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Chapter 24
Reproductive System

Functions of the Reproductive System

To produce offspring The gonads produce gametes (sperm or ova) and sex hormones
Primary sex organs (gonads): testes in males, ovaries in females Sex hormones: androgens (males), and estrogens and progesterone (females)

The development and function of the reproductive organs Sexual behavior and drives The growth and development of many other organs and tissues

Ciliated Epithelial Surface of a Uterine Tube

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All other reproductive organs are accessory

Ducts, glands, and external genitalia

Functions of the Male Reproductive System

Production of male

Functions of the Male Reproductive System

Transfer of sperm cells

gametes (spermatozoa) Sustenance of sperm cells Nutrients Environment: temperature, pH Secretions semen

to the female (ductile system) Production of male sex hormones (testosterone)

The Male Reproductive System

The male genitalia consists of: 1. Testes 2. Ductile system: epididymis, vas (ductus) deferens, ejaculatory duct, and the urethra

The Male Reproductive System

3. Accessory sex glands: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral (Cowpers) glands 4. Supporting structures Scrotum Penis

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Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System Scrotum

A sac containing the testes Intrascrotal temperature
3C < core body temperature Kept constant by two sets of muscles: Dartos: smooth muscle that wrinkles scrotal skin Cremaster: bands of skeletal muscle that elevate the testes

The Testes
Each testis is surrounded by two tunics: The tunica vaginalis, derived from peritoneum The tunica albuginea, the fibrous capsule of the testis

The Testes
Extensions of the tunica albuginea form incomplete septa 300-400 lobules, each containing 1-4 seminiferous tubules Uncoiled length of the seminiferous tubules in both testes is nearly half a mile

The Testes
Seminiferous tubules Produce sperms Surrounded by interstitial cells that produce testosterone

Descent of the Testes

During development, the testes pass from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal to the scrotum A tunica vaginalis covers each testis, protecting against friction

Descent of the Testes

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The Epididymis
Coiled tube located on the testis Site of sperm cell maturation Nonmotile sperms enter, pass through its tubes and become motile Takes 12-16 days Upon ejaculation the epididymis contracts, expelling sperm into the ductus deferens

The Ductus (Vas) Deferens & Ejaculatory Duct

Runs from the epididymis through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity Its terminus expands to form the ampulla and then joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct, which connects to the prostatic urethra Propels sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

The Spermatic Cord

Consists of the ductus deferens, blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerves Coverings consist fascia & the cremaster muscle Passes through the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity

The Urethra
Passageway for urine & semen Prostatic urethra extends from the urinary bladder through the prostate gland Membranous urethra extends through the pelvic floor Spongy urethra continues through the penis

The Penis
A copulatory organ designed to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract Consists of an attached root and a free shaft that ends in the glans penis Prepuce, or foreskin Cuff of skin covering the glans penis Circumcision: surgical removal of the foreskin after birth The bulb of the penis and the crura form the root of the penis and the crura attach the penis to the coxal bones

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The Penis
Consists of erectile tissue The two corpora cavernosa form the dorsum and the sides of the penis The corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra and expands to form the glans and bulb of the penis When erectile tissue fills with blood erection

Accessory Glands
Seminal Vesicles Lie on the posterior wall of the bladder Join the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct Sperm and seminal fluid mix in the ejaculatory duct and enter the prostatic urethra during ejaculation

Accessory Glands
Prostate Gland Doughnut-shaped gland that encircles part of the urethra inferior to the bladder Consists of glandular and muscular tissue and empties into the prostatic urethra

Accessory Glands
Bulbourethral (Cowpers) glands Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate Mucous glands empty into the spongy urethra

Semen
Milky white, sticky mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions Average volume/ejaculation: 2-5 ml 75 to 400 million sperms/ml of semen Functions: Provides a transport medium Provides nutrients (fructose) for sperms Protects and activates sperm and facilitates their movement

