Human Anatomy: Respiratory, Reproductive Systems & Teen Pregnancy

Breathing Process

Breathing: The process of obtaining energy in which we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

Respiratory System

Processes:

• Nostrils: Air enters through the two nostrils. Hair inside warms the air. The interior is lined by:
  • Pituitary Mucosa: Mucus-secreting glands capture dust and moisten the air.
  • Pituitary Yellow: Mucosa has nerve endings that detect odors.
• Pharynx: A duct that connects the nostrils, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, and middle ear. Muscles and elastic fibers direct air into the trachea.
• Larynx: Formed by cartilage. The mucosa of the larynx has folds that form the vocal cords.
• Trachea: Composed of cartilage and lined by ciliated epithelium that produces mucus. This removes impurities from the outside through the cough reflex.
• Bronchi: Formed by incomplete cartilage rings lined by ciliated epithelial tissue. Before entering the lungs, air passes through the primary, secondary bronchi, and bronchioles.
• Lungs: Respiratory organs.

Respiratory Allergies: A leading cause of respiratory allergies is irritation of the mucous membranes by pollen grains or spores.

For a pollen grain to be an allergen, it should: have biological activity, be anemophilous, be produced in large quantities, and be lightweight.

Inspiration and Exhalation

• Inspiration: Contraction of muscles expands the rib cage.
• Exhalation: The diaphragm relaxes, ribs lower, and the rib cage and lungs contract.
• Residual air: The air that remains in the lungs after a forced expiration.

Chromosomes

Chromosomes: DNA structures that carry genetic material. Humans have 23 pairs.

Teen Pregnancy

Consequences

Hypertension, anemia, prematurity, higher perinatal mortality.

Risk Factors

Singles

Unstable personalities, antisocial behavior, low education, low self-esteem, lack of prevention.

Family

Families with tensions and conflicts, loss or chronic illness of a relative, mother or sister with teenage pregnancies.

Social

Poverty and marginalization, contradictory messages about sexuality in the family and media.

Female Reproductive System

Organs

• Ovaries: Gamete-producing organs of varying size depending on age, located in the abdominal cavity.
• Fallopian Tubes: Tubes of 10-13 cm that connect the ovaries to the uterus and guide the egg for fertilization.
• Uterus: A hollow organ with a mucous lining where a fetus develops.
• Vagina: A canal through which sperm enter and a baby exits.
• Clitoris: An erectile and highly erogenous body part.
• Lips: Two on each side, major and minor.
• Bulbar Vestibule: An almond-shaped area with six openings.

Male Reproductive System

Organs

• Testicles: Major organs that produce cells and hormones, housed in the scrotum.
• Epididymis: A long, narrow tube located on top of the testicle. The vas deferens connects to the back of the testicles.
• Vas Deferens: Ducts connecting the epididymis.
• Seminal Vesicles: Secrete an alkaline fluid that neutralizes the acidic environment of the uterus.
• Ejaculatory Duct: The duct through which semen passes.
• Prostate: Contains cells that produce seminal fluid.
• Urethra: Used for excretion in both sexes.
• Penis: Corpus spongiosum compresses the urethra.

Sperm exit the testes, travel through the vas deferens, enter the seminal vesicle, pass through the prostate, continue through the urethra, and exit the penis. The penis is introduced into the vaginal orifice, entering the cervix, and reaches the fallopian tube, where the egg is fertilized.