UNIT 5 Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is responsible for producing and delivering sperm, as well as
producing testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. It involves both external and internal
organs that work together to facilitate sexual function and reproduction. The key organs include
the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and urethra.

The male reproductive system is designed to perform three primary functions:

1. Produce sperm cells (male gametes).

2. Deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract.
3. Produce male sex hormones, mainly testosterone, which regulate sexual development
and reproduction.

Major Parts of the Male Reproductive System

 1. Testes (Testicles)

 Location: Housed within the scrotum, outside the body cavity.

 Structure: Oval-shaped organs.
 Function:

 Spermatogenesis: Production of sperm in seminiferous tubules.

 Hormone production: Mainly testosterone, by Leydig cells.
 Spermatogenesis is supported by Sertoli cells, which nourish and protect
developing sperm cells.
 2. Scrotum

 Structure: Loose pouch of skin and muscle.

 Function:

 Maintains the temperature of the testes 2–3°C lower than body temperature,
which is essential for sperm production.
 Contains dartos muscle and cremaster muscle, which contract or relax to raise
or lower the testes depending on temperature.
 3. Epididymis

 Structure: A long, coiled tube located behind each testicle.

 Function:

 Maturation of sperm: Sperm gain motility and the ability to fertilize.

 Storage: Sperm is stored here until ejaculation.

4. Vas Deferens

 Structure: Muscular tube extending from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
 Function:

 Transports mature sperm from the epididymis during ejaculation.

 Passes through the inguinal canal and joins with the duct from the seminal
vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.

5. Seminal Vesicles

 Structure: Pair of glands located behind the bladder.

 Function:

 Secrete a fructose-rich fluid that provides energy to sperm.

 Contribute about 60–70% of the total volume of semen.
 Also produce prostaglandins that help sperm move through the female
reproductive tract.

6. Prostate Gland

 Structure: A single gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra.
 Function:

 Produces a milky, alkaline fluid that protects sperm in the acidic environment of
the vagina.
 Adds volume to semen.
 Contains enzymes that help sperm swim freely.

7. Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands)

 Structure: Pair of small glands located beneath the prostate.

 Function:

 Secrete a clear, slippery fluid before ejaculation.

 Lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acidic urine residues.

8. Urethra

 Structure: A tube that runs through the penis.

 Function:

 Conducts urine from the bladder and semen from the reproductive system to the
outside of the body.
 It has two functions: excretion and ejaculation, but never at the same time.

9. Penis

 Structure: External organ made of erectile tissue.

 Main parts: Root, shaft, and glans penis.

 Surrounded by skin and contains three columns of erectile tissue: two corpora
cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum.

 Function:

 Facilitates sexual intercourse.

 Becomes erect due to blood filling the erectile tissues during arousal.
 Delivers semen into the female reproductive tract.
Process of Ejaculation

1. Arousal triggers erection (via increased blood flow).

2. Sperm travel from epididymis → vas deferens → ejaculatory duct → urethra.
3. Secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper’s glands mix with sperm to form
semen.
4. Ejaculation propels semen through the urethra and out of the penis.

Hormonal Control
Hormone Produced By Function
GnRH Hypothalamus Stimulates release of FSH and LH
FSH Pituitary Gland Stimulates spermatogenesis
LH Pituitary Gland Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone
Testosterone Testes (Leydig Development of male secondary sex characteristics, libido,
cells) and sperm production
Common Disorders

 Erectile dysfunction
 Prostate enlargement (BPH or cancer)
 Testicular torsion
 Infertility
 Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
 STIs affecting reproductive health

Anatomy of Sperm

A sperm cell is a highly specialized, microscopic male gamete designed to deliver genetic
material to the female egg (ovum). It has a streamlined structure that helps it swim efficiently
through the female reproductive tract.

Sperm is divided into three main parts:

1. Head

 Shape: Oval, flat, and compact.

