The Reproductive

System

Function Preview

Ensures continuity of the species

by producing offspring
In sexual reproduction new individuals
are produced by the fusion of haploid
gametes to form a diploid zygote.
Sperm are male gametes, ova (ovum
singular) are female gametes.

Function Preview

Meiosis produces cells that are

genetically distinct from each other;

fertilization is the fusion of two such
distinctive cells that produces a unique
new combination of alleles, thus
increasing variation on which natural
selection can operate.

Function Preview

Sexual reproduction offers the benefit

of generating genetic variation
among offspring, which enhances the
chances of the population's survival.

Anatomy of the Male

Reproductive System

Common purpose
Identify the organs and discuss
the general function of each
Testes: Exocrine and endocrine
functions

Anatomy of the Male

Reproductive System

Composition of semen and the

glands that produce it
Erection, ejaculation and
circumcision
Meiosis and spermatogenesis
Sperm structure and how it
relates to its function

Anatomy of the Male

Reproductive System

FSH and LH: Its effect on testes

functioning

Anatomy of the Female

Reproductive System

Identify the organs of the female

reproductive system and discuss

the general functions
Vesicular follicle and corpus
luteum of the ovary
Endometrium, myometrium and
ovulation

Anatomy of the Female

Reproductive System

Locate the female uterus: cervix,

fundus and body

What is oogeneis
What is the influence of FSH and
LH on ovarian function
Phases and controls of the
menstrual cycle

Anatomy of the Female

Reproductive System

Function and structure of the

mammary glands
Fertilization and zygote
Implantation
Placenta and its functions
Three stages of labor

Overview
Primary sex organs are the gonads
Testes and ovaries
Gonads produce sex cells: gametes
Accessory reproductive organs
The reproductive role of the male is to
produce sperm, deliver them to the
female

Overview
Female provide female gametes or
ova
The joining of a sperm and ova
causes a fusion or a fertilized egg
which is the first cell of a new
individual

Overview
After fertilization the female uterus
provides a protective environment for
the embryo, later called the fetus,
which develops until birth

Overview
Human reproduction employs internal

fertilization, and depends on the integrated

action of hormones,the nervous system, and the
reproductive system. Gonads are sex organs that
produce gametes. Male gonads are the testes,
which produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Female gonads are the ovaries, which produce
eggs (ova) and female sex hormones.

Anatomy of the male

Reproductive System

Testes are suspended outside the

abdominal cavity by the scrotum, a
pouch of skin that keeps the testes
close or far from the body at an
optimal temperature for sperm
development.

Anatomy of the male

Reproductive System
Seminiferous tubules are inside each

testis, and are where sperm are produced

by meiosis. About 250 meters (850 feet)
of tubules are packed into each testis.
Spermatocytes inside the tubules divide
by meiosis to produce spermatids that in
turn develop into mature sperm.

The male reproductive system. Images from Purves et al., Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by
Sinauer Associates (www.sinauer.com) and WH Freeman (www.whfreeman.com), used with permission.

Testes
Fibrous connective tissue
capsule: Tunica
albuginea
Septa or extensions form
this capsule divides the
testes into lobules.
Within the lobules are the
sperm- forming factoriesseminferous tubules

Testes
The sperm empty into

the rete testis and

travel to the epididymis
Surrounding the
seminiferous tubules
are interstitial cells,
functionally distinct
cells that produce
androgens- most
important is
testosterone

Testes
In the male sperm-

producing and
hormone producing
function of the testes
are carried out by two
completely different
cell populations

Accessory Organs
Epididymis
Ductus deferens, vas deferens
Urethra

Accessory Organs

Epididymis

Epididymis
First part of the male duct
system
Provides a temporary storage
site for immature sperm
It takes 20 days to get here
and the sperm mature gaining
the ability to swim
Sexual stimulation causes the
walls to contract and expel the
sperm into the ductus deferens

Ductus Deferens
This is a low power image of the

Ductus Deferens or Vas

Deferens. Notice the Stellate
shaped lumen that is a
characteristic of the duct (red
arrow), along with the very thick
smooth muscle walls indicated by
the blue arrows.
Red arrow - Stellate Shaped
Lumen Of Vas Deferens
Blue arrow - Thick Muscular wall
of Vas Deferens

