Reproductive system

Introduction
• The reproductive organ of female and male
differ structurally and functionally.
• The function of male sex organ produced
spermatozoa .
• The function of female reproductive system is
to produce ova.
• If the ovum is fertilized by spermatozoon an
embryo is formed ,which remains in cavity of
uterus
 Female reproductive system
External organ Internal organs Secondary organs

Breast
[Link] pubis 1. Uterus
2. Labia majora 2. Ovaries
3. Labia minora 3. Seminal vessels
4. Clitoris 4. Ejaculatory duct
5. Vestibule of vagina 5. Fallopian tube
[Link] of vestibule 6. Vagina
7. Greater vestibular
gland
 1. External genital organs(
vulva)/pudentum
• Mons pubis
• Rounded fatty elevation
• Situated anterior to the pubic symphysis.
• Labia majora
• Two symmetrical fold of skin
• Each labium majus passes posteriorly from the
mons pubis, to about 2.5cm anterior to the
anus.
 Cont…
• Labia minora
• Which is located between labia majora
• It meet just superior to the clitoris to form a
fold of skin called prepuce or clitoral hood
• Vestibule of the vagina
• It is a space between the labia minora.
• The urethra, vagina and ducts of the greater
vestibular gland open into the vestibule.
 Cont….
Greater vestibular gland / Bartholin’s Glands
• Located on each side of the vestibule of vagina, partly
covered by bulb of vestibule.
• They secrete small amount of lubricating mucus during
sexual arousal.
Clitoris
• 2-3cm length
• Homologous with penis in male
• Located to the anterior labial commissure.
• It is highly sensitive.
Bulbs of vestibule
• It is a large , elongated masses of erectile
tissue.
• 3cm long
• Lie along the side of the vaginal orifice.
• They lie deep to the bulbocavernosus muscles
and are homologous to the bulb of penis and
corpus spongiosum in males.
 Cont…
Artery supply
• Branch of external and internal pudendal arteries.
Venous drainage
• Internal pudendal vein from the venous blood from
the external genitalia.
Nerve supply
• Ilioinguinal nerve
• Genitofemoral nerve
• Perineal nerve
 Cont…

• Lymphatic drainage

• Superficial inguinal node

• Inguinal lymph node

Applied anatomy
Vaginitis
Bartholin’s cyst
 2. Internal genital organs
• Include
- uterus
-vagina
-fallopian tube

Uterus
The uterus is a thick walled, pear –shaped , hollow muscular
organ.
Dimensions Parts of uterus
• Length - 7-8cm • 1. expanded superior two
• Width- 5-7cm third is called body
• Thickness- 2-3cm • The cylindrical, lower one
• Weights- 30-40g third is called cervix
• A slight constriction
called isthmus, marks the
junctioin between the
body and cervix
Parts of uterus
• Body ( corpus) 3.5 cm
 fundus - the part which lies above
the opening of uterine tubes
The body proper -Which is triangular
and lies between the opening of tubes and
isthmus.
The site of entry of uterine tube is called
‘cornu’(horn)
Cervix 2.5cm
• The cervix /neck of the uterus is lowest portion
• It is divided in to vaginal and supra vaginal parts
• The rounded vaginal part opens in to the vagina
through the external ostium/external os
• The cavity of the cervix ( cervical
canal)communicates with the uterine cavity
through the internal os
• Composed mainly fibrous connective tissue
• The vaginal part of the cervix is lined by
stratified squamous epithelium.
Position of uterus in pelvic cavity
• In nulliparous women uterus is completely
with in the pelvis.
• It is normally anteverted and anteflexed in
position.
Relations of uterus
• Anterior surface/vesical surface.
The bladder is situated anterior to the
uterus.
The uterovesical pouch of perineum
separates the uterus from the urinary
bladder.
• Posterior surface
• The posterior surface of the uterus and cervix
are covered by peritoneum.
• It is related to the recto uterine pouch ( pouch
of Douglas) of peritoneum, which separate
uterus to rectum, It is occupied by the cods of
terminal ileum and sigmoid colon.
• Lateral border
A double fold of peritoneum, the broad
ligament is attached to the lateral borders.
Its upper free border encloses the fallopian
tube.
 Histology of uterus
Wall of uterus
 3 layers
1. Perimetrium – outer serous coat, made of
peritonium
2. Myometrium – 12-15 mm thick, the main
branches of blood vessels and nerves are
situated in this layer, during pregnancy
thickness of myometrium increases greatly.
3. Endometrium - The inner mucous coat, lined
by single layer of columnar epitheliu., there are
number of uterine glands, which are tubular and
lined by columnar cell.
Supports of uterus
• Muscular support
- Pelvic diaphragm- it consist of levator ani muscles
( pubococcygenus, illiococcygenus and is collectively called
levator ani)
- Perineal body
• Fibro muscular ligament
- Pubocervical ligament
-Transvers cervical ligament
- Uterosacral ligament
- Round ligament of uterus
• Peritonial ligaments broad ligaments
 Blood supply
• Artery supply
- uterine artery- it is the branch of internal iliac
artery
- ovarian artery
• Venous drainage
-Uterine vein
 Clinical correlations