 Contents:

 Nucleus: Contains 23 chromosomes (haploid), representing the male's genetic

material. Combines with the egg's 23 chromosomes to form a zygote (46
chromosomes).
 Acrosome: A cap-like structure that covers the anterior part of the head. It
contains enzymes like hyaluronidase and acrosin that help the sperm penetrate
the outer layers of the egg (zona pellucida).

2. Midpiece (Neck)

 Structure: Cylindrical and just behind the head.

 Contents:
  Packed with mitochondria arranged spirally around the central axoneme
(microtubule structure).
 Function: Produces ATP (energy) needed for the movement of the tail
(flagellum).

3. Tail (Flagellum)

 Structure: Long, whip-like structure.

 Function:

 Provides motility to the sperm, allowing it to swim through the female

reproductive tract to reach the egg.
 Made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, driven by dynein arms for
movement.

Physiology of Sperm

1. Spermatogenesis

 Definition: The process of sperm production.

 Location: Seminiferous tubules in the testes.
 Duration: Takes about 64–74 days to complete.
 Stages:

1. Spermatogonia (diploid) → multiply by mitosis.

2. Primary spermatocytes → undergo meiosis I → form secondary spermatocytes.
3. Secondary spermatocytes → undergo meiosis II → form spermatids.
4. Spermiogenesis: Spermatids mature into spermatozoa (sperm).

2. Sperm Maturation

 Occurs in the epididymis over 2–3 weeks.

 Gains motility and the ability to fertilize an egg.
 Stored until ejaculation.

3. Capacitation

 Takes place inside the female reproductive tract.

 A biochemical process that enhances the sperm's ability to:

 Move more vigorously.

 Penetrate the egg’s outer membrane.
4. Acrosome Reaction

 When sperm reaches the egg, the acrosome releases enzymes to break down the outer
layers of the egg.
 Allows the sperm to fuse with the egg's membrane for fertilization.

5. Fertilization

 Once one sperm enters the egg, changes occur to block other sperm from entering.
 Nuclei from sperm and egg fuse to form a zygote, beginning embryonic development.

Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis at a glance
Spermatogenesis is the process by which male gametes develop from germ cells in the testes. In
other words, it's how sperm is made. This process involves multiple steps of cell division and
differentiation, which are summarized in the image below.
Key terms

Term Meaning
Spermatogonia immature germ cells
Primary spermatocyte diploid cell formed from spermatogonium
Secondary spermatocyte haploid cell formed by meiotic division of primary spermatoctye
Spermatid haploid cell formed by meiotic division of secondary spermatocyte,
differentiates into sperm cell
Spermiogenesis process by which spermatids form sperm cells
GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
LH luteinizing hormone
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone

Hormonal regulation

Humans start making sperm when they reach puberty. The process is coordinated by hormones,
which act as chemical messengers that ready the body for sexual maturity.

 The onset of puberty triggers the release of high amounts of gonadotropin-releasing

hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.
 GnRH then causes the anterior pituitary to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH).
 LH acts on Leydig cells to make and secrete androgens like testosterone. This stimulates
spermatogenesis.
 FSH acts on Sertoli cells, also stimulating spermatogenesis, and induces secretion of
nourishing factors for sperm cells.
What are 'n' and '2n'?
These terms refer to the ploidy, or chromosome number, of each cell. 'n' refers to a haploid cell
(one set of chromosomes), and '2n' refers to a diploid cell (two sets of chromosomes).
Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system's primary function is to produce eggs, support fertilization and
pregnancy, and facilitate childbirth. Key organs include the ovaries (producing eggs and
hormones), fallopian tubes (transporting eggs), uterus (where a fertilized egg implants and
develops), and the vagina and vulva (for sexual intercourse and childbirth).

