Reproduction in Human Beings

Puberty:-
It is the beginning of the production of sex hormones and the development of
sexual maturity.
It occurs at the age of 10-12 years in girls and 13-15 years in boys.
Changes occurs during puberty:-
Puberty in boys Puberty in girls
1. Growing penis and testes. 1. Breast buds and breast
2. Erections happen more often and development
ejaculation happens 2. Body hair
3. Body hair including facial hair 3. Widening hips
4. Voice changes and deepening of 4. Gains in body weight and body fat
voice 5. Menstrual cycle begins.
5. Shoulders broaden
6. Weight and muscle gain

Common changes in both

Primary sex organ Secondary sex organ

Testes
Duct System
Accessory
Glands Mating Organ
Testes:-
1. These are ovoid shaped structure responsible for the formation of
sperms and male sex hormone testosterone.
2. Length of testes is about 4-5cm and width is about 2-3cm.
3. Testosterone is responsible for the changes in boys during puberty.
4. Testes are located outside the abdominal cavity. They are found
hanging in a pouch like structure called scrotum.
Scrotum:-
5. It provides an optimal temperature (2.5 ֯C lower than body) for
production of sperms.
6. Scrotum shrinks and get closure to abdominal cavity during cold to get
body heat.
7. Scrotum moves away from abdominal cavity in to get rid od extra heat.
1. Testicular Coverings
The testis is covered by three layers (from outer to inner):
Tunica Vaginalis:
A double-layered serous membrane derived from the peritoneum.
Provides protection and reduces friction.
Tunica Albuginea:
A dense fibrous connective tissue layer lying beneath the tunica vaginalis.
It extends inward to form septa that divide the testis into lobules.
Tunica Vasculosa:
The innermost layer composed of blood vessels and loose connective tissue.