• Prolapse of uterus

• Cesarean section

• Intrauterine contraceptive devices ( IUD)

• Fibroids

• Hysterectomy

• endometrium
 UTERINE TUBE / FELLOPIAN
TUBE
• The uterine tubes are long,
• Extending from the cornua/uterine horn of
the uterus.
 Cont….

• These tubes lie in the free upper border of

the broad ligament.
• Each tube opens proximally in to the cornu
of uterus and distally into the peritoneal
cavity, near the ovary.
Functions of Uterine Tube

 They carry oocyte from the ovaries to the

site of fertilization
 They carry sperms from the uterus to the
fertilization
 The uterine tube also conveys the dividing
zygote to the uterine cavity.
 Parts of fallopian Tube
• for purpose of description, the uterine tube
is divided into four parts
Infundibulum
Ampulla
Isthmus
Uterine or intramuscular parts/
interstitial part
1. Infundibulum
 funnel shaped structure
 which is closely related to the ovary.
 Its opening into the peritoneal cavity is called
abdominal ostium ( about 2 mm in diameter )
 Its margins have 20-30 finger like process called
fimbriae.
 These process are spread over the surface of the ovary
 One of these fimbriae, is large and it is attached to the
overy. It is called ovarian fimbria
2. Ampulla:
 It is thin walled dilated part
 It is the common site of fertilization
3. Isthmus:
It is narrow and thick walled.
4. Uterine or intra mural part or interstitial
part:
It is passes through the thick uterine wall
Histology

• Fallopian tube is lined by ciliated columnar

epithelium and smooth muscle fibers.

• They help in transporting the oocyte, sperm

or the dividing zygote

Blood supply, Lymphatic drainage and
Nerve supply
• Same as that of uterus.
Nursing implications
• Abdominal tubal ligation /laparoscopic tubal ligation

• Tubectomy

• Ectopic tubal pregnancy

• Salpingitis and peritonitis

• Patency of a uterine tube may be determined by ;

 Hysterosalpingography
 Tubal insufflation test
 Vagina
• Vagina – Greek world means ‘kolpos’

• It is a fibro muscular canal extending from the vulva to uterus.

• It is a female copulatory organ

• Vagina lies between the urethra and bladder in front, and the

rectum and anal canal, behind.

• The vagina is directed upwards and backwards from the vulva

making an angle of 45° with the uterus.

Measurements
• Length - Anterior wall is 8 cm, while posterior
wall is 10 cm long.
• Diameter – upper end is wider and lower end is
narrower.
• Shape of lumen – the lumen of vagina is circular at
the upper end and ‘H’ shaped in the rest of the
length.
• Relations
Anteriorly to the urinary bladder,
 Posteriorly to the rectum
 It passes between the two levator ani
muscles.
 The sphincter urethrae muscle and the
pubovaginalis muscle support the vagina.
Hymen
 It is the thin annular fold of mucous membrane
present just above the vaginal opening in vestibule.

 In sexually active women, especially after child birth

the hymen is torn and only tags of membrane are
seen known as carunculae myrtiformes.
Fornices of vagina

The vaginal fornix is the widest part at the end of the vaginal canal.

