Reproductive Systems

Sex and Gender

• Sex—categories based on
anatomy, chromosomes,
or hormones
• Biological male and
biological female
• Gender (gender identity)—
indicates who a person knows
themselves to be
• May not match biological
sex
• Gender expression—
characteristics an individual
displays to the world
• Clothing, demeanor
• Sexual orientation—describes whom an individual is sexually attracted to..
• Sex is assigned at birth by a
medical team
• Based on external genitalia
• Development and functioning of
external and internal genitalia
based on hormonal signaling
• Requires hormones and
presence of the hormone’s
receptors to occur
• All reproductive hormones present
in human body
• Differ in amounts of hormones
produced
 GnRH - regulates the secretion of FSH and LH by the
anterior pituitary

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)—regulates the

development of gametes
Hormones of the
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Reproductive
Systems • In ovaries, promotes the release of the eggs via ovulation
• In testes, promotes synthesis of testosterone
Androgens—A group of hormones, including testosterone,
that influence gamete production and sex drive
• Also influence tissue function all over the body
 Inhibin—part of the feedback system to
regulate the anterior pituitary
• Inhibits FSH release

Estrogens—influence gamete production,

Hormones of the enhance sex drive
Reproductive • Also influence tissue function throughout the body
Systems
Progesterone—development of uterine lining

Human choriogonadotropin (hCG)—promotes

uterine changes associated with pregnancy
 • Hormones of the reproductive system
• Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
Hormones of the • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Reproductive • Androgens
Systems • Inhibin
• Estrogens
• Progesterone
• Human choriogonadotropin (hCG)
 Embryonic Development

Haploid egg and sperm • Egg can only contribute X chromosome

merge genetic • Sperm may contribute another X or Y chromosome
information to produce • Sex chromosomes guide development of
diploid embryo reproductive system

Development of organ
systems begins soon • All systems development simultaneously
after fertilization
 Development of Sexual Organs

Indifferent stage—first 7 weeks of Differentiated stage begins at

pregnancy week 7
• Sexual organs developing inside • Testosterone secretion will
embryo promote development of
• Sexual organs in all embryos are biological male sexual organs
identical during this period • Without testosterone, biological
female sexual organs will develop
• Ovaries or testes; clitoris or penis
Migration of Primordial
Germ Cells
• Occurs during indifferent stage
• Begins process of reproductive
development
• Occurs around weeks 4–5 of gestation
• Primordial germ cells migrate into
embryo from yolk sac
• Germ cells migrate onto genital ridge
• Genital ridge will develop into tubes
of reproductive system
• Germ cells will become sperm or
eggs
Development of Internal Ducts
• Mesonephric ducts and
paramesonephric ducts into internal
reproductive organs
• One set will be destroyed, the other
will continue to develop
• Development depends on hormonal
signaling
• SRY region of Y chromosome
promotes production of testosterone
and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)
• No testosterone or AMH is produced
without Y chromosome
Mesonephric Ducts and
Paramesonephric Ducts
• Presence of testosterone and hCG
promotes development of interstitial cells
• Secrete greater amounts of testosterone
• Testosterone promotes development of
mesonephric ducts and anti-Mullerian
hormones (AMH) stops development of
paramesonephric ducts
• Will become male reproductive
structures
• Without testosterone and AMH,
paramesonephric ducts develop
• Will become female reproductive
structure
Mesonephric Ducts and
Paramesonephric Ducts
• Mesonephric ducts develop into male
reproductive structures
• Ductus deferens, seminal vesicles,
seminiferous tubules
• Paramesonephric ducts develop into female
internal reproductive structures
• Uterine tubes, uterus, part of vagina
• Without testosterone, meiosis of germ
cells continues
• Will become oocytes
• Only one set of ducts will continue to
develop
• Determined by hormonal signaling
Development of
External Genitalia
• Genital folds, genital tubercle, and
urogenital sinus will develop into
external genitalia
• Biological females
• Urogenital sinus = 2/3 of vagina
• Genital folds = labia
• Genital tubercle = clitoris
• Biological males
• Urogenital sinus = membranous
and prostatic urethra
• Genital folds = scrotum
• Genital tubercle = penis
Sexual Development at
Puberty
• Puberty = stage of development in
which humans reach sexual maturity
• Prepared for reproduction
• Hormone release promotes changes
• Maturation of sexual organs
• Development of secondary sex
characteristics
• Onset can be influenced by genetics,
nutrition, environment, and
psychological stress
Breasts
• Present in all individuals
• Increase in size due to presence of
estrogens
• Contain mammary glands—modified
sweat glands that secrete milk
• Clustered together in alveoli
• Alveoli connect to lactiferous sinuses
that connect to lactiferous ducts
• Lactiferous ducts allow milk to exit via
nipple at surface
Anatomy of
the Breast
Major Reproductive Organs
Female
Reproductive
System
 Female External
Genitalia
• Vulva—collective term for biological female
external genitalia
• Mons pubis—fat pad that covers and
protects pubic symphysis
• Labia majora—larger, hair-covered, more
external folds of skin
• Labia minora—inner, hairless folds of skin
• Clitoris—biological female equivalent of
penis
• Contains nerves for sexual sensation
and orgasm
Vagina

