ANATOMY AND

PHYSIOLOGY OF
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PREPARED BY:
MARIE CECILLE LIBERTY S. VARILLA, RM,RN,MAN
MALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
EXTERNAL STRUCTURES–
includes the scrotum and the penis

SCROTUM
- a muscular pouch suspended from the
perineum.
- FUNCTION: 
> support the testes
> regulate the temperature of the sperm
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES–
includes the scrotum and the penis

PENIS
The organ used for urination and sexual intercourse.
It has spongy tissue which can fill with blood to
cause an erection.
It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and
semen
Composed of 3 cylindrical masses of erectile tissue
in the penile shaft:
2 corpus cavernosa
1 corpus spongiosum
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES–
includes the scrotum and the penis

PENIS
With sexual excitement, nitric oxide is released from the
endothelium of blood vessels.
This results to dilation of blood vessels and an increase
in blood flow to the arteries of the penis (engorgement)
ISCHIOCAVERNOSUS MUSCLE – found at the base
of the penis; will then contracts & trapping the venous
and arterial blood in the 3 sections of erectile tissue,
leading to distention and erection of the penis
Penile erection is stimulated by parasympathetic
innervervation
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES –
includes the scrotum and the penis
PENIS
PARTS:
◦ SHAFT OR BODY
◦ GLANS PENIS – the enlarged end which is the most
sensitive part

◦ PREPUCE OR FORESKIN – a fold of retractable skin

covering the glans and which is removed during
circumcision.

◦ URETHRAL MEATUS – a slit-like opening at the tip of

the penis that serves as the passageway for semen and
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
1. Testes
2. epididymis
3. Vas deferens (ductus deferens)
4. Ejaculatory duct
5. Seminal vesicles
6. Prostate glands
7. Bulbourethral glands
8. Urethra
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
1.TESTES
Are oval shaped glandular organs lying within the
abdominal cavity early in fetal life and descend to the
scrotum after 28 weeks gestation
Each testis contains about 250 lobules, which is 4-5 cm
long
The lobules contain semeniferous tubules in which
sperm cells develop 
tunica vaginalis - allows the testis free movement within
the scrotum to avoid injury
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
1.TESTES
Parts:
◦ SEMENIFEROUS TUBULES – a long coiled tube where
spermatogenesis takes place

◦ LEYDIG/INTERSTITIAL CELLS – produces

testosterone 

◦ SERTOLI CELLS – supporting cells which paly role in

sperm transport
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
1.TESTES
Functions:

◦ Hormone production: produces testosterone

(responsible for the development of secondary male
characteristics and stimulates spermatogenesis)

◦ Spermatogenesis – production, and maturation of

sperm cells
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
EPIDIDYMIS
A long coiled tube, approximately 20 feet, long from
the seminiferous tubules
 responsible for conducting sperm from seminiferous
tubules to the vas deferens
It takes 12-20 days for the sperm to travel out of the
epididymis
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
VAS DEFERENS
AKA DUCTUS DEFERENS
An additional hollow tube surrounded by arteries and veins,
and protected by thick fibrous tissue
Carries sperm from the epididymis through the inguinal
canal into the abdominal cavity, where it ends at the seminal
vesicles and the ejaculatory duct
Conduit for sperm maturation (64 days for full maturation
of sperm) 
It is part of the duct system which is cut during a vasectomy

 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
SEMINAL VESICLES
Are two convoluted pouches that lie along the lower
portion of the posterior surface of the bladder and empty
into the urethra through the ejaculatory duct

Secretes a viscous alkaline liquid that has a high sugar,

protein, and prostaglandin content

It gives 60% of the total of the seminal volume 

 INTERNAL STRUCTURES

EJACULATORY
DUCTS
Two ejaculatory ducts pass through the
prostate glands and connects the seminal
vesicles to the urethra
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
PROSTATE GLANDS
A chestnut-sized gland that lies below the bladder
Secretes a thin alkaline fluid that further protects
sperm from being immobilized by the naturally low
pH level in the urethra

