opening
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Labia minora: highly vascular and abundant in nerve
supply; lubricates the vulva and swells with stimulation
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Clitoris: small cylindrical mass of erectile tissue and
nerves; function is sexual stimulation
•
Prepuce: hood-like covering over the clitoris; also site of
female circumcision practiced in some cultures

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Structure and Function of the Vestibule

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Vestibule: oval area enclosed by the labia minora
laterally located inside the labia minora and outside
the hymen
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Opening into the vestibule: urethra from the urinary
bladder, vagina, and two sets of glands
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Opening into the vagina: introitus
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Fourchette: half-moon area behind the opening
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Glands: Bartholin and Skene glands secrete mucus
to keep the opening moist

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Internal Female Reproductive Organs #1

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Vagina
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Uterus
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Fallopian tubes
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Ovaries

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Internal Female Reproductive Organs #2

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Question #1

Is the following statement True or False?

The clitoris is considered an internal
reproductive organ.
a. True
b. False

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Answer to Question #1

b. False
The clitoris is an external female reproductive
organ. The internal organs include the vagina,
uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries.

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Layers of the Uterine Wall

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Endometrium: innermost layer
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Lines the uterine cavity in nonpregnant women
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Myometrium: muscular middle layer
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Makes up the major portion of the uterus
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Composed of smooth muscle linked by connective
tissue
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Perimetrium: outer serosal layer
•

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Covers the body of the uterus
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Breasts

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Accessory organs—specialized for milk secretion
after pregnancy
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Nipple
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Areola
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Lobes
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Alveolar and lactiferous glands

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Anatomy of the breasts

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Female Sexual Response

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Sexual stimulation leading to vasocongestion
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Vaginal expansion and elongation
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Secretion of mucus by vestibular glands
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Estrogen (preservation of vascular function) and
testosterone (hormone of sexual desire in women)
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Orgasm (zenith of stimulation)
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Rapid dissipation of vasocongestion and muscle
contraction

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Female Reproductive Cycle #1

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Ovarian cycle
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Endometrial cycle
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Hormonal regulation
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Cyclical breast changes
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Menstruation (absence of fertilization)

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Female Reproductive Cycle #2

Know the process

Hypothalamus —> FSH/LH

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Menstruation

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Expulsion of inner uterine lining occurring monthly
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Marks the beginning and end of each menstrual
cycle
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Menarche: establishment of menstruation in females
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Menopause: naturally occurring cessation of regular
menstrual cycles
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Frequency variable: 21 to 36 days; average 28 days

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Menstrual Cycle

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Ovarian cycle
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Follicular phase (day 1 through ovulation,
approximately days 10 to 14)
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Ovulation (day 14 of a 28-day cycle)
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Luteal phase (day 15 through day 28 of a 28-day
cycle)

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Endometrial Cycle

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Proliferative phase
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Secretory phase
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Ischemic phase
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Menstrual phase

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Question #2

A woman reports that her menstrual period occurs

every 28 days. The nurse would determine that ovulation
in this woman would occur at which time?
a. Day 10
b. Day 14
c. Day 18
d. Day 22

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Answer to Question #2

b. Day 14
For a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs usually on day
14. The proliferation phase starts on about day 5 of the
menstrual cycle and lasts until ovulation. Then the
secretory phase begins at ovulation to about 3 days
before the next menstrual period.

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Menstrual Cycle Hormones

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
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Luteinizing hormone (LH)
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Estrogen
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Progesterone
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Prostaglandins

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External Male Reproductive Organs

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Penis
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Organ of copulation
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Outlet for urine and sperm
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Scrotum
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Sac surrounding and protecting testes
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Climate-control system for testes

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Male Reproductive Organs

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Internal Male Reproductive Organs #1

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Testes
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Sperm production
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Testosterone synthesis
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Ductal system
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Vas deferens (sperm transport)
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Spermatic cord
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Urethra

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Internal Male Reproductive Organs #2

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Accessory glands
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Seminal vesicles
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Prostate gland
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Bulbourethral glands

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Internal Male Reproductive Organs #3

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Internal Male Reproductive Organs #4

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Question #3

Is the following statement True or False?

The testes need a temperature that is warmer than
body temperature for normal sperm development.
a. True
b. False

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Answer to Question #3

b. False
The testes need to be slightly cooler than body
temperature to allow normal sperm development.

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Male Sexual Response

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Excitement
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Plateau
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Orgasm
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Resolution

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