This is divided into four parts and is named as follows:

1. Anterior fornix is the shallowest fornix.

2. Posterior fornix is the deepest fornix, A sterile needle canbe introduced

through this route to collect a sample of anabnormal collection of fluid in the

pouch of Douglas.

3. Two lateral fornice

• Blood Supply
• 1. Arteries:
Uterine artery, vaginal artery and middle rectal
artery.
2. Veins:
It drain into internal iliac veins and internal
• • Pudendal veins.
• Lymphatic Drainage
On each side, the lymphatics drain into:
1. Upper one third: External iliac group.
2. Middle one third up to hymen: Internal iliac
group.
3. Below the hymen: Superficial inguinal group.
Nerve Supply
• The vagina is supplied by sympathetic and
parasympathetic from the pelvic plexus.
• The lower part is supplied by the pudendal
nerve. The lower one third of vagina, supplied
by the inferior rectal branches of pudendal
nerve, is pain sensitive, upper two thirds,
supplied by autonomic plexus, is not sensitive
to pain.
Histology of vagina

Vagina has an inner layer of stratified squamous

epithelium, middle muscular layer and outer
fibrous coat.
Nursing implications
Vaginal examination
Structures palpated by per vaginal examination are:
Anteriorly:
• Urethra
• Urinary bladder
• Pubic symphysis.
Posteriorly:
• Rectum
• Pouch of Douglas.
Laterally:
• Ovary
• Fallopian tube
• Lateral pelvic wall
• Ligaments
• Ureter.
Superiorly: Cervix
Ovaries
 Ovaries
• The ovaries are the female gonads.
• They are two in number, situated one on each
side of the uterus in a fossa (the ovarian fossa)
behind the broad ligament.
• The ovaries are situated on the lateral wall of
the pelvis.
 Boundaries of Ovarian Fossa

• Behind- ureter
• In front- obliterated umbilical artery
• In the floor- obturator internus muscle,
obturator nerve and vessels.
Shape and Size

• Each ovary is ovoid in shape

 3 cm long
 1.5 cm wide
 1 cm in thickness.
Surface and Color

• In young adults, the ovary is pink in color and

its surface is smooth.
• Its long axis is nearly vertical.
• In older women, due to repeated ovulations,
the surface becomes irregular, and the color
becomes grayish.
• *The long axis of the ovary becomes almost
horizontal.
Attachments

• Each ovary is attached to the upper part of the

uterus by the ovarian ligament and to the back
of the broad ligament by a broad band of
tissue, the mesovarium.
• Blood vessels and nerves pass to the ovary
through the mesovarium.
Functions of ovary
• Ovaries are store house of female gametes or
ova.
• Ovary secretes two steroid hormones ,
estrogen and progesterone
• Regulation of ovarian function.
 Blood supply
• Artery : the ovarian artery , branch of
abdominal aorta supplies the ovary.
• Veins are called papniform plexus, emerge
from the ovary and joint to form ovarian vein.
• The right vain drains in to the inferior vena
cava and left vain drains in to the left renal
vain.
Nerve supply
• Sympathetic fibers from T10,T11 spinal
segments
• Parasympathetic from vagus.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drain in to lateral aortic nodes
( lying near the origin of ovarian artery)
Physiology of female reproductive system