Ductus Deferens
Runs upward from the epididymis
through the inguinal canal into the
pelvic cavity
It is enclosed along with blood
vessels and nerves in a connective
tissue sheath: spermatic cord

Ductus Deferens
The end of the ductus deferens empties

into the ejaculatory duct, which passes

through the prostate gland and merges
with the urethra
Main function is to propel live sperm from
the epididymis (storage space) and the
distal part of the ductus deferens into the
urethra

Physical prevention (most effective) include vasectomy. Vasectomy: the vas

deferens connecting the testes with the urethra is cut and sealed to prevent the
transport of sperm.

Urethra
Terminal part of the male duct system
Three named regions
Prostatic urethra- prostrate gland
Membranous urethra
Spongy urethra- running within the
length of the penis

Accessory Gland and Semen

Paired seminal vesicles
Prostrate gland
Bulbourethral glands (Cowpers
gland)
These glands produce the bulk of the
semen

Seminal Vesicles
Produce about 60% of semen fluid
Fructose, Vitamin C. prostoglandins
and other substances which nourish
and activate the sperm passing
through the tract
Sperm and seminal fluid enter the
urethra together during ejaculation

Prostate Gland
Produce a milky secretion that plays a
role in activating sperm
Prostrate cancer is the third most
prevalent cancer in men
Hypertrophy of the prostrate strangles
the urethra: Cystitis and kidney
damage

Bulbourethral Glands
Produce a thick, clear mucus that

drains into the penile urethra

This secretion is the first to pass
down the urethra when a man
becomes sexually excited
Cleanses traces of acidic urine and
serves as a lubricant during
intercourse

Semen
Milky white, sticky mixture of sperm

and accessory gland secretions

Provides a transport medium
Contains nutrients and chemicals that
protect the sperm and aid its
movement
Fructose provides the energy
Alkalinity of semen (ph 7.2-7.6)

Semen
Neutralizes the acid environment of
vagina (pH 3.5 - 4)
Contains seminal plasmin ( inhibits
bacterial multiplication)
Hormone relaxin and enzymes that
enhance sperm mobility

Spermatogenisis
Sperm production

begins at puberty at
continues throughout
life, with several
hundred million sperm
being produced each
day. Once sperm form
they move into the
Sperm (SEM x5,785). This image is
epididymis, where theyHuman
copyright Dennis Kunkel at www.DennisKunkel.com,
mature and are stored. used with permission.

Spermatogenesis
Begins in seminiferous tubules:

Spermatogonia
FSH- at puberty causes the
production of stem cell (daughter cell
A) and daughter cell B
Type B- Primary spermatocyte and
undergoes meiosis to form four
spermatids (gametes)

Spermiogeneis
Head contains: DNA
Midpiece: Centrioles that form
filaments of the tail
Tail: Mitochondria are wrapped tightly
around filaments to provide ATP
The entire process of
spermatogenesis takes 64-72 days

Male Sex Hormones

The anterior pituitary produces folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH) or interstitial
cell- stimulating hormone (ICSH).
Action of LH is controlled by the
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH).

Male Sex Hormones

LH stimulates cells in the seminiferous

tubules to secrete testosterone, which has

a role in sperm production and developing
male secondary sex characteristics.
FSH acts on cells to help in sperm
maturation.
Negative feedback by testosterone
controls the actions of GnRH.

Secondary Sex
Characteristics

Deepening of the voice due to the

enlargement of the larynx

Increases hair growth all over the
body
Enlargement of skeletal muscles to
produce heavier muscle mass
Increased heaviness of the skeleton
due to thickening of the bones

Anatomy of the Female

Reproductive System

More complex
Produces female gametes (ova)
Nurture and protect the developing fetus
Ovaries are the primary reproductive
organs
Ovaries produce both an exocrine product
(ova) and endocrine products ( estrogens
and progesterone)

www.gynaesurgeon.co.uk/anatomy/anatomy6.htm

Ovaries
Paired and contain saclike structures
called ovarian follicles
Each follicle consists of an immature
egg (oocyte) surrounded by follicle
cells
As follicle matures it enlarges and
develops a fluid-filled center: antrum

