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Reproductive System
Male Reproductive System
General Information- primary function
of the reproductive system is to
ensure the future of the species
 Male Gonad- testes
 External genitalia-scrotum and penis
 Cryptorchismdevelopmental
defect, failure
of the testes to
descend

Testes
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Testis—singular
Each located in a separate compartment
Normal sperm production requires a
temperature about 2o lower than the rest of
the body
Function-produce spermatozoan
½ billion spermatozoa are produced a day
Spermatozoan
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Spermatozoa (pl)
Parts of spermatozoan:
 Head, neck, middle piece,tail (flagellum)
Epididymis
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What happens here?
Functions
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Monitor and adjust fluid
Recycle damaged
spermatozoa
Sperm mature here
Vas Deferens
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16-18 inches long
Carries sperm from
epididymis to urethra
Vasectomy- surgical removal of the all or part of
the vas deferens. Interrupts the flow of sperm
from the testes to the outside of the body
Testicular torsion-vas deferens gets twisted and
causes pain, must repair within 4-6 hours by
manual manipulation because it causes the
blood flow to be cut off.
Vas Deferens
(continued)
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Orchiectomy- surgical removal of
testis (single)
Castration- bilateral orchiectomy
Ejaculatory duct- a 1 inch section of
the vas deferens below the seminal
vesicle. Goes into the prostate
gland and empties into the urethra
Urethra
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6-8 inches long
3 parts:
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1. Prostatic urethra in the prostate
gland
2. Membranous urethra-between the
prostate gland and the penis
3. Penile urethra-goes through the
penis and ends at the urethral meatus
Urinary Bladder
Symphysis pubis
Prostate Gland
Vas Deferens
Corpus Spongiosum
Corpus Cavernosum
Urethra
Glans penis
Prepuce
Urethral meatus
Seminal Vesicle
Ejaculatory Duct
Rectum
Bulbourethral gland
Bulb of penis
Epididymis
Testis
Scrotum
Penis (continued)
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Corpus cavernosum-is on
anterior of penis and is
loaded with blood vessels
Corpus spongiosum-surrounds the
urethra
Erection-blood vessels in the
erectile tissue dialate, blood flow
increases, vascular channels
become engorged with blood. Most
of the pressure is in the corpus
cavernosum
Accessory Organs
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Functions
1. activate sperm
2. provide nutrients
3. move sperm and fluid through
the reproductive tract
4. makes buffers to nuetralize acid
content of urethra and vagina
Accessory Organs

Seminal Vesicles
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Tubular glands
Makes up to 60% of the semen
Secretions are high in fructose which is
used by the sperm to make them
become mobile
Accessory Glands
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Prostate glands- 1 ¼ inch in diameter
 Makes 30% of semen volume
Prostatitis- inflammation of the prostate gland,
common in men >50, can cause BPH (benign
prostatic hypertrophy). Treatment: medication,
TURP (transurethral prostatectomy) which is a
partial removal of the prostate.
Prostate Cancer- most common cancer in men
 Higher incidence in African Americans, lower
in Asians
 Treatment: radiation and/or prostatectomy

Side effect of surgery: loss of sexual functioning
and urinary incontinence
Accessory Gland
At ejaculation 2-5 ml of semen is
released
Semen
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Contains:
Spermatozoa (20-100 million)
Seminal fluid (liquid part of the semen)
Enzymes to help dissolve the mucus in
the vagina and to act as an antibiotic
(to protect the sperm)
Male Sexual Functioning
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Arousal- erotic thoughts or stimulation of
genital area leads to increase in
parasympathetic nervous system functioning
which leads to erection (tumescence)
Intercourse = coitus = copulation
 Peristaltic contractions push fluid and
spermatozoa into prostatic urethra. The
seminal vesicles contract, prostate gland
contracts which moves seminal fluid into
the membranous and penile urethra.
 Sympathetic stimulation closes the
sphincter at the entrance of the urinary
bladder which keeps semen out of the
bladder and urine out of semen
Male Sexual Functioning

Ejaculation- powerful contraction
of the pelvic floor muscles create a
pleasurable sensation with ejaculation
Male orgasm
 Heart rate and blood pressure increase
with ejaculation
Impotence= male sexual dysfunction
the inability to achieve or maintain an
erection. Common problem.
Causes: low BP in arteries serving the
penis, drugs, alcohol, trauma,
illness,depression
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Hormones
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FSH- follicle stimulating hormone
ICSH- interstitial cell stimulating hormone (same as
LH in female)
Testosterone functions:
 1. Promotes maturation of sperm
 2. Maintains accessory organs of male repro.
system
 3. Secondary sex characteristics
 4. Stimulate metabolic operations ( protein
synthesis and muscle growth
 5. Influences brain development especially sexual
behavior and sex drive
Testosterone production increases at puberty
Female Reproductive System
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Female gonad = ovary
Function of ovary
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Produces ova and sex hormones
2x1 inches, almond shape
Produce one ovum per month
Fallopian Tubes
Alternate names:
 Uterine tubes
 Oviducts
 Fimbriae-the end close to the ovary, with finger
like projections
 Takes 3-4 days for the egg to go through the tube
to the uterus
 Fertilization must occur within 12-24 hrs of
ovulation
Where does fertilization occur?
In the outer 1/3 of fallopian tube

