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System

Reproductive system

Not medically reviewed · Content last updated · 1 min read ·

This is the date the draft was written, not a medical review date.

The reproductive system produces gametes and sex hormones and, in females, supports fertilisation, pregnancy and lactation. Its organs differ between the sexes but develop from common embryonic primordia.

Terminologia Anatomica (Latin): Systemata genitalia

Components

In males: testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands and penis. In females: ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina and external genitalia, with the mammary glands as related organs.

Function

Gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) and the secretion of androgens, oestrogens and progesterone are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The female tract also provides the site of implantation and fetal development.

Clinical correlations

Infertility, sexually transmitted infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, testicular and gynaecological cancers, endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy are important conditions. Screening programmes and management differ by country and follow local guidelines.

Common exam points

  • Embryology: indifferent gonad, SRY on the Y chromosome, and the paramesonephric and mesonephric ducts.
  • Course of the ductus deferens, including its relation to the ureter in the pelvis.
  • Layers and ligaments of the uterus, and the common positions of uterus (anteverted, anteflexed).
  • Menstrual cycle: ovarian (follicular, luteal) and endometrial (proliferative, secretory) phases.
  • Lymphatic drainage of the testis (para-aortic) versus scrotum (superficial inguinal nodes).

References

  1. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. Gray's Anatomy for Students. Elsevier — Tier 3 (textbook)
  2. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Wolters Kluwer, 8th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)
  3. Hall JE, Hall ME. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier, 14th edition (2020) — Tier 3 (textbook)

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