Puberty
• It is the period ,which links childhood to
adulthood.
• Age group for puberty is taken between 12
and 16 years.
• Puberty is the period of life during which
secondary sex characteristics develop and the
capable of sexual reproduction are attained.
Puberty in female
Physical changes are evident during puberty.
• Breast development
• Pubic and axillary hair development
• Growth in height
• Starting menstruation
• Menarche –First menstrual period
( between 11-15 years)
 Oogenesis
It is the process of gametogenesis in female.
The ova develop from the primitive germ cells
called oogonia
flow chart
• Oogenesis is the process of gametogenesis in
the female.
• The ova develop from the primitive germ cells
called oogonia.
• About 6 million oogonia are present during 6th
month of intrauterine life.
• The oogonium enters meiotic division, but
halts at the stage of prophase and becomes a
primary oocyte.
• The first meiotic division (reduction division)
is completed just before ovulation (after
puberty) and gives rise to two daughter cells.
• One of them is larger and contains more
cytoplasm, which is called secondary oocyte.
• The other small cells called polar body, which
fragments and disappears.
• The secondary ooryte is haploid (22+ X).
• The secondary oocyte now begins the second
meiotic division, but stops at the metaphase
and will be completed only after the entry of
the sperm into the oocyte.
• The secondary oocyte with 22 X chromosome
matures to form the ovum and second polar
body. Thus, one primary oocyte gives rise to
one ovum.
 Development of ovarian follicle
 Primordial follicle
 Primary follicle
 Secondary follicle ( antral or vesicular follicle)
 Tertiary follicle
1. Primordial follicle
Primary oozyte in fetal stage is enveloped by
single layer of squamous cell and is called
primordial follicle.
2. Primary follicle
After puberty oozyte start to grows, the enveloped
cell called granulosa cells become cuboidal and
also proliferate.
It is now called primary follicles.
 3. Secondary (antral or vesicular follicle):
• About15-20 primary oocytes start growing under influence
of gonadotropic hormones in each menstrual cycle.
• The granulosa cells proliferate, cavities for in between
them,which coalesce to form a single fluid-filled space called
antrum.
• They are surrounded by spindle shaped cells from ovarian
stroma called theca cells.
• At this stage the follicle is about 200 microns and oocyte is
80 microns.
• It is called secondary follicle
4. Tertiary follicle (also called Graafian follicle): Only

• One follicle out of the many secondary follicles matures to

tertiary stage.

• The antrum enlarges, oocyte is surrounded by cluster of the cell

known as cumulus oophoricus and outer cells are called

granulosa cells.

• Cell imediately surrounding the oocyte are called corona radiata.

 Ovarian Cycle

• The cyclical changes in ovary after puberty

constitute ovarian cycle.
• It mainLy consists of two phases

1. Follicular phase
2. Luteal phase
1. Follicular Phase
• Under the influence of rising levels of follicle-
stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by
anterior pituitary a cohort of primordial
follicles are stimulated.
• The primordial follicles grow and form
secondary and tertiary follicles.
• The follicles secrete estrogen. Under the
influence of hormones one follicle grows
maximally to mature tom Graafian follicle.
• When estrogen level attains a peak, it leads to
stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion
from anterior pituitary. This is called LH surge.
• This again stimulates estrogen secretion.

• This is an example of positive feedback

mechanism. Ovulation occurs in response to
LH surge.
• It is characterized by rupture of follicle and
release of secondary oocyte from the ovary.
• This leads to rupture of Graafian follicle on the
14th day of the cycle and the ovum is released
into the peritoneal cavity, near the open end of
falloplan tube.

• This process is called ovulation.

• Ovum is the largest cell in the body.

2. Luteal Phase
• Luteal phase begins after ovulation.

• The walls of ovarian follicle collapse and fold.

• The granulosa cells increase in size and acquire a

cytoplasmic carotenoid pigment, lutein, Which is
responsible for their yellow color. It is called corpus luteum.
• The cells now produce progesterone hormone.
• If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum
starts regressing rapidly after 24th day of the cycle.

• It is eventually replaced by a whitish scar tissue,

called corpus albicans.

• Cycle restarts with menstruation. If pregnancy

occurs, the corpus luteum persists for 3-4 months.
 Menstrual Cycle or Uterine Cycle

• The cyclical changes in the endometrium of

uterus in response to ovarian hormones
constitute the menstrual cycle.
• It is divided into the following phases
1. Proliferative Phase

• Proliferative phase is also known as follicular phase.

• This phase follows the last menstrual phase.

• It has the following characteristic features:

 There is generalized active proliferation of endometrium

 which grows from 1 to 3 mm; uterine glands increase in

length and remains straight

• Changes in this phase occurs under the
influence of estrogen derived from maturing
ovarian follicles. This phase generally lasts for
14 days in a 28 days menstrual cycle
2. Secretory Phase
• Secretory phase is also known as
progestational phase.
• It is characterized by the following features:
a. There is further growth of endometrium;
endometrium grows up to 5-7 mm in thickness
b. Endometrial glands become dilated and
convolute.
c. There is increased amount of tissue fluid in the
stroma. Increase in size of stromal cells occurs
due to accumulation of glycogen and lipid
droplets in their cytoplasm.
This change in stromal cells is known as the
decidual reaction.
d. This phase is influenced by progesterone
hormone,
secreted bycorpus luteum of ovary.
e. This phase lasts for 14 days in a 28 days cycle.
f. By the end of secretory phase, regression of
endometrium starts due to decreasing
concentration of progesterone hormone.
3. Menstrual Phase

Menstrual phase follows the secretory phase and lasts for 3-5 days:

1. It is characterized by the shedding of stratum compactum

and stratum spongiosum of endometrium along with some amount of

blood.

