Anatomy & Response Cycle Flashcards
Embryonic Development
Chromosomes
Chromosomes: how many for males & females
23 from males, 23 from female — form 23 pairs
Ovum has…
X chromosomes
Sperm has…
X or Y chromosomes
XX
female embryo
XY
male embryo
Within 5-6 weeks:
primitive gonads, ducts, external genital
Within 7 weeks:
begin to differentiate to male/female
- Basic blueprint start off female the some become male
Hormones (in embryonic development)
androgens, especially testosterone, produced in testes influence male development
- lack of androgens leads to female development
- female hormones important in puberty
Testes & Ovaries being high in abdomen
- ovaries descend to pelvis, testes to scrotal sac.
- undescended testes may correct in early life - if not, removed surgically (Risk of Cancer & Sterility)
- A variety of developmental anomalies.
- Early decisions like re-gender assignment vital.
Mons Veneris
fatty tissue that covers the joint of the pubic bones in front of the body, below the abdomen and above the clitoris
Function: Mons cushions a woman’s body during intercourse
Labia Majora
large folds of skin that run downward from the mons along the sides of the vulva
Function: amply supplied with nerve endings that respond to stimulation ~ they also shield the inner portions of the female genitals
Labia Minora
two hairless, light coloured membranes located between the major lips. They surround the urethral and vaginal opening. At the top they join at the prepuce (hood) of the clitoris.
Function: Rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, the labia minor are highly sensitive to sexual stimulation. When stimulated they darken and swell.
Clitoris
a female sex organ consisting of a shaft and glans located above the urethra opening.
Function: unique in that it serves no known purpose other than sexual pleasure.
Prepuce of Clitoris
(foreskin): “hood” cover the clitoral shaft
Urethral Opening
opening through which urine passes from the female’s body
Vaginal Opening
(introitus): Hymen is a fold of tissue across the vaginal opening is usually present at birth and remains at least partially intact until the women engages in intercourse.
Pubo Coccygeus Muscle
the muscles that encircle the entrance to the vagina (kegels)
The Vagina
extends back and upward from the vaginal opening. It is usually 3 to 5 inches long at rest. Menstrual flow and babies pass from the uterus to the outer world through the vagina. During coitus, the penis is contained within the vagina.
The Cervix
is the lower end of the uterus. Its walls, like those of the vagina, product secretions that contribute to the chemical balance of the vagina. The opening in the middle of the cervix, or “os” is normally about the width of a straw, although it expands to permit passage of a baby from the uterus to the vagina during childbirth.
The Uterus
or womb is the organ in which a fertilized ovum implants and develops until birth. The uterus usually slants forward (is antroverted), although about 10% of women have uteruses that tip backward.
Endometrium
the innermost layer, is richly supplied with blood vessels and glands. Endometrial tissue is discharged through the cervix and vagina at menstruation.
Endometriosis
endometrial tissue may grow in the abdominal cavity or elsewhere in the reproductive system. Most common symptom is menstrual pain, however can lead to infertility if left untreated.
Myometrium
is the well muscled second layer of the uterus. It endows the uterus with flexibility and strength, and creates the powerful contractions that propel a fetus outward during labour.
Perimetrium
is the fibrous third or outermost layer, provides an external cover.
The Fallopian Tubes
the tube or duct that connect the ovary to the uterus. Serves to convey the ovum from the ovary to the uterus and the sperm from the uterus toward the ovary.
The part of each tube nearest the uterus is the …
- isthmus: where the fallopian tubes get narrowed.
- ampulla
- infundibulum —> fimbriae: catches the eggs.
The Ovaries
are almond-shaped organs that are each about 1.5 inches long. The ovaries produce ova (egg cells) and the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
progesterone
a steriod hormone secreted by the corpus lute or prepared synthetically that stimulates proliferation of the endometrium and is involved in regulation of the menstrual cycle
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus
A complete hysterectomy
involves the surgical removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus. It is usually performed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading throughout the reproductive system.
The Breasts
Each breast contains 15 to 20 clusters of milk-producing mammary glands. Each gland opens at the nipple through its own duct.
The nipple
which lies in the centre of the areola, contains smooth muscle fibres that make the nipple become erect when they contract. The areola, or area surrounding the nipple, darkens during pregnancy and remains darker after delivery. Oil-producing glands in the areola help lubricate the nipples during breast-feeding
Male Sexual Anatomy & Physiology
;)
The Penis
the male organ of sexual intercourse. It contains the opening through which semen and urine pass.
Corpus Cavernosum
cylinders of spongy tissue in the penis that become congested with blood and stiffen during sexual arousal.
Corpus Spongiosum
the spongy body that runs along the bottom of the penis, contains the penile urethra, and enlarges at the tip of the penis to form the glans.
