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.