Ovaries
The follicle is now called a vesicular

or Graafian follicle: the developing

egg is ready for ovulation
After ovulation the ruptured follicle is
transformed into the corpus luteum
which eventually degenerates
Ovulation generally occurs every 28
days

Duct System
Uterine tubes
Uterus
Vagina

The female reproductive tract

Duct System
The reproductive system of a women is

entirely internal.
The vagina is the passage that leads from the
outside of the body to the cervix, which is the
opening to the uterus.
The uterus is the muscular organ where a
fertilized egg attaches and develops. It is
about the size and shape of a pear, and is
lined with a rich and nourishing mucous
membrane
called the endometrium.

Fallopian Tubes
Forms the initial part of the duct
system
Receives the ovulated oocyte
Provides a site where fertilization can
occur
Enclosed and supported by a broad
ligament

Fallopian Tubes
Unlike the male duct system, no

actual contact between the uterine

tubes and the ovaries
Distal end expands into infundibulum
which has finger-like
projections( fimbriae)
Fimbriae create fluid currents to carry
the oocyte into the uterine tube

Fallopian Tubes
Oocyte is carried to the uterus by

peristalsis and rhytmic beating of cilia

Takes 3-4 days to get to the uterus
Oocyte is viable up to 24 hours after
ovulation
Usual site for fertilization is the
uterine tube

www.2womenshealth.co.uk/Figure0201.htm

Uterus
Womb
Located in the pelvis between the
urinary bladder and the rectum
Receives, retains and nourishes the
fertilized egg
The major portion is the body

Uterus
Superior rounded region above the
entrance of the uterine tubes is the
fundus
Narrow outlet that protrudes into the
vagina beow is the cervix

Duct System
From the top of the uterus extend the

fallopian tubes, which lead backward and

downward to the ovaries.

www.afraidtoask.com/STD/stdanatomy.html

sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/gynecology/anatute.html

www.gynaesurgeon.co.uk/anatomy/anatomy6.htm

Uterus
Three layers
Inner layer or mucosa is the endometrium
if fertization ocurs, the fertilized egg implants
into the endometrium

Myometrium is the bulky middle layer

Composed of smooth muscle
Active role during the delivery of the baby

Uterus
Three layers
Perimetrium or viseceral peritoneum
Outer serous layer

Menses
When not pregnant the endometral
lining sloughs off periodically
Usually every 28 days
Responds to the levels of the ovarian
hormones

Vagina
Birth canal
Provides a passageway for the
delivery of the baby
Provides a oassageway for menstrual
flow to leave the body
Receives the penis and semen
Female organ of copulation

Vagina
Distal end is partially closed by the
hymen
Very vascular and tends to bleed if
ruptured
If too tough it is surgically ruptured to allow for
intercourse

External Genitalia
Called the Vulva collectively
Mons pubis
Labia
Clitoris
Urethral and vaginal orifices
Greater vestibular glands

A:Prepuce(Hood)of
Clitoris
B:Clitoris
C:OpeningofUrethra
(urinarytract)
D:Labiaminora
E:Labiamajora
F:OpeningofVagina
G:Vestibule
H:Hymantissue
(residual)
I:OpeningofAnus

Vulva
The MONS, a name that comes from the
Latin mons veneris means mound of
Venus, the Roman goddess of love, is the
area of fatty tissue that forms a soft
mound over the pubic bone. The mons is
covered by skin and pubic hair.

Vulva
The LABIA MAJORA, or OUTER LIPS, extend

from the mons to the anus. They cover the

urinary and vaginal openings and are in turn
covered by pubic hair.
The LABIA MINORA, or INNER LIPS, are
delicate folds of moist skin that lie inside the
outer lips, although they can protrude beyond
them. They extend from just above the clitoris to
below the vaginal opening. They vary in size and
form in each woman.

Vulva
The CLITORIS is an exquisitely sensitive organ

that lies just under the mons. It is covered by the

inner lips which can be gently pushed back to
reveal the tip (the head or glans). The rest of the
clitoris can be seen because it extends inside the
body. The clitoris is extremely sensitive to
stimulation and when stimulated it becomes
erect. Although direct stimulation of the tip of
the clitoris is pleasurable for some women it is
uncomfortable and even painful for others.