2. The average amount of blood loss during menstruation is about 50-60

mL.
.
3. The onset of menstrual phase occurs due to decreasing

concentration of progesterone because of degeneration of corpus

luteum

[Link] duration of menstrual cycle on an average is 28 days.

• The duration of cycle is estimated from the 1st day of the

menstrual bleeding to the onset of menstrual bleeding in the

next cycle.
Male reproductive system
• In males, the reproductive system is closely
related to the urinary system.
• The urethra is shared by the urinary and
genital systems.
• The male reproductive organs include the
external and internal genitalia
The external genitalia:
• Penis
• Scrotum
• Testis and epididymis
• Spermatic cord.
The internal genital organs
• Vas deferens or the ductus deferens
• Seminal vesicle
• Ejaculatory duct
• Prostate
• Urethra.
 1. PENIS

• Penis (Latin word means 'tail') is the male

organ to excrete urine outside the body and to
release the sperms in female genital tract. It is
made up of two parts,

[Link] of penis

[Link] of penis.
• Root of Penis
Root of penis is situated in superficial perineal pouch
and consists of two crura and one bulb of penis:
[Link] crura:
Each crus is attached to the inner aspect of everted
ischiopubic ramus. It is covered superficially by Ischio
cavernosus muscle. The two crura are approximated
in midline and continue as corpora cavernosa. Deep
artery
of penis traverses forward within the crus.
2. Bulb of penis:
• It is the expanded part and is attached to the

• perineal membrane. Superficially, it is covered by

bulbospongiosm muscle. Bulb of penis continues as
the corpus spongiosum of penis. Urethra enters
through the upper surface of the bulb after piercing the
perineal membrane.
• Body of Penis
Body of penis is made up of a pair of corpora
cavernosa and a single corpus spongiosum.
• Corpora cavernosa lie on the dorsal surface
and the corpus spongiosum lies on the ventral
surface. Corpus spongiosum is traversed by
the spongy urethra.
Arterial Supply
• Bulbar arteries
• Dorsal arteries

Venous Drainage
• drain into the prostatic venous plexus.
• Lymphatic Drainage
Glans penis: Drains into deep inguinal group of
lymph nodes
Rest of the penis including skin: Drains into
superficial inguinal group of lymph nodes.
Functions of Penis

• It is a passage for urine to exterior.

• It is responsible for ejaculation of semen

deposition in vagina.
 Applied anatomy
1. Congenital anomalies:
A common congenital malformation of penis and
urethra is hypospadias. The external urethral orifice
opens on the ventral surface of the glans penis or the
body.
2. Phimosis:
The prepuce of the penis is usually sufficiently elastic
to allow retraction over the glans penis; in some males,
it cannot be retracted easily. The prepuce fits tightly
over the glans. This condition is called phimosis.
• 3. Circumcision: It is the surgical removal of
prepuce, in cases of phimosis
 SCROTUM
• The scrotum is a loose cutaneous
fibromuscular sac that is situated
posteroinferior to the penis and inferior to the
pubic symphysis.
• It is composed of skin and dartos muscle.
• The dartos muscle, firmly attached to the skin,
consists of smooth muscle fibers that contract
under the influence of cold, exercise and
sexual stimulation.
• The scrotum contains the right and left testis .
• The epididymis and lower part of the
spermatic cords.
• Blood supply
• Superficial and deep external pudendal vessels
• Nerve supply
• Anterior surface - L1 Segment of spinal cord
( illio inguinal and genitofemoral nerve )
The posterior surface – S3 segment ( through
scrotal branch of pudental nerve)
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is to superficial inguinal
lymph nodes.
• Functions of Scrotum
• Contraction of the dartos muscle and the
cremasteric muscle causes the testes to be
drawn against the body.
• In hot weather., the scrotum relaxes and allows
the testes to hang freely away from the body.
This provides a larger surface area for the
dissipation of heat.
• .
• These reflexes of the scrotum, in response to
temperature.
• help to maintain a stable temperature; it is an
important function because spermatogenesis
will be impaired by extremes of heat or cold
 TESTES
• Testes (singular-testis) is the male gonad.
• It is homologous with the ovary of the female.
• It is suspended in the scrotum by the
spermatic cord.
• Each téstis is ovoid in shape.
• In adults, the left testis is lower in position
than the right.
• Length: 5 cm
• Thickness: 2.5 cm
• Breadth: 3 cm
• Weight: 10-15 g.
Coverings of the Testis
• Testis is covered by three coats from outside
inward
• 1. Outermost-tunica vaginalis

