CHAPTER

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

8

The reproductive system or genital system is a system of sex organs within an

organism which work together for the purpose of sexual reproduction. Many non-living
substances such as fluids, hormones, and pheromones are also important accessories to
the reproductive system. Unlike most organ systems, the sexes of differentiated species
often have significant differences. These differences allow for a combination of genetic
material between two individuals, which allows for the possibility of greater genetic
fitness of the offspring.

SECTION I THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside of the body and
around the pelvic region of a male that contribute towards the reproduction process. The
primary direct function of the male reproductive system is to provide the male sperm for
fertilization of the ovum.

ORGANS
The major reproductive organs of the male can be grouped into three categories.
The first category is sperm production and storage. Production takes place in the testes
which are housed in the temperature regulating scrotum, immature sperm then travel to
the epididymis for development and storage. The second category is the ejaculatory
fluid producing glands which include the seminal vesicles, prostate and the vas
deferens. The final category is those used for copulation, and deposition of the
spermatozoa (sperm) within the male. These include the penis, urethra, vas deferens,
and Cowper's gland.
The male cells that will unite with the female’s egg are called sperm. Sperm are
also called “spermatozoa”. In the male, the organ that produces sperm is called the
testis. Men have two testes. The testes develop in the abdomen and descend into the
scrotum through the inguinal canal. One testis is typically lower than the other to avoid
compression in the event of impact. The functions of the testes are to produce both
sperm and androgens, primarily testosterone. Testosterone release is controlled by the
anterior pituitary luteinizing hormone; whereas sperm production is controlled both by

141
the anterior pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadal testosterone. So, the
testes release a hormone that controls the development of sperm. This hormone is also
responsible for the development of physical characteristics in men such as facial hair
and a deep voice.
The scrotum holds the testes. The scrotum is a pouch of skin that hangs outside a
man’s body. The location of the scrotum allows it to keep the testes at a temperature that
is a few degrees cooler than a man's internal body temperature. Proper temperature is very
important for the production of sperm. There are muscles in the wall of the scrotum that
contract and relax to change the distance of the scrotum from the body. The superficial
fascia (dartos) under the skin can contract and wrinkle the scrotum, drawing it nearer the
body for warmth. When it is cold, the scrotum is pulled closer to the body. The body’s
heat can keep the temperature in the testes ideal for sperm production. When it is hot, the
scrotum lies farther away from the body. In humans and some other mammals, the
scrotum becomes covered with pubic hair at puberty. The scrotum will usually tighten
during penile erection and when exposed to cold temperature.
Sperm are produced inside seminiferous tubules. There are many seminiferous tubules
within each testis. In the lining of seminiferous tubules, there are cells called
spermatocytes. Spermatocytes are the cells that eventually become sperm.
Before a spermatocyte can become a sperm, it must undergo a special type of cell
division called meiosis. Meiosis takes one spermatocyte and divides it into four
identical cells called spermatids. Spermatids have half the number of chromosomes as
spermatocytes and other body cells. Chromosomes are the structures within the nucleus
of a cell that contain the cell’s genetic information. When a sperm and an egg join, a
child is produced. The child gets half of its chromosomes from the mother and half from
the father. That's why a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg only need half the number of
chromosomes as other cells.
After meiosis occurs, the spermatids are released into the lumen, or central opening,
of the seminiferous tubule. At this point, spermatids are immature sperm because they
are not yet able to swim. Sperm must be able to swim to reach the egg in a woman’s
body. To mature into sperm, spermatids travel within a liquid in the seminiferous tubule
to a long, coiled tube that sits on top of each testis. This tube is called the epididymis.
The epididymis is the place where sperm become mature. The sperm remain here until a
man ejaculates, and the sperm exit his body.
A bulbourethral gland, also called a Cowper's gland for English anatomist William
Cowper, is one of two small exocrine glands in the reproductive system of many male
mammals. They are homologous to Bartholin's glands in females. Cowper's glands are
paired just below the prostate. They secrete a fluid to neutralize the acid environment of
the urethra (which is acidic to deter bacterial growth). Mucous secretion buffers the
sperm against injury during ejaculation.

