The reproductive system produces,
stores, nourishes, and transports
functional gametes.
By: Erin Whatley, Chontel Childress,
Jevin Clinkscales and Kendel Shanks
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The decent of the testes through the inguinal canals occur
during fetal development. The testes remain connected to
the internal structures via the spermatic cords. The raphe
marks the boundary between the two chambers in the
scrotum.
The dartos muscle tightens the scrotum, giving it a wrinkled
apperance as it elevates the testes; the cremaster muscles
are ore substantial muscles that pull the testes close to the
body.
The tunica albuginea surrounds each testis. Septa extends
from the tunics albuginea to the region of the testis closet to
the entrance to the epididymis, creating a series of lobules.
Seminiferous tubules within each lobule are the sites of sperm
production. From there, spermatozoa pass through the rete
testis. Efferent ductules connect the rete testis to the
epipdidymis. Between the seminferous tubules are interstitial
cells, which secrete sex hormones.
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Seminiferous tubules contains spermatogonia,
stem cells involved in spermatogenesis (the
production of spermatogonia) , and sustentacular
cells, which sustain and promote the
development of spermatozoa.
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Each spermatazoon has a head tipped by an
acrosomal cap, middle piece, and a tail.
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From the testis, the spermatozoa enter the epididymis, an
elongate tubules with head, body, and tail regions. The
epididymis monitors and adjusts the composition of the
fluid in the seminiferous tubules. Serves as a recycling
center for damaged spermatozoa, stores and protects
spermatozoa, and facilitates their functional maturation.
The ductus deferens, or vas deferens, begins at the
epididymis and passes through the inguinal canal as part of
the spermatic cord. Near the prostate gland the ductus
deferens enlarges to ampulla. The junction of the base of
the seminal vesicle and the ampulla creates the
ejaculatory duct, which empties into the urethra.
The urethra extends from the urinary bladder to tip of the
penis. The urethra can be divided into prostatic ,
membranous, and spongy regions.
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Each seminal vesicle is an active secretory gland
that contributes about 60 percent of the volume
of semen; its secetions contain fructose (which is
easily metabolized by spermatozoa), bicarbonate
ions, prostaglandins, and fibrinogen. The
prostate gland secretes slightly acidic prostatic
fluid. Alkaline mucus secreted by bulbourthral
glands has lubricating properties.
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A typical ejaculation releases 2-5 ml of semen
(ejaculate), which contains 20-100 million
spermatozoa per milliliter. The fluid component
of semen is seminal fluid.
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The skin overlying the penis resembles that of
the scrotum. Most of the body of the penis
consists of three masses of erectile tissue.
Beneath the superficial fascia are two corpora
cavernosa and a single corpus sponglosum, which
surrounds the urethra. Dilation of the blood
vessels within the erectile tissue produces an
erection.
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The Male Climacteric:
During the male climacteric, at age 50-60,
circulating testosterone levels fall, and levels
of FSH and LH rise.
A female’s reproductive system is vital for the
existence of life. The uterus must be able to
support and nourish a developing embryo and
continue to nourish the infant after it is born.
 The major parts of the Female reproductive
system include: the ovaries, the uterine tubes,
the uterus, the vagina and the components of
the external genitalia.
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The Ovaries are located on the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity
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Their three functions include:
1.
Production of immature female gametes or oocytes
2.
Secretion of female sex hormones (estrogens and progestins)
3.
Secretion of inbulin and feedback control of FSH
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Oogenisis- Ovum production; Begins at the woman’s birth and
accelerates during puberty and ends at menopause.
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Ovarian cycle: Divided in to two phases. The Follicular Phase and
the Luteal Phase
Step 1: the formation of primary follicles
Step 2: the Formation of secondary follicles
Step 3: Formation of tetiary follicles
Step 4: ovulation
Step 5: Formation and degeneration of the corpus
Step 6: Unless fertilization occurs, the Corpus luteum degenerates
after 12 days of ovulation (menstruation)
Hollow muscular tubes divided in to three segments:
1. the Infundibulum: the end closest to the ovaries with
finger-like projections called fimbriae.
