REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM ⬇

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

PENIS
Contains three erectile tissues:
•Two corpora cavernosa (dorsal)
•One corpus spongiosum (surrounds urethra)
•Covered by foreskin "Prepuce" in uncircumcised males.
ERECTION
Sexual arousal (by thought, sight, touch)→signals brain
→ PNS activated → vasodilation of penile blood
Blood vessels → increased blood flow → tissues
Filled with blood → hard and enlarged penis
Veins get compressed → blood can't easily leave
Erection → arousal ends after ejaculation → SNS
Activated → blood leaves the tissue → penis softens

The Physiology of ERECTION

Sexual arousal (by thought, sight, touch)

PNS activation (release of Neurotransmitters)

vasodilation of penile blood Blood vessels

Increased blood flow

Tissues Filled with blood

Hard and Enlarged Penis

Veins get compressed

Blood can't easily leave

ERECTION

Arousal ends after ejaculation

SNS Activation

Blood leaves the tissue

Penis softens

SCROTUM
External sac-like pouch of skin, two compartments, each
housing a testis

• Dartos and Cremaster muscles

-Regulates temperature of the testes 2-4°C lower than
the body's core temperature to allow for optimal sperm
production

-Contracts(if too cold) or relaxes (if too warm) to move

testes closer or away from body's core temperature
CREMASTER MUSCLE
• composed of striated (voluntary) muscle fibers, • Seminiferous tubules are the actual "sperm
descending from the internal oblique muscle of the forming factories."
abdominal wall and enveloping the spermatic cord • Interstitial (Leydig) cells
and testes. - outside the seminiferous tubules
• It contracts to raise the testes toward the body in - stimulated by Luteinizing hormones (LH)
cold conditions or during - produce Testosterone (a potent type of androgen
protective reflexes (such as the cremasteric reflex) hormone)
and relaxes to lower them when warm. • Sertoli Cells
• This muscle protects the testes during moments of - within the seminiferous tubules
sexual activity or fear/flight response and plays a - stimulated by FSH
critical role in maintaining optimal temperature for - support sperm development by prod. ABP/
spermatogenesis Androgen Binding Protein

Cremasteric Reflex Functions:

reflex can be triggered by lightly stroking the inner • Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis): Germ cells
thigh, leading to rapid elevation of the testis on the in the seminiferous tubules become mature
same side, mediated by the genitofemoral nerve. spermatozoa, supported by Sertoli cells.

• Hormone Production: Leydig cells secrete

testosterone (regulates male physical traits, fertility,
and sexual function).

• Blood-Testis Barrier: Sertoli cells create a barrier

that protects developing sperm from the immune
system.

• Temperature Regulation: The scrotum holds the

testes outside the body, keeping them
2-3°C cooler than core body temperature, which is
vital for sperm production.

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

TESTES (Testicles)
• golf ball-sized; cm (1.5 inches) long and 2.5 cm (1
inch) wide
• Found within the scrotum, connected to the trunk
via the spermatic cord
• both an exocrine function (Spermatogenesis /
sperm production) and an endocrine function
(testosterone production)
• Each lobule contains one to four tightly coiled
seminiferous tubule.

EXTERNAL TESTICULAR STRUCTURE:

Tunica Vaginalis: A thin, double-layered membrane
covering most of each testis (except at the posterior
border), providing protection and friction-free
movement.

Tunica Albuginea: Dense, white fibrous capsule

directly under the tunica vaginalis. It protects the
testis and sends septa (walls) inward to partition the
testis into lobules.
 EJACULATORY DUCT
• joining of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle
duct, passing through the prostate gland.
• propels semen into the urethra during
ejaculation.
URETHRA
• Extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis.
• Dual pathway for urine and semen
Has three regions:
• Prostatic urethra - through prostate
• Membranous urethra - through pelvic floor
muscles
• Spongy (penile) urethra - through penis
INTERNAL TESTICULAR STRUCTURE:
Lobules: Each testis typically has 200-300 wedge-
shaped lobules, separated by septa from the tunica
albuginea.

Seminiferous Tubules: Each lobule contains 1-4

highly coiled seminiferous tubules where
Spermatogenic Cells develop into sperm

Sertoli Cells: Support and nourish developing sperm,

also forming the blood-testis barrier.

Interstitial (Leydig) Cells: Found in spaces between

seminiferous tubules in each lobule, these cells
produce testosterone.