142
 A penis (plural penises or penes) is the primary sexual organ that male animals use
to inseminate sexually receptive mates (usually females and hermaphrodites) during
copulation. Ejaculation is the release of sperm cells and seminal plasma from the male
reproductive system through the penis. Ejaculation is mediated by the sympathetic
nervous system. Ejaculation takes place in two phases: in the first, or emission, stage,
sperm are moved from the testes and the epididymis (where the sperm are stored) to the
beginning of the urethra, a hollow tube running through the penis that transports either
sperm or urine; in the second stage, ejaculation proper, the semen is moved through the
urethra and expelled from the body. The urinary sphincter closes at the base of the
bladder, preventing the flow of semen into the bladder and urine into the ejaculate. All
accessory sexual organs (ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and ejaculatory
ducts) contract their smooth muscles to expel semen. The ischiocavernosus muscle at
the base of the penis contracts. Semen contains spermatozoa and seminal fluid from the
accessory glands. Average semen volume is about 5 ml, which contains about 100
million sperm cells. Seminal fluid is bacteriocidal and alkaline. It clots initially, then
liquefies in 20 minutes. Only one sperm is needed to fertilize an ovum.
A parasympathetic neural response triggers erection to any of a large number of
stimuli (sight, sound, touch, imagination). The basic processes of erection are as
follows: arterial inflow increases and venous outflow is decreased by pressure from
arterial expansion.
The prostate is a compound tubule alveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive
system. The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid, milky or white
in appearance, that in humans usually constitutes roughly 30% of the volume of semen
along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. Semen is made alkaline overall with
the secretions from other contributing glands, including, at least, seminal vesicle fluid.
The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the
lifespan of sperm. The prostatic fluid is expelled in the first part of ejaculation, together
with most of the sperm. In comparison with the few spermatozoa expelled together with
mainly seminal vesicular fluid, those in prostatic fluid have better motility, longer
survival, and better protection of genetic material. The prostate also contains some
smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

PROSTATE PATHOLOGY
Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) tends to close the urethra, causing a number of
urinary dysfunctions. Transurethral resection of the prostate involves cutting the
prostate into small chunks removed through the urethra. This can cause ejaculation into
the bladder. Cancerous prostates can be approached from the pubic bone or the penis
and thus removed, but either surgical approach may cause postoperative problems.

143
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm
enough for sex. Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for
concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect
your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or
keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs
treatment and a risk factor for heart disease. Sometimes, treating an underlying
condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other
direct treatments might be needed.
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones,
emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a
problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or
worsen erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile
dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response
might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or
worsen erectile dysfunction. The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make
healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions.

GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It’s caused by infection with
the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body.
Gonorrhea passes from person to person through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal
sex. People with numerous sexual partners or those who don’t use a condom are at
greatest risk of infection. The best protections against infection are abstinence,
monogamy (sex with only one partner), and proper condom usage. Behaviors that
make a person more likely to engage in unprotected sex also increase the likelihood of
infection. These behaviors include alcohol abuse and illegal drug abuse, particularly
intravenous drug use.
Symptoms usually occur within two to fourteen days after exposure. However,
some people infected with gonorrhea never develop noticeable symptoms. It’s important
to remember that a person with gonorrhea who doesn’t have symptoms, also called a
nonsymptomatic carrier, is still contagious. A person is more likely to spread the
infection to other partners when they don’t have noticeable symptoms.
Modern antibiotics can cure most gonorrhea infections. Most states also provide
free diagnosis and treatment at state-sponsored health clinics. The safest way to prevent
gonorrhea or other STDs is through abstinence.

144
EXERCISE A. Answer the following questions.
1. What are the functions of the testes?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
They are producing sperm and androgens, primarily testosterone

…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What is the scrotum?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
It is a pouch of skin that hangs outside a man body

…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Where are sperm produced?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Sperm are produced inside seminiferous tubules

…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. What are chromosomes?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
They are the structures within the nucleus of a cell that contain the cell's genetic information

…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Where do sperm become mature?
The epididymis is the place where sperm become mature
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. What do Cowper’s glands do?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
They secrete a fluid to neutralize the acid environment of the urethra which is acidic to deter bacterial growth

…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. What are the phases of ejaculation?
Ejaculation takes place in two phases in the first, or emission, stage,sperm are moved from the testes and the epididymis
…………………………………………………………………………………………
(where the sperm are stored) to thebeginning of the urethra, a hollow tube running through the penis that transports
…………………………………………………………………………………………
eithersperm or urine; in the second stage, ejaculation proper, the semen is moved through theurethra and expelled from
the body
8. What is the prostate gland?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
It is a compound tubule alveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system

…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. What is the function of the prostate?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid, milky or whitein appearance, that in humans
usually constitutes roughly 30% of the volume of semenalong with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10. What does the alkalinity of semen help?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

