The Reproductive System

B. Pimentel, M. D.
University of Makati
College of Nursing
Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System

Male
• Testes
• Epididymus
• Ductus deferens (vas deferens)
• Urethra, Seminal vesicles
• Prostate gland
• Bulbourethral gland
• Scrotum
• Penis
Male Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
• Exocrine gland
– sperm

• Endocrine
gland –
testosterone
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
• Located within the scrotum
– Scrotum
• divided into two internal compartments.

– Outer layer consists of superficial fascia and a

layer of smooth muscle called dartos muscle.

– Cremaster muscles –extensions abdominal

muscles into the scrotum.
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
– Both muscles function in response to
temperature changes.

– Warm temperatures, the muscles relax causing

the testes to descend away from the body,
cooling the testes.

– Cool temperatures causes contraction of the

muscles to bring the testes closer to the body for
warmth.
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
• Tunica albuginea – outer white capsule
composed of fibrous connective tissue.
Enters the testes to form the septum that
divides the testes into 300 to 400 cone
shaped lobules.

• The substance between the septa include the

seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells
(Leydig cells).
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
• Seminiferous tubules – sperm cells develop.

• Interstitial cells – part of a loose connective

tissue stroma that surrounds the tubules
and are endocrine cells that produce and
secrete testosterone.
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
• Tubuli recti – a set of short straight tubules
that drain the seminiferous tubules.

• Rete testis – tubular network that drains the

tubuli recti.

• Efferent ductules – 15 to 20 tubules that

drain the rete testis. Pierce the tunica
albuginea to exit the testis.  
Male Reproductive System
(Testes)
 Spermatogenesis

• Sperm cell production begins approx. 12 to

14 years of age.

• At this time interstitial cells increase in

number and size.

• A lumen in the seminiferous tubules

develops, and sperm cell production begins.
 Spermatogenesis
(Seminiferous tubules)
• Contain two types of cells

• Germ cells (spermatogonium) – cells from

which sperm cells arise.

• Sustenacular cells (Sertoli cells) – large cells

that extend from the periphery to the lumen
of the seminiferous tubules.
 Spermatogenesis
(Seminiferous tubules)
• Function in nourishment of germ cells, and
together with interstitial cells produce a
number of hormones; androgens, estrogens,
and inhibins.

• Forms a tight junction between sustenacular

cells to form a blood – testes barrier, which
isolates sperm cells from the immune
system.
 Spermatogenesis
(Seminiferous tubules)
Interstitial cells
• Produce testosterone which passes into the
sustenacular cells and binds to receptors.
This is necessary for the normal function of
sustenacular cells.

• Testosterone is converted by the

sustenacular cells into dihydrotestosterone
and estrogen.
 Spermatogenesis
(Seminiferous tubules)
• Estradiol and dihydrotestosterone may be
responsible for the production of sperm
cells.

• Germ cells - are scattered between the

sustenacular cells. They are arranged so
that the most immature cells are located at
the periphery and the most mature are
located nearest the lumen.
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
Pathway of the Sperm

1. Lumen of seminiferous tubules.

2. Tubuli recti
3. Rete testis
4. Efferent ductules – leaves the testes.
5. epididymis
6. Ductus epididymis
7. Ductus deferens
8. Ejaculatory duct
9. Urethra
10.Outside of body
 Penis

• Functions in copulation for the transfer of

sperm cells to the female.

• 3 columns of erectile tissue, blood causes the

penis to enlarge and become firm a process
called erection.
 Penis

1. Corpora cavernosa – two erectile columns

on dorsal side.

2. Corpus spongiosum – forms the ventral

portion of the penis and expands to form a
cap the glans penis, over the distal end.

3. External urethral orifice – opening at distal

end of penis formed from the spongy
urethra passing through the corpus
spongiosum.
 Penis

4. Bulb of penis – base of the penis where the

corpus
spongiosum expands.

4. Crus – expansion of each corpus

cavernosum at base of penis.

6. Root of penis – constitutes the bulb of the

penis
and the crus of the penis
 Accessory Glands

Seminal vesicles
• Joins the ductus deferens to form the
ejaculatory duct.
• Secretes 60% of the semen volume.
Yellowish viscous alkaline fluid containing
fructose, ascorbic acid, coagulating enzyme
(vesiculase), and prostaglandins (causes
uterine contractions).
 Accessory Glands

Prostate gland
• Glandular and muscular tissue.

• Surrounds the prostatic urethra, and two

ejaculatory ducts at base of urinary bladder
 Accessory Glands

• Secretes prostatic fluid (thin milky secretion,

high pH, contains clotting factors) into the
prostatic urethra.