Epididymis
• Cup-shaped, highly compressed tube about 6m (20
feet) long if stretched, that hugs the posterior side of
the testis
• Site of sperm maturation temporary storage site for
the immature sperm (develop motility and fertilizing
ability.
• Stores sperm until Ejaculation (epididymis contract
to expel the sperm into the ductus deferens.)
• Recycles defective or unused sperm.
 SPERMATOGENESIS
• is the process by which male gametes
(spermatozoa) are produced in the testes
• takes place in the seminiferous tubules of the
testis.
• Approximate duration:
One cycle takes 64-74 days from spermatogonia
→ mature sperm.

CHROMOSOME
• An organized structure carrying genetic material
(DNA) within a cell
• Chromatid- single strand of a chromosome
• Diploid- 2 sets of chromosomes (2n = 46 X-
chromosomes)
• Haploid- 1 set of chromosome (n = 23 X-
SEMINAL VESICLES
chromosomes
• produce about 60%* of seminal fluid
• Secretion is thick, yellowish, and alkaline
— helps neutralize the acidic environment of the
vagina.

PROSTATE GLAND
Secretes about 25-30% of semen volume.
Produces a thin, milky, slightly acidic fluid that:

• Enhances sperm motility and viability.

• Helps to liquefy coagulated semen after
ejaculations, allowing sperm to swim freely.

BULBOURETHRAL GLAND (Cowper s gland)

• Two small glands (pea-sized)
• Secrete a clear, slippery mucus (called pre-
ejaculate) before ejaculation. This fluid helps to:
• Lubricate the urethra and penis tip.
• Neutralize any acidic urine left in the urethra to
protect sperm.

SEMEN
• a milky white, somewhat sticky mixture of sperm
and accessory gland secretions.
• Nourishes, protects, and to transport sperm
female reproductive tracts so a sperm can fertilize
an egg to create a new organism.
PHASES OF SPERMATOGENESIS
• Spermiogenesis (maturation)
Spermatids (round) transform into elongated, motile
spermatozoa: development of acrosome,
condensation of nucleus, formation of flagellum/tail,
loss of excess cytoplasm.

• Spermiation & Transport

• Mature spermatozoa are released from the Sertoli
cell into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule
(spermiation).
• Then transported into the rete testis → efferent
ducts → Epididymis where they gain motility and
are stored.
 2. LABIA MAJORA
• Two outer folds of skin extending from the mons
pubis downward.
• Contain sebaceous and sweat glands,
homologous to the scrotum.
• Protect internal genital structures.
• Aid in maintaining moisture and warmth.

4. CLITORIS
• Anterior junction of labia minora.
• Small, erectile tissue homologous to the penis,
covered by a skin prepuce clitoral hood).
• Primary organ of female sexual arousal and
pleasure.

6. BARTHOLIN’S (Greater Vestibular) GLANDS

• Small mucus-secreting glands.
• Located on each side of the vaginal opening
• Lubricate the vulva and vagina during sexual
intercourse.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1. MONS PUBIS
• Also known as "Mountain of Venus"
• Fatty area over the pubic bone
• Covered by pubic hair after puberty.
• Protects underlying pubic symphysis from pressure
and friction.
• other name: MONS VENERIS/MONS
VENUS
OVARIES
• Lateral to the uterus, attached by ligaments within
the pelvic cavity.
• Almond-shaped organs covered by tunica
albuginea and containing follicles at various
maturation stages.
Function:
Oogenesis - production of ova.
Estrogen and Progesterone- hormones produced
by the ovaries

CERVICAL CANAL
• The narrow passage through the cervix
connecting the uterus to the vagina.
Function:
Produces mucus that changes consistency during
cycle:
• Thick → prevents sperm entry(non-fertile days)
• Thin → facilitates sperm entry (around ovulation).
• Serves as passage for sperm, menstrual blood,
and fetus.

