REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
epithelium called germinal or
The male reproductive system
- composed of the testes, genital ducts,
accessory glands, and penis.
- the dual function of the testis is to
produce spermatozoa and hormones.
- the genital ducts and accessory glands
produce secretions that, aided by
smooth muscle contractions, conduct
spermatozoa toward the exterior.
>Spermatozoa and the secretions of
the genital ducts and accessory glands
make up the semen (from latin,
meaning seed).
Testes
- each testis is surrounded by a thick
capsule of dense connective tissue
(tunica vaginalis).
- Tunica albuginea is thickened on the
posterior surface of the testis to form the
mediastinum testis.
- each lobule is occupied by one to four
seminiferous tubules enmeshed in a
web of loose connective that is rich in
blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves,
and interstitial cells, also known as
Leydig cells.
- Seminiferous tubules produce male
reproductive cells, the spermatozoa.
Seminiferous Tubules
- spermatozoids are produced in the
seminiferous tubules at a daily rate of
about 2 x 108 in the adult.
- each testicle has 250 to 1000
seminiferous tubules that measure
about 150 to 250 mm in diameter and
30 to 70 cm in length.
- lined with a complex stratified
seminiferous epithelium.
- their outer wall is surrounded by a well-
defined basal lamina and a fibrous
connective tissue consisting of several
layers of fibroblasts.
- the seminiferous epithelium consists of
two types of cells: Sertoli, or
supporting cells and that constitute the
spermatogenic lineage.
- the production of spermatozoa is
called spermatogenesis, a process that
includes cell division through mitosis
and meiosis and the final differentiation
of spermatozoids, which is called
spermiogenesis.
Spermatogenesis
- process by which spermatozoids are
formed. It begins with a primitive germ
cell, the spermatogonium (generation),
which is relatively small cell, about 12 m
in diameter, situated next to the basal
lamina of the epithelium.
Spermiogenesis is the final stage of
production spermatozoids.
The spermatids can be distinguished
by their small size (7 to 8 m in diameter)
and by nuclei with areas of condensed
chromatin.
Spermiogenesis
- from this first meiotic division arise
smaller cells called secondary
spermatocytes.
- division of each secondary
spermatocyte results in two cells that
contain 23 chromosomes, the
spermatids.

The Golgi Phase
- the cytoplasm of spermatid contains a
prominent Golgi complex near the
nucleus, mitochondria, a pair of
centrioles, free ribosomes, and tubules
of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
- small periodic granules called
proacrosomal granules accumulate in
the Golgi complex. They subsequently
coalesce to form a single acrosomal
granule within a membrane-limited
acrosomal vesicle.
Sertoli Cells
- important for the function of the testes.
These cells are elongated pyramidal
cells that partially envelop cells of the
spermatogenic lineage.
- adjacent Sertoli cells are bound
together by occluding junctions at the
basolateral part of the cell.
- spermatocytes and spermatids lie
within deep invaginations of the lateral
and apical margins of the Sertoli cells.
Intratesticular Genital Ducts
- the intratesticular genital ducts are the
tubuli recti (straight tubules), the rete
testis, and the ductuli efferentes.
- these ducts carry spermatozoa and
liquid from the seminiferous tubules to
the ductus epididymidis.
- tubuli recti empty into the rete testis.
- the rete testis is a highly anastomotic
network of channels lined with cuboidal
epithelium.
Excretory Genital Ducts
- transport the spermatozoa produced in
the testis toward the penile meatus.
- these ducts are the ductus
epididymidis, the ductus (vas) deferens,
and the urethra.
- the ductus epididymidis is a single
highly coiled tube (4-6 m in length).
Ductus (vas) deferens
- a straight tube with a thick, muscular
wall, continues toward the prostatic
urethra and empties into it.
- it is characterized by a narrow lumen
and a mucosa with longitudinal folds,
covered along most of its extent by
pseudostratified columnar epithelium
with stereocilia.
- the lamina propria is rich in elastic
fibers, and the thick muscle layer
consists of longitudinal inner and outer
layers separated by a circular layer. The
abundant smooth muscle produces
strong peristaltic contractions that
participate in the expulsion of the
spermatozoa during ejaculation.
- the ductus deferens forms part of the
spermatic cord, which includes the
testicular artery, the pampiniform
plexus, and nerves. Before it enters the
prostate, the ductus deferens dilates,
forming a region called the ampulla.
Accessory Genital Glands
- it produces secretions that are
essential for the reproductive function in
men. The accessory genital glands are
the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and
the bulbourethral glands.
- the seminal vesicles consist of two
highly tortuous tubes about 15 cm in
length.
Prostate - this a retractile fold of skin that
- is a collection of 30-50 branched contains connective tissue with smooth
tubuloalveolar glands. muscle in its interior. Sebaceous glands
- their ducts empty into the prostatic are present in the internal fold and in the
urethra, which crosses the prostate. skin that covers the glans.
- The prostate has three distinct zones: - the corpora cavernosa are covered by
the central zone occupies 25% of the a resistant layer of dense connective
gland’s volume. 70% of the gland is tissue, the tunica albuginea.
formed by the peripheral zone, which is - the corpora cavernosa of the penis and
the major site of prostatic cancer. the corpus cavernosum of the urethra
- the transition zone is of medical are composed of erectile tissue.
importance because it is the site at
which most benign prostatic hyperplasia THE HISTOLOGY OF FEMALE
originates. GENITAL SYSTEM
- the tubuloalveolar glands of the
prostate are formed by a cuboidal or a - ovaries - menstrual
columnar pseudostratified epithelium. cycle
- the prostate is surrounded by a - follicle growth - vagina
fibroelastic capsule rich in smooth - oviducts - placenta
muscle. - uterus - breast