• The coagulated material keeps the semen as

a single sticky mass for a few minutes after
ejaculation, then Fibrinolysis from the
prostate dissolves the coagulum to release
sperm cells to make their way up the female
reproductive tract.
 Accessory Glands

Bulbourethral gland
• Compound mucus gland.

• Secretes mucus into the spongy urethra at

the base of the penis. For lubrication of the
urethra, helps reduce vaginal acidity.
 Regulation of Sex
Hormones
• Hormonal regulation that influence the
male reproductive system involve the
hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the
testes.

• Hypothalamus secretes Gonadotropin

releasing hormone (GnRH) or Luteinizing
hormone releasing hormone (LHRH). To
the anterior pituitary.
 Regulation of Sex
Hormones
• Anterior pituitary secretes two
gonadotropins, Luteinizing hormone (LH),
and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

• Testes react to LH, the interstitial cells

increase testosterone production and
secretion. FSH binds to sustenacular cells in
the seminiferous tubules and promotes
sperm cell development.
 Testosterone
• Major male hormone secreted by the testes.
• Functions
– Enlargement and differentiation of the male
genitals and reproductive duct system.
– Sperm cell formation
– Descent of testes
– Stimulates hair growth at
• Pubic area
• Legs
• Chest
• Axillary region
• Face
• Occasionally the back
 Testosterone

– Increased melanin in skin

– Increases rate of secretion of sebaceous
glands
– Hypertrophy of the larynx
– Increased metabolic rate
– Increased RBC count
– Promotes protein synthesis increasing
skeletal muscle mass.
– Rapid bone growth.
– Closure of epiphyseal plates of long
The Female Reproductive
System
 Birth of Venus
A.F. Botticelli (1486)
Female Reproductive System

External Genitalia
• Vulva (Labia
minora, Clitoris,
Prepuce, Labia
majora, Mons
pubis)

• Vestibule – the
space into which
the vagina opens
posteriorly and the
urethra opens
Female Reproductive System

• Greater and Lesser Vestibular gland

(paraurethral)
– located on each side of the vestibule
between the vaginal opening and the labia
minora (greater).

– Lesser is located near the clitoris and urethral

opening. Mucous glands, provide lubricating
fluid that helps maintain the moistness of the
vestibule.
Female Reproductive System

• Labia minora – thin longitudinal skin folds

form borders on each side of the vestibule.

• Clitoris – small, erectile structure containing

two corpora cavernosa. Located in the
anterior margin of the vestibule.

• Prepuce – a fold of skin formed by the two

labia minora uniting over the clitoris.
Female Reproductive System

• Labia majora – lateral to the labia minora

two rounded prominent folds primarily
consists of subcutaneous fat.

• Mons pubis – an elevation over the pubis

symphysis where the two labia majora
unite.
Female Reproductive
System
Female Reproductive System

Internal genitalia
• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes)
• Uterus
• Vagina
Female Reproductive System
(Ovaries)
• Attached to the posterior surface of the
broad ligament by mesovarium (a
peritoneal fold). Two other ligaments attach
and support the ovaries suspensory
ligament and the ovarian ligament.

• Ovarian epithelium (germinal) – a visceral

peritoneum, which covers the surface of the
ovaries.
Female Reproductive System
(Ovaries)
Female Reproductive System
(Fallopian Tubes)
• On each side of the uterus associated with
an ovary.

• Located on the superior margin of the broad

ligament.

• Infundibulum – opening of the fallopian

tube into the peritoneal cavity to receive the
oocyte from the ovary.
Female Reproductive System
(Fallopian Tubes)
• Fimbriae – long thin processes surrounding
the infundibulum, inner surfaces contain
ciliated mucous membrane.

• Ampulla – part of the fallopian tube nearest

the infundibulum, longest part of the tube.

• Isthmus – part of the fallopian tube nearest

the uterus, narrower with thicker walls than
the ampulla.
Female Reproductive System
(Fallopian Tubes)
• The fallopian tubes contain three layers
– Serosa – outer most layer formed by peritoneum.

– Muscular layer – middle layer.

– Mucosa – inner layer consists of simple ciliated

columnar epithelium. Provides nutrients and
moves the oocyte or developing embryonic mass
through the fallopian tubes.
 Female Reproductive
System (Fallopian Tubes)
 Female Reproductive
System (Uterus)
• Oriented on the pelvic cavity with the
fundus directed superiorly and the
narrower, cervix directed inferiorly.

• Body – located between the fundus and the

cervix.

• Isthmus – slight constriction, at the junction

of the cervix and the body.
Female Reproductive System
(Uterus)
• Cervical canal – internal uterine cavity
inferiorly.

• Ostium – opening of the cervical canal to the

vagina.

• The uterus is anchored in place via the

broad ligament, round ligament, and
uterosacral ligament
Female Reproductive System
(Uterus)
Female Reproductive System
(Uterus)
Uterine wall (three layers)
– Perimetrium – the peritoneum that covers
the uterus.