EXERCISE B. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.
1. scrotum A. a cell that will divide to form sperm
2. testes B. the place where sperm mature
3. spermatid C. the organ that makes spermatids
4. epididymis D. an immature sperm
5. spermatocyte E. the place within the testes where spermatids are made
6. seminiferous tubules F. sperm

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7. spermatozoa G. a sac that holds the testes
8. prostate gland H. a bulbourethral gland
9. a Cowper’s gland I. impotence
10. erectile dysfunction J. a gland that secretes a slightly alkaline fluid

EXERCISE C. Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences.
1. The main function of the male reproductive system is to _________.
A. stimulate development of sperm
B. stimulate cells in the testes
C. produce and deliver sperm
D. produce ova
2. Sperm production begins in the _________.
A. seminiferous tubules B. epididymis
C. vas deferens D. ejaculatory duct
3. The _________ is one of the spermatic ducts that transports sperm to the male urethra
from which they may exit the male’s body.
A. epididymis B. ejaculatory duct
C. vas deferens D. urethra
4. The cell produced by fertilization is called _________.
A. gamete B. embryo
C. fetus D. zygote
5. The release of FSH and LH stimulates cell in the testes to produce_________.
A. scrotum B. progesterone
C. testosterone D. estrogen
6. The production of testosterone in the interstitial cells is stimulated by _________.
A. inhibin
B. luteinizing hormone (LH)
C. follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. progesterone
7. Sperm maturation occurs in the _________.
A. seminiferous tubules B. epididymis
C. vas deferens D. urethra
8. Male gametes, spermatozoa, often referred to as “sperm” are produced by the
_________, the male gonads.
A. testes B. liver
C. pancreas D. ovaries
9. A vasectomy involves cutting the _________.
A. epididymis B. vena cava
C. vas deferens D. fallopian tubes

146
10. _________ signals the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.
A. Penis B. Hypothalamus
C. Scrotum D. Vagina

EXERCISE D. Complete the following sentences with the words in the box.
erection resection prevent stress psychological
urethra worsen underlying inability sexual arousal

1. Benign prostate hypertrophy tends to close the _________, causing a number of

urinary dysfunctions.
2. Transurethral _________ of the prostate involves cutting the prostate into small
chunks removed through the urethra.
3. Erectile dysfunction is the _________ to get and keep an erection firm enough for
sex.
4. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, it can cause _________, affect your self-
confidence and contribute to relationship problems.
5. Sometimes, treating an _________ condition is enough to reverse erectile
dysfunction.
6. Problems getting or keeping an _________ can also be a sign of an underlying health
condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
7. Male _________ is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions,
nerves, muscles and blood vessels.
8. Stress and mental health concerns can cause or _________ erectile dysfunction.
9. Sometimes a combination of physical and _________ issues causes erectile
dysfunction.
10. The best way to _________ erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices
and to manage any existing health conditions.

EXERCISE E. Complete the following paragraph with the correct forms of the
words in brackets.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate (1. ENLARGE)
__________, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate. Symptoms may include
frequent (2. URINATE) __________, trouble starting to urinate, weak stream,
(3. ABLE) __________to urinate, or loss of bladder control. Complications can include
urinary tract (4. INFECT) __________, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems.
The cause is unclear. Risk factors include a family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes, not
enough exercise, and (5. ERECT) __________dysfunction. Medications like
pseudoephedrine, anticholinergics, and calcium channel blockers may

147
(6. WORSE)__________ symptoms. The underlying mechanism involves the prostate
pressing on the urethra thereby making it difficult to pass urine out of the bladder.
(7. DIAGNOSE) __________ is typically based on symptoms and examination after
ruling out other possible causes.
(8. TREAT) __________ options including lifestyle changes, medications, a number of
procedures, and surgery. In those with mild symptoms weight (9. LOSE) __________,
exercise and decreasing caffeine intake are recommended. In those with more
significant symptoms, -
reductase inhibitors such as finasteride. (10. SURGERY) __________ removal of part
of the prostate may be carried out in those who do not improve with other measures.
Alternative medicine, such as saw palmetto, does not appear to help.

