The human species could not survive without functional male and

female reproductive systems.

The reproductive systems play essential roles in the development

of the structural and functional differences between males and
females, influence human behavior, and produce offspring.

However, a reproductive system, unlike other organ systems, is not

necessary for the survival of an individual human.
 a l e System
m Reprodu c t i v e
Fe
What is the Female Reproductive System?
The female reproductive system is a group of organs that work
together to allow for reproduction. It consists of the ovaries,
uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, external genitalia, and mammary
glands. Most of these internal organs are located within the
pelvis, specifically between the urinary bladder and the rectum.

The main job of this system is to produce egg cells (ova),

support a fertilized egg, and provide the right environment for
a developing baby. As an essential part of human biology, it
works closely with the body’s hormone system to manage
important life stages like puberty, the menstrual cycle, and
pregnancy.
The Role of Ovaries
primary female reproductive organ
produces oocytes and sex hormones
one on either side of uterus
ovarian ligaments: anchor ovaries to
uterus
suspensory ligaments: anchor ovaries to
pelvic cavity
ovarian follicle: cells in ovaries that contain
oocytes
Fallopian Tubes
part of uterus which extends toward
ovaries and receive oocytes
fimbriae are fringe-like structures
around opening of uterine tubes that
help sweep oocyte into uterine tubes
tubal ligation (sterilization of female)
The Uterus
pear sized structure located in pelvic
cavity
functions: receive, retain, and provide
nourishment for fertilized oocyte, where
embryo resides and develops
body: main part
cervix: narrow region that leads to
vagina
 Uterus Wall Layers

Endometrium Myometrium (Muscular)

Function: Prepares for potential Function: Composed of smooth muscle that
pregnancy by thickening with glands and contracts forcefully during childbirth and
blood vessels. menstruation.
Sublayers: Structure: The thickest layer of the uterine
Functional Layer: Shed during wall.
menstruation if pregnancy doesn't occur;
develops into the decidua during Perimetrium (Serous Membrane)
pregnancy.
Function: A thin, protective outer layer
Basal Layer: Contains stem cells that
(serosa) that covers the uterus.
regenerate the functional layer.
 Vagina
extends from uterus to outside of body
female copulation organ that receives
penis during intercourse
allows menstrual flow
involved in childbirth
contains very muscular walls and a
mucous membrane
very acidic to keep bacteria out
Vulva (Pudendum)
external female sex organs
mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and
vestibule
protects internal organs, plays roles in sexual pleasure,
reproduction, and urination.
Mons Pubis
fatty layer of skin covering pubic symphysis
provides cushioning for the pubic bone and adds
sensitivity due to nerve endings.
Labia Majora
larger, outer folds of skin
equivalent to male scrotum
protect the inner, more delicate parts of the vulva
Labia Minora
thin, inner folds of skin
enclose and protect the clitoris (forming the hood) and
the openings for the urethra and vagina
Clitoris
small erectile structure located in vestibule
equivalent to male penis
provide sensory pleasure and facilitate orgasm
Prepuce
where 2 labia minora unite over clitoris
Vestibule
space in which vagina and urethra are located
acts as a central hub for the body's exits and entrances
Ovulation
release of an oocyte from the ovary
due to LH secreted from the anterior pituitary
Corpus Luteum
mature follicle after ovulation
degenerates if egg is not fertilized
 Oogenesis and Fertilization
Females are born with all of their oogonia (2 million),
unlike males that only begin to produce sperm during
puberty.

At puberty about 300,000 to 400,000 oogonia are left.

Puberty to menopause, FSH stimulates several follicles

to begin developing during each menstrual cycle but
only 1 follicle should be ovulated.
 Oogenesis and Fertilization
Oocytes are swept into one of uterine tubes by
fimbriae.

If sperm is present in uterine tube during ovulation

oocyte could be fertilized.

If fertilization occurs then zygote implants in uterus.

Oocyte only lives for 24 hours, so if no sperm is present

at ovulation no zygote develops, and oocyte dies.
 Female Puberty
Begins between 11 to 13 and is usually completed by
16

Menarche first episode of menstrual bleeding

Vagina, uterus, uterine tubes, and external genitalia

to enlarge and fat is deposited in breast and hips

Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone are

secreted by ovaries
 Mammary Glands
Organs of milk production in breasts

Modified sweat glands

Female breasts begin to enlarge during puberty

Consists of lobes covered by adipose

Lobes, ducts, lobules are altered during lactation to

expel milk
 Female Sex Hormones
Gonadotropin-releasing (GnRH) hormone is produced
in the hypothalamus and stimulates secretion of LH
and FSH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the anterior

pituitary and causes ovulation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced in the

anterior pituitary and prompts follicles in the ovaries to
begin development.
 Female Sex Hormones
Estrogen
proliferation of endometrial cells
development of mammary glands (especially duct
system)
control of LH and FSH secretion
development and maintenance of secondary sex
characteristics
 Female Sex Hormones
Progesterone
enlargement of endometrial cells and secretion of
fluid from uterine glands
maintenance of pregnancy state
development of mammary glands (especially
alveoli)
control of estrogen, FSH, and LH secretion
development of secondary sex characteristics
Menstrual Cycle
occur in sexuall
ty
f change s th a
series o
gn an t fe males
mature, nonpre

