THE HUMAN

REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 Learning Objectives;
At the end of the lesson the student should able to;
1. Describe the structure of reproductive system
and relate its structure to its function;
2. Discuss the purpose of reproductive system;
3. Specify several ways how pregnancy alters the
function of mother’s baby.
What is Reproductive System?

•Reproductive system is a collection of

organ and networks of hormone
production that works together to
create life. Also it is responsible for
the production and fertilization of
gametes and carrying of a fetus.
 FUNCTION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM

To reproduce offspring
To produce egg and sperm cell
To nurture the developing offspring
THE MALE
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
•The male reproductive system is mostly located
outside of the body.
•The male reproductive is responsible for sexual
function as well as urination.
• The male’s function in the reproductive system
is to produce sperm cells, more formally called
spermatozoa, and also to deliver them into the
females reproductive tract.
Different Parts of the
Male Reproduction
 Penis
• The organ used for
urination and sexual
intercourse.
• It is a spongy tissue which
can fill with blood to cause
an erection.
• It also deliver sperm to the
vagina.
Testes

Responsible for
making sperm and are
also involved in
producing a hormone
called testosterone.
 Scrotum
• Sac of skin and superficial fascia
that hangs outside the
abdominopelvic cavity at the root
of the penis.

• The bag of skin that holds and

helps to protect the testicles.
Epididymis Vas Deferens
• Carries sperm
• Storage and from the
transport sperm epididymis to the
from the rete prostate gland and
testes to the vas urethra.
deferens.
 Spermatic Cord
• It consist of the
structure that allow
the testis to function
normally and to move
sperm away from its
storage place in the
testicle.
Urethra

Carries both
urine and sperm
 ACCESSORY GLANDS: PROSTATE GLAND
• Doughnut-shaped gland that
encircles part of the urethra
inferior to the bladder

• Plays a role in the activation of

sperm

• Enters the prostatic urethra during

ejaculation
BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS (COWPER’S
GLANDS)

• Pea-sized glands inferior to the

prostate

• Produce alkaline mucus prior to

ejaculation that neutralizes traces
of acidic urine in the urethra
Semen

• Semen is a greyish white bodily fluid that

is secreted by the gonads of male.
• It carries sperm or the spermatozoa and
fructose and other enzymes that help the
sperm to survive to facilitate successful
fertilization.
• Semen is released during the process of ejaculation
and is processed in the seminal vesicle in the pelvis,
which is where it is produced.
Mechanism of penile erection

1. Sexual stimulation
2. Parasympathetic neurons release nitric oxide, causing
dilation of small arterioles of penis (meanwhile veins
are compressed reducing blood
flow away from penis).
3. Blood accumulates within the vascular spaces in
erectile tissue of penis .
4. Penis swells & become erect .
Mechanism of emission & Ejaculation ♂

1. Intense sexual stimulation .

2. Sympathetic impulses contract smooth muscles causing:
Peristaltic contractions in testicular ducts, Epididymis, vas
deference and ejaculatory ducts .Rhythmic contraction in
bulbourethral, prostate, and seminal vesicles .Rhythmic
contractions in erectile columns of penis .
3. Emission-semen moves into urethra
4. Ejaculation- semen is forcefully expelled from urethra .
Hormonal control of ♂ reproductive function
 1. Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones:

The male body remains reproductively immature until the hypothalamus

releases GnRH (Ganadotropin – releasing hormone), which stimulates
the anterior pituitary gland to release gonadotropins (FSH, LH) .
FSH- stimulates spermatogenesis .
LH (ICSH) – stimulates the interstitial cells to produce male sex
hormone (testosteronne) .
Inhibin prevents over secretion of FSH . (Inhibin – from substecular
cells of seminiferous tubules).
Male sex hormones

 2. Male sex hormones are called androgens .

• Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestestrone in some organs
(stimulates cells of these organs) .
• Androgens that fail to become fixed in tissues are metabolized in the liver
and excreted .
• Androgens production increases rapidly at puberty
3. Action of testosterone :
• stimulates the development of the male reproductive organs and causes the
testes to descend.
• it is responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary
sex characteristics (facial hair , deeper voice , muscular development).
Regulation of male sex hormone
a. Negative feedback mechanism regulates testosterone
conc. As the conc. Of testosterone rises , the hypothalamus is
inhibited , and the Ant. Pituitary secretion of gonadotropins is
reduced .
As the conc. Of testosterone falls , the hypothalamus signals
the ant. Pituitary to secrete gonadotropins .