EXERCISE F. Cover the preceding text and complete the cloze passage below.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It’s (1) _________ by infection
with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It tends to (2) _________ warm, moist areas
of the body. Gonorrhea (3) _________ from person to person through unprotected oral,
anal, or vaginal sex. People with numerous sexual partners or those who don’t
(4) _________ a condom are at greatest risk of infection. The best protections against
infection are abstinence, monogamy (sex with only one partner), and proper condom
usage. Behaviors that make a person more likely to (5) _________ in unprotected sex
also increase the likelihood of infection. These behaviors include alcohol (6) _________
and illegal drug abuse, particularly intravenous drug use.
Symptoms usually (7) _________ within two to fourteen days after exposure. However,
some people (8) _________ with gonorrhea never develop noticeable symptoms. It’s
important to remember that a person with gonorrhea who doesn’t have symptoms, also
called a nonsymptomatic carrier, is still contagious. A person is more likely to
(9) _________the infection to other partners when they don’t have noticeable
symptoms.
Modern antibiotics can cure most gonorrhea infections. Most states also provide free
(10) _________ and treatment at state-sponsored health clinics. The safest way to
prevent gonorrhea or other STDs is through abstinence.

148
 SECTION II THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The human female reproductive system is a series of organs primarily located

inside of the body and around the pelvic region of a female that contribute towards the
reproductive process.

ORGANS
The organs of the female reproductive system are specialized for three things:
production of ova (eggs), fertilization (the union of egg and sperm), and the growth of
the new individual before it is born. The female reproductive system consists of four
different kinds of organ: two ovaries, two Fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the vagina.
buồng trứng ống dẫn trứng
Like the testes, the ovaries are oval-shaped organs that produce ova and hormones.
Unlike the male who makes sperm daily, females are born with all of the oocytes - cells
that ultimately form ova - that they will ever have. When released by the ovary, the
ovum travels down the Fallopian tube into the uterus, where it may become fertilised by
a sperm. There is an ovary found on the left and right sides of the body. The ovaries also
khả năng sinh sản
secrete hormones that play a role in the menstrual cycle and fertility. The ovary
thời kì trước sinh thời kì mãn kinh
progresses through many stages beginning in the prenatal period through menopause. It
is also an endocrine gland because of the various hormones that it secretes.
Fertilization usually happens in the Fallopian tubes. The Fallopian tubes, also
known as uterine tubes or salpinges (singularsalpinx), are two very fine tubes lined with
có lông biểu mô trụ
ciliated simple columnar epithelium, leading from the ovaries of female mammals into
ngã ba tử cung
the uterus, via the uterotubal junction. They enable the passage of egg cells from the
ovaries to the uterus. The Fallopian tubes connect to the uterus at the upper corners of
hình quả lê nắm tay
the uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ, about the size of a fist. The uterus or
womb is a major female hormone-responsive secondary sex organ of the reproductive
system in humans and most other mammals. In the human, the lower end of the uterus,
cổ tử cung
the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the upper end, the fundus, is connected to the
thai nhi mang thai
Fallopian tubes. It is within the uterus that the fetus develops during gestation. In the
hợp nhất vào
human embryo, the uterus develops from the paramesonephric ducts which fuse into the
single organ known as a simplex uterus. The uterus has a thick muscular wall. The inner
lining (during child-bearing years) is richly supplied with blood vessels to nourish the
developing fetus.
In the lower portion of the uterus is a channel called the cervix. The cervix or
cervix uteri is the lower part of the uterus in the human female reproductive system. The
hình trụ
cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm long and roughly cylindrical in shape, which changes during
gestation
pregnancy. The narrow, central cervical canal runs along its entire length, connecting
lòng âm đạo
the uterine cavity and the lumen of the vagina. The opening into the uterus is called the

149
internal os, and the opening into the vagina is called the external os. The lower part of
phình ra
the cervix, known as the vaginal portion of the cervix (or ectocervix), bulges into the
top of the vagina. The cervix is the connection between the main part of the uterus and
the vagina below. tinh dịch lắng đọng
The vagina is where semen is deposited by the penis. The vagina leads to the
kênh
outside of the body and is the canal through which the baby passes in order to be born.
tuyến yên
Approximately every 28 days, the pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates
some of the ova to develop and grow. One ovum is released and it passes through the
fallopian tube into the uterus. Hormones produced by the ovaries prepare the uterus to
chờ đợi
receive the ovum. It awaits the sperm for fertilization to occur. When this does not
niêm mạc tử cung
occur i.e. no sperm for fertilization, the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and
rụng hành kinh
unfertilized ova are shed each cycle through the process of menstruation. If the ovum is
fertilized by sperm, it attaches to the endometrium and the fetus develops.
chất nhầy
The endometrium is the inner epithelial layer, along with its mucous membrane, of
cơ bản
the mammalian uterus. It has a basal layer and a functional layer; the functional layer
thickens and then is shed during menstruation. In most other mammals the endometrium
chu kỳ kinh
is reabsorbed in the estrous cycle. During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the
endometrium further increase in size and number. Vascular spaces fuse and become
kết nối trong nhau thai
interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the
embryo and fetus.