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Semen
Testicular secretions (sperm cells) = 4% Seminal vesicle fluid (fructose, clotting proteins, and prostaglandins) = 65% Prostate secretions make the seminal fluid more pH-neutral; proteolytic enzymes break down clotting proteins = 30% Bulbourethral glands (mucus, which neutralizes the acidic pH of the urethra) <1%

Chromosomes
The diploid number of chromosomes in humans is 46, consisting of 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes A male has the sex chromosomes XY and a female XX The haploid number of chromosomes in humans is 23

Meiosis
A reduction division decreases the number of chromosomes from the diploid to the haploid number
Occurs during the first meiotic division

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis begins at puberty & continues through the mans life Sperm cells (spermatozoa) are produced in the seminiferous tubules Cells making up the walls of seminiferous tubules are in various stages of cell division

Crossing over and random assortment are responsible for the genetic diversity of sperm cells and oocytes

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogonia: outermost cells in contact with the epithelial basal lamina Mitotic division of spermatogonia results in type A or type B daughter cells Type A cells remain at the basement membrane and maintain the germ line Type B cells move toward the lumen and become primary spermatocytes

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogonium (46) mitosis Primary spermatocyte (46) meiosis I 2 secondary spermatocytes (23) meiosis II 4 spermatids (23) development (epididymis) 4 spermatozoa (23)

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The Sperm in the Epididymis

Acrosome matures Ability to fertilize an oocyte develops Flagella become capable of movement

The Spermatozoon (Sperm)

3 major regions
Head: contains DNA; has a helmet-like acrosome containing hydrolytic enzymes that allow the sperm to penetrate the egg Midpiece: contains mitochondria spiraled around the tail filaments Tail: flagellum

Sustentacular Cells (Sertoli Cells)

In the seminiferous tubules Nurse cells: nourish the sperm cells Their tight junctions form a blood-testis barrier Isolate the sperms from the immune system Needed since sperms are not formed until puberty sperms may stimulate an immune response sperm destruction Produce hormones: androgens, estrogen & inhibin

Regulation of Sex Hormone Secretion

Normal function of the male reproductive system depends on hormonal and neural mechanisms

Puberty
Before puberty, small amounts of testosterone inhibit GnRH release During puberty testosterone does not completely suppress GnRH release, resulting in increased production of FSH, LH, and testosterone

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Effects of Testosterone
Before puberty: Causes the development of male sex organs in the embryo Stimulates the descent of the testes

Effects of Testosterone
After puberty
Necessary for spermatogenesis Enlargement of the genitalia Hair growth stimulation (pubic area, axilla, and beard) and inhibition (male pattern baldness) Increased skin thickness and melanin and sebum production Enlargement of the larynx and deepening of the voice Increased protein synthesis (muscle), bone growth, blood cell synthesis, and blood volume Metabolic rate increases

Male Sexual Behavior

Testosterone Enters hypothalamus & surrounding structures male sexual behavior In the brain, may be converted to other steroids, such as estrogen Blood level relatively constant from puberty to about 40 years of age slowly declines 20% by 80 years

Male Sexual Behavior

Stimulation of the sexual act can be psychic (sight, sound, odor or thoughts) or tactile The male sexual act includes erection, emission, ejaculation, orgasm (climax) and resolution

Male Sexual Behavior

Action potential from parasympathetic centers in the sacral region of the spinal cord cerebrum consciousness of sensation dilation of arteries supplying penile erectile tissue other penile arteries constrict blood is shunted to erectile tissue blood fills venous sinusoids in erectile tissue expansion of erectile tissue (erection) compression of veins reduced blood flow from the penis maintenance of erection

Male Sexual Behavior

Emission movement of sperm cells, mucus, prostatic secretions & seminal vesicle secretions into the urethra Ejaculation forceful expulsion of secretions that have accumulated in the urethra to the outside Orgasm or climax an intense sensation associated with the sexual act Resolution occurs after ejaculation; penis becomes flaccid; inability to have an erection & ejaculation

