Reproduction and Sexuality

Anatomy and physiology

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Male Reproductive System
 1. Testes (male gonad)
 Paired oval glands measured 2 inches in length and 1
inch in diameter.
 Consists of smaller compartments called lobules.
 Each lobule contains 1-3 tightly coiled tubules called
convoluted seminiferous tubules.

Spermatogenesis (production & development of

mature spermatozoa) happens in the seminiferous
tubules.
 Sertoli cells – nourishes the sperm cells
 Cells of leydig – produces male sex hormone
testosterone
Meiosis
 Spermatogenesis
occurs in the Seminiferous Tubules
Spermatozoa
 Testosterone
Functions:
1. It controls growth and development of male
sex organs.
2. Growth & development of the secondary
male sexual characteristics.
3. Develops adult male sexual behaviors.
4. Regulates metabolism - growth of skeletal
muscles and bones.
5. Stimulates maturation of sperm cells.
 2. Scrotum
It is a supporting structure of the testes.
It is made of a single pouch of skin separated into lateral
portions by a median ridge called raphe.
The scrotum is divided into two sacs called septum. Each
containing a single testis.

• When the testes is exposed to cold temperature the

smooth muscle contracts and elevates the testes to the
pelvic cavity where it absorbs more body heat.
• A reverse process happens when the testes is exposed
to heat making the scrotal sac hang well below the
pelvic cavity to avoid heat.
 3. The Ducts of the Systems:
Ductus Epididymis

It is a comma-shaped structure that lies in the

posterior border of the testis. A tightly coiled tube.
Functions of epididymis:
1. Site for sperms to continue its maturation.
2. It stores the maturing sperm until they develop
their capability to swim using their flagellum.
3. It thrusts the sperm to the next excretory duct
when the smooth muscle contracts by
peristalsis.
 3. The Ducts of the System:
Vas Deference
It is commonly called the Seminal duct.
18 inches long, Vas deference is enclosed in a
connective sheath known as spermatic cord.
The ampulla or the terminal portion of each vas
deference empties into its ejaculatory duct.
Functions of the Vas deference:
1. It conveys sperm into the ejaculatory duct.
2. It also store sperms.
 3. The Ducts of the System:
Ejaculatory Duct
It lies posterior to the urinary bladder.
Each Vas deference is connected to its
ejaculatory duct.
Function:
1. It ejects sperm into the urethra.
 3. The Ducts of the System:
Urethra
It is the terminal duct of the system.
It passes through the prostate gland, diaphragm,
and the penis.
3 parts:
a. Prostatic urethra – surrounded by the prostate
gland & is 1 inch long.
b. Membranous urethra – ½ inch long, it runs from
prostatic urethra to the penis.
c. Spongy or cavernous urethra- 6 inches long;
found within the penis.
Function of Urethra:
1. It functions as the pathway for both spermatozoa
from the testes and urine from the bladder
 4. The Accessory Glands
Seminal Vesicle
Paired seminal vesicles are convoluted pouch like
structures that are located posterior to and at the
base of the urinary bladder.
Function:
1. It secrete an alkaline, viscous fluid that helps
neutralize acid in the female reproductive tract.
2. It provides fructose for ATP production by sperm,
contributes to sperm motility and viability, and
helps semen coagulate after ejaculation
 4. The Accessory Gland
Prostate Gland
It is a single donut shaped gland about the size
of a golf ball.
It lies inferior to the bladder and surrounds the
superior portion of the urethra.
Functions:
1. It secretes a milky, slightly acidic fluid that
contains enzymes that break down clotting
proteins from the seminal vesicles.
2. Prostatic secretions contribute to sperm
motility and viability.
 4. The accessory Gland
Bulbourethral Gland (Cowper’s Gland)
It is about the size of a pea.
Located under the prostate gland on either side
of the membranous urethra.
Function:
1. During sexual arousal, it secrete an alkaline
fluid into the urethra which neutralizes acids
from urine thereby protecting the passing
sperm.
2. The secretion also serve as lubricant for
sexual intercourse.
 Semen
Other name is Seminal Fluid. Semen is a mixture of sperm
and secretions from the seminiferous tubules, seminal
vesicles, the prostate & the bulbourethral gland.
A milky appearance due to prostatic secretions ; A sticky
consistency due to fluids from seminal vesicles and
bulbourethral glands.
Volume of semen per ejaculation is 2.5 – 5 ml, with 50-150
million sperm per ml.
A male is likely to be infertile when it falls below 20
milllion/ml.
Semen has slightly alkaline pH of 7.2 – 7.7
Functions:
Semen is a transportation medium of sperm, it gives
nutrients, and protects sperm from the hostile acidic
environment of the male’s urethra and female’ vagina.
 5. Penis
It is the organ of copulation. It contains the urethra.
It introduces the sperm into the female reproductive tract
and is also use for the excretion of urine.
It consists of a shaft, glans penis and the prepuce.
During sexual arousal the Parasympathetic nerves from the
sacral region of the spinal cord stimulates the arteries that
supplies blood to the erectile tissues to relax or dilate while
other arteries of the penis constricts to shunt blood to the
erectile tissues. This in turn enlarges the penis and it
becomes firm a condition called Erection.
Once sexual stimulation ceases, the arteries supplying the
blood constricts and the veins drain the blood making the
penis limp and erection stops.
Regulation of Reproductive hormones
in Male
 Puberty
A series of events that transformed a child into an adult.
It commonly begins at 12-14 years of age.
Testosterone (males sex hormone) secretion continues after
puberty.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of
secondary sex characteristics:
1. Increased body hair growth on the face, chest, axilla &
pubic region.
2. enlargement of the larynx, deeper masculine voice
3. Thickening of skin; increased rate of secretion sebaceous
gland (acne prone skin); increased secretion of sweat
glands.
4. Increased muscular growth, broad shoulders, narrow
waist
5. Thickening and strengthening of the bones
Male Sexual response
 Major reproductive hormones in Males
Hormone Source Target tissue Response