• 2. Middle-tunica albuginea

• 3. Inner-tunica vasculosa.
1. Tunica Vaginalis
• Tunica vaginalis is made up of two layers, parietal and
visceral with cavity in between.
• It is the persistent lower part of processus vaginalis a
peritoneal pouch, which is invaginated by testis from behind.
• Therefore it covers the testis from all sides except at posterior
border.
[Link] Albuginea
• Tunica albuginea is a thick fibrous membrane, which

• Numerous fibrous septae divide the testis into lobules.

• These septae arise from tunica albuginea from its

anterior convex surface.
Arterial Supply
• Testicular artery, (a branch of abdominal aorta Artery
to vas deferens )
• Cremasteric artery.
Venous Drainage
• Testis is drained by a plexus of 15-20 veins known as
the pampiniform plexus, which join to form a single
testicular vein:
• Right testicular vein drains into inferior vena cava Left
testicular vein drains into left-renal vein.
Lymphatic Drainage
• Lymphatics from each testis drain into the pre- and
para-aortic lymph nodes. –
Nerve Supply
• Nerve is derived from sympathetic supply,
Preganglionic fibers come from T10 and T11 spinal
segments.
 Histology of Testes

• The tunica albuginea divides the testis to 200-300

lobules. Each lobule contains two to three
seminiferous tubules.
• Each seminiferous tubule is a highly coiled
structure. The seminiferous tubule has several
layers of cells.
• These cells represent stages in the formation of
spermatozoa. Specialized cells, which lie on the
basement membrane are known as sustentacular
cells or cells of Sertoli.
• These cells provide mechanical support to the
developing spermatocytes and provide
nutrition for them. Between the lobules there
is connective tissue containing blood vessels
and lymphatics.
• There are scattered group of cells lying in the
connective tissue known as interstitial cells of
Leydig. These cells secrete testosterone.
 Applied anatomy
• The testis may be absent on one side or both sides.
• Undescended testis (cryptorchidism)-the testis fails to
descend to the scrotum. premature infants. Most
undescended testes descend during the first few weeks after
birth.
• Spermatogenesis may fail to occur in undescended testis
and the chances of development of tumors is high.
• Hydrocele
• An ectopic testis
• Torsion of the testis: May result in obstruction of blood
flow to the testis and lead to gangrene.
 EPIDIDYMIS

• Epididymis is a comma-shaped body made up

of highly coiled tubes.
• Situated along the lateral part of the posterior
border of testis.
Parts of Epididymis
Epididymis has three parts:
1. Head: It is formed by coiling of efferent ductules from
testis.
2. Body: It is also called middle part.
3. Tail: It is the lower part, which continues with
vas deferens that ascends up on the medial aspect of
epididymis.
• Epididymis is lined by pseudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium.
Functions of Epididymis
• Conduct sperms from testis to vas deferens.
• Maturation of sperms takes place in the
epididymis.
 SPERMATIC CORD
 The spermatic cord suspends the testis in the scrotum.

 It consists of structures running to and from the testis.

 The spermatic cord begins at the deep inguinal ring, where its

constituents assemble.
 The cord ends at the posterior border of the testis.