Uterus
Functions- provides protection and
nutritional support for the
developing embryo
 Cervix= neck of the
uterus, juts into
vagina,
opening=external os

Uterus (continued)
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2 Layers
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Endometrium- inner lining of uterine
wall. Shed each month with
menstruation. Provides a rich
environment for implantation of
fertilized ovum
Myometrium- muscular layer of uterus.
Bands of overlapping muscle
Uterus - Disease/Disorders
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Uterine fibroids- common tumors of
muscle and connective tissue.
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Usually benign
40% of women >50 uterine fibroids
Hysterectomy performed if fibroids are
large or pressing on structures
Endometrial Cancer-estrogen therapy
increases risk of endometrial cancer 2-10
times. The addition of progesterone
decreases the risk
Vagina
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Description-muscular
tube, 3-3 1/2 inches long,
contains rugae (folds of tissue) so it
can get longer and wider for
intercourse and childbirth
Functions
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Passageway for menstrual fluids
Receives penis during coitus
Birth canal
Vagina Diseases/Disorders
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Vaginitis- inflammation of vaginal
canal. (variety of causes)
Cervical Cancer-most common
reproductive cancer in women ages
15-34
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Primary risk: multiple sex partners,
humanpapilloma virus
Pap smear- tests for cancerous and
precancerous cells
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Major cause of female sterility each year in
the U.S.
 Cause: usually by sexually transmitted
pathogens
 80% of first cases are attributed to
gonorrhea
 50% of all cases are attributed
to Chlamydia
 Signs and Symptoms-fever, pain,
may lead to peritonitis
Highest incidence- ages 15-24,
sexually active

