Sexual reproduction

 The process by which organisms produce offspring by making germ cells called gametes (GAM-e ̄ts _
spouses).

 After the male gamete(sperm cell) unites with the female gamete (secondary oocyte)—an event called

fertilization—

 the resulting cell contains one set of chromosomes from each parent.

 The gonads—testes in males and ovaries in females—produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.

 Various ducts then store and transport the gametes

 Accessory sex glands produce substances that protect the gametes and facilitate their movement.

 Supporting structures, such as the penis in males and the uterus in females, assist the delivery of
gametes, and

the uterus is also the site for the growth of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy.

Female Reproductive System

Functions

1. Formation of female gametes (ova)

2. Reception of male gametes (Spermatozoa)

3. Provision of suitable environment for fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa and development of
the

resultant fetus

4. Parturition – childbirth

5. Lactation – nourishment of the baby

INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

1. Ovaries

 paired, almond shaped solid structures (3 cm x 1.5 – 2 cm x 1 cm) lying on either side of the womb
near the

outer walls of the pelvis.

 Femal Gonads.

 Suspended in the broad ligaments of the uterus by MESOVARIUM.

 TUNICA ALBUGINEA – whitish collagenous connective tissue capsule, beneath the epithelium

 OVARIAN CORTEX – deep down the tunica albuginea consists of ovarian follicles

 Produce 1 gametes, secondary oocytes that develop into mature eggs after fertilization and 2
hormones

2. Fallopian Tubes (oviducts)

 Paired muscular tubes approximately 12 cm long and extends laterally from the uterus

 Free ends open into the peritoneal cavity close to the ovaries

 Road for sperm to reach the ovum and transport secondary oocytes

 INFUNDIBULUM is funnel-shaped portion of each tube and is close to the ovary

 AMPULLA ussually where sperm and ovum meet for fertilization.

3. Uterus or womb

 Organ where baby grows

 Located in pelvis between the urinary bladder and rectum

 Same shape and size than that of an inverted pear

 Functions to receive, retain, and nourish a fertilized egg

 Site of implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of the fetus during pregnancy, and labor

 No fertilization – source of menstrual flow

 BODY – major portion

 FUNDUS – superior rounded portion above the entrance of the uterine tubes

 CERVIX – Inferior narrow portion which protrudes into the vagina

 UTERINE CAVITY – interior of the body

 CERVICAL CANAL – Interior of the cervix

 Cervical canal opens to uterine cavity at the INTERNAL OS and into the vagina at the EXTERNAL OS

 3 layers

i. Endometrium - 2 Layers

Stratum Functionalis – lines the inner cavity sloughs off during menstruation

Stratum Basalis – permanent deeper layer, give rise to new S. Functionalis

ii. Myometrium

Contracts during labor and childbirth

iii. Perimetrium

Covers the urinary bladder and forms a shallow pouch

4. Vagina

 Lies between the bladder and the rectum and extends from the cervix to the exterior body

 Receptacle for the penis during intercourse, outlet for menstrual flow and passageway for childbirth

 HYMEN – thin fold of mucosa at the distal end, would rupture and bleed during first intercourse

 FORNIX – recess sorounding the vaginal attachment to the cervix