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Lesson Two

Reproduction in Mammal

We will look at mammalian reproduction with particular reference to the human.

In the process, we will examine the following:

- The anatomy of the human reproductive system.
- Gamete production; the site of production and their structure.

The Male Reproductive System

Consider the diagram below, which shows the main structure of the male reproductive system.

The main structures include:

 A pair of testes located in a scrotal sac;
 A pair of vasa deferentia (singular: vas deferens). One from each testis, which joins in
the mid line and enters the urethra, which runs down the penis to the exterior.

Three important glands open into the vas deferens and urethra namely:
 -The Seminal vesicles;
 -The Prostate;
 -The Cowper’s gland or Bulbourethral gland.
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Roles of the accessory glands

The paired seminal vesicles secrete a nutritive fluid rich in fructose and prostaglandins (a
fatty acid) into the vasa deferentia.

Nutrients in this secretion provide energy for the sperm after ejaculation. Prostaglandins
stimulate contraction of the uterus, which help move sperm up the female reproductive tract.

The single prostate gland secretes an alkaline fluid containing Calcium, citric acid and
enzymes. This fluid is important in neutralizing the acidic environment of the vagina and
increasing the motility of the sperm.

The Cowper’s gland secretes a mucus-like fluid, which makes up about 5% of semen and
lubricates the urethra.

The Testes: (a closer look). Refer to the figure.

Internally each testis is separated by septa into series of lobules. Within each lobule lie the
seminiferous tubules. These are tiny hollow tubes lined with germinal epithelium, which give
rise to the sperm.

The seminiferous tubules converge upon a network of channels, which leads to a long,
tightly coiled tube called the epididymis. (See diagram). The epididymis leads to the vas
deferens.

The total length of the seminiferous tubules exceeds 500 meters. (This provides a large
surface area for sperm production). Between the tubules are interstitial cells, which secrete the
hormone, testosterone.

Sperm Production

The formation of gametes is called gametogenesis.

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm cell production and occurs in the male gonads or
testes.
Spermatogenesis:

As we proceed with the explanation, make constant reference to the following diagrams below.
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Spermatogenesis takes place within the seminiferous tubules in each testis. It begins with
undifferentiated cells in the walls of the tribule. These cells are the spermatogonia. (See fig.)

The spermatogonia, which one diploid cells, divide by mitosis producing more
spermatogonia.

This mitotic phase is known as the phase of multiplication. (Imagine for a moment, the total
surface area provided by the walls of the seminiferous tubules. This ultimately translates to
millions of sperms).
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Some spermatogonia enlarge and become primary spermatocytes. (See the fig.). This
phase of spermatogenesis is referred to as the growth phase.

The primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis to produce haploid cells. Each primary
spermatocyte undergoes a first meiotic division producing two secondary spermatocytes; which
are haploid.

During the second meiotic division, each of the two secondary spermatocytes gives rise to
two spermatids. This means that four spermatids are produced from the original primary
spermatocytes.

Each haploid spermatid differentiates into a mature sperm. The meiotic phase in known as
the phase of maturation. (See fig).

Throughout spermatogenesis, large cells known as Sertoli protect the developing sperm cells
or nurse cells protect the developing sperm cells.

Sertoli cells nourish and protect the cells that are developing into sperm. They also secrete
hormones that help regulate sperm production.

Sertoli cells are joined to one another by tight junctions and together form a blood-testes
barrier, (See fig). This barrier prevents the entry of harmful substance into the seminiferous
tribule. It also stops sperm from passing out of the tribule into the blood.

Question:

Make an annotated diagram of a sperm cell to show:

I. Head, midpiece and tail (flagellum)
II. Plasma membrane, acrosome, nucleus, mitochondria.

The Role of Hormones in regulating male reproduction.

A number of hormones play a major role in sperm cell production and the maintenance of
the male sex characteristics. These include: testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and
Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Testosterone; is the principal male sex hormone. It is a steroid produced by the interstitial
cells between the seminiferous tubule in the testes.

It produces the male primary sex characteristics, which includes growth of the reproductive
organs and spermatogenesis. It also stimulates the development of the secondary sex
characteristics at puberty.
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FSH and LH.

At the age of 10, the hypothalamus begins to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone

(GnRH).

This hormone stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH (gonadotropic
hormones).

FSH stimulates the development of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis.

LH stimulates, interstitial cells to secrete testosterone.

(Please make a complete review of this topic before we move on to the next).