2. Testicular Lobules
Each testis contains about 250–300 lobules.
Each lobule contains 1 to 4 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where
spermatogenesis occurs.
3. Seminiferous Tubules
These are highly coiled structures where sperm cells
are produced. Two main cell types are found here:
Spermatogenic (Germ) Cells: Develop into mature
sperm through various stages: spermatogonia →
spermatocytes → spermatids → spermatozoa.
Sertoli Cells (Sustentacular Cells): Provide nutrition,
support, and protection to developing sperm cells.
Secrete inhibin to regulate FSH.
Form the blood-testis barrier.
4. Interstitial (Leydig) Cells
It is a group of polyhedral cells.
Located between seminiferous tubules.
Produce testosterone under the influence of LH
(Luteinizing Hormone) from the pituitary gland.
Leydig cells also synthesize androgen hormone. Seminiferous tubules unite to form
straight tubules called tubuli recti.
The tubuli recti lead into a network of small spaces or cavities located at the back
part(posterior) of testis. These spaces form a interconnected (anastomosing)maze-like
structure lined by cuboidal cells called as rete testis.
5. Rete Testis
A network of interconnected tubules located in the mediastinum testis (a thickened area
of tunica albuginea).
Collects immature sperm from seminiferous tubules and passes them into the efferent
ducts.
6. Vasa Efferentia (Efferent Ductules)
12–20 small ducts that transport sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.
Also help in reabsorbing testicular fluid.
7. Blood Vessels and Nerves
The testicular artery supplies blood.
The pampiniform plexus (a network of veins) helps in temperature regulation by
cooling arterial blood.
Autonomic nerves regulate function.
8. Epididymis (Closely Associated but Not a Testicular Structure)
Lies on the posterior surface of the testis.
Functions in sperm maturation, storage, and transport.
Divided into: Head (caput), Body (corpus), and Tail (cauda).
 Secondary Sex organ
1. Duct System:-
Includes epididymis and vas deferens
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube located at the back of each testis in the
male reproductive system. It plays a crucial role in sperm maturation,
storage, and transport.
🔬 Structure of the Epididymis:
It has three main parts:
Head (Caput) – Receives immature sperm from the testis.
Body (Corpus) – Sperm begin to mature here.
Tail (Cauda) – Stores mature sperm until ejaculation.
📌 Functions of the Epididymis:
Maturation: Sperm gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg while
passing through the epididymis.
Storage: Stores mature sperm in the tail region.
Transport: Moves sperm from the testis to the vas deferens during ejaculation
via peristaltic contractions.
Vasa Deferens:
Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)The vas deferens is a thick-walled,
muscular tube in the male reproductive system that transports mature sperm
from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.
📍 Structure and Location: It is about 30–45 cm long. Arises from the tail of
the epididymis and ascends through the spermatic cord into the pelvic
cavity. Passes behind the urinary bladder, where it joins with the duct of the
seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct.
🔬 Functions of the Vas Deferens: Transport of sperm from the epididymis
to the ejaculatory duct. Peristaltic contractions of its smooth muscles help
sperm during ejaculation.
Temporary sperm storage in the ampulla (widened end near seminal
vesicle).
Accessory glands
1. Seminal Vesicles
Number: Pair (2)
Location: Behind the urinary bladder
Secretion: Viscous, alkaline fluid (~60–70% of semen volume)
Contents: Fructose, prostaglandins, proteins, and vitamin C
Functions: Fructose provides energy for sperm motility.
Prostaglandins help in sperm movement and stimulate uterine contractions.
2. Prostate Gland
Number: Single (unpaired)
Location: Below the urinary bladder, surrounding the urethra
Secretion: Milky, slightly acidic fluid (~20–30% of semen volume)
Contents: Citric acid, enzymes (like prostate-specific antigen – PSA), and zinc
Functions: Enhances sperm motility and viability. Helps in liquefaction of semen after
ejaculation (PSA activity).
3. Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands)
Number: Pair (2)
Location: Below the prostate gland, near the base of the penis
Secretion: Clear, viscous, alkaline fluid (pre-ejaculate)
Functions: Neutralizes acidity in the urethra (urine residues). Provides lubrication during
sexual intercourse.
The penis is the external male copulatory organ of the
reproductive system. It also serves as the common pathway
for urine and semen to exit the body.
📌 Main Functions: Copulation (sexual intercourse) – delivers
sperm into the female reproductive tract.
Urination – passage for urine excretion through the urethra.
Ejaculation – semen is expelled forcefully during sexual
climax.
🧬 Structure of the Penis:
1. Root – Attached part, connected to pelvic bones
2. Body (Shaft) – Free hanging portion Contains three
erectile tissues: Two corpora cavernosa (dorsal side) One
corpus spongiosum (ventral side, surrounds the urethra)
During sexual arousal, these tissues fill with blood, causing
erection
3. Glans Penis – Enlarged tip of the penis Covered by a loose
fold of skin called the prepuce (foreskin) Highly sensitive,
involved in sexual stimulation
🧬 Sperm (Spermatozoon)Sperm is the male
gamete responsible for fertilizing the female
egg (ovum).
📌 Structure of a Sperm Cell: A mature sperm is
highly specialized and consists of three main
parts:
1. Head Contains the nucleus (with 23
chromosomes) Covered by the acrosome, a
cap-like structure containing enzymes (e.g.,
hyaluronidase, acrosin) that help penetrate
the egg during fertilization
2. Middle Piece Packed with mitochondria
arranged spirally around the axoneme
Provides ATP (energy) for motility
3. Tail (Flagellum) Helps in movement of the
sperm towards the egg Enables swimming
through the female reproductive tract
🔬 Characteristics of Human Sperm:
Length: ~60 micrometers
Shape: Tadpole-like
Lifespan: In male reproductive tract: up to several weeks
In female tract: ~24–72 hours
Produced in: Seminiferous tubules of the testes
Hormonal regulation: Controlled by FSH, LH, and testosterone
💡 Functions of Sperm: Deliver genetic material to the ovum
Undergo capacitation in the female tract to become fertilization-capable
Participate in fertilization through the acrosomal reaction and fusion with the
egg membrane