2. The Ampulla: Located in the middle of the uterine tube,
has smooth muscle layers
3. The Isthmus: A short segment connected to the uterine
wall
 The Uterine tubes provide a nutrient-rich environment that
contains lipids and glycogen which is essential for a
developing embryo.
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The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support
and waste removal for the developing embryo.
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The Cervix: the inferior portion of the uterus that extends to the
vagina. The cervix contains the cervical canal that opens in to the
uterine cavity.
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Uterine wall: Contains thick outer muscular myometrium and an
inner thin glandular endometrium.
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The Myometrium provides the force needed to move the fetus
from the uterus to the vagina. The Endometrium provides
supports the growing fetus, this layer also changes with the
uterine cycle monthly.
Uterine Cycle (Menstrual Cycle)
Step 1: Mensus
 Mensus is when degeneration of the endometrium occurs.
The functional zone is lost and this lasts for normally about
seven days. About 30 to 50mL of blood is lost.
Step2: Proliferative phase
 In the days after mensus, the epithelial cells of the uterine
glands multiply across the endometrium and restore the
uterus. Estrogens are secreted by the growing ovarian
follicles.
Step 3: Secretary Phase
 In the last stage, the endometrium glands enlarge,
accelerating their rate of secretion. Also arteries in the
uterine wall elongate and spiral in to the tissues of the
functional zone. During this phase, ovulation occurs. If the
egg is not fertilized, hormone functions stop and the
mensus phase begins once again.
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The Vagina is an elastic muscular tube extending between the
cervix and the vestibule
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The vagina has three major functions:
1.
Serves as a passageway for eliminating menstrual fluids
2.
Receives the penis during sexual intercourse, and holds sperm
cells prior to their passing in to the uterus
3.
Forms the inferior birth canal, in which the fetus passes.
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The vaginal lumen is lined with non-keratinized stratified
squamous epithelium and when relaxed, forms rugae.
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The vagina contains healthy bacteria that keep it acidic to
eliminates the growth of pathogens.
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Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vaginal canal caused by fungi,
bacteria, or parasites
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The area containing the female genitalia is called the vulva
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The vagina opens up in to the vestibule bounded by small flaps called labia minora and labia
majora
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The Urethra is located above the vagina
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An infant gains nourishment from milk secreted by the
mammary glands.
Mammary glands are controlled by hormones of the
reproductive system, the mammary glands lie within
surrounding fat pads
Each breast has a nipple in which the mammary gland ducts
open to the surface, the reddish-brown area around the
opening is called an areola
The female reproductive tract includes interplay
between secretions of the pituitary gland and
the gonads
 The hormones control the uterine and ovarian
cycles
 Three estrogens circulate the blood stream:
Estradiol, estrone, and estriol.
 Estradiol is the most prominent to ovulation
 FSH is the dominant hormone released by the
pituitary gland
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 Key
facts:
 sexual intercourse involves the reproductive
system of the male and the female
 Fertilization of a females egg can take place
 Presents
tract
semen into the female reproductive
 The
male and female sexual functions cycle
consists of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution.
 the body responds with an increase in heart
rate, blood pressure and respiration
First is penile erection, it is produced by
arteriolar dilatation and increased blood flow
to the erectile tissue of the penis. Erection is
a reflex response initiated by visual, or
imaginative stimuli impinging upon
supraspinal centers or by genital stimulation
that in turn activates spinal reflex
mechanisms, or an erection
Sacral parasympathetic and thoracolumbar
sympathetic nerves provide the efferent
vasodilator input to the penis.
Parasympathetic nerves also stimulate
secretion from the seminal vesicles and
prostate and Cowper's glands during the
plateau phase.
The orgasmic phase is characterized by
seminal emission and ejaculation and the
associated sensations. The release of
semen into the urethra depends on
sympathetic nerves that elicit
contractions of smooth muscles in the vas
deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate.
Rhythmic contractions of striated muscle
(bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus)
generated by efferent pathways in the
pudendal nerve eject semen from the
urethra.