Penis Internal Genitalia:

- main components of the penis are - paired of ovaries
three cylindrical masses of erectile - paired of oviduct
tissue, plus the urethra, surrounded by - uterus
skin. - vagina
- two of these cylinders the corpora
cavernosa of the penis are placed External Genitalia:
dorsally. - labia majora
- the other the corpus cavernosum of - labia minora
the urethra, or corpus spongiosum is - clitoris
ventrally located and surrounds the
urethra. Ovaries
- at its end it dilates, forming the glands > Germinal epithelium
penis. - simple squamous cuboidal epithelium
- most of the penile urethra is lined with > Tunica albuginea
pseudostratified columnar epithelium; in - dense connective tissue (whitish color)
the glans penis, it becomes stratified Cortex
squamous epithelium. - stroma that houses ovarian follicles
Prepuce in various stages of development.
Medulla
- loose connective tissue containing - theca externa
vascular bed and nervous.
3. Secondary Follicle
Ovarian Cycle a. primary oocyte
Three phases of ovarian cycle: - 125-150 um diameter.
Follicular phase b. follicular cells
- development of primordia F.-> Mature - cuboidal cells, many layers
f. - liquor folliculi -> antrum
- follicular phase of endometrium. - cumulus oophorus
Ovulatory phase - corona radiata
- release of oocyte from mature F. and c. stromal cells
capture by oviducts. - theca interna~steroid producing cells
Luteal phase - theca externa
- residual follicular cell folds and
becomes part of Corpus Luteum. 4. Graafian follicle
- secretion/luteal phase of endometrium. - primary oocyte
- follicular cells
Follicular Growth (follicular phase) - continued growth -> 2.5 cm in diameter
- continues formation of liquor foliculi –
What is ovarian follicles? oocyte floating
- an oocyte
- follicular/granulosa cells Ovarian Cycle
Three phases of ovarian cycle:
1. Primordial follicle: Follicular phase
a. primary oocyte - development of primordial F. -> mature
- arrested in prophase stage of MI f.
- 25 um in diameter Ovulatory phase
b. follicular cells - release of oocyte from mature f. and
- single layer of flattened cells capture by oviducts
- attach by desmosomes Luteal phase
- residual follicular cell folds and
2. Primary Follicle becomes part of corpus luteum.
a. primary oocyte
- growth to 125-150 um diameter. Ovulation Phase
b. follicular cells Day 14 of menstrual cycle
- cuboidal cells - LH sure
- 1 to many layers - rupture the wall of G.F
> zona pellucida separate oocyte from - PG, Histamine, Collagenases
F.C - Hyaluronic acid
c. stromal cells - complete the 1st meiosis
- theca interna
- release of secondary oocyte (arrest - no cilia
in metaphase II) with corona radiata - secretory:
- received the oocyte by fimbriae - nutritive & protective for oocyte
- capacitation of sperm.
Corpus luteum/C.L. (luteal phase) Ciliated cells
After ovulation: - cilia beat toward the uterus
- remainder of graafian follicle collapse
& folded Uterus
- blood flow into follicular cavity – clot + The walls of uterus:
invaded by C.T. - phagocytes – central - endometrium
part C.L. - myometrium
- granulosa cell – granulosa – lutein - serosa/adventitia
cells
- theca interna cells – theca- lutein cells Uterus (Endometrium)
- C.L produce estrogen & progesterone Epithelium:
- simple columnar epithelium
Corpus albicans - ciliated cells
- C.L of menstruation is invaded by - secretory cells
fibroblasts – fibrotic. Lamina propria
- it’s remnant undergo luteolysis - loose connective tissue, rich in
- fibrous connective tissue- corpus fibroblast, reticular fiber
albicans - uterine glands (simple tubular)
- persist as the scar on the surface of
ovary. Two layers (zone):
Functionalis