Menses e tr iu m i s s hed fr om
time w h en en d om
uterus
su lt s fro m cyc lic al
d ay s a nd re
Average is 28 m .
oc cu r in e nd o m e tr iu
chan ges that
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle
Days 1 to 5 Menses (shedding of endometrium)
menstrual bleeding (menses)
estrogen and progesterone levels are low
follicle begins to mature
Days 6 to 13 Proliferative (between end of menses and ovulation)
endometrium rebuilds
estrogen levels begin to increase
progesterone levels remain low
follicle matures
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle
Day 14 Ovulation
oocyte is released due to LH
estrogen levels high
progesterone levels are increasing
cervical mucus thins
Days 15 to 28 Secretory (between ovulation and next menses)
endometrium is preparing for implantation
estrogen levels decrease (low)
progesterone levels high
cervical mucus thickens
Menopause
time when ovaries secrete less hormones and
number of follicles in ovaries is low
menstrual cycle and ovulation are less regular
hot flashes, fatigue, irritability may occur
estrogen replacement therapy may be used to
decreases side effects
 Female Sexual Behavior
Sexual drive in females, like sexual drive in males, is dependent
on hormones.

Testosterone-like hormones, and possibly estrogen, affect brain

cells (especially in the area of the hypothalamus) and influence
sexual behavior.

Testosterone-like hormones are produced primarily in the

adrenal cortex.
 Female Sexual Behavior
Psychological factors also play a role in sexual behavior.

The sensory and motor neural pathways involved in

controlling female sexual responses are similar to those
found in the male.
 Female Sex Act
During sexual excitement, erectile tissue within the clitoris
and around the vaginal opening becomes engorged with
blood.

The mucous glands within the vestibule secrete small

amounts of mucus, with larger amounts extruded into the
vagina through its wall.

Stimulation of the female’s genitals during sexual

intercourse and psychological stimuli normally trigger an
orgasm, or climax.
 Female Sex Act
The vaginal and uterine smooth muscle, as well as the
surrounding skeletal muscles, contract rhythmically, and
muscle tension increases throughout much of the body.

After the sex act, there is a period of resolution, which is

characterized by an overall sense of satisfaction and
relaxation.
 i v e System
c t
e
Reprodu

a l
M
What Is the Male
Reproductive System?
The male reproductive system is a group of
organs that work together to produce and
deliver sperm, the male reproductive cells. It
also plays an important role in the
production of hormones, especially
testosterone, which controls the
development of male characteristics. This
system is essential for human reproduction
and becomes fully active during puberty,
when boys begin to experience physical and
hormonal changes.
 Testes
Scrotum primary male reproductive
organ
contains testes produces sperm
in scrotum
contains dartos muscle
contain seminiferous tubules:
that moves scrotum and
testes close to and away where sperm is produced.
from body depending on contain interstitial cells:
temp. secrete testosterone
contain germ cells: cells that
sperm must develop at
sperm cells arise from.
temperature that is less
contain sustentacular cells:
than body temp.
nourish germ cells and
produce hormones
The Epididymis
Where Sperm Mature
Once sperm are made in the testes,
they move into a tightly coiled tube
called the epididymis, which sits on top
of each testis. In the epididymis, sperm
finish growing and gain the ability to
swim. This process can take a few days.
Until they are needed, mature sperm
stay stored in the epididymis.
Ductus deferens
also called the “vas deferens”
extends from epididymis and joins seminal
vesicle
its ampulla serves as storage for sperm
before ejaculation
cut during a vasectomy

Urethra
extends from urinary bladder to
the end of penis.
passageway for urine and male
reproductive fluids
 The Penis and its Parts
The penis consists of corpus cavernosum, corpus spongiosum,
spongy urethra: The 3 columns of erectile tissue which fill with
blood for erection.
transfer sperm from male to female during reproduction
excrete urine

Corpus cavernosum

Corpus Spongiosum

Spongy urethra
Male Reproductive System Glands
Seminal Vesicles
next to ductus deferens
helps form ejaculatory duct

Prostate gland

surrounds urethra
size of a walnut

Bulbourethral gland

small mucus secreting glands

near base of prostate gland
 Secretions
Semen Prostate gland
contains enzymes to liquefy semen after it is
mixture of sperm and secretions from glands
inside female
provides a transport medium and nutrients that protect
neutralizes acidity of vagina
and activate sperm
60% of fluid is from seminal vesicles
Bulbourethral gland
30% of fluid is from prostate gland
5% of fluid is from bulbourethral gland neutralize acidity of male urethra and female
5% of fluid is from testes vagina

