The Female Reproductive System,

The Male Reproductive System,

The Fertilisation and Inplantation,
dr. Yan Effendi Hasjim, DAHK.

Departement of Histology
Sriwijaya University Faculty of Medicine
2011

Component and Function of

Reproductive System ?
Female Reproductive System
1.
Development of a
follicle/ovum (ovarium)
2.
Female copulatory
organ (vagina)
3.
Fertilization (Oviduct)
4.
Pregnancy and partus
(uterus, cervix, vagina)
5.
Lactation (mama
glands)

Male Reproductive System

1.
Formation of the
spermatozoa (testes)
2.
Synthesis, storage, and
release of the,
testosterone (testes)
3.
Form the noncellular
portion of semen (seminal
vesicles, prostate gland,
bulbourethral glands of
4.
Male copulatory organ
(penis)

Continuing
generation/species

Competencies
The student must be able to understand the:
Development of a follicle
Development of a corpus luteum
Structural and functional of the uterine tube,
Organization, structural and functional changes of the endometrium
The histological features and functionsl of the cervix and vagina
Structural and functional of placenta in pregnancy
Histological features anf functional of the mammary gland
The actions of the ovarian steroids on other organs of the body,

introduction
The female reproductive system
the internal reproductive organs

(ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina)

the external genitalia (clitoris,

labia majora, labia minora).

Component and Function of

Female Reproductive System
Function
Development of reproduction organs
-------------- embryonal phase
Maturation of organs
-------------- puberty phase
Maturation of ovums
Ovulation
Copulation
Fertilization
Pregnancy
Partus
-------------- reproductive phase

Developed of femine reproductive system

incompletely developed
INITIATION OF PUBERTY
gonadotropic hormones secreted by the pituitary gland
1 million
oogonia
(primordial
follicles)

MENARCHE
Culminating of differentiation of the
reproductive organs
300,000 to 400,000 follicles.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE
(reproductive years)
450 oocytes released

MENOPAUSE
the end of her reproductive years

Maturation of organs
primordial follicle
Before the onset of puberty, all of the follicles
LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing h)
= GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing h) hypothalamus
release of LHRH is pulsatile, every 90 minutes,
half-life in the bloodstream is only 2 - 4 mnt.

initiating puberty.

onset of menarche
maintenance of the normal ovulatory
maintenance menstrual of the normal
cycles throughout the reproductive life.

pulsatile release of gonadotropins (FSH and LH)

the onset of the ovulatory cycle.

Microscopic Structure of Ovarium

Germinal Epithelium : The surface
epithelium, low cuboidal, (derived
from the mesothelial)
Tunica Albuginea : irregular
collagenous connective tissue
capsule, dense, a poorly
vascularized.
Cortex : highly cellular. various
stages of follicle development.
Medulla : richly vascularized loose
connective tissue.

Maturation of Ovums
Primary Oocytes
oogonia in prophase stage of meiosis I
paracrine factors (meiosis-preventing substance)
Follicular cells

arrested in the diplotene stage

meiosis-inducing substance
complete first meiotic division
until just before ovulation

Scondary Oocyte + first polar body

(LH)

Structure of Ovarium
A. Ovarian Cortex
Stroma (interstitial compartment)
connective tissue,
fibroblast-like stromal cells (also known
as interstitial cells)

Ovarian follicles in various stages of

development.
1.

Primordial follicles
(Nongrowing),

2.

Primary follicles (Unilaminar

and multilaminar)

3.

Secondary (Antral) follicles

4.

Graafian (Mature) follicles

1. Follicle Primolrdial
primary oocyte (arrested in prophase
stage of meiosis I)
single layer of flattened follicular
cells, basal lamina.

2. Follicle Primery
Primary oocyte prod. activin
proliferative of follicular cells
Unilaminar / multilaminar
Zona pellucida
Stromal cells, (in multilaminar)
Theca interna, vascularized cellular
layer,
LH receptors
androstenedione, in granulosa
cells, is converted estrogen
estradiol (by aromatase
enzyme)
Theca externa, fibrous connective
tissue.

3. Fillicle scundary
Primary oocyte,
Granulosa cells, numerous layers
proliferation depends on FSH. liquor
folliculi (Antrum)
progesterone , estradiol , inhibin,
folliostatin (folliculostatin), and
activin, (regulate the release of LH and
FSH.)
Corona radiata : single layer.

