330 CHAPTER 8• Reproductive Systems
reproductive system, especially the process of secondary sex characteristics, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Therefore, infertility, birth control, and hormone imbalance are all part of the treatment provided by an OB-GYN
physician.
Urology
Urologyis the branch of medicine concerned with disorders and care of the urinary tract in men and women and of
the male reproductive system. Urologistsdiagnose and treat disorders of the male reproductive system, such as sexual
dysfunction and infertility. Their scope of practice includes various surgeries, such as transurethral resection of the
prostate and cystoscopy. In addition, urologists treat genitourinary tract diseases that affect the urinary systems of
men and women.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OVERVIEW
Although structures of the female and male reproductive systems differ, both have a common purpose. They are spe-
cialized to produce and unite gametes (reproductive cells) and transport them to sites of fertilization. Reproductive
systems of both sexes are designed specifically to perpetuate the species and pass genetic material from generation to
generation. In addition, both sexes produce hormones, which are vital in the development and maintenance of sexual
characteristics and regulation of reproductive physiology.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The female reproductive system is composed of internal organs of reproduction and external genitalia. The internal
organs are the ovaries, fallopian tubes (oviducts, uterine tubes), uterus, and vagina. External organs, also called the
genitalia,are known collectively as the vulva.Included in the vulva are the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
clitoris, and Bartholin glands. (See Fig. 8–1.) The combined organs of the female reproductive system are designed to
produce and transport ova (female sex cells), discharge ova from the body if fertilization does not occur, and nourish
and provide a place for the developing fetus throughout pregnancy if fertilization occurs. The female reproductive
system also produces the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for development of
secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development and regulation of the menstrual cycle.