• Entrance and exit of the biological

female reproductive tract
• Muscular canal
• Walls contain rugae
• Allow expansion during
intercourse and childbirth
• Acidic pH helps protect against
infection
• Acid produced by Lactobacillus
sp.
Ovaries
• Paired biological female gonads located in
pelvic cavity
• Produce oocytes (eggs)
• Held in place by mesovarium, broad
ligament, suspensory ligament, and
ovarian ligament
• Covered by ovarian surface epithelium and
tunica albuginea
• Superficial ovarian cortex contains ovarian
follicles
• Deeper ovarian medulla contains blood
vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves
The Ovaries and Associated Ligaments
Female Reproductive Organs
 Located next to ovaries but not directly connected to
them

Passageway for oocyte to reach uterus

Divided into infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus

The Uterine
Tubes Fimbriae in infundibulum help create current to sweep
eggs into uterine tubes

Cilia and smooth muscle contractions continue

movement through uterine tubes

Fertilization usually occurs in ampulla

 Uterus and Cervix

• Hollow, muscular organ located

in pelvic cavity inferior to bladder
• Site of implantation and
development of an embryo
• Three regions: fundus, body, and
cervix
• Cervix is narrow and plugged
with mucus
Round Ligament and
Uterosacral Ligamen
• Multiple ligaments hold uterus in
position
• Broad ligament – extends laterally
to anchor uterus to pelvic wall
• Round ligament – attaches near
uterine tubes and extends inferiorly
to labia majora
• Uterosacral ligament – connects
cervix to pelvic wall
 • perimetrium (serous): outermost layer
• myometrium (muscular): middle layer, composed of smooth
Uterine wall layers: muscle
• endometrium: innermost layer that is sloughed off during
menstruation
 Think, List the male
homologues of the
Share, Pair female external
genitalia.
Activity
 Ovarian and uterine
cycles coordinate
reproductive
functions in Ovarian cycle
biological females produces oocytes
• Events coordinated to
increase chances of
pregnancy
Reproductive
Cycles Timing of cycles
ranges between 21–
Uterine cycle
35 days
ensures uterus is
prepared to support • 28 days used as an
embryo/fetus if average
fertilization occurs
The Ovarian Cycle

A series of hormone-driven events

Oocyte development includes

the following processes:
• Folliculogenesis
 • The production of oocytes that occurs in the
ovary
Oogenesis • Begins with oogonia formed during fetal
development
• Mitosis forms additional oogonia
• Oogonia begin meiosis I during fetal
development and form primary oocytes
• Development pauses at this point prior
to birth
• During puberty, a few primary oocytes
attempt to complete meiosis I monthly
 • Surge of LH resumes meiosis I in primary
oocytes
Oogenesis • Produces secondary oocyte and first
polar body
• First polar body will disintegrate
• Secondary oocyte continues through
meiosis II
• Ovulated secondary oocyte pauses
development at metaphase II
• If fertilized by sperm, meiosis II is
completed and a zygote is formed
Fertilization
• Occurs when nucleus of sperm enters
cytoplasm of egg
• Forms diploid cell called a zygote
• Zygote = fertilized egg
• After fertilization, egg completes meiosis II
• Second polar body formed to get rid of
unnecessary chromosomes
From Fertilization
to Fetus
• Fertilization:
• union of sperm and oocyte

• Zygote:
• A fertilized oocyte
• develops after fertilization
• develops into an embryo 3
to 14 days after fertilization