MENSTRUATION
Menstruation, also known as a period or monthly, is the regular discharge of blood
mô niêm mạc
and mucosal tissue (known as menses) from the inner lining of the uterus through the
vagina. The first period usually begins between twelve and fifteen years of age, a point
in time known as menarche. The typical length of time between the first day of one
period and the first day of the next is 21 to 45 days in young women, and 21 to 31 days
in adults (an average of 28 days). Bleeding usually lasts around 2 to 7 days.
Menstruation stops occurring after menopause, which usually occurs between 45 and 55
years of age. Periods also stop during pregnancy and typically do not resume during the
cho con bú
initial months of breastfeeding. Menstruation occurs in phases. The cycle begins with
the first day of bleeding. The menstrual phase lasts about 5 days, during which time
various processes take place: the uterus is the main source of menstrual bleeding and
trước khi rụng trứng
several secondary follicles begin to mature in both ovaries. The preovulatory phase has
có thời hạn khác nhau sự rụng trứng
the most variable duration, between the end of menstruation and ovulation. The next
nhất quán
phase is ovulation. The postovulatory phase lasts 14 days and is fairly consistent.
suy giảm thiếu máu cục bộ
Estrogen and progesterone decline and cause ischemia to the endometrium, which dies
bong ra
and sloughs off.

150
FERTILIZATION AND EARLY PREGNANCY
Fewer than 1% of the sperm reach the ovum. Fertilization occurs in the Fallopian
lý thuyết thụ thai
tube 12-24 hours after ovulation. The theoretical window for conception is 36 hours.
xuất tinh
Sperm are viable for 48 hours after ejaculation. The ovum is viable for 24 hours after
Sự phân chia
ovulation. Cleavage of the fertilized egg produces a two-celled conceptum and then, by
phôi dâu
the fourth day, the morula, which has hundreds of cells. The blastocyst develops on the
tự cấy
fifth day; by the end of the first week of pregnancy, it has implanted itself into the
uterine wall. If the uterine wall is not ready for the blastocyst, the cell mass will be
rejected through a normal menstrual process. The blastocyst and endometrium develop
two-layer walls around the seventh day. The implantation process continues to develop
hệ tuần hoàn
layers of tissue and a separate circulatory system for the embryo. The developing
mao mạch
placenta grows a network of capillaries that will eventually exchange blood between the
mother and embryo. In early development, the placenta exchanges only gases, nutrients,
and waste because of possible differences in blood type between the mother and
embryo. Toward the end of pregnancy, the placenta begins to age and can mix the
different blood types. If the blood types are incompatible, problems such as neonatal
không tương thích
jaundice can occur.
vàng da sơ sinh

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY mang thai ngoài tử cung

Ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches
biến chứng
outside the uterus. Signs and symptoms classically include abdominal pain and vaginal
bleeding. Fewer than 50 percent of affected women have both of these symptoms. The
co giật
pain may be described as sharp, dull, or crampy. Pain may also spread to the shoulder if
bleeding into the abdomen has occurred. Severe bleeding may result in a fast heart rate,
fainting, or shock. With very rare exceptions, the fetus is unable to survive. The rate of
ectopic pregnancy is about 1 and 2% that of live births in developed countries, though it
may be as high as 4% among those using assisted reproductive technology. It is the
most common cause of death among women during the first trimester at approximately
10% of the total.
Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include: pelvic inflammatory disease, often due
to chlamydia infection, tobacco smoking, prior tubal surgery, a history of infertility, and
the use of assisted reproductive technology. Those who have previously had an ectopic
pregnancy are at much higher risk of having another one. Most ectopic pregnancies
which are known as tubal pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Implantation can also
occur on the cervix, ovaries, or within the abdomen. Detection of ectopic pregnancy is
xét nghiệm máu về HCG và siêu âm
typically by blood tests for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and ultrasound. This
may require testing on more than one occasion. Ultrasound works best when performed
sẩy thai
from within the vagina. Other causes of similar symptoms include miscarriage, ovarian
torsion, and acute appendicitis.
xoắn viêm ruột thừa cấp tính

151
 An ectopic pregnancy may be treated in some different ways. Methotrexate may be
given, which allows the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue and may save the fallopian
tube, depending on how far the pregnancy has progressed. If the tube has become
stretched or has ruptured and started bleeding, part or all of it may have to be removed.
In this case, bleeding needs to be stopped promptly, and emergency surgery is
phẫu thuật nội soi
necessary. Laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia may be performed. This
procedure involves a surgeon using a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy and
repair or remove the affected fallopian tube. If the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed
by a laparoscopically, another surgical procedure called a laparotomy may be done.