Corona
the ridge that separates the glans from the body of the penis (latin for“crown”)
Frenulum
The sensitive strip of tissue that connects the underside of the penile glans to the shaft. (from the Latin frenum, meaning “bridle”.)
The Scrotum
the scrotum is a pouch of loose skin that becomes covered lightly with hair at puberty. The scrotum consists of two compartments that hold the testes. (Dartos muscle is the middle layer of the Scrotum)
Spermatic cord contains….
- vas derencs
- cremaster muscle
The Testes
the serve two functions analogous to those of the ovaries. They secrete sex hormones & produce mature germ cells. In the case of testes, the germ cells are sperm and the sex hormones are androgens. The most important androgen is testosterone.
Testosterone
it is secreted by interstitial cells, which are also referred to as Leydig’s cells.
- stimulates prenatal differentiation of male sex organs, sperm production, and development of secondary sex characteristics, such as the beard, deep voice, and growth of the muscle mass.
The Vas Deferens
each epididymis empties into a vas deferens (also called ductus deferens).
The vas is a thin cylindrical tube about 16 inches long that serves as a conduit for mature sperm.
Vasectomy
an operation in which the right and left vas deferens are severed - a convenient means of sterilization.
The Seminal Vesicles
the two seminal vesicles are small glands, each about 2 inches long. They lie behind the bladder and open into the ejaculatory ducts, where the fluids they secrete combine with sperms. The fluid produced by the seminal vesicles is rich in fructose, a form of sugar, which nourishes sperm and helps them become active, or motile.
The Prostate Gland:
lies beneath the bladder and approximates a chestnut in shape and size (about 3/4 inch in diameter)
The prostate gland contains…
muscle fibres and glandular tissue that secrete prostatic fluid. Prostatic fluid is milky and alkaline. It provides the characteristic texture and odour of the seminal fluid. The alkalinity neutralizes some of the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the life span of sperm as seminal fluid spreads through the female reproductive system.
Cowper’s Glands
also known as the bulbourethral glands, in recognition of the shape and location. These two structure lie below the prostate and empty their secretion into the urethra. During sexual arousal they secrete a drop or so of clear, slippery fluid that appears at the urethral opening. The functions of this fluid are not entirely understood.
Role of 5 Senses
Sight Smell Touch Taste Hearing
Sight
appearance
Smell
synthetic more than natural - clean
Touch
skin largest organ - very important
Taste
body fluids “+” & “-”
Hearing
music, whispers, distractions
Aphrodisiacs and other drugs
no scientific evidence of direct affect on sexual function - may act as placebo
Sexual Response Cycle
Sexual response is highly individual however certain common patterns exist.
Masters & Johnson
describe four steps in both women and men: excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.
Kaplan
suggested this 3 stages, no plateau (just a higher level of excitement) desire, excitement/plateau, orgasm, resolution to be a more accurate and useful description.
Sexual Response Cycle: Desire
sexual desire is the drive and interest level for sexual activity. Testosterone - key hormone for desire level in both men and women. Desire arises in the brain and is strengthened by fantasy and by appropriate stimulation of all the senses.
Sexual Response Cycle: Excitement
during sexual excitement, both sexes experience increased muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. Sex flush and nipple erection often occur, especially noticeable in women.
Sexual Response Cycle: Excitement for Women
experience engorgement of the clitoris, labia and vagina, together with vaginal lubrication, elevation and enlargement of the uterus and breast enlargement
Sexual Response Cycle: Excitement for Men
experience penile erection, enlargement and experience penile erection, enlargement and elevation of the testes, and sometimes Cowper’s glands secretions.
Sexual Response Cycle: Plateau
the plateau stage is marked by increased myotonia, hyperventilation, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Sexual Response Cycle: Plateau for Women
he clitoris withdraws under its hood, the labia minora deepen in colour, the orgasmic platform forms in the vagina, the uterus is fully elevated, and the areola become swollen.
Sexual Response Cycle: Plateau for Men
the corona becomes fully engorged, the testicles continue both elevation and enlargement and the Cowper’s glands are active.
Sexual Response Cycle: Orgasm
during an orgasm involuntary muscle spasms occur throughout the body, most significantly in the vagina and the penis. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate peak
Emission stage
is the first phase, it involves contraction of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and the upper part of the vas deferens (the ampulla). The forces of these contractions propels seminal fluid into the prostatic part of the urethral tract — a small tube called the urethral bulb — which balloons out as muscles close at either end, trapping the semen.
Expulsion stage
is the second stage, it involves the propulsion of the seminal fluid through the urethra and out of the urethral opening at the tip of the penis. In this stage, muscles at the base of the penis and elsewhere contract rhythmically, forcefully expelling semen. The second stage is generally accompanied by the highly pleasurable sensation of orgasm.
Retrograde Ejaculation
experienced in some men, when which the ejaculate empties into the bladder rather than being expelled from the body. During the normal ejaculation an external sphincter opens, allowing seminal fluid to pass out the body.
