L.

Modder Name:___________________
Biology 12

Date:____________________

Reproductive System 13

Order of Subtopics Covered:

1. Reproduction
a. Terminology
2. Male Reproduction System
a. Parts & Products of the Male Reproductive System
b. Male Sex Hormones
c. Ejaculation
3. Female Reproductive System
a. Parts & Products of the Female Reproductive System
b. Menstrual Cycle and Female Sex Hormones
c. Uterine & Ovarian Cycles
d. Fertilization & Pregnancy
e. Labour/Delivery

Reproduction
The human reproductive system involves INTERNAL fertilization, and is dependent on
a variety of factors including actions of the
NERVOUS system, HORMONES, and reproductive structures.
REPRODUCTION TERMINOLOGY
MALE FEMALE
GAMETE (sex cells that Sperm Ova (singular: ovum)
carry ONE COPY of each
chromosome)
GONAD (organ that Testes (Testicles) Ovaries
produces the gametes)
MAIN HORMONE(S) Testosterone Estrogen & Progesterone
The Male Reproductive System:
Function: to produce SPERM and deliver it to the OVUM.

1. Bladder
2. Seminal Vessicles
3. Vas Deferens
4. Prostate Gland
5. Bulbourethral Gland
6. Urethra
7. Epididymis
8. Seminiferous Tubules
9. Interstitial Cells
10. Penis
11. Testicles (Testes)
12. Scrotum
13. Epididymis

Bladder Seminal Vesicle

Pubic bone Rectum
Prostate Gland
Urethra Bulbourethral Gland
Penis Anus
Vas Deferens
Epididymis
Scrotum
Seminiferous Tubules
 Accessory Sex glands:
o Seminal VESICLES
o BULBOURETHRAL (Cowpers) gland, PROSTATE gland (SECRETE
substances into the reproductive tract).
PARTS AND PRODUCTS OF THE MALE REPROD. SYSTEM
Testes: Male PRIMARY sex organs
o Suspended outside the body by a pouch ( SCROTUM ) so that the correct
TEMPERATURE can be maintained and VIABLE sperm can be made.
o Produce both SPERM and TESTOSTERONE.
o Made up of two parts:
(1) Seminiferous tubules: are coiled tubules (250 meters) packed into lobes of
the testes
Site of SPERM production (250 - 500 million per TESTICLE/ DAY)
Sperm are produced by MEIOSIS (spermatogenesis)
Inside are cells called SERTOLI CELLS that nourish the developing sperm
cells.
(2) Interstitial Cells: located BETWEEN seminiferous tubules.
produce TESTOSTERONE
Sperm: Sperm production (occurs in seminiferous tubules) begins at PUBERTY and is
ONGOING for the life of the male.
o They have 3 parts:
(1) Head region: contains NUCLEUS (haploid, 23 chromosomes)
- Acrosome: COATING on head region; contains enzymes which allow sperm
to penetrate OVUM.
(2) Middle piece: contains MITOCHONDRIA; site of energy reactions that power
sperm MOTILITY.
(3) Tail: LOCOMOTION.
 o SPERMATOGENESIS: is development of sperm; involves meiosis (cell division
that reduces the number of chromosomes by HALF).

Epididymis: (plural: epididymes) a coiled tube located OUTSIDE each testis.