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Male Sexual Behavior

Increased level of sexual tension sympathetic action potential peristaltic contractions of the reproductive ducts & release of secretions by the seminal vesicles & prostate gland emission sensory action potentials to spinal cord sympathetic & somatic motor output Sympathetic action potential constriction internal urethral sphincter Somatic motor action potential contraction of skeletal muscles surrounding the bulb of penis rhythmic contractions ejaculation

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Production of female sex cells (ova) Reception of sperm cells from the male Nurturing the development of and providing nourishment for the new individual Production of female sex hormones

The Female Reproductive System

Ovaries: primary female reproductive organs Accessory structures Uterine (Fallopian) tubes Uterus Vagina External genitalia Mammary glands

The Ovaries
Paired organs on each side of the uterus held in place by several ligaments: Suspensory Ovarian Broad

The Ovaries
Visceral peritoneum covers the surface of the ovaries Have an outer capsule (tunica albuginea) Divided internally into a cortex and a medulla

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The Ovaries
Cortex contains follicles Medulla receives blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves Function in oogenesis & production of female hormones

The Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

Extend from the ovaries to the uterus Infundibulum expanded ovarian end Fimbriae surround the opening of the infundibulum Ampulla widest, longest part

The Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

Layers Serosa Muscular Mucosa with simple ciliated columnar epithelium

The Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

Site of fertilization: outer 3rd Muscular contractions and cilia move the oocyte through the uterine tube
Lateral body wall

Superior margin of uterus Posterior surface of broad ligament

The Uterus
In the midline of the pelvic cavity Bent forward (anteverted) Posterior to the bladder, anterior to the rectum

The Uterus
Consists of the fundus, body, and cervix

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The Uterus
Cervix
Canal-like, 2.5 cm long, elastic Has external & internal os Secretes mucus
Lubricate the vaginal canal Bacteriostatic agent Alkaline environment

The Uterus
Ligaments
Broad Round Uterosacral

The Uterus
Layers of uterine walls
Perimetrium visceral peritoneum Myometrium smooth muscle Endometrium (mucous membrane)

The Uterus

The uterine cavity and the cervical canal are the spaces formed by the uterus

The Vagina
The female organ of copulation Connects the uterus (cervix) to the vestibule Consists of a layer of smooth muscle and an inner lining of moist stratified squamous epithelium The hymen covers the vaginal orifice Uterine muscle layers

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The External Genitalia

The external female genitalia consist of the vestibule and its surrounding structures Vestibule the space into which the vagina and the urethra open Erectile tissue associated with the vestibule
The two corpora cavernosa form the clitoris The corpora spongiosa form the bulbs of the vestibule

The External Genitalia

Labia minora folds that cover the vestibule and form the prepuce Vestibular glands produce a mucous fluid Bartholins glands greater vestibular glands Skenes glands lesser vestibular glands When closed, the labia majora cover the labia minora

The External Genitalia

Mons pubis - an elevated fat deposit superior to the labia majora Pudendal cleft is a space between the labia majora Perineum the diamond-shaped area between the symphysis pubis and the coccyx Clinical perineum the region between the vagina and the anus

The Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands located in the breasts Consist of glandular lobes and adipose tissue The lobes consist of lobules that have milkproducing alveoli The lobes connect to the nipple through the lactiferous ducts Myoepithelium its contraction causes milk letdown (release) in a lactating woman Mammary (lactiferous) ducts The areola surrounds the nipple Suspensory ligaments support the breasts

Oogenesis
Begins in the fetus 4th month of development: 5 million oogonia primary oocytes At birth: approximately 2 million primary oocytes All of the primary oocytes remain in prophase I until puberty

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Oogenesis (Puberty to Menopause)

At birth: ca. 2 million Puberty: 300,000-400,000 Will attain full development: 400

