Ovaries produce oocytes and hormones. Uterine/fallopian tubes receive the ovulated oocyte and are the usual site of fertilization. Uterus supports implantation and fetal development. The cervix is the lower uterine region opening into the vagina. The vagina is a muscular canal connecting cervix to the exterior.
FSH supports follicular development. Rising estrogen contributes to endometrial proliferation. The LH surge triggers ovulation. The corpus luteum produces progesterone and estrogen after ovulation. If pregnancy does not occur, ovarian hormone levels fall and menstruation follows. If implantation occurs, early embryonic hCG supports the corpus luteum until placental hormone production becomes established.
Testes produce sperm and testosterone. Sperm mature in the epididymis, travel through the ductus/vas deferens, and mix with secretions from accessory glands including seminal vesicles and prostate. The urethra carries semen to the exterior during ejaculation.
GnRH from hypothalamus drives pituitary FSH/LH. LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone; FSH supports Sertoli-cell functions and spermatogenesis. Negative feedback helps regulate the axis.
Fertilization most commonly occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube. The early conceptus divides while traveling toward the uterus, develops into a blastocyst and normally implants in the endometrium.
Pregnancy produces major cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and musculoskeletal changes. Massage adaptations focus on comfort, positioning, symptom/risk screening and appropriate training. Pregnancy itself is not a disease.
Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in somatic cells, arranged in 23 pairs. Gametes contain 23 chromosomes after meiosis. A gene is a DNA sequence contributing to a functional product/trait; different versions are alleles. Genotype describes genetic makeup; phenotype describes observable characteristics influenced by genes and environment.
Reproductive anatomy contains sensitive regions requiring strict professional boundaries. Menstruation is not itself a contraindication. Pregnancy/postpartum decisions depend on current symptoms, risk factors, positioning and healing. Massage therapists should not diagnose fertility, pregnancy complications or reproductive disease.