o sperm move to epididymis once formed in seminiferous tubule.
o Site of sperm MATURATION.
Vas Deferens: (a.k.a ductus deferens) carries the sperm from the testes.
o First portion STORES sperm.
o Remaining portion leads to URETHRA.
Urethra: TUBE leading from bladder to outside of body.
Penis: a cylindrical-shaped organ in that hangs in front of scrotum.
o SPONGY TISSUE inside shaft of penis is flaccid (soft) with normal blood flow in
the penis.
o ERECTION occurs from increased blood flow filling spongy tissue.
o IMPOTENCY is failure to become erect.
Semen: thick, whitish fluid containing SPERM and SECRETIONS (seminal fluid)
from 3 glands:
(1) SEMINAL VESICLES: Two seminal vesicles join two vas deferens
- Secrete NUTRIENTS (fructose) for sperm at the time of ejaculation.
- Ejaculatory duct is single duct leading from two vas deferens; carries semen
to urethra.
 (1) PROSTATE GLAND: surrounds urethra below bladder
- secretes milky ALKALINE fluid that aids sperm motility and survival (helps to
NEUTRALIZE the acidic environment in the vagina).
- Prostate gland ENLARGEMENT is common in older men; constricts urethra
and makes urination difficult. (Prostate cancer is 3rd largest cancer killer of
men.)
(2) BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS: (often called COWPER'S Glands) have mucous
secretions with LUBRICATING EFFECT.
* Seminal Fluid also contains PROSTAGLANDINS which causes uterus to
CONTRACT and facilitates movement of sperm toward egg*
MALE SEX HORMONES (ANDROGENS):
HORMONES and NEGATIVE feedback cycles control the development and
maintenance of the male reproductive system.
After puberty, a man maintains a relatively constant level of testosterone and sperm
production.
There are four hormones involved: GnRH, FSH, LH (also called ICSH), and Inhibin.
Steps in the NEGATIVE feedback cycle (SPERM):
(1) HYPOTHALAMUS ultimately controls testes by secreting GONADOTROPIC-
RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH).
(2) GnRH triggers ANTERIOR PITUITARY to produce two hormones: FSH and LH
(3) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released by the ANTERIOR
PITUITARY.
- FSH promotes spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules. It does this by
entering the Sertoli cells and causing them to take up more testosterone.
This in, turn, enhances SPERM PRODUCTION.
(3) As sperm is made, Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules also release hormone
INHIBIN. The more sperm that is made, the more inhibin is released.
(4) Inhibin (and therefore sperm) levels rise, & this is detected by the
HYPOTHALAMUS and anterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus and anterior
pituitary in turn, REDUCE the release of GnRH and FSH, which in turn reduces
the amount of sperm and inhibin being released.
 Steps in the NEGATIVE feedback cycle (TESTOSTERONE):
(1) Hypothalamus ultimately controls testes by secreting GnRH.
(2) GnRH triggers anterior pituitary to produce two hormones: FSH and LH
(3) LEUTINIING HORMONE (LH) or ICSH is released by the ANTERIOR
PITUITARY.
- controls production of testosterone by interstitial cells. LH thus causes
increased TESTOSTERONE levels in the blood.
(1) High levels of testosterone is detected by the HYPOTHATLAMUS, which then
reduces its release of GnRH

TESTOSTERONE:
o Promotes normal development and function of PRIMARY
SEXUAL ORGANS of males. (e.g. high levels of testosterone
in puberty stimulate the maturation of the penis & testes).
o Causes development of SECONDARY SEXUAL
characteristics during puberty (e.g. beard growth, axillary &
pubic hair, deepens voice, greater muscle growth)
o Testosterone is necessary for the DEVELOPMENT of sperm
(RECALL: FSH causes spermatogenic cells in testes to take up testosterone --
testosterone causes these cells to produce sperm).
o Testosterone increases SECRETIONS from OIL and SWEAT GLANDS
(contributes to acne and body odor).
o AGRESSIVENESS and aggressive behavior is testosterone related.
o SEX DRIVE is also related to testosterone levels. Testosterone is administered
to people (male or female!) who complain of a low sex drive.
 EJACULATION
A process in which semen is FORCED from the penis
Sexual arousal can cause an ERECTION, and ejaculation occurs when sexual
arousal reaches its peak.
Steps in ejaculation:
(1) Sperm enters the EJACULATORY DUCT
(2) The seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper's gland release their
SECRETIONS.
(3) RHYMICAL contractions of the ejaculatory duct and urethra expels semen
from the penis.
REFRACTORY period is typical time following ejaculation during which erection
cannot occur. This time tends to increase as a man ages.

The Female Reproductive System:

Functions: To produce OVA, to allow for development of the EMBRYO, and to

allow PARTURITION (birth) to occur. As well, the female is capable of providing
MILK to the infant following birth.