Resolution
the body returns to its non-excited state.
Unstimulated for Women
normal and unaroused
Excitement Phase for Women
clitoris elongates & widens
- labia minora expand and extend outward
- labia majora flatten out and spread away from vaginal opening
Plateau Phase for Women
- clitoris retracts under hood
- labia minora turn bright red & increase in size
- orgasmic platform — the vaginal opening contracts to produce a grasping effect on the penis
- uterus fully elevated and rises into false pelvis
Orgasm Phase for Women
- clitoris retracted underhood
- strong contractions of the vaginal orgasmic platform — three to five contractions in a mild orgasm & eight to twelve in an intense orgasm
- uterus undergoes contractions similar to those of labor
- rectal sphincter contracts
Resolution Phase for Women
- clitoris slowly returns to normal size
- labia majora & minora return to normal size and position
- uterus drops back to normal position
- cervix drops into seminal pool
- outer third of vagina (orgasmic platform) returns quickly to normal; inner two thirds of vagina returns to normal more slowly
Excitement Phase for Men
- vasocongestion of penis results in erection
- testes begin elevation
- scrotal skin tenses, thickens
Plateau Phase for Men
- the coronal ridge of the glans increases in diameter and turns a deeper reddish-purple
- the Cowper’s glands many release fluid
- the testes become completely elevated and engorged when orgasm is imminent
Orgasm Phase for Men
- sperm and semen expelled by rhythmic contractions of urethra
- contractions of vas deferens and seminal vesicles expel sperm and semen into urethra
- prostate expels fluid into the urethra
- rectal sphincter contracts
Resolution Phase for Men
- erection subsides
- testes descend
- scrotum thins, folds return
as a group, females demonstrate a ____ in their sexual response patterns
wider variability
multiple orgasms occur with greater frequency in females,
more often while masturbating than during coitus.
this period, in which the male is unable to be aroused…
varies greatly in time, but usually lengthens as the man ages.
Male Circumcision
surgical removal of part of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis. The removal of the foreskin fully exposes the glans of the penis.
- reasons: hygiene, religion, or cultural
Female Circumcision (female genital mutilation)
widespread practice in some parts of the world, primarily Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia
Female Circumcision: Various Forms
- removal of the hood of clitoris
- removal of entire clitoris
- removal of entire clitoris, labia minora and parts of the labia majora. For this type the remaining portions of the labia majora are then pulled over the vaginal opening and held together with sutures (stitches) or thorns (infibulation). The opposite sides heal together closing the vaginal opening except for a small opening left for urination and menstrual flow.
Menstruation
is the cyclical bleeding that stems from the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) when fertilization has not occurred
Five Common Types of Taboo found in various cultures
- Ban on sexual intercourse
- Restrictions on activities & contact with other people
- Taboos against contract with men’s ritual equipment or weaponry
- Taboos on cooking or handling food
- Total seclusion in a special living area
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Combination of bodily and psychological symptoms that afflict women during the four to six day interval that precedes their menses each month.
Three in four women report having some sort of symptoms.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
some combination of anxiety, depression, irritability, weight gain due to fluid retention, & abdominal discomfort. About 10% report PMS severe enough to impair their social, academic, or occupational functioning. But fewer than 1% ever reported missing work for it.
Cervical Cancer
- Beginning in their late teens, or earlier if they are sexually active, a women should have an annual pelvic exam done by a physician.
- (Canadian Cancer Society recommends a pelvic exam every 1 or 3 years)
- More frequent examination is required if the woman is over 35 or taking birth control pills.
- External and internal examination is followed by a Pap test to detect cervical cancer and a sample of vaginal discharge may also be taken to test for STI’s
- Women should examine their pelvic area using a hand mirror to detect any abnormalities in colour or size of their external genitalia.
- Should discuss any unusual vaginal pain or discharge with their partner and physician
Breast Self Examination
Method women employ to detect suspicious lumps in the breast. 80-90% of all breast lumps are benign. Should be conducted one week after menstruation, once a month.
- Physical: using fingertips in a circular motion around the areola, check for lumps, hard knots, or thickening
- Visual: look for changes in contour
Mammograms
annually after age of 50, if there is a strong family history on maternal side annually after age 40.
Testicular Self Examination
testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men between 29 - 35 years of age.
- Early detection is the key. Should be done once a month after a warm shower or bath so the scrotum is relaxed.
- Using thumb and fingertips, the man should feel the entire surface of the testes for any lumps, hardening, or enlargements.
Other warning signs of Testicular Cancer
- slight enlargement of one of the testicles
- a change in the consistency of the testicle
- a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin (however, there may not be any pain at all)
- sensation of dragging and heaviness in the testicles
Prostate Cancer
Incidence rate of 1 in 8 men & the second most common form of cancer for men behind skin (the rectum); more men get prostrate cancer then women get breast cancer.