Gonadotropin- Hypothalamus Anterior pituitary Stimulates secretion of LH and FSH

releasing hormone
(GnRH)

Luteinizing hormone Anterior pituitary Interstiital cells Stimulates synthesis and secretion of
of the testes testosterone

Follicle-stimulating Anterior pituitary Seminiferous Supports spermatogenesis and inhibin

hormone tubules secretion
(sustentacular
cells)

Testosterone Interstitial cells Testes; body Development & maintenance of

of the testes tissues reproductive organs; supports
spermatogenesis & causes the
development & maintenance of
secondary sexual characteristics

Anterior pituitary Inhibits GnRH, LH, FSH secretion

& hypothalamus through negative feedback
Inhibin Sustentacular Anterior pituitary Inhibits FSH secretion through negative
cells feedback
The Male Reproductive System. (© Cengage Learning 2012)
 Evaluation activity
Make a concept map of the male reproductive
system.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
 Organs of the female reproductive
system
1. Ovaries (female gonads)
2. Uterine (fallopian)
tubes, or oviducts
3. Uterus
4. Vagina
5. Vulva or Pudendum
6. The mammary glands
are considered part of
both the
integumentary system and
the female
reproductive system.
 1. Ovaries
The ovaries are two small organs
(almond shape) located on each
side of the uterus.
Functions:
The ovaries produces eggs or
ova.
It Secretes female hormones
Estrogen and Progesterone
A series of ligaments supports
the ovaries:
a. Suspensory ligaments
attaches the ovaries to the
lateral walls of the pelvis.
b. Ovarian ligaments attaches
the ovaries medially.
c. The broad supports the
ovaries.
Each ovary contains the point of
entrance and exit (hilum) for
blood vessels and nerves along
which the mesovarium is
attached.
1. Ovaries
Stages of ovum and follicle
development
 Oogenesis
1. Oogonia are the cells from which oocytes
arise. The oogonia divide by mitosis to produce
other oogonia and primary oocytes.
2. Primary oocytes begin the first meiotic
division but stop at prophase I. All of the
primary oocytes remain in this state until
puberty.
3. The first meiotic division is completed in a
single mature follicle just before ovulation
during each menstrual cycle. A secondary
oocyte and the first polar body result from the
unequal division of the cytoplasm.
4. The secondary oocyte begins the second
meiotic division but stops at metaphase II.
5. The second meiotic division is completed
after ovulation and after a sperm cell unites
with the secondary oocyte. A secondary
oocyte and a second polar body are formed.
6. Fertilization is completed after the nuclei of
the secondary oocyte and the sperm cell unite.
The resulting cell is called a zygote
 Uterine tubes
Fallopian tube is the other name for
uterine tube.
The tube is about 10 cm long.
The tube stretch out from the ovary to
the uterus.
It opens directly to the peritoneal
cavity.
The funnel shaped infundibulum
which partially surrounds the ovary is
bordered with a fingerlike extension
called the fimbria.
The fimbria is near the surface of the
ovary that once the secondary oocyte
is released, the fimbria can then
sweep the oocyte into the uterine
tube.
Fertilization usually happens in the
ampulla the broadest part of the tube.
Isthmus is the more medial, short,
narrow, thick- walled portions that
joins the uterus
 Uterus
It is a hollow, muscular-shaped organ similar to
an inverted pear.
It is the site of implantation, pathway for sperm
from the vagina to uterine tubes, development
of the fetus, & labor. It is also a source of
menstrual flow.
The body of the uterus projects anteriorly and
superiorly over the urinary bladder in a position
called anteflexion or it bends forward over the
urinary bladder.
Anatomical subdivisions of the uterus:
1. Fundus – dome-shaped portion superior
to the uterine tubes
2. Body – main part of the uterus
3. Cervix – the narrower part of the uterus
that opens into the vagina
Layers of uterine wall:
1. Endometrium – inner mucosal layer,
covered with columnar epithelium &
contains tubular glands.
2. Myometrium – thick, middle muscular
layer, consist mostly of smooth muscle
fibers.
3. Perimtetrium – outer serosal layer that
covers the body of the uterus and part of
the cervix.
 Vagina
It’s the female organ of
copulation.
It allows menstrual flow
and chidlbirth .
It is a fibromuscular tube
about 9 cm long stretches
from the uterus to the
outside .
Locate between the
urinary bladder and the
rectum.
Hymen- a thin membrane
of connective tissue that
partially covers the
vaginal orifice.
Fornix –the vault that
surrounds the vaginal
attachment to the cervix.
 Puberty
Puberty starts between 11-13 years of age and is
completed by age 16.
It is marked by the first episode of menstrual flow called
Menarche and the ability to produce oocytes.
Estrogen stimulate enlargement of the vagina, uterus,
uterine tubes & external genitalia.

Development female secondary sex characteristics:

a. Development of the breast and the ductile system of
the mammary glands in the breast.
b. Adipose tissue deposited in the breast, thighs and
buttocks.
c. Growth of axillary and pubic hair.
Female sexual response
 Mammary Glands
The mammary glands are modified sweat
glands that are located in the breast.
Externally the breast has a nipple and
surrounded by a pigmented area called
areola.
The mammary glands specializes in
Synthesis, secretion & milk ejection.
Each mammary gland is composed of
usually 15-20 glandular lobes covered by
adipose tissue.
Inside the lobe are several compartments
called lobules which is composed of
grapelike clusters of milk secreting gland
called Alveoli.
Each lobe contains a single lactiferous duct
that open to the surface of the nipple. This
is where milk emerges.
Myoepithelial cells surround the alveoli
and contract to eject milk from the alveoli
The Menstrual Cycle