Over the course of 28 DAYS each month AFTER puberty, the body of a female
undergoes a regular cycle of events, known as the MENSTRUAL CYCLE, that
accomplishes these goals.
1 1

1. Fallopian tubes
(oviducts)
2. Fimbriae
3. Ovaries
4. Uterus
3 3 5. Uterine lining
(endometrium)
2 4 6. Cervix
5
7. Vagina
6
 7

Oviduct Ovary
Fimbria

Uterus
Bladder
Pubic Bone Cervix
Urethra Rectum
Vagina
Clitoris

Anus

PARTS AND PRODUCTS OF THE FEMALE REPROD. SYSTEM

Ovary: Primary sex organ that produces OVA
(eggs) and hormones
o The 2 ovaries are connected to the
OVIDUCTS and UTERUS by LIGAMENTS.
o Each menstrual cycle, an ovary produces
an OVUM (egg), which is released from the
ovary during OVULATION.
o The ovaries contain FOLLICLES which
house the OOCYTE (becomes the ova
when mature) and other cells that nourish
the OOCYTE.
o Females are born with 2 MILLION follicles. During PUBERTY this number is
reduced to 350,000 to 400,000. Only about 400 mature (1/month) during a
females life time.
 Oviduct (also called FALLOPIAN tubes): Tube leading from the OVARY to the
uterus
o Conduct egg from ovary towards the UTERUS.
o Have FIMBRIAE (finger like projections) at their ends that SWEEP the ovum
into the tube.
o CILIA in the oviducts wave to continue moving the ovum.
o The site of FERTILIZATION
Uterus: it is a MUSCULAR & THICK - walled organ located above the BLADDER
o Primary sex organ that houses developing EMBRYO
o The lining of the uterus is called the ENDOMETRIUM; it is composed of
connective tissue, glands, and blood vessels.
o If pregnancy occurs, the endometerium forms the PLACENTA.
o The endometrium thickness varies with the uterine cycle.
o Is connected to the OVIDUCTS near the top (fundus) and to the vagina at its
base.
o The opening of the uterus to the vagina is called the CERVIX.
Vagina: Primary sex organ; an ELASTIC muscular tube with mucosa lining
o Receives penis during INTERCOURSE & serves as the BIRTH CANAL.
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FEMALE SEX HORMONES:
Because 2 things are happening (maturation of an egg & preparation for the
embryo), the menstrual cycle occurs in the OVARIES and UTERUS
o Events are occurring in both locations, happen at the same time and are
interconnected!!!
We will discuss what is happening from the locational perspective (what is
happening in the uterus & ovaries) and from a temporal perspective (timing of events
in each of these 2 locations).
o Menstrual cycle involves 2 cycles. The Ovarian and Uterine cycles occur at the
SAME time.
- OVARIAN cycle in ovaries
(1) Follicular Phase (prior to ovulation)
(2) Luteal Phase (after ovulation)
 - UTERINE cycle in uterus
(1) Proliferative Phase (prior to ovulation)
(2) Secretory Phase (after ovulation)
UTERINE & OVARIAN CYCLES: These cycles occur at the SAME time.
o The ovaries must produce a mature egg
o The uterus must prepare itself to house a developing embryo if the mature egg is
fertilized.
1st Day: MENSTRUATION OCCURS!!!
(1) HYPOTHALAMUS secretes GnRH
(2) ANTERIOR PITUITARY secretes FSH and LH
(3) FSH stimulates the DEVELOPMENT of a FOLLICLE
(4) As the follicle matures it releases ESTROGEN.
OCCURING IN OVARY OCURING IN UTERUS
(5a) Stimulates HYPOTHALAMUS to produce (5b) Estrogen causes an increase
more FSH and LH. (POSITIVE feedback) in blood vessels & mucus glands
of ENDOMETRIUM. (PROLIFERATIVE
(6) More FSH causes more ESTROGEN PHASE)
to be made Follicle matures MORE!!!
MORE estrogen released = more FSH/LH = More estrogen
14th Day: OVULATION OCCURS!!!!
(7a) A massive amount of LH is released due
to positive feedback. This causes
OVULATION (release of the egg) to
occur.
(7b) Enough ESTROGEN is released and thus
begins a NEGATIVE feedback to turn down
production of GnRH, then FSH & LH. (No need
for another follicle to mature just yet!!!)
(8) Follicle is left behind and becomes
CORPUS LUTEUM.
(9) Corpus Luteum produces PROGESTERONE.
(11) 25th day Progesterone amount causes
FEEDBACK on the production of LH.
The CORPUS LUTEUM begins to DEGENERATE.
(12) Corpus luteum makes LESS and LESS
Progesterone (& estrogen)
(10) 15th day: Progesterone causes the
the ENDOMETRIUM to DOUBLE
in thickness & increase secretions.
(SECRETORY PHASE)
(13) 28th Day: Without progesterone
& estrogen endometrium starts to
break down.
VERY BRIEF OVERVIEW:
OVARIAN CYCLE UTERINE CYCLE