Vulva
The URINARY OPENING is just under the

clitoris. It is the outer part of the urethra, the tube

from the bladder.
The VAGINAL OPENING is located behind the
urinary opening.
During sexual stimulation erectile tissue on both sides
of the vagina become engorged with blood. The whole
area becomes moist. The pelvic muscles contract and
relax during orgasm. One- to two-thirds of the vaginal
opening is covered with the HYMEN until this is
broken by intercourse or penetration or another object
or even bicycle or horseback riding.

Vulva
The VAGINA lies between the urethra and the

rectum.
Unless a woman is sexually stimulated the walls of
the vagina touch each other.
When a woman is sexually aroused a slippery
liquid is produced and the vagina opens, or
enlarges. ( Greater Vestibular Glands)
The vagina can open as much as to facilitate the
passage of a baby, therefore there is no such thing
as a penis too large for a woman's vagina
.

www.2womenshealth.co.uk/Figure0202.htm

Female Reproductive
Functions and Cycles

Oogenesis: Meiosis to produce female

gametes
The ovary contains many follicles composed of
a developing egg surrounded by an outer layer
of follicle cells.
Each egg begins oogenesis as a primary oocyte.
At birth each female carries a lifetime supply of
developing oocytes, each of which is in
Prophase I.

Female Reproductive
Functions and Cycles
A developing egg (secondary oocyte) is
released each month from puberty until
menopause, a total of 400-500 eggs.

Oogenesis
In the female fetus: oogonia or the
female stem cells
Rapidly multiply
Daughter cells, the primary oocytes,
push into the ovary connective tissue
Surrounded by a single layer of cells
and form the primary follicles

Oogenesis
By birth the oogenia are no longer

exist and a lifetime supply of primary

oocytes exists; arrested in prophase I
During puberty, the anterior pituitary
secretes FSH
Stimulates a small number of follicles to
grow and mature
Ovulation occurs

Oogenesis. The above image is from http://www.grad.ttuhsc.edu/courses/histo/notes/female.html.

Ovarian Cycle
Cyclic changes that occur monthly
At puberty, 400,000 oocytes remain
Small number activated each month
Follicle prodded by FSH grows it
accumulates fluid in the center: antrum
Primary oocyte undergoes first meiotic
division
Produces:

Ovarian Cycle
Secondary oocyte
Polar body
The vesicular follicle contains a secondary
oocyte

14 days
Ovualation of secondary oocyte occurs in
response to LH
Ovulated secondary oocyte still surrounded
by capsule now called the corona radiata

Ovarian Cycle
LH stimulus causes rupture and release of oocyte
into peritoneal cavity
Vesicular follicles that do not ovulate overripe and
deteriorate
LH causes the ruptured follicle to change into
corpus luteum
Secondary oocyte if penetrated by sperm its nucleus
undergoes the second meiotic division that produces
another polar body and the ovum nucleus

Meiosis in females yields only one

functional ovum and three tiny polar bodies

Ovarian Cycles
After puberty the ovary

cycles between a follicular

phase (maturing follicles)
and a luteal phase
(presence of the corpus
luteum).
These cyclic phases are
interrupted only by
pregnancy and continue
until menopause, when
reproductive capability
ends.

Ovarian Cycles
During the first phase, the

oocyte matures within a

follicle.
At midpoint of the cycle, the
oocyte is released from the
ovary in a process known as
ovulation.
Following ovulation the
follicle forms a corpus
luteum which synthesizes
and prepares hormones to
prepare the uterus for
pregnancy.

Ovarian Cycle
If secondary oocyte is not penetrated
it deteriorates

Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is

http://www.emc.maricopa.
edu/faculty/farabee/BIOB
K/BioBookREPROD.html

hormonally regulated in
two phases.
The follicle secretes
estrogen before
ovulation
The corpus luteum
secretes both estrogen
and progesterone after
ovulation.

Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle
covers events in the
ovary
The menstrual cycle
occurs in the uterus.

Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycles vary from between 15 and
31 days.
Menses Days 1-5

The first day of the cycle is the first day of

blood flow (day 0) known as menstruation.
During menstruation the uterine lining is
broken down and shed as menstrual flow.
FSH and LH are secreted on day 0, beginning
both the menstrual cycle and the ovarian cycle.

Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycles vary from between 15
and 31 days.
Menses Days 1-5

Both FSH and LH stimulate the maturation

of a single follicle in one of the ovaries and
the secretion of estrogen.

Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycles vary from between 15 and 31
days.
Proliferative stage Days 6-14

Rising levels of estrogen in the blood trigger

secretion of LH
Basal layer of endometrium regenerates
stimulates follicle maturation and ovulation
LH stimulates the remaining follicle cells to form
the corpus luteum, which produces both estrogen
and progesterone.

Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycles vary from between 15 and 31
days.
Secretory stage 15-31

Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of

the endometrium and preparation of the uterine inner
lining for implantation of a zygote.
If pregnancy does not occur, the drop in FSH and LH
cause the corpus luteum to disintegrate.
The drop in hormones also causes the sloughing off of
the inner lining of the uterus by a series of muscle
contractions of the uterus.

Secondary Sex
Characteristics

Caused by estrogens (estradiol,

estrone, estriol)
Estradiol is the most abundant and
responsible for mediating estrogenic
effects

Secondary Sex
Characteristics

Enlargement of accesory organs of

the femaale reproductive system
Uterine tubes
Uterus
Vagina
vulva

Development of the breasts

Secondary Sex
Characteristics

Appearance of axillary and pubic hair

Increased deposits of fat beneath the
skin
Hips
Breasts

Widening and lightening of the pelvis

Onset of the menstrual cycle

Mammary Glands
Mammary glands develop from

distinctive mammary ridges running

along both sides of the trunk of a
mammalian embryo.
Mammary glands are found in both
sexes, but cease development in males
well before puberty.

Mammary Glands
Mammary glands are probably highly modified

sweat glands.
reasonable to suggest that their origin was
correlated with the development of milk teeth and
the pattern of tooth replacement (diphyodonty)
seen in most modern mammals.
Milk teeth are probably not as efficient as adult
teeth at chewing, due partly to their small size and
partly to their ever-changing pattern of occlusion
as the young mammal grows.

Mammary Glands
This lack of efficiency is accommodated

by reliance on a food that doesn't need to

be chewed, milk.
Mammary glands are made up of a
system of ducts surrounded by glandular
tissue, which secretes milk.

Mammary Glands
Milk formation is stimulated by the hormones

prolactin and growth hormone

Secretion of these hormones is in turn
stimulated by the act of suckling.
Numerous ducts discharge to the surface of a
fleshy protuberance called a nipple.
Milk contains high percentages of protein, fat,
and sugars (especially lactose), and some
amount of vitamins and salts.

Fertilization
transmission of genes from both parents
to offspring
restoration of the diploid number of
chromosomes reduced during meiosis
initiation of development in offspring

The egg and sperm. Sperm are color enhanced (green) while the egg is color enhanced to
gold. The above image is modified from http://130.102.208.100/FMRes/FMPro?-

db=images.fp3&key=32931&-img.

Sperm on the surface of a human egg. This image is from http://130.102.208.100/FMRes/FMPro?db=images.fp3&key=32932&-img.

Fertilization Steps
Contact between sperm and egg
Entry of sperm into the egg
Fusion of egg and sperm nuclei
Activation of development

Embryonic Events
Cleavage is the first step in development of
multicelled organisms.
Cleavage converts a single-celled zygote into
a multicelled embryo by mitosis.
The blastocyst or chorionic vesicle is produced
by mitosis of the zygote, and is a ball of cells
surrounding a fluid-filled cavity (the
blastocoel).

Embryonic Events
The decreasing size of cells increases their

surface to volume ratio, allowing for more

efficient oxygen exchange between cells and
their environment.
RNA and information carrying molecules are
distributed to various parts of the blastula, and
this molecular differentiation sets the stage for
the layering of the body

Embryonic Events
Gastrulation involves a series of cell

migrations to positions where they will

form the three primary cell layers.
Ectoderm forms the outer layer.
Endoderm forms the inner layer.
Mesoderm forms the middle layer.

