Reproductive System and Menstruation Cycle

Introduction

• Importance of respecting women and understanding their physiological processes
• Focus on the reproductive system and menstrual cycle
• Address common misconceptions and provide detailed insights
• Subjects covered: Human Anatomy and Physiology, 2nd semester of B.Pharmacy

Topics Covered

1. Sex Hormones
2. Physiology of Menstruation
3. Fertilization
4. Pregnancy
5. Parturition (Childbirth)
6. Gametogenesis
   • Spermatogenesis (Males)
   • Oogenesis (Females)

Sex Hormones

Male Sex Hormones

• Produced by testes
• Key Hormones: Androgens, Testosterone
• Functions: Development of male reproductive tissues, spermatogenesis

Female Sex Hormones

• Produced by ovaries
• Key Hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone
• Functions: Regulation of menstrual cycle, maintenance of pregnancy, development of secondary sexual characteristics

Menstrual Cycle

• Definition: Preparation of female reproductive system for potential pregnancy
• Duration: Approximately 28 days, varies from 21-35 days
• Phases: (based on a 28-day cycle)
  1. Menstruation: Days 1-5 - Shedding of the uterine lining
  2. Follicular Phase: Days 6-14 - Development of a dominant follicle in the ovary
  3. Ovulation: Day 14 - Release of an ovum from the ovary
  4. Luteal Phase: Days 15-28 - Preparation of the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg
• Key Notes: Menarche (first menstruation), Menopause (cessation of menstruation)

Fertilization

• Definition: Fusion of sperm and ovum to form a zygote
• Location: Fallopian tubes
• Process: Migration of sperm -> Capacitation -> Ovulation -> Fusion -> Zygote formation

Pregnancy

• Definition: Development of a fetus within the female reproductive system
• Detection: Hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
• Duration: Approximately 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters
  1. First Trimester: Weeks 1-12
     • fertilization, implantation, embryogenesis, early organogenesis
     • Critical developments: heart formation (around 7th-8th week)
  2. Second Trimester: Weeks 13-26
     • Organ development and maturation
  3. Third Trimester: Weeks 27-40
     • Final maturation and preparation for birth

Parturition (Childbirth)

• Definition: Process of delivering a baby
• Signs of Labor: Contractions, Bloody show, Rupture of membranes, Back pain, Nausea/Vomiting
• Process: Lactation and breastfeeding
• Types of Delivery: Vaginal delivery, Caesarean section (C-section)

Gametogenesis

Spermatogenesis (Males)

• Definition: Formation of sperm
• Stages: Stem cells -> Spermatogonia -> Primary spermatocytes -> Secondary spermatocytes -> Spermatids -> Mature sperm
• Duration: Approximately 70-80 days
• Regulation: FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Oogenesis (Females)

• Definition: Formation of ovum
• Stages: Primordial germ cells -> Primary oocytes -> Secondary oocytes -> Mature ovum
• Regulation: LH (induces ovulation), Estrogen (regulates follicular phase)
• Note: Begins before birth and continues until menopause

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding menstrual cycle and reproductive health
• Respect for women during menstruation and pregnancy
• Key takeaways to excel in exams and practical knowledge