Hypothalamus releases GnRH Endometerium & unfertilized

Anterior Pituitary releases LH egg is shed.
& FSH (relatively lower levels of
hormones for these 5 days)
FSH levels rise (day 6-13) Estrogen causes an increase in
Follicular Phase (Day 1 14)

Follicle matures & releases blood vessels and mucus

estrogen glands of endometerium

Proliferative Phase (Day 6 -13)

Estrogen causes positive
feedback of FSH & follicle
maturation
LH spike due to positive
feedback
&
High levels of estrogen begin
negative feedback on
GnRH/FSH/LH production.
OVULATION OCCURS
Corpus lutuem forms & releases Progesterone causes the
progesterone. endometerium to double in
thickness and mature mucus
Luteal Phase (Day 15-28)

High levels of progesterone

glands begin to secrete a thick
Secretory Phase (Day 14-28)

cause a negative feedback cycle

mucus material.
on LH.
Decreasing LH levels coincide
with the corpus luteum
degenerating.
Progsterone (& estrogen) levels Low levels of progesterone
decrease (Negative feedback cause endometerium to begin
turned off & cycle begins again) breaking down.
Fertilization & Pregnancy
Steps in Fertilization:
1. Sperm encounters OVUM ;
2. Acrosome cap releases ENZYMES
3. Outer layer of ovum is DIGESTED by acrosome enzymes;
4. Sperm and ovum plasma MEMBRANES fuse
5. nuclear FUSION occurs
6. ZYGOTE results ( DIPLOID ).
 Steps in Implantation & Pregnancy:
1. Zygote ( FERTILIZED ovum) develops as it moves along the OVIDUCT toward
the uterus.
2. Implantation occurs when the EMBRYO embeds itself into the endometrium
within the uterus.
3. PLACENTA forms allowing fetus to receive oxygen and NUTRIENTS & the FETUS
develops over the 40 week GESTATION period (approx. 9 months)
- During gestation, menstruation does NOT occur.
4. Placenta produces HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) which causes the
corpus luteum to be maintained TEMPORARILY until the placenta can produce
ADEQUATE amounts of progesterone and ESTROGEN.
5. Estrogen and progesterone:
I. Prevent further FOLLICLE development by DISABLING FSH and LH
production by the anterior pituitary
II. Maintain the THICKNESS of the endometrium, and prevent
MENSTRUATION
About Labour/Delivery ( Parturition)
Hormonal Steps in Labour:
1. At term (approx. 38 42 weeks GESTATION) the fetus assumes a head
DOWN position, which can help to TRIGGER childbirth.
2. The POSTERIOR pituitary produces PROSTAGLANDINS and OXYTOCIN.
- oxytocin causes uterine CONTRACTION and stimulates milk RELEASE
- prolactin is involved in milk PRODUCTION
1. Positive FEEDBACK loop governs labour
- Fetus head presses on CERVIX.
- Nerves send impulses to HYPOTHALAMUS
- Hypothalamus causes posterior pituitary to release HORMONES
- Oxytocin stimulates uterine CONTRACTIONS
*This loop continues until BIRTH, which relieves the pressure on the cervix.*
 Physical Steps in Labour:
1. Cervix DILATES to 10 cm.
2. Mucus PLUG is expelled as cervix dilates and EFFACES (THINS)
3. Water BREAKS (AMNIOTIC membrane ruptures, releasing amniotic FLUID)
4. Uterine CONTRACTIONS increase in frequency and duration, and occur about 1
2 minutes apart and last for about 1 minute at the time of birth.
5. Fetus emerges and UMBILICAL cord is cut.
6. Placenta is EXPELLED approx. 15 minutes after birth.