 .The spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal,

emerges at the superficial inguinal ring and descends

within the scrotum to the testis

Arteries-
• testicular, cremasteric and artery to the ductus deferens
Veins-
• The pampiniform plexus of veins
Nerves
• The genital branch of genitofemoral nerve and
• sympathetic plexus
• Remains of processus vaginalis (a sleeve of
peritoneum).
 CLINICAL CORRELATION
• Varicocele (varicose veins of spermatic cord)
 VAS DEFERENS OR DUCTUS DEFERENS

Important Features
1. The ductus deferens is a thick-walled muscular
tube.
2. It is the continuation of the duct of the
epididymis.
3. It begins in the tail of the epididymis and ends
by joining the duct of the seminal vesicle to form
the ejaculatory duct.
4. The ductus deferens is about 45 cm long.
5. It transmits the spermatozoa from the epididymis to the
ejaculatory duct.

6. In its course, the vas deferens lies in:

- Scrotum

- Inguinal canal

-Greater pelvis

-Lesser pelvis.
• CLINICAL CORRELATION
Vasectomy (cutting the vas deferens) Vasectomy
is a common method of sterilizing the males.
 EJACULATORY DUCTS
• 1. The ejaculatory ducts are about 2.5 cm long.
• 2. Formed by the union of duct of the seminal
vesicle and the ductus deferens, pass through
the prostate.
• Open by slit-like openings into the posterior
wall of the prostatic urethra, one on each side
of the prostatic utricle.
 Prostate gland

1. Prostate gland is the largest accessory gland of

the male reproductive system.

2. It is a fibro musculo glandular tissue.

3. Its secretions add to the volume of semen.

4. The prostate is situated in the anteroinferior part
of the pelvic cavity, below the neck of the bladder.
5. Prostate has two capsules-the inner true capsule
formed of connective tissue and the outer false
capsule formed by the pelvic fascia with the
prostatic venous plexus in between.
Structures Passing through Prostate
• Prostatic urethra
• Prostatic utricle
• Ejaculatory duct.
Lobes of prostate
Arterial Supply
• Inferior vesical artery
• Middle rectal artery
• Internal pudendal artery.
Venous Drainage
• The prostate is drained by prostatic venous plexuses, which
drains into internal iliac vein.
• They communicate with vesical venous plexus and the
internal vertebral venous plexus, forming a route of spread
of cancer of prostate.
Lymphatic Drainage
• Internal and external iliac lymph nodes, sacral
group of lymph nodes.
Nerve Supply
• Autonomic nervous system (ANS).
 PHYSIOLOGY OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
• The male reproductive tract is primarily concerned
with production of mature sperms, their transport and
ejaculation into the female copulating organ that is
vagina. The site of formation of sperms is testes. The
sperms are then transferred successively to
epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct and penile
urethra.
 Functions of Testes

• Testes produce sperms or spermatozoa.

• Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of
testes are
• responsible for following functions:
-Provide nourishment (are rich in glycogen)
and support to
the germ cells
.
 - Synthesize androgen binding protein that
maintains high testosterone levels in testes
-Tight junctions between Sertoli cells provide
the blood testes barrier.
• Testes also produce two hormones:
• Testosterone and small amounts of estrogen.
Control of Testicular Function
• Testicular function is controlled by the two
gonadotropic hormones-FSH and LH, secreted
from the anterior pituitary.
Spermatogenesis
• The sperms develop from the primitive germ cells called

spermatogonia, which are seen near the basement membrane of the

tubules. The spermatogonia divide by mitosis and give rise to the

primary spermatocytes, which are diploid ( containing 44XY

chromosomes).