Oviducts (Fallopian tubes) - thick, superficial
The walls composed of: - rich capillary network (coiled arteries)
Mucosa layer - sloughed at menstruation
- lines by simple columnar epithelium
- lamina propia Basalis
- characterized by longitudinal folds - deep, narrow
Muscularis layer - straight arteries
- inner circular and outer longitudinal - regenerate functionalis layer each
layers of smooth muscle. menstrual cycle
Serosa layer
- simple squamous epithelium Uterus (Myometrium)
The oviducts is the site of fertilization & - thickest layer of uterus
early cleavage of the zygote. - composed of three layers of smooth
muscle:
Two types epithelium cell: - inner longitudinal
Non ciliated peg cells - middle circular
- outer longitudinal
- the size & number of muscle cells are
related to estrogen levels
- pregnancy: hyperplasia & hypertrophy
Menstrual cycle
- under stimulus of estrogen &
progesterone endometrium undergo
cyclic structure modification.
Proliferatif  secretion  menstruation
 proliferative
- duration = 28 days
- puberty – menopause
Proliferative/follicular phase (days 5-
14)
- after menstrual phase
- coincides with ovarian follicles
development (estrogen)
- regeneration of endometrium
 day 14, fully restored
- surface epithelium
- lamina propria
- coiled arteries
- uterine glands: simple columnar
epithelium, straight tubule, narrow
lumens.
Secretor/luteal phase (days 15-28)
- begins after ovulation
- depends on C.L. secretions (progest)
 uterine glands: coiled & branched,
accumulation of glycogen  dilate the
lumen
- thickening of functionalis
- prepared to receive zygote
Menstrual phase (days 1-4)
- when no fertilization  C.L.
degenerates  drop in progesterone &
estrogen
- coiled arteries constrict  ischemia &
necrosis of functionalis layer
- rupture of arteries  hemorrhagic
- shedding of functional layer
- basal layer remain viable  restore
functional layer
Placenta
- temporary organ as the site of
physiologic exchanges between mother
and fetus
- also as an endocrine organ
- consist of:
- fetal part:
- chorionic villi arise from chorionic plate
- connective tissue surrounded by
syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast
- maternal part:
- decidua basalis form lacunae
- placental barrier:
- a) trophoblast layers
- b) basal lamina of Trophoblast
- c) mesenchyme
- d) basal lamina of capillaries
- e) endothelium of fetal capillary
Cervix
- epithel:
- lumen: mucus-secreting simple
columnar epithelium
- external surface: stratified squamous
nonkeratinized epithelium.
- Wall:
- dense, collagenous connective tissue
- Cervical glands regulates by
progesterone
- serous/watery fluid: around the time of
ovulation
- viscous/mucus: at pregnancy/luteal - dense connective tissue & adipose
phase of menstruation tissue separate the lobes
- histologic structure varies according to:
Vagina - age
Consist of three layers: - physiologic status
- mucosa
- stratified squamous nonkeratinized
epithelium. (>> glycogen)
- lamina propria: loose fibroelastic C.T.,
rich vascular.
- no glands; vaginal fluid comes from
transudation & cervical glands
- Muscularis
- smooth muscle, inner circular & outer
longitudinal
- adventitia
- dense fibroelastic C.T.

External Genetalia
- Labia majora
- structure ~ skin
- rich adipose tissue
- sweat & sebaceous glands
- Labia minora
- spongy C.T. with elastic fiber
- >> blood vessel & nerve ending
- sebaceous glands
- clitoris
- stratified squamous epithelium
- two erectile bodies (blood vessels,
sensory nerve)
- glands
- glands of Bartholin: mucus
- minor vestibular glands

Mammary Glands
- organs of milk production
- consist of 15-25 lobes of comp.
tubuloalveolar gland
- excretory lactiferous duct