Fimbriae
Ovary
Sacrum
Infundibulum
Fallopian tube
Uterine ligament
Uterus
Cervix
Urethra
Rectum
Anus
Urinary bladder
Symphysis pubis
Clitoris
Vagina
Labia majora
Labia minora
Female External Genitalia
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Vulva Region includes:
Labia majora
Labia minora
Mons pubis
Clitoris (erectile tissue-has a
prepuce)
Vaginal opening
Mammary Glands
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Function: Lactation=
milk production
Areola- dark pigmented part of breast
 Nipple projects out from the areola
Colostrum- first secretion from the breast.
Ideally suited to the species specific needs
of the newborn. Higher in protein, lower in
fat and carbohydrates than later milk.
Promotes brain development and helps seal
the gut to prevent some allergies.
Mammary Glands Disease/ Disorders
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Breast Cancer-Most common after
age 50- can occur in both men and
women
Risk factors
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Family history
Never pregnant or pregnant for the
first time after age 20
Early menarche (1st menstruation)
Late menopause
High fat diet
No breastfeeding
Mammary Gland Disease /Disorder
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Diagnosis: Mammography uses x-rays to examine
the breast for tumors. Also breast self-exam
Treatment: surgery plus chemotherapy and/or
radiation.
Mastectomy- surgical removal of the breast
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1. Segmental mastectomy/ lumpectomy- tumor and
surrounding tissue removes, but most of breast remains
2. Total mastectomy- entire breast removes, but other
tissue left intact
3. Radical mastectomy-breast, pectoralis muscle and
auxiliary lymph nodes removed
4. Modified radical mastectomy-most common surgerybreast and lymph nodes removed, pectoralis muscle
remains
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Chlamydia- leads to PID and
infertility. May be as many as 4
million cases yearly, often no
symptoms. Bacterial.
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Treatment: antibiotic
Gonorrhea-most common STD in U.S.
80% of women have no symptoms.
Can lead to PID. Bacterial
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Treatment: antibiotics
Gonorrhea
Sexually Transmitted Disease
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Syphilis-Bacterial infection
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Four stages
Once the disease is in the fourth and final
stage, the effects are not reversible
Congenital syphilis-transferred from the
infected mother to the fetus. Infects
developing bones and cartilage. Causes
progressive damage to spleen, liver, bone
marrow and kidneys.
Diagnosis: blood test
Treatment: penicillin or other antibiotic
Syphilis
Sexually Transmitted diseases
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Genital Herpes- painful, ulcerate
lesion on external genitalia caused
by the herpes virus. Can be internal
and painless in women leading to
the risk of baby contracting
congenital herpes infection during
birth.
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Genital herpes infection increases risk
of HIV infection
Herpes
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Hepatitis B (hepatitis= inflammation
of the liver)
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Often no symptoms
Can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver
cancer
No effective treatment
Vaccine can prevent it
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) –
causes genital warts
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Primary cause of cervical cancer.
Can cause vulvar, penile and anal
cancers
Fairly new vaccine can prevent it
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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AIDS- acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome
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Caused by HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus)
Hormones and
Female Reproduction
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Ovarian cycle
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Oogenesis= ovum production
Ovarian Cycle
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Ovarian Follicle- part of ovary where
oogenesis occurs
After ovulation , the follicle becomes the
corpus luteum(yellow body) which
degenerates after about 12 days unless
pregnancy occurs
At puberty there are about 200,000
primordial follicles that can became active
follicles.
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40 years after puberty, there are few or no
follicles that can become active.
Ovarian Cycle
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Before ovulation:
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Ovarian Cycle begins with menstration.
The developing follicle increases
estrogen production. When follicle is
mature, estrogen level is high which
causes a sharp increase in LH which
causes follicle wall to burst open so
ovulation can occur
Ovarian Cycle
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Pre-ovulation hormones
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Estrogen-steroid hormones. Estradiol is the
most important
Estrogen functions:
1. Stimulate bone and muscle growth
 2. Maintain female secondary sex
characteristics
 3. Affect CNS activity (sex-related behaviors
and sex drive)
 4. Maintain accessory organs
 5. Begin repair and growth of endometrium
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Ovarian Cycle
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Post Ovulation
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Corpus luteum produces progesterone and a
small amount of estrogen
Progesterone is the primary hormone of the
post-ovulatory period
Progesterone functions:
1. prepare uterus for pregnancy
 2. Stimulate metabolic rate leading to increase
in basal body temperature
If there is no pregnancy, corpus luteum
degenerates which causes estrogen and
progesterone levels to fall
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Menstrual
Cycle
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Av. 28 days – range is 21-35 days
Menstrual Cycle
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Phase 1: Menses
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Beginning of cycle
Unneeded endometrial tissues are sloughed
off
Lasts 1-7 days
About 35ml of blood is lost
Menarche- 1st menstrual period (avg. age
12-13)
Menopause-cessation of menstrual periods
(avg. age 51)
Menstrual Cycle
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Phase 1 continued
 Dysmenorrheal- painful menstruation (cramps)
 PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
 Starts 7-10 days before the start of menses
 May be caused by changes in sex hormone
levels directly or indirectly by CNS effects.
However, this is largely a cultural phenomenon
in the U.S.
 Symptoms: fluid retention, breast enlargement,
headaches, pelvic pain, bloated feeling,
irritability, anxiety, depression
 Treatment: exercise, diet (no caffeine, increase
veggies
Menstrual Cycle
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Phase 2: Proliferative Phase
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After menses
Endometrial epithelium is restored
Lasts until ovulation (about 14 days)
Phase 3: Secretory Phase
Begins with ovulation
 Lasts as long as corpus luteum (about 14
days)
Amenorrhea-no mense (without menstrual
flow)
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Pregnancy
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Conception
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Zygote
Blastocyst
Implantation
Placenta
hCG—human chorionic gonadotropin
Amniotic sac and fluid
Pregnancy
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Blastocyst- a ball of cells that
reaches the uterus 5-7 days after
conception
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Inner cell mass becomes the baby
Outer cell mass becomes the placenta
and amniotic sac and fluid
Pregnancy
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Implantation- blastocyst has cilia
which secret a digestive enzyme
that digests the endometrium so
that the blastocyst burrows in.
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Usually on the upper rear wall of the
uterus.
Completion of implantation=
establishment of pregnancy
Pregnancy
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Placenta- large organ that develops
during pregnancy to provide
nourishmaent and oxygen to the
baby and remove CO2 and other
wastes
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Placenta grows on the endometrium
Mother’s blood supply and baby’s are
separate
Umbilical cord connects placenta to
baby
Pregnancy
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hCG- human chorionic
gonadotropin- hormone of
pregnancy
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Pregnancy tests detect presence of hCG
in urine or blood
Pregnancy
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Amniotic sac- surrounds the baby
and is filled with amniotic fluid
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Has 2 layer membrane-outer layer is
the chorion, inner layer is the amnion
Amniotic fluid created and absorbed by
the amnion
Totally replaced 8 times daily
Baby drinks amniotic fluid and urinates
in it
Pregnancy
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Relaxin- hormone from placenta
that softens cartilage in the
symphysis pubis, softens the cervix
and loosens pelvis in preparation for
birth
Human placental lactogen and
prolactin work together to develop
mammary glands in preparation for
lactation
Birth process begins
Aging and the
Reproductive System
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Menopause ovulation and menstruation cease
 decrease in estrogen and progesterone production
 Uterus and breast size decrease
 Vaginal and urethral wall get thinner
 Decrease in estrogen can lead to osteoporosis
Male Climacteric
 Gradual change in male reproductive system
 Testosterone levels decrease starting between ages
50-60
 Gradual reduction in sexual activity