56
Folliculogenesis
Folliculogenesis is the
Eggs develop inside of process of growth and
ovarian follicles development of
ovarian follicles

Primary follicles—
Primordial follicles—
begin to form at
follicular state at the
puberty monthly due
time of birth
to hormonal changes

Single layer of Will continue

granulosa cells development to form
surrounds oocyte secondary follicles
Secondary follicles—thick layer of granulosa cells; covered by
theca cells

Tertiary follicles—contain large antrum filled with follicular fluid

• One per month ruptures during ovulation

• Remaining follicles will undergo atresia
• Atretic follicles—dying follicles
Hormonal Control of Ovarian Cycle
Follicular phase
• GnRH—stimulates release of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary
• FSH—promotes development and growth of follicles
• LH—promotes estrogen production by theca and granulosa cells
• Negative feedback inhibits GnRH, FSH, and LH release, leading to atresia
of smaller follicles

Ovulation
• Surviving tertiary follicle releases higher levels of estrogen and causes LH
to be released in a surge
• LH works synergistically with estrogen to cause ovulation
 The Follicular Phase
FSH responsible for Estrogens inhibit FSH
promoting release causing some
development of follicles to enter
ovarian follicles atresia

Tertiary follicles will Hormones also used

increase in size and to coordinate
secrete estrogens and development of uterus
progesterone and uterine cycle

One dominant follicle

will survive
Triggering Ovulation
Surviving follicle secretes large amounts of estrogen
• A positive feedback mechanism

In response, anterior pituitary release a surge of

LH

LH surge leads to full maturation of follicle and

ovulation
 Ovulation
• LH surge causes preovulatory
follicle to rupture
• Enzymes break down wall
of ovary at site of bulging
follicle
• Pressure from antrum
causes wall to break
• Egg and antral fluid are
released from ovary into
uterine tube (fallopian
tube)
 • Luteal or post-ovulatory phase
• LH surge causes changes in granulosa and theca
cells called leutinization
Hormonal • Transforms remnants of follicle into corpus
Control of luteum
Ovarian Cycle • Releases progesterone that maintains uterus
in case of implantation
• If implantation does not occur, corpus luteum
dies
• Degrades to form corpus albicans
 Ovarian and Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Follicular phase Luteal phase

• FSH and LH promote • Secretion of FSH and LH

development of ovarian decrease slowing follicular
follicles development
• Developing follicles release • Corpus luteum secretes
increasing amounts of estrogen and progesterone
estrogen
Polling Activity
• As the ovaries carry out
development of an egg, the
uterus develops in order to
maintain a potential pregnancy.
• This statement is true.
• This statement is false.
Polling Activity
• This statement is true.
The Uterine Cycle

Series of changes in the

lining of the uterus caused Occurs simultaneously
Divided into three phases:
by changing hormonal with ovarian cycle
levels
• Uterus is sensitive to • Menses phase
estrogens and • Proliferative phase
progesterone from ovary • Secretory phase
Menses Phase
• Coincides with early days of follicular
phase of the ovarian cycle
• Endometrial lining is shed during this
phase
• Occurs when progesterone, FSH,
and LH levels are low; low
progesterone level is due to
degradation of corpus luteum
• Averages 5 days, lasts ~2 to 7 days,
but can be longer
Proliferative Phase

• Begins as tertiary follicles secrete

estrogen
• Endometrial lining responds to
increasing estrogen levels by
proliferating (getting thicker)
• Endometrium is preparing for
possible implantation of zygote
Secretory Phase
• Associated changes create a more
hospitable environment for implantation
• Progesterone from corpus luteum
prevents menstruation
• Vaginal acidity decreases
• Endometrial glands secrete nutrient-
rich mucus for nourishment of a
possible implanted zygote
• Blood flow to endometrium
increases
 Hormonal Influence of Uterine Lining

Proliferative phase Secretory phase Menses

• Estrogen from ovarian • Progesterone from • Progesterone secretion

follicles causes corpus luteum decreases as corpus
proliferation of maintains endometrial luteum degrades
endometrium lining • Stratum functionalis of
endometrium is shed
Male
Reproductive
System
Male External
Genitalia
• Includes penis and scrotum
• Penis serves as passageway for urine
or semen to exit body
• Contains spongy/penile urethra
• Semen is a mixture of sperm and
additional fluids for their support
• Scrotum houses the testes
The Penis
• Biological male homologue of the clitoris
• Erectile tissue that fills with blood during sexual
arousal
• Root—internal component
• Shaft—rod-like column of penis
• Contains corpora cavernosa and corpus
spongiosum
• Glans—expanded head at distal end
• Covered by foreskin in uncircumcised males
• Urethra—tubular organ that runs down entire
length of penis; transports urine and semen
Male Reproductive Structures
The Penis

