REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The interaction of hypothalamus, pituitary gland and reproductive organs control the reproductive cycles in both
female and male.
Hypothalamus monitors the pituitary gland and controls its release of hormones.
PARTS OF A MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
o Testosterone – hormone responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics that includes
deepening of the voice, growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair and the elevation of sex drive.
o Sertori Cells – Group of cells responsible in facilitating spermatogenesis
o Leydig Cells – Group of cells responsible in producing and releasing testosterone
PART FUNCTION
Testis Produce sperm cells
Scrotum Sac of skin that holds the testis
Penis Deposits sperms into the vagina during mating
Vas Deferens (tube) Carries sperm from testes to urethra
Urethra Carries sperm and urine out of the body
Glands Provide liquid in which sperm can swim
a. Seminal Vesicles a. Secretes a fluid that makes up most of the
components of the semen
b. Prostate Gland b. Secretes a slightly alkaline milky fluid that is
discharged as part of the semen
c. Bulbourethral Gland c. Secretes a thick and clear mucus that
lubricates and neutralizes the any trace of
acidic urine in the urethra
PARTS OF A FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Functions:
o Produces female sex cells
o Receives sperm cells from the male
o Nurtures the development of and provides nourishment for the new individual
PART FUNCTION
Fallopian Tube A place for fertilization occurs
Ovary Produce egg cells
Cervix Connects the uterus with the vagina and produces
mucus for sperm
Uterus Serves as site of egg implantation;
Is where the fertilized egg develops
Vagina Receives the penis of male during mating
FEMALE HORMONES
o Progesterone – hormone facilitates the re-growth of endometrium and inhibition of FSH and LH in female
reproductive system
o Estrogen – hormone facilitates endometrial growth, ovulation, calcium absorption and secondary female
characteristics
o Follicle-Stimulating Hormone – stimulates the development of follicles into egg cells
o Luteinizing Hormone – stimulates ovulation (maturation of follicles)
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
o Menarche – the process of setting in of menstrual cycle in human females at puberty
o 28 to 29 days average length of menstrual cycle
o Menstruation – elimination of thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) from the body
o Menstrual fluid – contains blood, cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrial cells) and mucus.
4 PHASES OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE
1. Menstrual Phase (3 – 7 Days)
– The thickened uterine lining falls away, so the body can start preparing a new one.
2. Follicular Phase (16 Days)
– starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation.
– Hormones (LH) and (FSH) production increases resulting in the maturation of follicles in
the ovaries.
– Usually, one follicle will mature into an egg.
3. Ovulation Phase (24 Hours)
– the release of a mature egg from the surface of the ovary and is ready for fertilization.
– The peak of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the middle
of the cycle (14th day) causes the mature follicle to release ovum. This is referred to as the
ovulatory phase.
– this occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation starts
– The life span of the typical egg is only around 24 hours. Unless it meets a sperm during
this time, it will die.
4. Luteal Phase (14 Days)
– If there is no fertilized egg, your body will prepare to shed its thickened lining, and the cycle will begin
again, with menstruation.
– During ovulation, the egg bursts from its follicle, but the ruptured follicle stays on the surface of the ovary.
– For the next two weeks or so, the follicle transforms into a structure known as the corpus luteum.
– Human Chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) - the hormone that is detected in a urine test for pregnancy.
– If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum withers and dies, usually around day 22 in a 28-day cycle.