The menstrual cycle comprises distinct phases: The menstrual cycle unfolds in a series of well-defined phases: 1. Menstrual Phase: This initial stage spans 3-7 days and involves the shedding of the uterine lining. It signifies the start of a new cycle. 2. Proliferative Phase / Follicular Phase / Post Menstrual Phase: In this dynamic period, ovarian follicles … Read more
Parturition, commonly known as childbirth, is a complex process involving the expulsion of the fetus from the mother’s uterus. It occurs in three main stages: dilation, expulsion, and after birth or placental delivery. 1. Dilation: During the dilation stage, uterine contractions gradually move the baby towards the cervix, causing pain from blood vessel compression. Strengthened by … Read more
The testis, a vital male reproductive organ, has a simple structure with sperm-producing tubules and tissue between them. 1. Seminiferous Tubules: Key units for sperm production, supported by nourishing Sertoli cells. 2. Interstitial Tissue (Leydig Cells): Leydig cells, between tubules, produce testosterone for male reproductive functions. 3. Spermatogonia: Germ cells in tubules undergo mitosis to … Read more
1. Definition: It’s an early embryonic stage with a spherical arrangement of cells and a central fluid-filled cavity. 2. Formation: After the zygote’s intricate cell division in the morula stage, the blastula becomes a crucial milestone in development. 3. Hollow Structure:The blastula’s distinctive hollow nature with a fluid-filled cavity, the blastocoel, sets the stage for subsequent development. … Read more
The ovary has a central medulla and an outer cortex. The cortex is covered by germinal epithelium, while the medulla contains stroma with blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerve fibers. In the cortex, you find developing ovarian follicles, starting with primordial follicles that have a central primary oocyte. Throughout the menstrual cycle, these primordial follicles … Read more
Birth control methods are categorized into temporary and permanent options: A. Temporary Methods: 1.Natural Method/Safe Period/Rhythm Method: Involves avoiding intercourse a week before and after menstrual bleeding, considering presumed ovulation on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. 2.Coitus Interruptus or Withdrawal: Requires the male partner to withdraw before ejaculation to prevent insemination, acknowledging drawbacks due to … Read more
Goals of RCH Programmes: 1. To create awareness among people about various aspects related to reproduction. 2. To provide the facilities to people to understand and build up reproductive health. 3. To provide support for building up a reproductively healthy society. 4. To bring about a change mainly in three critical health indicators i.e. reducing … Read more
Parturition, the process of childbirth, involves a complex neuroendocrine mechanism: 1. Signals arise from the fully formed foetus and placenta cause mild uterine contractions. 2. This is accompanied by an increased estrogen-progesterone ratio and the rise of oxytocin receptors in uterine muscles. 3. The elevated hormone ratio leads to strong contractions of the uterus’s myometrium … Read more
Male accessory glands secrete substances that protect the gametes and facilitate their movement. 1. Seminal vesicles: These small pouches on the back of the urinary bladder release an alkaline fluid, making up around 60% of semen. This fluid, with fructose for energy, fibrinogen for coagulation, and prostaglandins for sperm movement, helps propel semen into the … Read more
Capacitation typically takes 5-6 hours, involving thinning of the acrosome membrane, entry of Ca++ into the sperm, and initiation of rapid whiplash movements in sperm tails. This process makes sperms highly active, prompting them to move upward from the vagina to the uterus and oviducts. Prostaglandins and female vestibular secretions further enhance sperm motility. Sperms … Read more