Key Parts and Functions:

1. Ovaries: Ovaries are a pair of female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs
and hormones. They are located on either side of the uterus, within the pelvic region. The
ovaries play a key role in menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Key functions

 Producing and storing eggs:

Ovaries contain numerous immature eggs (oocytes) stored in follicles, which mature
and are released during ovulation.
 Hormone production:
Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for regulating the
menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the development of female secondary sex
characteristics.
 Ovulation:
During each menstrual cycle, one ovary releases a mature egg, a process called
ovulation.
 Role in pregnancy:
Ovaries provide hormonal support during early pregnancy, and the developing placenta
eventually takes over this role.
 Menopause:
As women age, the ovaries gradually stop releasing eggs and producing hormones,
leading to menopause.

2. Fallopian Tubes:
These tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs
in the fallopian tubes.
3. Uterus:
This muscular organ receives a fertilized egg, which then implants and develops into a
fetus during pregnancy. Uterus consists of three layers:
 Perimetrium. The outermost, protective layer.
 Myometrium. The highly muscular middle layer. This is what expands during
pregnancy and contracts to push your baby out.
 Endometrium. The inner layer or lining of your uterus (uterine lining). This layer of
your uterus is shed during your menstrual cycle.

4. Vagina and Vulva:

The vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body and is involved in sexual
intercourse and childbirth. The vulva includes the external genitalia.
The vulva is the external female genitalia, encompassing the mons pubis, labia majora,
labia minora, clitoris, and other structures. It's part of the female reproductive system and
also plays a role in urination. The vulva includes the vaginal opening and the urethral
opening.

 Mons pubis: The fatty tissue covering the pubic bone, often covered with pubic hair.
 Labia majora: The outer lips, fleshy folds of skin that protect the internal structures of
the vulva.
 Labia minora: The inner lips, smaller, more delicate folds of skin that surround the
clitoris and vaginal opening.
 Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ, located at the top of the vulva, responsible for sexual
pleasure.
 Vaginal opening: The opening of the vagina, the canal that leads to the uterus.
 Urethral opening: The opening of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the
bladder.
 Other structures: The vulva also includes the vestibule, Bartholin's glands (which
secrete mucus for lubrication), and Skene's glands (which secrete fluid for lubrication).

5. Cervix:
The lower portion of the uterus, connecting to the vagina. It plays a crucial role in
childbirth, dilating to allow the baby to pass through.
Oogenesis
Oogenesis is the process by which female germ cells, called oocytes, develop into mature eggs
(ova) produced in the ovaries. During oogenesis, specialized cells in the ovaries called oogonia
undergo a series of divisions and differentiations to eventually form mature eggs or ova. It
occurs in the outermost layer of the ovary.

Unlike in males, where new sperm are continuously produced throughout life, females are born
with a finite number of ova, and this supply gradually depletes over time. Oogenesis is
essential for sexual reproduction, as mature eggs can be fertilized by sperm cells to form a new
organism during sexual intercourse....

Phases of Oogenesis
The formation of the ovum starts before birth during 6-7 months of pregnancy. The
process of oogenesis occurs in the ovaries or the female gonads. Oogenesis is mainly
made up of three phases:

1. Multiplication Phase
2. Growth Phase
3. Maturation Phase

1. Multiplication Phase
The multiplication phase is also known as the Proliferative phase. During fetal
development, the primary germ cell (PGC) of germinal epithelium divides to form
millions of oogonia (precursor cells) in each ovary. Some of these oogonia transform
into primary oocytes.

2. Growth Phase
In this phase primary oocytes, which are formed from oogonia, undergo maturation.
This phase begins before a female is born and continues throughout her life until
menopause. The growth phase is essential for preparing the primary oocytes for
potential fertilization. Only a small number of these oocytes will be ovulated and have
the chance to develop into a mature egg during a woman’s reproductive years.

3. Maturation Phase
This phase includes the processes of meiosis I and meiosis II, which ultimately lead to
the formation of a mature ovum. The maturation phase is crucial for producing a
functional and genetically viable egg cell, ensuring the continuation of the species
through sexual reproduction
Oogenesis
Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a term to describe the sequence of events that occur in your body as it
prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. Your menstrual cycle is the time from the
first day of your menstrual period until the first day of your next menstrual period. Every
person’s cycle is slightly different, but the process is the same.