It gives 30% of the total seminal fluid volume 

 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
BULBOURETHRAL
GLAND
Aka COWPER’S GLAND
Lie beside the prostate gland and empty via short
ducts into the urethra
Secretes an alkaline fluid that helps counteract the
acid secretions of the urethra and ensure passage of
the spermatozoa
It gives 5% of the total seminal fluid volume 
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
URETHRA
A hollow tube leading from the base of the bladder,
which, after passing through the prostate gland,
continues to the outside through the shaft and glans
of the penis
Approximately 8 inches (18-20 cm) long 
Act as a passage for both semen and urine
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
 the structures that form the female external genitalia are collectively
known as VULVA 
1. Mons Pubis
2. Labia Majora
3. Labia Minora
4. Vestibule
5. Clitoris
6. Skene’s Glands
7. Bartholin’s Glands
8. Fourchette
9. Hymen
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
MONS PUBIS
 AKA MONS VENERIS
 A pad of adipose tissue located over the
symphysis pubis
 Covered by a triangular of coarse, curly hairs
 PURPOSE: to protect the junction of the pubic
bone from trauma 
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
LABIA MAJORA
 Are two thick folds of adipose tissues originating
from the mons and terminating in the perineum
 The outer surface is thick and covered by hair and its
inner aspect is thin, smooth and moist
 Its main function is to provide covering and
protection to the external organs located under it
 In nulliparous women it is in close apposition to
each other and tends to gape wider after every
childbirth
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
LABIA MINORA
 two thin folds of connective tissues that joins
anteriorly to form the prepuce and posteriorly to
form the fourchette
 The lower border of the upper portion (below
prepuce) is called frenulum 
 It is highly vascular, sensitive and richly supplied
with sebaceous glands
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
VESTIBULE
 The flattened, smooth surface between the labia
minora
 Contains the opening of the urethra and vagina 
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
CLITORIS
 Small (approx. 1-2 cm [2.5-6 mm]), rounded organ
of erectile tissue at the forward junction of the labia
minora 
 Sensitive to touch and temperature
 Center for sexual arousal and orgasm in Female
 Landmark for catheterization 
 PREPUCE: a fold of skin covering the clitoris 
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
BARTHOLIN’S GLANDS
 AKA VULVOVAGINAL
GLANDS/PARAVAGINAL GLANDS
 Located just lateral to the vaginal opening
 Secretes alkaline fluid which helps to lubricate the
external genitalia during sexual intercourse and
improve sperm survival
 Most common site of gonorrheal bacteria 
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
SKENE’S GLANDS
 AKA PARAURETHRAL GLANDS
 Located just lateral to the urinary meatus
 The secretions of Skene’s and Bartholin glands
increase during sexual stimulation to lubricate the
vagina and facilitate coitus
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
FOURCHETTE
 Ridge of tissue formed by the posterior
joining the two labia minora and labia
majora
 The usual site for episiotomy during
childbirth 
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
FOSSA
NAVICULARIS
 The space between the fourchette
and vaginal introitus
 EXTERNAL STRUCTURES
HYMEN
 Tough but elastic semicircle tissue that covers the
opening of the vagina
 Often torn during first sexual intercourse
 Separates external and internal reproductive organs
◦ IMPERFORATE HYMEN – a hymen that is
completely covering the vaginal introitus
preventing the passage of menstrual discharge
and sexual intercourse
◦ HYMENOTOMY/HYMENECTOMY – the
surgical incision for an imperforate hymen 
INTERNAL STRUCTURES
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
VAGINA
 a hollow musculomembranous canal located posterior
to the bladder and anterior to the rectum
FUNCTION:
1. Act as an organ of intercourse and to convey
sperm to the cervix
2. Expands to serve as the birth canal
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
VAGINA
 RUGAE: the transverse folds of the skin in the vaginal
wall that is absent in childhood, appear at puberty, and
disappear at menopause; it allows the vaginal canal to
stretch and enlarge, especially during delivery
DODERLEIN’S BACILLUS: lactose-fermenting
bacteria that break the glycogen content in the mucus
secretions of vagina producing lactic acid 
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
 a hollow, muscular, pear-shape organ located in the
lower pelvis, posterior to the bladder and anterior to the
rectum.
DECIDUA: pregnant uterus 
Normal weight:
50-60 grams (non-pregnant)
1000 grams (pregnant/post-delivery)
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
 FUNCTIONS:
1. For reproduction
 Receive ovum from the fallopian tube
 Provide a place for implantation and nourishment
 Furnish protection for the growing fetus
2. For contraction
 At maturity of the fetus, expels it from the woman’s
body
3. For menstruation
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
PARTS: 
1. FUNDUS: upper most portion located between the
insertion of the fallopian tubes
2. CORNUA: the portion at which the FT are inserted
3. CORPUS: body of the uterus
4. ISTHMUS: upper third of the cervix which is very thin
and forms the lower uterine segment of the uterus
5. CERVIX: opening of the uterus
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
PARTS:
A. INTERNAL CERVICAL OS: junction of
the cervix and isthmus