b. The conc. Of testosterone remains relatively stable from

day to day.
 Disorders of the
Male Reproductive
System
Testicular Cancer
• Testicular cancer isn’t a common type of cancer. It
can happen at any age, but it happens most often
between the ages of 15 and 45.The first sign of
testicular cancer often is a bump or lump on a
testicle.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it
spreads to other parts of the body. Treatments
depend on the type of testicular cancer that you
have and how far it has spread. Common
treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer
include:
•A lump or swelling in either testicle
•A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
•A dull ache in the lower belly or groin
•Sudden swelling in the scrotum
•Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the
scrotum
Epididymitis
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis, which may be acute
or chronic. Epididymitis is inflammation of the
epididymis. Discomfort or pain and swelling in the
scrotum are typical symptoms of epididymitis, which
is a relatively common condition, especially in young
individuals. Epididymitis are diagnosed annually
between the ages of 18 to 35.
 Acute vs. Chronic Epididymitis
• Acute epididymitis generally has
a fairly rapid onset and is most
often caused by a bacterial
infection. In sexually active
individuals, many cases of acute
epididymitis are caused by
sexually transmitted bacteria.
Besides pain and swelling,
common symptoms of acute
epididymitis include redness,
warmth in the scrotum, and a
fever. There may also be a urethral
discharge.
Chronic epididymitis is
epididymitis that lasts for more
than three months. In some, the
condition may last for years. It
may occur with or without a
bacterial infection being
diagnosed. Sometimes, it is
associated with lower back pain
that occurs after an activity that
stresses the lower back, such as
heavy lifting or a long period
spent driving a vehicle.
Treatment of Epididymitis
If a bacterial infection is suspected, both acute and chronic
epididymitis are generally treated with antibiotics. Additional
treatments often include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce
inflammation of the tissues and painkillers to control the pain,
which may be severe. Untreated acute epididymitis may lead
to an abscess which is a build up of pus or to the infection
spreading to other organs. Untreated chronic epididymitis may
lead to permanent damage to the epididymis and testis, and it
may even cause infertility.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer occurs when glandular cells of the
prostate mutate into tumor cells. Eventually, the
tumor, if undetected, may invade nearby structures,
such as the seminal vesicles. Tumor cells may also
metastasize and travel in the bloodstream or
lymphatic system to organs elsewhere in the body.
Prostate cancer most commonly metastasizes to the
bones, lymph nodes, rectum, or lower urinary tract
organs.
 The Female
Reproductive
System
The female reproductive system is a group of organs that
work together to enable reproduction, pregnancy, and
childbirth.
Its functions include
• producing female gametes called ova,
• secreting female sex hormones (such as estrogen),
• providing a site for fertilization,
• gestating a fetus if fertilization occurs,
• giving birth to a baby,
• breastfeeding a baby after birth
Different Parts of the
Female Reproductive
System
Ovaries
The two ovaries are attached to each side of the
uterus by a ligament. They are oval-shaped,
about the size of a large olive, and lie close to
the fimbria at the end of the fallopian tubes. Each
ovary is filled, already at birth, with
egg-containing sacs called follicles. Each egg is
called an ovum.
Menstruation is one of the aspects of puberty in
girls. This phase shows that girls are
transitioning into adults and that our bodies are
able to become pregnant. Menstrual period is
part of the menstruation cycle where our bodies
get rid of blood from our vagina. This cycles
happens every month.
Phase of The Menstrual Cycle
Fertilization in humans refers to the fusion of
male and female gametes that facilitates the
development of a new organism.” Fertilization
is the natural life process, which is carried out
by the fusion of both male and female gametes,
which results in the formation of a zygote.
Understanding the
Placenta
The placenta is an organ that develops in the
uterus during pregnancy. This structure
provides oxygen and nutrients to a growing
baby. It also removes waste products from
the baby’s blood. The placenta attaches to the
wall of the uterus, and the baby’s umbilical
cord arises from it.
Function of the Placenta

1. Respiratory Function
2. Excretion Function
3. Nutrient
4. Immunity Function
5. Endocrine Function
Event in Embryonic and
Fatal Development
Effects of Pregnancy
to the Mother
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE
DISORDERS
Endometriosis
Ovarian Cancer
Cervical Cancer
PCOs(Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common
condition that affects hormones. It causes irregular
menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and
infertility. Treatment for PCOS depends on if you
wish to become pregnant. People with PCOS may be
at higher risk for certain health conditions like
diabetes and high blood pressure.
Maraming Salamat!!