4. Graafian (Mature) Follicles

cumulus oophorus (primary oocyte,
corona radiata, follicular cells)

float freely within the liquor follic.

B. Ovarian Medulla
richly vascularized
fibroelastic connective tissue
(large blood vessels, lymph
vessels, and nerve fibers).
Interstitial cells, a few clusters
of epithelioid cells that secrete
estrogens.
Hilus cells a group of
epithelioid cells, (=configuration
and substances in cytoplasm
as Leydig cells), secrete
androgens.

Development of the Follicles

A sudden surge of LH is released
uncharacterized local factors
independent of FSH;

influence of FSH.

1. Primordial Follicles
primary oocyte (arrested in the
prophase stage of meiosis I)
single layer of flattened follicular
cells, attached by desmosomes.
separated from the connective
tissue stroma by a basal lamina.

2. Primary Follicles
Primary oocyte produce activin
proliferative activity of follicular cells
Follicular cells: unilaminar
multilaminar
Zona pellucida : glycoproteins, ZP1,
Stromal cells (multilaminar) ZP2, ZP3, ( oocyte)
Filopodia of follicular cells contact
Theca interna,
richly vascularized cellular with the oocyte plasmalemma (gap
junctions),
layer,
cells possess LH receptors

3. Secondary (Antral) Follicles

Primary oocyte,
Granulosa cells, numerous layers
proliferation depends on FSH. liquor folliculi
(Antrum)
Produce glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans,
steroid-binding proteins
progesterone , estradiol , inhibin, folliostatin
(folliculostatin), and activin, regulate the
release of LH and FSH.
Corona radiata : single layer of granulosa cells
follicular fluid surrounded by membrana granulosa.

basement membrane between granulosa cells and

theca interna .

4. Graafian (Mature) Follicles

diameter reach 2.5 cm (ovulation).
Membrana Granulosa cells : in the wall of follicle
Cumulus Granulosa cells: form Cumulus
oophorus (primary oocyte, corona radiata),
become to float freely within the liquor folliculi

Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Function

hypothalamo-pituitary
Female Rep.Syst.

FSH, LH, LHRH,

FOLIOSTATIN INHIBIN
suppress FSH release,
ACTIVIN facilitates its
release.

FSH
Independent of
the Pituitary
Gland

GnRH
FSH
Dependent of
the Pituitary
Gland

GnRH
FSH
& LH

BASIC ORGANIZATION
Hypothalamus
GnRH
FSH
LH

Pituitary
Ovary

Estrogen
Progesterone

Uterine UterusCervix VaginaMammary

gland
tube

Ovulation
The process of releasing the secondary oocyte from the graafian follicle
Cause :
14th day of the menstrual cycle
elevation of blood estrogen to levels
high
by secondary follicles
mostly by the developing graafian
follicle

following effects:
Negative feedback of FSH release
A sudden surge of LH is released by
basophils cells
increased blood flow to the ovaries
edema.
Concomitant edema formation,
histamine, prostaglandins, collagenase
are released in graafian follicle.
plasminogen activator level increases in
follicles (catalyze enzyme) convers
plasminogen to plasmin, proteolysis of
the membrana granulosa, permitting
ovulation

developing graafian
follicle & secondary
follicles estrogen
produced mostly
Negative feedback
inhibition FSH release
A sudden surge of
LH is released
increased blood flow to
the ovaries (edema)
collagenase are
released in the vicinity
of the graafian follicle
proteolysis
membrana granulosa

Physical factors (size & volume follicle)

pressing against the tunica albuginea
avascular, blached (stigma)
connective tissue at the stigma degenerates,
wall of the graafian follicle in contact with the stigma
opening between the peritoneal cavity and the antrum

Hormonal Factors
14th day of the menstrual cycle
elevation of blood estrogen to levels high
developing graafian follicle & secondary follicles
estrogen produced mostly
Negative feedback inhibition FSH release A
sudden surge of LH is released
increased blood flow to the ovaries (edema)
collagenase are released in the vicinity of the
graafian follicle proteolysis membrana granulosa

Corpus Luteum (Pasca ovulation)

remainder of the graafian follicle
collapses, folded, ruptured blood
vessels leak blood into the
follicular cavity,

high levels of LH

corpus hemorrhagicum
LH <<

FSH <<

corpus luteum menstr

highly vascularized structure,

granulosa-lutein cells (modified granulosa)
theca-lutein cells (modified theca interna)
secrete progesterone, androgens, estrogens.