B. EXTERNAL CERVICAL OS: distal

opening to the vagina
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
LAYERS:

 ENDOMETRIUM
 The inner layer of the uterus
 Layer that shed off during menses 
 It grows and becomes thick and responsive to the influence of
estrogen and progesterone
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
LAYERS:

 MYOMETRIUM
 The middle layer which is rich in fibrous muscles
 It holds the internal cervical os closed during pregnancy
 Contracts at the end of pregnancy to expel the fetus 

 MYOMA – benign fibroid tumors

 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
LAYERS:

 PERIMETRIUM
 Outer most layer of the uterus that is connected to the broad
ligament
 PURPOSE: add strength and support to the uterus

 MYOMA – benign fibroid tumors

 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
UTERINE LIGAMENTS:
CARDINAL/TRANSVERSE-
CERVICAL/MACKENRODT
LIGAMENT: main support of the uterus;
damage to this ligament results to
UTERINE PROLAPSE 

BROAD LIGAMNET/PERITONEAL
LIGAMENT: supports the sides of the
uterus and assists in holding the uterus in
ante version
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
UTERINE LIGAMENTS:
 ROUND LIGAMENT: connects the
uterus to the labia majora. Gives
stability to the uterus

 UTEROSACRAL LIGAMENT:
connects uterus to the sacrum
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
UTERINE LIGAMENTS:
 ANTERIOR LIGAMENT: supports the
uterus in connection with the bladder; Over
stretching of this ligament will lead to
herniation of the bladder to the vagina
(CYSTOCELE) 

 POSTERIOR LIGAMENT: forms the cul-

de-sac of Douglas; Damage to this ligament
will lead to toe herniation of the rectum to the
vagina (RECTOCELE) 
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
POSITIONAL DEVIATION:
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
POSITIONAL DEVIATION:

 ANTERVERSION: the uterus is

tipped far forward
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
POSITIONAL DEVIATION:

 RETROVERSION: uterus is tipped

backward
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
POSITIONAL DEVIATION:

 ANTEFLEXION: body of the

uterus is bent sharply forward at the
junction with the cervix
 INTERNAL STRUCTURES
UTERUS
POSITIONAL DEVIATION:

 RETROFLEXION: body of the

uterus is bent sharply back just above
the cervix
MATERNAL PELVIS
 MATERNAL PELVIS
FUNCTION: (P-A-S-S)
• Protection to the organs within the pelvic cavity
• Attachment to muscles, fascia, and ligaments
• Support the uterus during pregnancy
• Serves as birth canal
 MATERNAL PELVIS
3 MAIN PARTS
(I want-Sausage-&-Coffee)

•innominate bones- the 2 flaring hip bones

•Sacrum – a triangular shape that forms the posterior aspect of the
pelvis; composed of 5 sacral vertebrae

•Coccyx – 5 small bones at the end of the sacrum (tail)

 SACROCOCCYGEAL JOINT –allow a degree of movement;
permits the coccyx to be pressed backward, allowing more room for
the fetal head as it passes through the bony pelvic ring at birth
 MATERNAL PELVIS
3 PARTS OF INNOMINATE BONE
•Ilium – upper & lateral portion
•Ischium – inferior portion
a. ISCHIAL TUBEROSITIES: bones at which a person sits; used to determine
lower pelvic width 
b. ISCHIAL SPINES: small projections that extend from the lateral aspect to the
pelvic cavity; important landmark when performing pelvic measurement and
calculating degree of fetal flexion 

•Pubis –anterior portion

a. SYMPHYSIS PUBIS: junction of the 2 innominate bones at the front of the pelvis
 MATERNAL PELVIS
TYPES OF PELVIS (G-A-P-A)
GYNECOID 
 typical female pelvis (rounded inlet);
 transverse diameter is larger than the
anteroposterior diameter;
©most suitable for childbirth
 MATERNAL PELVIS
TYPES OF PELVIS (G-A-P-A)
ANDROID
normal male pelvis (heart-shaped);
AP diameter is wider than the transverse diameter
 MATERNAL PELVIS
TYPES OF PELVIS (G-A-P-A)
PLATYPELLOID
flat, female-type pelvis with transverse oval inlet;
transverse diameter larger than AP diameter;
shallow AP diameter makes it difficult for the fetal
head to rotate;
©rarest type of pelvis 
 MATERNAL PELVIS
TYPES OF PELVIS (G-A-P-A)
ANTHROPOID
 “apelike” pelvis with oval inlet;
AP diameter is wider than its transverse diameter