• Shaft of penis composed of

three pieces of erectile
tissue:
• Two corpora cavernosa
• One corpus spongiosum
• Urethra runs through
corpus spongiosum
Scrotum and Testes
• Scrotum houses the testes
• Homologue of female labia majora
• Sac-like pouch covered with skin
• Allows testicular temperature to be
lower than body temperature
• Optimizes sperm production
• Raphe = site of fusion of genital
folds during embryonic
development
Regulation of Testicular
Temperature

• Dartos and cremaster muscles

help lift or drop testes as
necessary to regulate
temperature
• Temperature regulated for
optimum sperm production
Spermatic Cord

• Structures that enter and exit

testes travel through
spermatic cord
• Testicular artery
• Testicular veins
• Lymphatic vessels
• Nerves
• Ductus deferens
Inguinal Canal

• Structures that enter or exit the

pelvic cavity from the scrotum
travel through the inguinal canal
• Creates a natural weak spot in
anterior wall of pelvis
• Increased risk of inguinal
hernias in biological males
Think, Pair,
Share
Activity
Think, Pair,
Share
Activity
Testes
• The biological male gonads that
produce sperm and sex hormones
• Covered by:
• Tunica vaginalis = serous
membrane
• Tunica albuginea = dense
connective tissue that divides
each testis into lobules
• Seminiferous tubules—site where
sperm production occurs
• Sperm move through rete testis
after production by seminiferous
tubules
 Testes
Sperm exit testes via efferent
ductules and enter epididymis

• Sperm fully mature in epididymis

Mature sperm exit epididymis

and travel through ductus
deferens

Ductus deferens enters pelvic

cavity through inguinal canal

• Crosses over superior portion of

bladder and enters prostate gland
• Connects with urethra within prostate
gland
• Ductus deferens:
• “vas deferens”
• extends from epididymis and joins
seminal vesicle
• cut during a vasectomy

103
 Majority of semen produced by
accessory glands

Seminal vesicles—located on
posterior of bladder
Glands of • Secrete 60% of semen volume
Male • Secretion contains fructose for ATP production,
Reproductive which provides energy for swimming

System Prostate gland—located inferior to

bladder
• Secretes alkaline, milky fluid to coagulate sperm

Bulbourethral glands—located at
posterior of perineum
• Lubricate urethra for passage of semen
106
• Semen
• mixture of sperm and secretions from
glands
• provides a transport medium and
nutrients that protect and activate
sperm
• 60% of fluid is from seminal vesicles
• 30% of fluid is from prostate gland
• 5% of fluid is from bulbourethral gland
• 5% of fluid is from testes

108
• Seminal vesicles:
• provide fructose
• contain prostaglandins which
decrease mucus thickness
around cervix and uterine tubes
and help sperm move through
female reproductive tract
• contains coagulants that help
deliver semen into female

110
• Prostate gland:
• contains enzymes to
liquefy semen after it is
inside female
• neutralizes acidity of
vagina
• Bulbourethral gland:
• neutralize acidity of male
urethra and female vagina

112
Secretions
• 2 to 5 milliliters of semen is
ejaculated each time
• 1 milliliter of semen
contains 100 million sperm
• Sperm can live for 72 hours
once inside female

113
• Urethra:
• extends from urinary
bladder to end of penis
• passageway for urine and
male reproductive fluids

114
• Penis:
• corpus cavernosum, corpus
spongiosum, spongy urethra are 3
columns of erectile tissue which fill
with blood for erection
• Transfers sperm from male to female
• excretes urine
• distal end of the penis forms a cap,
the glans penis.
• Urethra opens to the exterior as the
external urethral orifice.

115
Male Reproductive Structures
 • Sperm develop in seminiferous tubules (testes)
• Epididymis (mature)
Path of Sperm •
•
Ductus deferens
Receive secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate & bulbourethral
gland
• Urethra where semen (sperm) exits body
Matching Activity
Match the gland to its secretion or function.