The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, a cycle can range in length from
21 days to about 35 days and still be normal.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle:

 Menstrual Phase:
This is the period of menstrual bleeding, usually lasting 3 to 7 days. During this phase,
the uterine lining sheds and is expelled through the vagina.
 Follicular Phase:
After menstruation, the uterine lining begins to rebuild. Simultaneously, follicles in the
ovaries start to mature, preparing an egg for ovulation.
 Ovulation:
Around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, the ovaries release an egg. This is the most fertile
time of the cycle.
 Luteal Phase:
If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining continues to thicken, waiting for a potential
pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterine lining sheds again, and the cycle starts
anew.
 Hormonal Control:
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone,
which are released by the ovaries. These hormones influence the growth of the uterine
lining, follicle development, ovulation, and the thickening of the uterine lining in
preparation for implantation if fertilization occurs.

Variations:

 Cycle Length: While 28 days is an average, cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days and still
be considered normal.
 Period Length: Periods can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days, with the average being 5
days.
 Irregular Cycles: Irregular cycles, such as cycles that are significantly shorter or longer
than 21-35 days, may require medical attention.
Fertilization in Human
Fertilization in humans is the process where a sperm cell from a male fuses with an egg cell from
a female to form a zygote. This fusion initiates the development of a new organism and marks
the beginning of pregnancy.

 Location: Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube (oviduct) of the female.
 Process: The sperm travels through the female reproductive tract to reach the egg,
where it penetrates the egg's outer layers.
 Fusion: The sperm and egg nuclei fuse, combining their genetic material to form the
zygote, a single cell with a full set of chromosomes.
 Result: The zygote then begins to divide and develop, eventually implanting in the
uterine lining to initiate pregnancy.
 Key Events: Specific steps in the process include capacitation (preparing the sperm),
the acrosomal reaction (allowing the sperm to penetrate the egg's outer shell), and the
cortical reaction (preventing multiple sperm from entering the egg).
 Pregnancy and Parturition
Pregnancy in humans refers to the period during which a fetus develops inside a woman's
uterus. It is a complex process involving significant hormonal changes and physical adaptations
in the mother's body to support fetal growth and development. A typical pregnancy lasts about
40 weeks, measured from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.

1. Conception and Implantation:

 Pregnancy begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm cell, resulting in a zygote.
 The zygote travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the lining of the uterus
(endometrium).
 This process, called implantation, marks the beginning of pregnancy.
2. Trimesters:

Pregnancy is typically divided into three trimesters, each lasting approximately three months.
 First Trimester (weeks 1-12): Characterized by significant hormonal changes, potential
morning sickness, and fatigue.
 Second Trimester (weeks 13-27): Fetal development continues rapidly, and the mother
may start to feel the baby's movements.
 Third Trimester (weeks 28-40): The fetus grows rapidly in preparation for birth, and the
mother may experience discomforts like back pain and swelling.
3. Fetal Development:

 The fetus undergoes remarkable development throughout pregnancy, with major organs
forming and systems maturing.
 By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is typically ready for birth.
4. Labor and Delivery:

 As the pregnancy progresses, labor and delivery occur, typically after 37 to 42 weeks of
gestation.
 The process involves contractions of the uterus, dilation of the cervix, and the expulsion
of the baby.
5. Postpartum:

 Following delivery, the mother's body undergoes postpartum changes as it returns to a

non-pregnant state.
 The placenta is expelled, and hormonal levels adjust.
6. Multiple Pregnancies:

 It's possible to have more than one fetus developing during pregnancy, such as twins,
triplets, or other multiples.
 Multiple pregnancies may require more careful monitoring and may increase the risk of
certain complications.

Female Body before Pregnancy

6 – 7 Weeks of Pregnancy

12 weeks of Pregnancy
20 Weeks of Pregnancy
28 Weeks of Pregnancy
36 Weeks of Pregnancy
40 weeks of Pregnancy (Internal)
40 Weeks of Pregnancy (External)