Degeneration corpus luteum of

menstruation
preventing a second ovulation.

corpus luteum of menstruation

nonfertilization
fertilization

corpus albicans.
corpus luteum degenerates
phagocytosed by macrophages,
fibroblasts enter, type I collagen
corpus luteum of pregnancy

pregnancy, (hCG),
secreted by the placenta

corpus luteum for 3 months

for the maintenance of pregnancy
several months (see later).

placenta
main site of
production of the
hormones

corpus luteum
theca-lutein cells (T)
small
granulosa-lutein cells
(G) large

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

The oviducts act as a conduit for spermatozoa to reach the primary
oocyte and to convey the fertilized egg to the uterus.

anatomical regions:
1. infundibulum, open end is fringed: fimbriae.
2. Ampulla, is where fertilization usually takes place.
3. Isthmus, is narrowed portion between ampulla and uterus.
4. Intramural, region passes through the uterine wall

1. T. mucosa

longitudinal folds,
>>ampulla,.
simple columnar epithelium.
(Nonciliated Peg & Ciliated
cells )
The lamina propria; loose
con.tissue

INFUNDIBULUM

AMPULA

2. T muscularis smooth muscle.

poorly inner circular (I)
and outer longitudinal
layers (O).

3. T. serosal
simple squamous epithelium
covering the oviduct.
loose con tissue, blood
vessels and autonomic nerve
fibers.
ISTHMUS

Mucosal Tunic
1. Columnar ciliated cells
cilia, the fertilized ovum,
spermatozoa, the viscous
liquid (the peg cells) all
propelled toward the uterus.
2. Peg cells (no cilia). a secretory
function,
providing a nutritive and protective
environment
capacitation of spermatozoa
ovum; embryo during the initial phases
inhibit microorganisms in the uterus

lamina propria
loose con.tissue

Serosa Tunic
A simple squamous
Loose connective tissue, many blood vessels and autonomic
nerve fibers.
mostly large veins, contractions of the muscularis during
ovulation constrict the engorged veins.
distention of the entire oviduct brings the fimbriae into
contact with the ovary, capture of the released sc. oocyte.
rhythmic contractions of the muscularis, coupled with the
beating of the cilia, propel the captured oocyte to the uterus.

Structure of Uterus
a muscular organ (fundus, body, cervix).

1.endometrium,
2.myometrium,
3.adventitia / serosa.

ENDOMETRIUM
consists of two layers :
Functionalis layer, a thick,
superficial, sloughed at
menstruation
Basalis layer, narrow layer whose
glands and connective tissue
elements proliferate regenerate
the functionalis
Simple columnar epithelium
nonciliated secretory columnar
cells
ciliated cells,
Lamina propria
dense, irregular collagenous
connective tissue, highly cellular,
simple branched tubular glands,
extend as far as the myometrium, no
ciliated cells in the glands.

Vascularization of functional layer

1. coiled helical arteries, from arcuate arteries of the stratum

vasculare, (middle layer of the myometrium). a rich capillary

network that supplies the glands and connective tissue

2. straight arteries, also from the arcuate arteries but are much

shorter and supply only the basalis layer.

The menstrual cycle (a 28-day cycle)

1. proliferative (follicular

/estrogen) phase, 4-14

2. Secretory (luteal

/progesteron) phase 15 - 28

3. phase menstrual phase 1- 4

Estrogen

Phase Luteal/sekresi

Progesterone

PROLIFERATIVE PHASE
characterized by
reepithelialization
reconstruction of the glands, connective
tissue, and the coiled arteries renewal of the
functionalis.
at the same time as the development of the
ovarian follicles (follicular phase),

SECRETORY
thickening of the endometrium
edema
accumulated glycogen secretions,
highly convulted and branched glds
after ovulation.
secretory granules: accumulate in the apically
released into the glands lumen .
glycogen-rich material nourish the
conceptus before formation of the placenta.