Seminal vesicles Testicular Secretion

provide fructose include sperm and small amount of fluid.
contain prostaglandins which decrease mucus thickness 2 to 5 milliliters of semen is ejaculated each
around cervix and uterine tubes and help sperm move time.
through female repro. tract 1 milliliter of semen contains 100 million sperm
contains coagulants that help deliver semen into female Sperm can live for 72 hours once inside female
 Path of Sperm
1. Sperm develop in
seminiferous tubules
(testes)
2. Epididymis (mature)
3. Ductus deferens
4. Receive secretions
from seminal vesicles,
prostate gland, and
bulbourethral gland
5. Urethra where semen
(sperm) exit body
Spermatogenesis
formation of sperm cells
begins at puberty
interstitial cells increase in number and size
seminiferous tubules enlarge
seminiferous tubules produce germ cells
and sustentacular cells
Production of Sperm Cells
[Link] cells
[Link]
[Link] spermatocytes
[Link] spermatocytes
[Link]
[Link] cells
 Male Sex Hormones

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the

produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates anterior pituitary and stimulates secretion
secretion of LH and FSH. of testosterone.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is Testosterone is produced in the interstitial cells in

produced in the anterior pituitary and the testes and is involved in development and
prompts spermatogenesis maintenance of reproductive organs.

Inhibin is secreted by cells of the seminiferous tubules and

inhibits FSH secretion.
 Male Puberty

begins at 12 to 14 and ends

testosterone is major male
around 18
hormone

a boy begins to produce male

hormones and sperm cells

secondary sexual characteristics develop:

e.g. - skin texture, fat distribution, hair growth,
skeletal muscle growth, and larynx changes
 Male Sex Act
The male sex act is a complex series of reflexes that result in erection of the penis,
secretion of mucus into the urethra, emission, and ejaculation.

Emission Ejaculation
is the movement of sperm cells, is the forceful expulsion of the
mucus, prostatic secretions, and secretions that have accumulated
seminal vesicle secretions into in the urethra to the exterior.
the prostatic, membranous, and
spongy urethra.

Orgasm Resolution
Sensations, normally interpreted Phase that occurs after ejaculation in
as pleasurable, occur during the which the penis becomes flaccid, an
male sex act and result in an overall feeling of satisfaction exists,
intense sensation and the male is unable to achieve
erection and a second ejaculation.
 Penile Erection
Erection is the first major component of the male sex act.

Neural stimuli cause the penis to enlarge and become firm.

Specifically, parasympathetic action potentials from the sacral region of the spinal cord cause the arteries
that supply blood to the erectile tissues to dilate.

Blood then fills small venous sinuses called sinusoids in the erectile tissue and compresses the veins, which
reduces blood flow from the penis.

Penile Ejaculation
Just before ejaculation, action potentials are sent to the skeletal muscles that surround the base of the penis.

Ejaculation results from the contraction of smooth muscle in the wall of the urethra and skeletal muscles
surrounding the base of the penis.

In addition, muscle tension increases throughout the body,

Rhythmic contractions are produced that force the semen out of the urethra, resulting in ejaculation.
1) Production of gametes

2) Fertilization

3) Development and nourishment of a new individual

4) Production of reproductive hormones

 GAMETES MEIOSIS
sex cells a special type of cell division that

sperm in males leads to formation of sex cells

oocytes (eggs) in females

Each sperm cell and each oocyte contains 23 chromosomes

[Link] meiosis begins, all the chromosomes are duplicated.

[Link] the beginning of meiosis, each of the 46 chromosomes consists of 2 chromatids connected

by a centromere.

[Link] chromosomes align as pairs in a process called synapsis.

[Link] each chromosome consists of 2 chromatids, the pairing of the chromosomes brings 2

chromatids of each chromosome close together.

[Link] material is exchanged on occasion, when a part of a chromatid of 1 chromosome

breaks off and is exchanged with part of another chromatid from the other chromosome, in a

process termed, “crossing over.”

[Link] I produces 2 cells, each having 23 chromosomes composed of 2

chromatids joined at a centromere.

[Link] Meiosis II, each of the 2 cells divide into 2 cells and the centromere breaks,

giving separate chromosomes.

[Link] final result from meiosis are four cells,each having 23 [Link] the

number of chromosomes are reduced during the process of dividing into 4 cells,

the process is a reduction division process.

Fertilization:
union of sperm and oocyte

Zygote:
what develops after fertilization

develops into an embryo 3 to 14 days after fertilization

Embryo:
14 to 56 days after fertilization

Fetus:
56 days after fertilization
Contraception, or birth control, involves methods, devices, medications, or procedures
to prevent pregnancy, allowing for family planning and reproductive health control

HORMONAL METHODS
Pills: Daily oral medication
Injections: Depo-Provera shots every few months.
Implants: Matchstick-sized rods inserted under the skin, releasing hormones for
years.
Vaginal Rings: Inserted into the vagina for several weeks.
Patches: Worn on the skin, releasing hormones
BARRIER METHODS
Condoms: Male and female condoms, also protect against STIs.
Diaphragms/Cervical Caps: Placed over the cervix.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES (IUDs)

Hormonal IUDs: Last several years.
Copper IUDs: Hormone-free, can last up to 10 years.

PERMANENT METHODS (STERILIZATION)

Vasectomy (men): Blocks sperm tubes.
Tubal Ligation (women): Blocks fallopian tubes.
From Group 7; Aguinaldo, Altesing, De Real, & Relingado