– Myometrium – thick layer of smooth

muscle. Thickest layer of smooth muscle
in the body
Female Reproductive System
(Uterus)
– Endometrium – consists of simple columnar
epithelium layer and a connective tissue layer
(lamina propria).

• Basal layer – deepest part of the lamina propria,

continuous with the myometrium.

• Functional layer – most of the lamina propria and

the epithelium, lines the cavity itself. Undergoes
changes and sloughing during female menstrual
cycle.
Female Reproductive
System (Uterus)
Female Reproductive
System (Uterus)
Cervical mucous glands

– line the cervical canal, produce mucus to prevent

substances that could pass from the vagina to
the uterus.
Female Reproductive
System (Uterus)
Female Reproductive System
(Vagina)
• A tube that extends from the uterus to the
outside.

• Female organ of copulation, allows

menstrual flow and childbirth.

• Histology: Stratifies squamous epithelium

• Walls consist of a muscular layer, which

allows changes in size. Inner mucus layer
forms a protective surface layer and releases
Female Reproductive System
(Vagina)
 Oogenesis

• Production of a secondary oocyte within the

ovaries.

• Oogonia – cells from which oocytes develop.

• Primary oocyte – oogonia, which have

completed prophase 1 of meiosis.
Surrounded by a single layer of flat
(squamous) cells called granulosa cells.
 Oogenesis

• Primordial follicle –
primary oocyte
surrounded by a single
layer of flat (squamous)
cells called granulosa cells.
There is approx. 300,000 to
400,000 of these cells, only.
400 will continue
oogenesis.

• At puberty the cyclical

secretion of FSH
stimulates further
Oogenesis
 Oogenesis

• Enlargement of the oocyte and the

granulosa layer becomes enlarged and
cuboidal shaped.

• As several layers of granulosa cells develop,

a zone of clear material develops around the
primary oocyte called the zona pellucida.
 Oogenesis

• Secondary follicles –
primary follicles continue
development, granulosa
cells multiply and form an
increasing number of layers
around the primary oocyte.
Irregular small spaces
(vesicles) fluid filled form
among the granulosa cells.
– As the secondary follicle
enlarges surrounding cells are
molded around it to form the
theca capsule.
 Oogenesis

• Graafian follicle – secondary follicle

enlarges and the vesicles fuse to form a
single fluid filled chamber called the
antrum.
– The antrum is filled with fluid produced by the
granulosa cells.
 Oogenesis

– The oocyte is pushed off to

one side of the follicle and
lies in a mass of follicular
cells called cumulus mass
(cumulus oophorous).
– Corona radiata – the
innermost cells of the mass
resemble a crown radiating
from the oocyte.
• Usually, only one graafian
follicle reaches the most
advanced stages.
• Before ovulation the primary
Oogenesis
 Ovulation

• Release of the oocyte

from the ovary

• Cytoplasm is not split

evenly, most remain
with the secondary
oocyte and begins
secondary meiotic
division and stops at
metaphase 2
 Ovulation

• Fate of the Follicle

– Becomes the corpus luteum. Which has a
convoluted appearance as a result of its collapse
after ovulation.

– Luteal cells – the combination of the granulosa

cells and the theca cells, enlarge and begin to
secrete progesterone and estrogen.
 Ovulation

– Corpus luteum of pregnancy – is formed by the

corpus luteum in response to fertilization.
Remains functional throughout pregnancy.

– Corpus albicans – is formed if fertilization does

not occur, progesterone and estrogen production
decreases. The corpus albicans continues to
degenerate and disappears in several months to
years.
 Menstrual Cycle

• Cyclic changes that occur in sexually

mature, non-pregnant females and
culminate in menses. On average 28 days
with a range from 18 to 40 days.
– Menarche – first episode of menstrual bleeding.
11 to 13 years of age, on average.
– Menses – period of mild hemorrhage, which
occurs once a month, during which the uterine
epithelium is sloughed off and expelled from the
uterus. Lasts approx. 5 days.
– Menstruation – the discharge of the blood and
the elements of the uterine mucous membrane.
 Menstrual Cycle

• Follicular phase – time between the ending

of menses and ovulation.

• Proliferative phase – time of rapid

proliferation of uterine mucosa.

• Luteal phase – time between ovulation and

the next menses. Existence of the corpus
luteum.
Ovarian Cycle
 Ovarian Cycle

The events that occur in a regular fashion in

the ovaries of sexually mature, non-
pregnant females during the menstrual
cycle.