UTERINE/FALLOPIAN TUBES
• Extend laterally from the uterus toward each ovary.
Function:
• Transport oocyte to uterus.
• Site of fertilization.
Isthmus - narrow region connecting to uterus
"Site of bilateral tubal ligation"
• Interstitial part
- passes through the uterine wall.
-narrowest segment of the fallopian tube
-most dangerous site for ectopic pregnancy
VAGINA
UTERUS • thin-walled tube 8 tò 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) long •
• Pear-shaped organ (non pregnant state) located In • lies between the bladder and rectum
pelvic cavity, between urinary bladder and rectum. • Often called the "birth canal"
Function: • Passageway of menstrual blood, penis (during
Site of implantation and fetal development. intercourse), Infant (childbirth)
Contracts during labor. • "Organ of copulation” (sex)
Fundus of uterus • Slightly Acidic Environment
Three Regions: - pH of 3. 8-4.5 maintains a healthy hugs balance
• Fundus- dome-shaped top of vaginal flora and helps to prevent gnowth of
• Body- main portion harmful pathogens.
• Cervix-narrow lower and opening into vagina
Three wall layers of the uterus: OOGENESIS
• Endometrium- inner mucosal layer with 2 sub - the process of formation, growth, and maturation
layers: of the female gamete (ovum) from
1. Functional layer - sheds each cycle and becomes germ cells in the ovary.
menstrual blood (if egg is not fertilized)
- site of implantation (fertilized egg) • The zygote is formed from ONE OVUM and is
2. Basal layer - regenerates the functional layer accompanied by TWO (occasionally three) POLAR
• Myo metrium -thick smooth muscle layer BODIES, which are by-products of the meiotic
- contracts rhythmically to force the baby out during divisions during oogenesis.
childbirth
• Perimetrium - protective outermost serous layer
OOGENESIS
3 main phases:
• Multiplication (mitosis) - before birth OOGENESIS- (egg production in females) -
• Growth - the period of inc. oocyte size Oogenesis is the process of forming mature ovum
• Maturation (meiosis) - begins at puberty, when (egg cells) in the ovaries. It starts before birth and
menstrual cycles start. continues until menopause.

the MATURATION PHASE Abnormalities or Disruptions:

Primary Oocyte > Secondary Oocyte > Meiosis > 1. Anovulation - Failure of the ovary to release an
Ovulation (arrested in Metaphase II of the Meiosis egg.
Process) Cause: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress,
FERTILIZATION >>>> cont. of Meiosis II obesity, or hormonal imbalance.
(completion) Effect: No egg available for fertilization →
FINAL prod: ONE OVUM & TWO POLAR BODIES infertility.
2. Premature ovarian failure (POF) - Ovaries
SPERMATOGENESIS VS. OOGENESIS stop functioning before age 40.
Cause: Genetic, autoimmune, or environmental
SPERMATOGENESIS (Sperm production in males) - factors.
the process by which sperm cells Effect: Irregular or absent menstruation; infertility.
are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the 3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Multiple
testes. It involves cell division (mitosis and meiosis) immature follicles form cysts instead of releasing
and maturation. eggs.
Effect: Irregular ovulation and hormonal
Abnormalities or Disruptions: imbalance.
1. Oligospermia - Low sperm count; fewer sperm 4. Oocyte aging - Decline in egg quality and
cells than normal. number with age (usually after 35).
• Cause: Hormonal imbalance, testicular injury, Effect: Increased risk of chromosomal
infection, or varicocele. abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome) and infertility.
• Effect: Reduces chances of fertilization. 5. Chromosomal abnormalities - Errors during
2. Azoospermia - No sperm cells are produced or meiosis (e.g., nondisjunction).
present in semen. Effect: Abnormal eggs → miscarriages or
• Cause: Blockage in reproductive tract, genetic
congenital defects.
defects, or testicular failure.
• Effect: Leads to infertility. 6. Endocrine disorders - Problems with FSH, LH,
3. Teratospermia - Abnormal sperm shape or estrogen, or progesterone levels.
structure. Effect: Disrupted egg development or maturation.
Cause: Genetic abnormalities, exposure to toxins, or
high temperature. EFFECTS ON FERTILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE
Effect: Sperm may not swim properly or penetrate the HEALTH
egg. • Reduced fertility or infertility (in both sexes)
4. Asthenospermia - Poor sperm motility (slow or • Miscarriages or congenital disorders due to
weak movement). defective gametes
Cause: Defects in the sperm tail, infection, or • Hormonal imbalances affecting menstrual cycles
oxidative stress Effect: Difficulty reaching or fertilizing or sexual function
the egg. • Emotional and psychological stress due to
5. Hormonal disorders - Low levels of testosterone, difficulty conceiving
FSH, or LH.
Effect: Interfere with sperm cell development and Emotional and Psychological Impacts
maturation. • Grief and loss
6. Genetic abnormalities - Such as Klinefelter • Shame or guilt
syndrome (XXY). • Anxiety or depression
Effect: Underdeveloped testes and impaired sperm • Fear of stigma or judgment
production. • Relationship strain