EXERCISE A. Answer the following questions.

1. Name the organs that make up the female reproductive system.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What do the organs of the female reproductive system function?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Why is the ovary also an endocrine gland?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. What is the role the Fallopian tubes?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Where is the cervix and how long is it?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. How does the fetus develop?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. When do most women reach menarche?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Does menstruation happen after menopause?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. In an ectopic pregnancy, what may vaginal bleeding lead to?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

152
10. What is done in a laparoscopic surgery?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
EXERCISE B. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.
1. ova A. womb
2. Fallopian tubes B. menarche
3. endometrium C. inner lining of the uterus
4. ectopic D. eggs
5. menstruation E. in an abnormal place
6. first period F. menses
7. cervix G. the union of ovum and sperm
8. fertilization H. uterine tubes or salpinges
9. uterus I. neck of the uterus
10. ovulation J. discharge of ova from the ovary

EXERCISE C. Complete the following sentences using the words in the box.
menopause embryo fetus meiosis zygote
fertilization inheritance endometrium ova Fallopian tubes

1. The passing of eye color from parents to a child is an example of _____________.

2. _____________ occurs when a sperm enters an egg.
3. The female sex cell is called _____________.
4. The single cell that results from fertilization is called a_____________.
5. _____________ is the process that reduces chromosome numbers.
6. Once the zygote begins to multiply into many cells, it's called an_____________.
7. Before a baby is born, it is called a _____________.
8. Fertilization usually takes place in the _____________.
9. _____________ starts when the menstrual cycles cease.
10. The layer of the uterus that is closest to the inside is the _____________.

EXERCISE D. Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences.
1. Menstruation is part of the process that prepares the female uterus for the potential of
a pregnancy. Menstruation involves _________.
A. the production of eggs B. shedding the lining of the uterus
C. the production of sperm D. ovulation

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2. When a woman has her tubes tied, the path that allows the egg and sperm to meet is
blocked. These tubes are known as _________.
A. vas deferens B. aorta
C. bile tubes D. fallopian tubes
3. The layer of the uterine wall that is shed during menstruation is the _________.
A. endometrium B. myometrium
C. epimetrium D. None of the above.
4. _________ is a condition in which the tissue that behaves like the cells lining of the
uterus (endometrium) grow in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding,
and possible infertility.
A. Ovarian cancer B. AIDS
C. Hepatitis B D. Endometriosis
5. The main function of the female reproductive system is to _________.
A. stimulate development of sperm
B. stimulate cells within the ovaries to produce estrogen
C. produce and deliver sperm
D. produce ova and prepare the female's to body to nourish a developing
embryo
6. Hysterectomy is removal of _________ . This might be performed if a woman is
experiencing problems such as cervical/uterine cancer, or abdominal bleeding from the
vagina that cannot otherwise be controlled.
A. the ovaries B. testes
C. uterus D. spleen
7. The hormone that works with estrogen to prepare the endometrium for implantation
of a fertilized egg is _________.
A. LH B. FSH
C. ADH D. progesterone
8. The average menstrual cycle is _________.
A. 14 days B. 18 days
C. 24 days D. 28 days
9. The structure between the uterus and the vagina is the _________.
A. uterine tube B. cervix
C. vulva D. hymen
10. The hormone that stimulates uterine contractions is _________.
A. oxytocin B. estrogen
C. granular cell carcinoma D. progesterone

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EXERCISE E. Identify the error in the underlined words or phrases below.
1. The external genitalia of the female are collective called vulva.
A B C D
2. Locate on the pelvis on each side of the uterus, the ovaries are a pair of female
A B
reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed.
C D
3. The cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm length and roughly cylindrical in shape, which
A B
changes during pregnancy.
C D
4. The first know description of an ectopic pregnancy is by Al-Zahrawi in the 11th
A B C D
century.
5. Having trichomoniasis increases the risk of getting HIV/AIDS and it may also
A B
causes complications during pregnancy.
C D
6. Human papillomavirus infection is an infecting by human papillomavirus (HPV).
A B C D
7. Fertilization usually occurs in the Fallopian tubes and mark the beginning of
A B C
embryogenesis.
D
8. Chancroid is a type of sexually transmitted disease, which means it’s transmitted
A B
through sexual contact. It may also spread from skin-to-skin contact with an infection
C D
person.
9. When the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus, the cervix
A B
dilates and contractions of the uterus propels the newborn through the birth canal.
C D
10. In the human, the female reproductive system is immature at birth and develops to
A
mature at puberty to be able to produce gametes, and to carry a fetus to full term.
B C D

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EXERCISE F. Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
1. pregnancy is ectopic a of pregnancy complication.
2. be described as sharp, dull, or crampy the pain may.
3. rare with very exceptions, the is unable fetus to survive.
4. surgery under general laparoscopic may be anesthesia performed.
5. occur most ectopic pregnancies in the Fallopian tube as tubal which are known
pregnancies.