1.  Release of GnRH from the hypothalamus to the

anterior
pituitary.
2.  Anterior pituitary releases small amounts of FSH
and LH.
 Ovarian Cycle

3.   FSH and LH stimulate follicular growth and

maturation and increases Estradiol secretion by
developing follicles.
– FSH stimulates granulosa cells.
– LH stimulates the theca cells to produce androgens.
– Androgens diffuse to the granulosa cells.
– FSH stimulates the granulosa cells to convert the
androgens to estrogen.
– LH also stimulates the granulosa cells to produce
progesterone.
– Progesterone diffuses to the theca cells which stimulates
production of androgens.
 Ovarian Cycle

4.   As estrogen levels increase in the follicular phase it

has a negative feedback effect on the secretion of
LH and FSH by the anterior pituitary, while at the
same time prodding it to synthesize and
accumulate LH and FSH.

a.   Within the ovary estrogen increases estrogen output by

intensifying the effect of FSH on follicle maturation.

b.   Inhibin released by the granulosa cells, also exerts negative

feedback controls on FSH releasing during this period.
 Ovarian Cycle

5.   The initial small rise in estrogen blood levels

inhibits the hypothalamus & pituitary.

a.   High levels of estrogen have the opposite effect.

b.   Once estrogen reaches a critical level in the blood it exerts a
positive feedback on the brain and anterior pituitary.
 Ovarian Cycle

6.   High estrogen levels start a cascade of events into

motion.

a.   There is a sudden burst like release of accumulated LH by the

anterior pituitary.
 Ovarian Cycle

7.   The sudden flush of LH stimulates the primary

oocyte of the dominant follicle to complete the first
meiotic division.

a.    The secondary oocyte that develops continues on to

metaphase 2.
b.    LH also triggers ovulation around day 14.
c.    Shortly after ovulation estrogen levels decline.
 Ovarian Cycle

8.   The LH surge also transforms the ruptured follicle

into a corpus luteum and stimulates the newly
formed endocrine gland to produce progesterone
and estrogen.

9.   As progesterone and estrogen levels rise in the

blood, the combination exerts a powerful negative
feedback effect on the anterior pituitary. As LH
and FSH decline the development of new follicles is
inhibited, and additional LH surges that might
cause additional oocytes to be ovulated is
prevented.
 Ovarian Cycle

10. As LH blood levels decline, the stimulus for

corpus luteum activity ends, and the corpus luteum
begins degenerating

a.   Levels of ovarian hormones and blood levels of estrogen and

progesterone drop sharply.

11. A marked decline in ovarian hormones at the end

of the cycle ends their blockade of FSH and LH
secretion, and the cycle starts anew.
 
 Uterine Cycle

• A series of cyclic changes that the uterine

Endometrium goes through each month as
it responds to changing levels of ovarian
hormones in the blood.

• The uterus is receptive to the implantation

of a zygote for a brief period each month.
This is approx. 7 days after ovulation.
 Uterine Cycle

1.   Days 1 to 5 (menstrual phase)

a.  The uterus sheds all but its deepest layers of its
Endometrium.
b.  The thick functional layer detaches from the
uterine wall and is accompanied by 3 to 5 days of
bleeding.
c.  This is in response to the levels of LH, FSH,
estrogen and progesterone being at the lowest.
 Uterine Cycle

2.   Days 6 to 14 (proliferative phase)

a.  Endometrium begins rebuilding due to rising blood

levels of estrogen.
b.  Ovulation occurs in the ovary at the end of this
stage, day 14.
 Uterine Cycle

3.   Days 15 to 28 (secretory phase)

a.  Endometrium prepares for implantation.
b.  Rising levels of progesterone from the corpus
luteum, stimulates the endometrium to develop for
sustaining the embryo.
c.  Causes the cervical mucus to become viscous to
form the cervical plug, which blocks sperm and
microbes entry into the uterus.
d.  If fertilization has not occurred, the corpus luteum
degenerates and levels of progesterone decline.
e.  The Endometrium loses its hormonal support and
the functional layer begins to self digest.
 Fertilization

• Sperm cells are introduced into the vagina.

The movement of sperm cells is a
combination of swimming of the sperm and
smooth muscle contractions of the uterus
and fallopian tubes.

• During sexual intercourse, Oxytocin is

released by the female and the semen
introduced from the male contains
prostaglandins. Both Oxytocin and
prostaglandin stimulate the smooth muscle
 Fertilization

• The sperm cells undergo capacitation –

release of acrosomal enzymes, which allows
penetration of the cervical mucus, cumulus
mass, and the oocyte plasma membrane.

• The oocyte can be fertilized for 24 hours

after ovulation, and sperm can survive up to
6 days although most have degenerated
after 24 hours.
 Fertilization

• Trophoblast – outer layer of the developing

fetus.

• Placenta – forms from the trophoblast and

uterine tissue, it also begins to secrete
estrogen and progesterone, these levels
increase throughout pregnancy.  
The End