• 2. The primary spermatocytes divide by meiosis and give rise to two

secondary spermatocytes, which are haplold (i.e. containing 22X and

22Y).
• 3. Secondary spermatocytes divide by mitosis
and give rise to spermatids. Therefore, from
one primary spermatocyte, four spermatids are
formed, which are haploid.
• 4. The spermatids become embedded in the
cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells and mature to
form spermatozoa or sperms, which are then
released into the lumen of the tubules
(spermiogenesis).
5. It takes about 74 days for a spermatogonium to
form a spermatozoon.
• The mature sperm in the seminiferous tubule are
nonmotile and propelled into the epididymis. In the
epididymis, sperms gain motility. They then enter
the vas deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra.
Factors controlling spermatogenesis
1. Effect of temperature
• Spermatogenesis needs an optimum
temperature of about 2-4°C lower than the
body temperature. The testes are maintained at
a temperature of about 32°C in the scrotum,
which is kept outside the body.
2. Effect of hormones
1: Testosterone: It is required for the growth and
division
of testicular germinal cells. A high local
concentration of
testosterone is necessary for spermatogenesis.
2. FSH: It is essential for spermatid maturation
and production of androgen binding protein by
Sertoli cells.
3. LH: It stimulates the Leydig cells to secrete
testosterone.
4. Growth hormone (GH): It promotes the
early divisions of spermatogonia.
Structure of Spermatozoon (Sperm)
• The average volume of semen is 2.5-3.5 mL
per ejaculation.
• The normal pH is 7.5. Each milliliter of
ejaculate contains 60-100 million sperms, of
which 80% or more are having normal only
• Morphology. After ejaculation, the sperms
survive for about 48 hours.
 Applied physiology

• Oligozoospermia : A reduction of sperm count

to less than 25 million per ejaculate or 10
millions/m l is called.
• Azoospermia : absence of sperms.
 Puberty In Males

In male, pubertal sexual maturation is based on

genital size and pubic hair development. The
changes are:
• Testicular enlargement
• Increase in length and diameter of penis
• Growth of curly hair around the base of penis
and over the genital area
• Symmetric or asymmetric gynecomastia
• Appearance of mature spermatozoa in
microscopic.
 PREGNANCY

Fertilization and Implantation

In humans, fertilization of the ovum by the sperm usually

occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.

• Although many sperms surround the ovum, only one can

penetrate it and fertilize it, which is aided by the

proteolytic enzymes present in the acrosome of the sperm.
• The developing embryo, called blastocyst, moves down the
tube into the endometrium of uterus. This takes about 3 days.
• Now, the blastocyst becomes surrounded by two layers of
cells-an outer syncytiotrophoblast layer and an inner
cytotrophoblast layer.
• The syncytiotrophoblasts erode the endometrium, implanting
the blastocyst in it.
• This process is called implantation.
• The usual site of implantation is on the dorsal
wall of uterus. A placenta then develops, and
the trophoblast remains associated with it.
 Functions of Placenta

• Endocrine Function
• Respiratory functions
• Nutritive function
• Excretory function
• Endocrine function

Placenta is the temporary endocrine

organ of pregnancy and secretes a large number
of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG), estrogen, progesterone, human placental
lactogen (hPL), relaxin, etc.
• hCG:

It is a glycoprotein hormone synthesized by

syncytiotrophoblast. It maintains the corpus
luteum of pregnancy and stimulates fetal
androgen secretion. Its presence in urine forms
the basis of pregnancy tests.
• Estrogen:

After the first 3 months of pregnancy, placenta

takes up the function of estrogen secretion. It is
synthesized in the syncytiotrophoblast and are
responsible for the enormous growth of uterus
and increased vascularity.
• Progesterone:

It is synthesized from the syncytiotrophoblast. It

is the 'hormone of pregnancy! It inhibits
ovulation and menstruation during pregnancy,
inhibits uterine motility and causes development
of the alveolar system of breast.
• Human placental lactogen (HPL) or human
chorionic somatomammotropin:

It has lactogenic and growth stimulating effects. It

stimulates retention of calcium, nitrogen and
phosphorus, lipolysis and inhibits gluconeogenesis.
Therefore, it acts as a maternal growth hormone.
• Respiratory Function
Placenta can be referred to as "fetal lung" as gas
exchange occurs between maternal and fetal
blood across the placenta.
• Nutritive Function
Nutritive substances like glucose, iron, amino
acids, vitamins, fatty acids, water, Na', Cl, etc.,
are transported from the maternal blood to the
fetal blood via the placenta.
• Excretory Function

Waste products like urea, uric acid, creatinine,

etc., are removed from the fetal blood by
diffusion into the maternal blood.
• Other Functions
Maternal IgG antibodies can cross the placenta
and reach the fetus, thus providing immunity.
Placenta acts as a barrier protecting the fetus
from the harmful effects of many drugs and
infective agents