Maternal and neonatal Nursing University of Karbala/College of Nursing
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Anatomy & Physiology of the Male &Female Reproductive System
The aim of this lecture is the students will know about the following :
1. Anatomy and physiology of the female and male reproductive system
2. The organs of each system
3. How this organs is work
4. The functions of each organ in the system
Content of the Literature:
1. Female Reproductive System
2. The Normal Menstrual Cycle
3. Breasts
4. Male reproductive system
5. Endocrine system and male reproduction
6. Spermatogenesis
Reproductive System
Human reproduction is a complex and fascinating process .The male and female
reproductive system functioning together produce a new life.
Female Reproductive System
External Genitalia:
1. Vulva
The female external reproductive organs consist of the mons pubic, which is
covered with pubic hair; two folds of tissue, called the labia majora and labia
minora , which surround a space called vestibule .
2. Mons Pubis
The mons pubis is formed at the upper margin of the symphysis pubis and is
1
,Maternal and neonatal Nursing University of Karbala/College of Nursing
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
shaped like an inverted triangle. It is located over the two pubic bones of the
pelvic. This structure is composed of fatty tissue lying beneath the skin and from
puberty on, is covered with varying amount of hair. The mons pubis surrounds
delicate tissue and protects it from injury.
3. Labia Majora and Labia Minora
The labia majora : are two folds of fatty tissue that form the lateral boundaries of
the vulva. They are covered with coarse skin and pubic hair on the outer aspect
and are smooth and moist on the inner aspect , where the openings of numerous
small glands are found.
The labia minora :are soft folds of skin that are rich in sebaceous glands. The
labia minora are moist and are composed of erectile tissue containing loose
connective tissue , blood vessels, and involuntary muscles. The functions of the
labia minora are to lubricant and waterproof the vulvar skin and to provide
bactericidal secretion that help prevent infections.
2
, Maternal and neonatal Nursing University of Karbala/College of Nursing
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4. Clitoris
The clitoris is a small, sensitive structure that, like the penis, is composed of
erectile tissue, nerves, and blood vessels; it is covered at the tip with very
sensitive tissue. It exists primarily for female sexual enjoyment.
vaginal vestibule
The vaginal vestibule is a boat shaped depression enclosed by the labia minora
and is visible when the labia minora are separated. The vestibule contains the
vaginal opening ( introitus ) , which is located between the external and internal
genitalia. The vestibule contains the openings of five structures that drain into it
the ureteral meatus, skene’s ducts, and the ducts from Bartholin;s glands that are
located on each side of the vagina. The vestibule ends with the formation of the
fourchette.
5. Urethra
The opening to the urethra is just below the clitoris. Although it is not related to
sex or reproduction, it is included in the vulva. The urethra is actually used for the
passage of urine. The urethra is connected to the bladder. In females the urethra is
1.5 inches long, compared to males whose urethra is 8 inches long.
6. Hymen
The hymen is a thin, elastic, mucous membrane that partially covers the vagina in
young females. Does not seem to have a specific physiological function or purpose.
Many shapes are possible. Normal variations of the hymen range from thin and
stretchy to thick and somewhat rigid; or it may also be completely absent
3
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Anatomy & Physiology of the Male &Female Reproductive System
The aim of this lecture is the students will know about the following :
1. Anatomy and physiology of the female and male reproductive system
2. The organs of each system
3. How this organs is work
4. The functions of each organ in the system
Content of the Literature:
1. Female Reproductive System
2. The Normal Menstrual Cycle
3. Breasts
4. Male reproductive system
5. Endocrine system and male reproduction
6. Spermatogenesis
Reproductive System
Human reproduction is a complex and fascinating process .The male and female
reproductive system functioning together produce a new life.
Female Reproductive System
External Genitalia:
1. Vulva
The female external reproductive organs consist of the mons pubic, which is
covered with pubic hair; two folds of tissue, called the labia majora and labia
minora , which surround a space called vestibule .
2. Mons Pubis
The mons pubis is formed at the upper margin of the symphysis pubis and is
1
,Maternal and neonatal Nursing University of Karbala/College of Nursing
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
shaped like an inverted triangle. It is located over the two pubic bones of the
pelvic. This structure is composed of fatty tissue lying beneath the skin and from
puberty on, is covered with varying amount of hair. The mons pubis surrounds
delicate tissue and protects it from injury.
3. Labia Majora and Labia Minora
The labia majora : are two folds of fatty tissue that form the lateral boundaries of
the vulva. They are covered with coarse skin and pubic hair on the outer aspect
and are smooth and moist on the inner aspect , where the openings of numerous
small glands are found.
The labia minora :are soft folds of skin that are rich in sebaceous glands. The
labia minora are moist and are composed of erectile tissue containing loose
connective tissue , blood vessels, and involuntary muscles. The functions of the
labia minora are to lubricant and waterproof the vulvar skin and to provide
bactericidal secretion that help prevent infections.
2
, Maternal and neonatal Nursing University of Karbala/College of Nursing
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4. Clitoris
The clitoris is a small, sensitive structure that, like the penis, is composed of
erectile tissue, nerves, and blood vessels; it is covered at the tip with very
sensitive tissue. It exists primarily for female sexual enjoyment.
vaginal vestibule
The vaginal vestibule is a boat shaped depression enclosed by the labia minora
and is visible when the labia minora are separated. The vestibule contains the
vaginal opening ( introitus ) , which is located between the external and internal
genitalia. The vestibule contains the openings of five structures that drain into it
the ureteral meatus, skene’s ducts, and the ducts from Bartholin;s glands that are
located on each side of the vagina. The vestibule ends with the formation of the
fourchette.
5. Urethra
The opening to the urethra is just below the clitoris. Although it is not related to
sex or reproduction, it is included in the vulva. The urethra is actually used for the
passage of urine. The urethra is connected to the bladder. In females the urethra is
1.5 inches long, compared to males whose urethra is 8 inches long.
6. Hymen
The hymen is a thin, elastic, mucous membrane that partially covers the vagina in
young females. Does not seem to have a specific physiological function or purpose.
Many shapes are possible. Normal variations of the hymen range from thin and
stretchy to thick and somewhat rigid; or it may also be completely absent
3