EXERCISE G. Complete the following passage with the appropriate forms of the
words in brackets.
An ectopic (1. PREGNANT) __________ occurs when the ovum enters the abdominal
cavity, instead of the Fallopian tube, and is (2. FERTILIZATION) __________ there.
The term "ectopic" means an (3. USUAL) __________ or unexpected place. An ectopic
pregnancy is possible because the ovary and the Fallopian tube do not connect directly
to one another. They are (4. SEPARATE) __________ by a space that is open to the
abdominal cavity. If an ovum enters the abdominal cavity and a sperm is able to fertilize
this ovum, the embryo can attach to some of the tissues inside the abdominal cavity. It is
possible that this type of pregnancy can go to full term (9 months), but sometimes
delivery is very (5. COMPLICATE) __________.
A similar type of condition called a (6. TUBE) __________ pregnancy occurs when an
embryo does not move to the uterus for (7. DEVELOP) __________, but remains in the
Fallopian tube. Since this tube does not have an adequate blood supply to
(8. NOURISHMENT) __________ the embryo, these pregnancies are not
(9. SUCCESS) __________ . They often cause the mother great pain, and the physician
usually has to (10. REMOVAL) __________ the embryo for the mother to survive.

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 SECTION III FURTHER PRACTICE

EXERCISE A. Complete the following passage with the words in the box.

affect usage infections vaginal problems

eliminate sexual severe caused including

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are (1) __________ that are passed from one
person to another through (2) __________ contact. The causes of STDs are bacteria,
parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, (3) __________
chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, syphilis, and Trichomoniasis.
Most STDs (4) __________ both men and women, but in many cases the health
problems they cause can be more (5) __________ for women. If a pregnant woman has
an STD, it can cause serious health (6) __________ for the baby.
Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. There is no cure
for STDs (7) __________ by a virus, but medicines can often help with the symptoms
and keep the disease under control. Correct (8) __________ of latex condoms greatly
reduces, but does not completely (9) __________, the risk of catching or spreading
STDs. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, (10) __________, or
oral sex.

EXERCISE B. Study the table below and complete the sentences with the diseases
mentioned in the table.
COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)
INCUBATION
DISEASE

PERIOD
CAUSED BY (TIME UNTIL SYMPTOMS CONSEQUENCES
ONSET OF
SYMPTOMS)
Increased
6 days-6 weeks susceptibility to
Human immune
First symptoms Initial flu-like infection; usually
AIDS

deficiency virus
often not symptoms results in death from
(HIV)
noticed one of those
infections

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 Soft red ulcer
Chancroid
Haemophilus on penis or on
Lymph nodes burst,
ducreyi, a 3-10 days / near vagina,
releasing pus
bacterium painful lymph
nodes
Male: runny
gray discharge
Male: inflammation
from penis,
in testes and urethra,
Chlamydial Infection

painful testes
possible sterility
Female:
Chlamydia 7-14 days Female: Infection and
vaginal pain,
trachomatis, a Many have no scarring of Fallopian
vaginal
bacterium symptoms tubes, liver infection,
bleeding
sterility, ectopic
urination,
pregnancy
abdominal
discharge,
painful
Small blisters
Genital herpes

on / near penis
May be passed on to
Human herpes or vagina.
2-20 days newborn from
virus (HHV) 2 Itching and
infected mother.
pain near
blisters.
Male: thick
Male: sterility urinary
discharge
tract infections
from penis,
Female: infection and
pain with
scarring of Fallopian
Gonorrhea

Neisseria 2-5 days urination

tubes and (infertility),
gonorrhoeae, a Some may have Female:
peritonitis, ectopic
bacterium no symptoms. minimal,
pregnancy
some pain
Blindness in
with urination
newborns of infected
vaginal
mother
discharge