 Any
physical or psychological factor that effects a
single component of the system can result in the
male sexual dysfunction
 Depression
 Nervousness
 anxiety
 Viagra
 Prescription
drugs, that enhances and
prolongs the effects of nitric oxide on the
erectile tissue
 Rhythmic
contact of the penis with the
clitoris and vaginal walls
 Touch sensation from breast and other
stimuli
 Erotic thoughts (visual,olfactory)
Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in
swelling of the woman's clitoris, vaginal walls
and labia minora (inner lips)
Vaginal lubrication begins, moistening the walls of the vagina
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The woman's breasts become fuller, parasympathetic
stimulation causes them to become more sensitive to touch
and pressure
 Sexual
intercourse along with oral sexual activity
carries the risk of infection and diseases,
 Stds are transferred by contact and can effect any
part of the body
 Chlamydia
 Gonorrhea
 Herpes
 Genital warts

Syphilis
 Decline
in infertility
 Decline in sexual abilities
 Changes to reproductive organs and
accessory organs
 Preimenopause
– the ovarian and uterine
cycles become irregular
Occurs around 40
 Oocytes drop dramatically
 Estrogen levels decrease, not triggering
ovulation
 Ovulation
and menstruation cease
 Occurs around 45-55
 Circulation concentration of estrogens and
progesterone decreases
 Increase production of GnRH, FSH and LH
 Physical
effects are reduction in breast and
uterus size
 Thinning of urethral and vaginal epithelia
 Bone composition proceeds at slower rate
 Hot flashes
 Mental effects- depression, anxiety
 The
male climacteric of andropause
 Age 50 and 60
 FSH and LH increase
 Sperm production continues
 Sexual activity decreases because male
dysfunction
Since women's reproductive organ are more
internal and house fetus, they require more
medical care.
 Gynecologists -study and treat problems with the
female genital, rectal and urinary organs.
Additionally, many gynecologists consult on
pregnancies, reproductive therapy and other
areas of the patient's reproductive system.
 Urologist-A physician who deals with the study
and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract in
women and the urogenital system in men.
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Endometriosis is a problem with the lining of the uterus (womb).
Normally, when you have your menstrual period every month, the
lining (endometrial tissue) of the uterus will come out in the
menstrual flow.
Infertility affects over 6 million people in the United States,
which represents about 10% of the reproductive-age population.
Most infertility cases are treated with medication or surgery.
Assisted reproductive technologies, for example, in vitro
fertilization and similar treatments, account for less than 5% of
infertility services. Infertility, which is often a reversible or
treatable condition, should be distinguished from sterility, which
implies an irreversible inability to conceive.
Ovarian Cancer
Prostate cancer
Testicular cancer
Ovulation Game
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Menstrual Cycles
The average menstrual cycle is 28 to 32 days. Some women have longer or shorter cycles,
so the exact timing of ovulation can vary. Here's an overview of a typical 28-day menstrual
cycle.
Day 1
Your cycle begins on the first day of blood flow.
Days 2-14 Follicular Phase
The follicles on your ovary become active, and your cervical mucus starts to thin.
Day 14
Ovulation occurs mid-cycle, but can vary from between Day 11 and Day 21 of a woman's
cycle. Rising estrogen levels trigger the LH surge, which causes the follicle to ovulate and
release an egg. It's important to chart your basal body temperature and LH surge so you
know when you ovulate.
Days 15-22 Luteal Phase
After releasing the egg, the follicle produces progesterone, which thickens the lining of
the uterus for implantation.
Days 23 to 24
Implantation of a fertilized egg can take place. At this point, hormones produced by
pregnancy may be detected by a pregnancy test.
Days 25 to 28
If pregnancy does not occur, your hormone levels begin to fall. The uterine lining sheds,
resulting in your period.
 Martini,
Frederic. Fundamentals of Anatomy
and Physiology. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 1998. Print.
 "Ovulation Calculator from WebMD." WebMD.
WebMD, 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 09 May 2013.