Embryonic Events
Mesoderm
forms structures associated with

movement and support: body muscles,

cartilage, bone, blood, and all other
connective tissues. Reproductive system
organs and kidneys come from
mesoderm.

Embryonic Events
Endoderm
forms tissues and organs associated with the

digestive and respiratory systems. Many

endocrine structures, such as the thyroid and
parathyroid glands, are formed by the
endoderm. The liver, pancreas, and gall
bladder arise from endoderm.

Embryonic Events
Ectoderm
tissues associated with outer layers: skin,

hair, sweat glands, epithelium. The brain

and nervous system also develop from the
ectoderm.

Implantation
The uterine lining becomes enlarged and prepared

for implantation of the embryo in the trophoblast

layer.
Twelve days after fertilization, the trophoblast has
formed a two-layered chorion.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted
by the chorion, and prolongs the life of the corpus
luteum until the placenta begins to secrete estrogen
and progesterone. Home pregnancy tests work by
detecting elevated hCG levels in the woman's urine.

Implantation
Your Placenta or Mine?
Maternal and embryonic structures interlock to form
the placenta, the nourishing boundary between the
mother's and embryo's systems. The umbilical cord
extends from the placenta to the embryo, and
transports food to and wastes from the embryo.

Changes in the zygote from fertilization to implantation. The above image is from
http://www.biosci.uga.edu/almanac/bio_103/notes/apr_15.html.

Stages of Development
The period of time from fertilization to

birth (usually 9 months) is divided into

trimesters, each about three months long.
During pregnancy the zygote undergoes
40 to 44 rounds of mitosis, producing an
infant containing trillions of specialized
cells organized into tissues and organs.

Stages of Development
The First Trimester
The three embryonic tissue layers form.
Cellular differentiation begins to form
organs during the third week.
After one month the embryo is 5 mm long
and composed mostly of paired somite
segments.
During the second month most of the major
organ systems form, limb buds develop.

Stages of Development
The First Trimester
The embryo becomes a fetus by the seventh week.
Beginning the eighth week, the sexually neutral
fetus activates gene pathways for sex
determination, forming testes in XY fetuses and
ovaries in XX fetuses. External genitalia develop.

Stages of Development
The Second Trimester
The fetus increases in size during this
trimester, and bony parts of the skeleton
begin to form.
Fetal movements can be felt by the mother.

Stages of Development
The Last Trimester
During this trimester the fetus increases in size.
Circulatory and respiratory systems mature in
preparation for air breathing.
Fetal growth during this time uses large parts of its
mother's protein and calcium intake.
Maternal antibodies pass to the fetus during the
last month, conferring temporary immunity.

Birth
Birth is a positive feedback hormonal

mechanism. During birth the cervix dilates to

allow passage of the fetus. Uterine contractions
propel the fetus through the birth canal, usually
head first. Hormonal control of the birth
process involves the release of oxytocin and
prostaglandins, which are stimulated by uterine
contractions, which stimulate more hormones
that cause more contractions....etc.

Birth

First Stage: Dilation stage

The first stage of birth lasts from
beginning of contractions to the full (10
cm) dilation of the cervix.
Membranes of the amniotic fluid
rupture, lubricating the vagina.
( breaking the water)

Birth
Second Stage: Expulsion stage
Strong uterine contractions of a minute in
duration separated by two to three minute
intervals propel the fetus down the birth
canal.
Abdominal muscles relax in synchrony with
the uterine contractions.
Vertex position: head-first
Breech: buttocks- first

Birth
Third Stage: Placental stage
After delivery of the baby, the umbilical
cord is clipped and cut.
The placenta (or afterbirth) in expelled
through the vagina.

Birth
Milk Production
Nursing mothers have their hormone levels and

uterine size return to normal much faster than

non-nursing mothers. Breasts develop the
capability for milk secretion about the mid point
of pregnancy. Secretion of milk does not occur
until delivery, and the action of prolactin.
Suckling by the infant causes production of
oxytocin to promote release of milk into the
ducts emptying into the nipple.