Maternity Directions: Answer the questions in a minimum of 300 words utilizing the 7th edition APA format to cite your reference. 1. Differentiate the structures and functions of the major external and internal female genital organs. 2. Outline the phases of the menstrual cycle, the dominant hormones involved, and the changes taking place in each phase. 3. Identify external and internal male reproductive structures and the function of each in hormonal regulation.
1. Differentiation of the structures and functions of the major external and internal female genital organs:
The female genital organs comprise both external and internal structures that play critical roles in reproduction and sexual function. The external female genitalia, also known as the vulva, consist of several distinct parts. The mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone and provides cushioning. The labia majora are two larger, hair-covered folds of skin that enclose and protect the other external genital organs. Inside the labia majora are the labia minora, which are thinner, hairless folds of skin. The labia minora surround the vestibule, which contains the vaginal opening, urethral opening, and the openings of the Bartholin’s glands. The clitoris, an erectile organ, is located at the top of the vulva and plays a crucial role in sexual arousal.
Internally, the female genital organs consist of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the external genitalia to the uterus. Its primary functions include receiving the penis during sexual intercourse, acting as a pathway for menstrual blood flow, and providing a passage for childbirth. The uterus, or womb, is a hollow, pear-shaped organ where fertilized eggs implant and develop into fetuses. It undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle to support pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are narrow structures that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Each month, one of the ovaries releases a mature egg, which is captured by one of the fallopian tubes during ovulation. The ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, produce and release eggs and are responsible for the production of female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
2. Phases of the menstrual cycle, the dominant hormones involved, and the changes taking place in each phase:
The menstrual cycle consists of several phases that occur in a cyclic manner, typically lasting 28 days, although variations are common. The cycle is regulated by hormones produced by the ovaries and the pituitary gland. The four main phases are the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.
During the menstrual phase, which lasts around 3-7 days, the shedding of the uterine lining occurs, resulting in menstruation. The dominant hormone during this phase is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries.
The follicular phase follows the menstrual phase and lasts about 7-10 days. FSH continues to stimulate follicle growth, leading to the maturation of one dominant ovarian follicle. This follicle produces increasing levels of estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining in preparation for potential implantation.
Ovulation occurs around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. The dominant hormone during this phase is luteinizing hormone (LH), which surges to trigger the release of the mature egg from the dominant ovarian follicle. Ovulation marks the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.
Following ovulation, the luteal phase begins and lasts approximately 14 days. The ruptured ovarian follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which secretes high levels of progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy by further thickening the uterine lining and inhibiting ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a decline in hormone levels, and the menstrual phase begins again.
Throughout the menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, exerting various effects on the uterine lining, cervical mucus, and other reproductive tissues. These hormonal changes coordinate the maturation and release of eggs while also influencing the overall structure and function of the female reproductive system.
3. Identification of external and internal male reproductive structures and the function of each in hormonal regulation:
The male reproductive system is primarily concerned with the production and delivery of sperm. It consists of both external and internal structures. The external male genitalia include the penis and scrotum. The penis serves as the reproductive organ during sexual intercourse and also facilitates the elimination of urine. The scrotum is a pouch of skin that hangs beneath the penis, containing the testes. It acts as a temperature regulator for sperm production, by contracting or relaxing to raise or lower the testes closer or farther from the body, respectively.
Internally, the male reproductive system includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. The testes, located in the scrotum, are responsible for sperm production and the secretion of the male sex hormone, testosterone. The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the back of each testis, where sperm mature and gain motility. From the epididymis, sperm move into the vas deferens, a muscular tube that transports sperm from the testes to the urethra. As sperm passes through the vas deferens, it combines with secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands to form semen. These secretions provide nourishment, lubrication, and the appropriate pH for sperm survival and motility.
Hormonal regulation in males is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is crucial for sperm production, development of secondary sex characteristics, and overall male reproductive function. FSH, on the other hand, supports the maturation of sperm within the seminiferous tubules of the testes.-