A. Lubricates urethra for passage of semen

1. Seminal vesicles
2. Prostate gland B. Secretes fructose sperm to use for ATP
production
3. Bulbourethral
glands C. Alkaline secretion helps coagulate sperm
Matching Activity
Match the gland to its secretion or function.

A. Lubricates urethra for passage of semen

1. Seminal vesicles - B
2. Prostate gland - C B. Secretes fructose sperm to use for ATP
production
3. Bulbourethral glands - A
C. Alkaline secretion helps coagulate sperm
Polling • How many chromosomes do
mature sperm contain?
Activity 1. 46 chromosomes
2. 23 chromosomes
Polling • How many chromosomes do
mature sperm contain?
Activity 2. 23 chromosomes
Sperm Production

• Biological male reproductive system responsible for gamete and sex hormone
production
• Does not support embryonic development like biological female
• Sperm production is divided into two processes:
• Spermatogenesis – formation of haploid cell
• Spermiogenesis – formation of mature sperm cell
• Interstitial cells secrete androgens that promote both processes
• Nurse cells support process of sperm production
 Spermatogenesis

• Production of haploid sperm gamete cells through mitosis then meiosis

• Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to form two identical daughter cells
• One daughter cell replenishes the supply of spermatogonia
• Other daughter cell becomes a primary spermatocyte and undergoes
meiosis I
• Produces two haploid secondary spermatocyte cells
• Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to yield four haploid
spermatids
• Spermatids will undergo spermiogenesis to become mature sperm
Spermatogenesis
Spermiogenesis

• The maturation and differentiation to produce functional sperm

• Last stage of spermatogenesis, in which spermatids develop into sperm
• Spermatids reduce the amount of cytoplasm they contain
• Flagellum elongates to allow them to swim
• Continue to move through epididymis to mature fully and gain the ability
to move
• Sperm are stored in tail of epididymis until ejaculation occurs
Spermatogenesis

126
Production of
Sperm Cells

128
Spermatogenesis
Sperm
• Mature sperm are streamlined for
speed and travel
• Head region – contains haploid
nucleus
• Acrosome – contains enzymes to
breakdown membrane of egg
• Midpiece – contains mitochondria
• Produce ATP that power flagellum
• Tail – flagellum used for motion
Sperm Cell Structure

• Head:

• contain a nucleus and DNA

• Midpiece:

• contain mitochondria

• Tail:

• flagellum for movement

131
 Interstitial Cells
• Located between seminiferous tubules
within testes
• Responsible for testosterone secretion
• Levels increase during puberty
• Promotes muscle development,
bone growth, skin and hair
characteristics, behavior, and libido
• Compare to biological females: Small
amounts of testosterone produced by
ovaries and adrenal glands
• Promotes libido
Hormonal Control of Male
Reproductive System

• Testosterone
• Secreted by interstitial cells
within testes
• Release stimulated by
luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH)—stimulates development
of sperm via spermatogenesis
• Inhibin—inhibits FSH release
Stages of Coitus
• Sexual responses are general grouped
into three stages:
1. Excitement and Plateau—body
prepares for or engages in sexual
activity
• Stimulated by thoughts, touch, or
dreams
• Systemic myotonia occurs
(increase in muscle tension
throughout body)
• Nitric oxide causes vasodilation
in genitalia
• Blood engorges genitalia
• Urethra is closed off
Stages of Coitus
• Orgasm—brief, intense response at end of
excitement/plateau phase
• Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
increases HR, blood pressure, and
breathing rate
• Increase in oxytocin levels and pelvic
muscle contractions
• Oxytocin promotes social bonding
• Pelvic contractions are thought to
aid movement of sperm toward egg
• Resolution—follows the orgasm stage
• Parasympathetic nervous system
(PSNS) dominates
• Longer refractory period prevents
erection in biological males
• If orgasm does not occur, resolution
does not occur
 Fertilization
Event in which a sperm
encounters an egg and
penetrates it; the genetic
material from the two Enzymes in the vaginal
gametes is combined and uterine fluids degrade
acrosome covering that
prevents premature
Sperm capacitation rupture
occurs after sperm enter
vagina or uterus
Sperm gain the ability to
penetrate egg
 Summary

• By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Describe the gross anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems.
• Discuss the ovarian and uterine cycles.
• Discuss spermiogenesis and spermatogenesis.
• Discuss the stages of coitus.