MENSTRUAL PHASE
characterized by the desquamation of the
functionalis layer.
the corpus luteum becomes nonfunctional (14
days after ovulation), thus reducing the levels of
progesterone and estrogen.

EARLY PREGNANCY
characterized by the desidua reaction
Emryo and throphoblast

Hormonal Regulation of Ovarian Function and menstrual cycle

Correlation of follicular
development, ovulation, hormonal
interrelationships, and the
menstrual cycle.
levels of estrogen and
luteinizing hormone (LH) are
highest at the ovulation.

2. Myometrium
three layers of smooth muscle.
1. inner Longitudinal muscle
2. middle circular layer (richly vascularized contains the arcuate
arteries and is called the stratum vasculare).
3. outer Longitudinal layers,
narrows toward the cervix, the amount of muscle tissue
diminishes and is replaced by fibrous connective tissue.
At the cervix, dense, irregular connective tissue containing
elastic fibers and only a small number of scattered smooth
muscle cells.

size of uterus
Size and number of the muscle cells are related to estrogen levels.

Pregnancy: estrogen levels >>largest and most numerous

After menstruation , estrogen levels are low./absent, smallest
(atrophies)
During pregnancy
increase in size is related to hypertrophy cells (population also
increases, suggesting that hyperplasia also occurs).
the increase in cell number results only from division of
smooth muscle cells or also from differentiation of
undifferentiated cells into smooth muscle fibers ?).

Contraction of uterine
Sexual stimulation moderate uterine contractions.
During menstruation, may be painful
During labor : Powerful, rhythmic contractions expel
delivery the fetus and later the placenta from the uterus.
Oxytocin
(Pars nervosa)
The process of uterine contractions during parturition is due to
hormonal actions:
corticotropic hormone, the myometrium and the fetal
membranes produce prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins and oxytocin uterine contractions.
After delivery, oxytocin continues to stimulate uterine
contractions, inhibit excessive blood loss from the
detachment site of the placenta.

Cervix
Mucosa:
progesterone regulates the
viscosity of the cervical gland
secretions.
At the midpoint in the
menstrual cycle, (ovulation),
secrete a serous fluid that
facilitates entry of the
spermatozoa
At other times, (during
pregnancy), become more
viscous, preventing the
entry of sperm and
microorganisms into the
uterus.

Epithelium:
mucus-secreting simple
columnar,
External surface stratified
squamous nonkeratinized (=
vagina).
Cervical glands :
branched cervical glands.
cervical mucosa changes
during the menstrual cycle, but
does not slough during
menstruation.
The viscosity of the cervical gland secretions.
Regulates by progesterone, High estrogen =
mucus is less viscous
At midpoint of menstrual cycle, (ovulation), a
serous fluid facilitates entry of the
spermatozoa
At other times, (during pregnancy), more viscous,
preventing the entry of sperm and microorganisms
into the uterus.

The cervix-the terminal end of the uterus-extends (protudes) into vagina.

Epithelium : a mucus-secreting simple

columnar, external surface a stratified
squamous nonkeratinized (similar to the
vagina).
The wall : mostly of dense collagenous
connective tissue, many elastic fibers and
only a few smooth muscle fibers.
Cervical mucosa : branched cervical
glands. (changes during the menstrual
cycle, not slough during menstruation).
At parturition,, relaxin (another luteal
hormone), induces lysis of collagen in the
cervical walls. a softening of the cervix,
facilitating cervical dilation.

CLINICAL CORELATION

Cervical carcinoma
most common cancers in women, (rare in virgins and in nulliparous)
multiple sex partners and herpes infections, incidence >.
develops from the stratified squamous nonkeratinized,
carcinoma in situ. (detected early, usually be successfully treated
with surgery)
Invasive carcinoma (invade other areas and metastasize, a poor
prognosis).
The Papanicolaou ("Pap smear") technique
diagnostic tool for detecting cervical cancer.
aspirating cerviculal fluid from the vagina or scrapings directly from
the cervix.
prepared and stained on a microscope slide variations in the cell
populations to detect anaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma.

VAGINA

Estrogen

Cells

Accummulate glycogen
Lactic acid
(lower pH)

Breakdown by bacteria