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 Increased risk of
Often no
Papillomavirus
Infections cervical cancer in
symptoms.
Human papilloma 3 weeks- women. May be
Warts on
virus (HPV) 8months transmitted to
penis or
newborn causing
vagina
respiratory failure.
Painless hard Sterility blindness,
red ulcer on nervous system
penis or in disorders (stroke,
Treponema vagina (often mental illness),
Syphilis

pallidum, a 10-90 days unnoticed in miscarriage and

bacterium females). stillbirth.
Later, flu-like Mother may pass
symptoms disease onto babies
appear. that survive.
Male: Most
have no
symptoms.
Some
discharge
from penis,
Trichomoniasis

painful May be passed on to

Trichomonas
urination. newborn from
vaginalis, a single- 4-20 days
Female: infected mother.
celled parasite
burning/
itching in
vaginal
region, yellow
discharge,
painful
urination

1. Most _________ cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously. In some people, this
infection persists and results in warts or precancerous lesions. The precancerous lesions
increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or throat.
2. _________ is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This STD causes herpetic sores,
which are painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid. About
16 percent of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have this STD.

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3. _________ is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
About 70% of women and men do not have symptoms when infected. When symptoms
do occur they typically begin 5 to 28 days after exposure. Symptoms can include itching
in the genital area, a bad smelling thin vaginal discharge, burning with urination, and
pain with sex.
4. _________ is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It was once a major public
health threat, commonly causing serious long-term health problems such as arthritis, brain
damage, and blindness. It defied effective treatment until the late 1940s, when the antibiotic
penicillin was first developed.
5. _________ passes from person to person through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal
sex. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It’s caused by infection with the
bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body.
6. _________, often simply known as chlamydia, is a sexually transmitted infection
caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Most people who are infected have no
symptoms. When symptoms do develop this can take a few weeks following infection to
occur.
7. _________ is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Following initial infection, a person may not notice any
symptoms or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. Typically, this is
followed by a prolonged period with no symptoms. As the infection progresses, it
interferes more with the immune system, increasing the risk of developing common
infections such as tuberculosis, as well as other opportunistic infections, and tumors that
rarely affect people who have working immune systems.
8. _________ is a bacterial infection that causes open sores on or around the genitals of
men and women. The bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi causes this infection. It attacks
tissue in the genital area and produces an open sore that’s sometimes referred to as
ulcer. The ulcer may bleed or produce a contagious fluid that can spread bacteria during
oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.

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EXERCISE C. Here is the table showing some roots related to the organs of the
female reproductive system. Use the roots for oviducts, uterus and vagina
indicated to write a word with given definition.
ROOTS FOR THE OVIDUCTS, UTERUS, VAGINA
Root Meaning Example Definition of example
salping/o oviduct, tube salpingectomy excision of an oviduct
uter/o uterus uterine pertaining to the uterus
metr/o, uterus metrorrhagia abnormal uterine bleeding
metr/i
hyster/o uterus hysteroscopy endoscopic examination of the
uterus
cervic/o cervix, neck endocervical pertaining to the lining of the
cervix
vagin/o vagina vaginoplasty plastic repair of the vagina
colp/o vagina colpocele hernia of the vagina

1. _________: a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus

2. _________ : a device for measuring the length and expansion of the vagina
3. _________: plastic surgery on a fallopian tube
4. _________ : a narrowing of the uterine cavity
5. _________ : pain in the vagina
6. _________ : radiograph of the uterus and oviducts
7. _________ : inflammation of the cervix
8. _________: suturing of the vagina to the abdominal wall in cases of vaginal
relaxation
9. _________ : surgical removal of an ovary and its fallopian tube
10. _________: inflammation of the vagina

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 WORD BANK
acidity glycogen reproductive
alkalinity impotence reproduction
cancerous infertility resection
chancroid meiosis reverse
chromosome menopause scrotum
Cowper's gland menstruation secrete
ectopic myometrium secretion
ejaculate motility semen
ejaculation neutralize seminiferous tubules
embryo oocyte spermatids
endometrium ovulation spermatocyte
epididymis ovary spermatozoan (sperm)
erect ovum (egg) testes
erection penis transmit
fertilize placenta urethra
fertilization pregnancy vagina
fluid prostate vas deferens
follicle puberty zygote

SOURCES FOR THE READING PASSAGES

CHAPTER 8
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Goodman, Anthony A.2004. Understanding the Human Body: An Introduction to
Anatomy and Physiology. The Great Courses.
Penn, Judy Meier & Hanson, Elizabeth. 2006. Anatomy and Physiology for English
language learners. Pearson Education.
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy
https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/male reproductive system
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/female reproductive system

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