An activated primary oocyte produces two haploid cells 1st polar body, which degenerates or divides to form two polar bodies + secondary oocyte, which arrests in metaphase II and is ovulated Ovulation the release of a secondary oocyte from an ovary Secondary oocyte (if penetrated by a sperm) completes meiosis II one large ovum (the functional gamete) + a tiny second polar body

Follicle Development
Primordial follicles are surrounded by a single layer of flat granulosa cells Primary follicles are primary oocytes surrounded by a zona pellucida and cuboidal granulosa cells The primary follicles become secondary follicles as granulosa cells increase in number and fluid begins to accumulate in the vesicles Granulosa cells increase in number, and theca cells form around the secondary follicles Mature follicles have an antrum

Follicle Development
Ovulation occurs when the follicle swells and ruptures and the secondary oocyte is released from the ovary The corona radiata surround the oocyte Fate of the follicle The mature follicle becomes the corpus luteum If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum persists If no pregnancy occurs, it becomes the corpus albicans

Puberty

Every 28 days

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Puberty
Begins with the first menstrual bleeding (menarche) Begins when GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone levels increase Increased estrogen and progesterone promote the development of the female primary and secondary sexual characteristics

The Menstrual Cycle

Consists of the periodic changes occurring in the ovaries and uterus of a sexually mature, nonpregnant female that result in The production of a secondary oocyte Preparation of the uterus for implantation Days 1-5: Menstrual phase: uterus sheds all but the deepest part of the endometrium Days 6-14: Proliferation phase: endometrium rebuilds itself Days 14-28: Secretory phase: endometrium prepares for implantation of the embryo

The Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Phase
The time between the beginning and the end of menstruation (days 1-5)
Menstruation is the discharge of blood and part of the endometrium from the uterus Menstruation begins because of a decrease in progesterone and estrogen from the previous cycle

The Menstrual Cycle

Proliferation Phase
The time between the end of menstruation and ovulation (days 6 -14)
FSH and LH stimulate follicular growth and estrogen production Estrogen stimulates epithelial cells in the endometrium to multiply The endometrium becomes thicker and spiral glands and arteries develop The LH surge stimulates completion of the first meiotic division by the primary oocyte, ovulation, and formation of the corpus luteum The FSH surge stimulates follicle development Mature follicles inhibit the development of less mature follicles

The Menstrual Cycle

Secretory Phase
The time between ovulation and the beginning of menstruation (days 14 - 28)
Estrogen stimulates cell division in the endometrium Progesterone stimulates the spiral glands to produce a secretion rich in glycogen and lipids and inhibits uterine contractions If fertilization does not occur, menses begins and the corpus luteum becomes the corpus albicans If fertilization occurs, hCG stimulates the corpus luteum to persist

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Female Sexual Behavior

Female sex drive is partially influenced by androgens (produced by the adrenal gland) and steroids (produced by the ovaries) Events of the female sexual act including the following
The erectile tissue of the clitoris and the bulbs of the vestibule become filled with blood The vestibular glands secrete mucus, and the vagina extrudes a mucuslike substance Orgasm and resolution occur

Fertilization and Implantation

Fertilization is the joining of a sperm cell and a secondary oocyte to form a zygote Intercourse must take place 5 days before to 1 day after ovulation if fertilization is to occur Sperm cell transport to the ampulla depends on the ability of the sperm cells to swim and possibly on contractions of the uterus and the uterine tubes Implantation of the developing embryo into the uterine wall occurs when the uterus is most receptive

Development of the Zygote

An embryo is the developing human between the time of fertilization and 8 weeks of development A fetus is the developing human from 8 weeks to birth

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Physiology of Female Reproduction

Menopause
Menopause is the cessation of menstrual cycles Perimenopause is the time between the beginning of irregular menstrual cycles and menopause

Effects of Aging on the Reproductive System

The prostate gland enlarges, and there is an agerelated increase in prostatic cancer There is decreased sperm cell production and increased production of abnormal sperm cells Erectile dysfunction increases The most significant age-related change in females is menopause The uterus decreases in size and the vaginal wall thins There is an age-related increase in breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer

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