Reproductive
Physiology
Reproduction
• Reproduction is the process by which an
individual produces its offspring.
• Gonads are the primary reproductive organs.
• In male testis & female it is ovary.
• Functional reproductive organs &
reproductive hormones are essential.
Female Reproductive Organs
Male Reproductive Organs
• Sex determination
• Sex differentiation
Sex Determination
• Sex determination means how the genetic sex
patterns are made.
• Sex is determined by Y chromosome, SRY sex
determining region of Y chromosome situated
at short arm of y chromosome.
• It occurs during fertilization.
• Male chromosome : 44+ XY
• Female chromosome : 44+XX
Sex Determination
SRY Gene
SEX DIFFERENTIATION
Sex Differentiation
• Sex differentiation is the process by which the
internal & external genitalia are programmed
to develop as male or female.
• It means development of-
❖Gonads
❖Accessory sex organs.
Cont…
Development of gonad:
❑ Y chromosome is responsible for production
of testes.
❑Y chromosome has the SRY gene.
❑SRY is a DNA binding regulatory protein.
❑It initiates transcription of a cascade of genes
necessary for testicular differentiation.
Cont…
Development of Accessory Sex Organs:
❑On each side of the embryo a primitive gonad
arises from genital ridge.
❑The gonad develop a cortex & a medulla.
❑Until 6th week of development these
structures are identical in both sexes.
❑In genetic male the medulla develops into
testis & the cortex regresses during 7th to 8th
week.
Cont…
❑Leydig & Sertoli cells appear & secrete
testosterone & Mullerian Inhibiting Substance
(MIS).
❑In genetic female the cortex develop into
ovary.
❑Embryonic ovary does not secrete hormones.
• Puberty: is the period when the endocrine
and gametogenic functions of the gonads have
developed to the point where reproduction is
possible.
• Thelarche: Development of breasts
• Puberche: Development of axillary and pubic
hair
• Menarche: Onset of menstruation.