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

1. Anterior pituitary gland secretes FHS & LH
2. FSH stimulates maturation of follicle
3. Follicular cells produce estrogen
> Estrogen thickens the endometrium &
maintains secondary sex characteristics.
4. Just before ovulation the anterior pituitary
releases a surge of LH (as influenced by the
increase level of estrogen), which stimulates
ovulation or release of mature follicle.
5. Remnants of the mature follicle in the ovary
becomes corpus luteum which secretes estrogen
& progesterone.
 Estrogen continue to stimulate uterine wall
development
 Progesterone makes the endometrium more
glandular & vascular ready for implantation.
 Increase levels of Estrogen & progesterone
inhibit anterior pituitary to release FSH & LH
hence there is no new follicle development.
6. When egg cell is not fetilized, corpus luteum
degenerates and stops secreting estrogen &
progesterone
7. As progesterone and estrogen levels decline,
blood vessels in the endometrium constrict.
8. Uterine lining disintegrates & sloughs off, hence
menstruation occur.
9. Anterior pituitary is no longer inhibited and it
secretes FSH and LH and the cycle repeats.
 Menopause
Menopause – the cessation of menstrual cycle.

Climacteric – is the time period from the onset of

irregular menstrual cycle to complete cessation of
menstrual cycle.

As the woman ages, the ovaries also ages.

The follicles are less and less sensitive to
stimulation of FSH and LH resulting to fewer mature
follicles.
 Hormones that control female reproductive functions
Hormone Source Target tissue Response

Gonadotropin- Hypothalamus Anterior Stimulates secretion of LH and FSH

releasing pituitary
hormone
(GnRH)

Luteinizing Anterior Ovaries follicles to complete maturation

hormone pituitary and undergo ovulation; causes
ovulated follicle to become the
corpus luteum; stimulates the
primary oocyte to divide
FSH Anterior Ovaries Causes follicles to begin
pituitary development

Prolactin Anterior Mammary Stimulates milk production

pituitary glands following childbirth
 Hormones that control female reproductive functions
Hormone Source Target tissue Response
Estrogen Follicles Uterus Proliferation of endometrial cells
of ovary Mammary Development of mammary glands (ducts)
glands
Anterior Has positive feedback effect before ovulation
pituitary & resulting in increased LH and FSH secretion; has a
hypothalamus negative feedback effect, with progesterone, on
the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary after
ovulation, resulting in decreased LH and FSH
secretion
Other tissues Causes development of secondary sex
characteristics
Progester Corpus Uterus Causes hypertrophy of endometrial cells and
one luteum secretion of fluid from uterine glands; helps
of maintain pregnancy
ovaries Mammary Development of mammary gland (alveoli)
glands Has a negative-feedback effect, with estrogen, on
Anterior the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary after
pituitary ovulation, resulting in decreased LH and FSH
secretion
 Hormones that control female reproductive functions
Hormone Source Target tissue Response
Progesterone Other tissue Secondary sex characteristics
(cont.) development
Oxytocin Posterior Uterus & Causes contraction of uterine
pituitary gland mammary gland smooth muscle during
intercourse and childbirth;
causes contraction of
myoepithelial cells in the
breast, resulting in milk
letdown in lactating women

Human Placenta Corpus luteum of Maintains corpus luteum &

Chorionic ovaries increase its rate of
Gonadotropin progesterone secretion
(hCG) during the first trimester of
pregnancy; increases
testosterone production in
testes of male fetuses
 References
1. Russo, Andrew., et al. 2007. Seeley’s Essentials
of Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition. McGraw-
Hill Companies. New York.
2. Shier, David., et al. 2009. Hole’s Essentials of
Human Anatomy & Physiology. 10th edition.
McGraw-Hill Companies. New York.
3. Tortora, Gerard., Derrickson, Bryan. 2014.
Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 14th edition.
John Wiley & sons Inc.
4. Rizzo, Donald.2011. Introduction to Anatomy &
Physiology. Del Mar Cengage Learning.