1/29/23

1 CHAPTER 25:
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT
2 Introduction
nSexual reproduction involves gonads that produce gametes and
sex hormones
qMale gonad is testes, gamete is sperm
qFemale gonad is ovary, gamete is secondary oocyte
nFertilization is the process that results in the union of a male
gamete with a female gamete
nPregnancy begins with fertilization and is a time when the fertilized
egg undergoes implantation, embryonic and fetal development,
and birth
n
3 Male Reproductive System
nTestes
qPaired male gonads in scrotum
nSystem of ducts
qEpididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra
nAccessory glands
qSeminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands
nSupporting structures
qScrotum and penis
q
4 Male Reproductive System
5 Scrotum
nLoose skin and underlying hypodermis support testes in two sacs
qNormal sperm production in testes occurs at temperature a few
degrees below body temperature
qTestes descend through inguinal canals during fetal
development
nCremaster and dartos muscles regulate temperature of testes for
sperm production
qContract to elevate scrotum, bringing testes closer to warmth of
pelvic cavity; also wrinkle scrotal skin to retain heat
qRelax to move them further away for cooling
qSpermatic cord also contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves,

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 qRelax to move them further away for cooling
qSpermatic cord also contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves,
and ductus deferens
6 Scrotum
7 Testes
nContain seminiferous tubules that produce sperm during
spermatogenesis
qSpermatogenic cells
nBegin sperm production at puberty
qSertoli (Sustentacular) cells – seminiferous tubules
nNourish and control movement of developing sperm cells to
release in lumen
nForm blood-testis barrier to prevent immune response
nSecrete inhibin hormone to decrease spermatogenesis
nOther functions?
qLeydig (Interstitial) Cells – between tubules
nProduce male sex hormone testosterone
8 Testes
9 Testes
10 Testes
11 Testes
12 Spermatogenesis
nSpermatogonia begin mitosis at puberty
qSome remain near basement membrane as stem cells
qOthers move between Sertoli cells to become primary
spermatocytes (diploid; 2n)
nMeiosis
qMeiosis I – a primary spermatocyte divides into two secondary
spermatids (haploid; n) with two chromatids of one of each pair of
chromosomes
qMeiosis II – the two secondary spermatocytes divided forming
four spermatids (n) (immature sperm)
q
13 Spermatogenesis
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13 Spermatogenesis
14 Spermatogenesis
nSpermiogenesis – last stage of spermatogenesis
qInfluenced by testosterone
qDeveloping sperm form an acrosome and flagellum, shed excess
cytoplasm, and increase mitochondria
qElongated sperm cells are released into lumen of seminiferous
tubule
qSertoli cells secrete fluid to push sperm toward the ducts of the
testes
15 Mature Sperm
n300 million per day produced
nOnce ejaculated, survive 48 hours in female reproductive tract
nMature sperm structures
qHead – contains nucleus and haploid DNA
qAcrosome – enzymes for penetrating secondary oocyte
qMiddle piece – mitochondria produce ATP
qTail – flagellum for locomotion
16 Mature Sperm
17 Hormone Control of Testes
nAt puberty, gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH,
hypothalamus) stimulates secretion of two anterior pituitary
gonadotropin hormones
qLuteinizing hormone (LH)
nStimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone
qFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
nWith testosterone, stimulates Sertoli cells to secrete androgen-
binding protein which keeps testosterone level high in
seminiferous tubules
qInhibin (from Sertoli cells)
nInhibits FSH to help regulate the rate of spermatogenesis
nNegative feedback regulation mechanism
18 Hormone Control of Testes
19 Hormone Control of Testes
20 Animation
Hormonal Control of Male Reproductive Function
21
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20 Animation
Hormonal Control of Male Reproductive Function
21 Testosterone
nConverted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in some target cells, such
as in prostate
nBoth bind to same androgen receptors within nuclei of target cells
for several effects
qPrenatal development of male organs and descent of testes
qDevelopment of male sexual characteristics
qDevelopment of sexual function
qStimulation of anabolism
q
22 Male Reproductive System of Ducts
nDucts of the testes
qSeminiferous tubule lumen, straight tubules, rete testis
nEpididymis
qEfferent ducts, ductus epididymis
qSite of sperm maturation, storage, degeneration
nDuctus deferens (vas deferens)
qAscends in spermatic cord, through inguinal canal, loops over
ureter, and ends at dilated ampulla
qStores sperm and conveys them to urethra
23 Male Reproductive System of Ducts
nEjaculatory ducts
qUnion of ductus deferens and duct of seminal vesicles
qEmpties sperm and seminal fluid into prostatic urethra
nUrethra
qShared by reproductive and urinary systems
qProstatic urethra
qMembranous urethra
qSpongy (penile) urethra
qExternal urethral orifice
q
24 Male Reproductive Accessory Glands
nSeminal vesicles
qAlkaline, viscous fluid with fructose, used by sperm for ATP
production
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qAlkaline, viscous fluid with fructose, used by sperm for ATP

production
qSecretion contributes to sperm viability
nProstate
qSurrounds prostatic urethra
qSecretion contributes to sperm motility and viability
nBulbourethral glands (Cowper’s gland)
qEither side of membranous urethra
qMucus for lubrication and alkaline fluid to neutralize acids from
urine in urethra
q
25 Male Reproductive Accessory Glands
26 Semen
nMixture of fluids
qSperm and secretions from seminiferous tubules
qSecretions from seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral
glands
nFunction of semen
qFluid in which sperm are transported
qSupplies nutrients for sperm
qNeutralizes the acidity of the male urethra and female vagina
nEjaculation – expulsion of semen from the urethra to the exterior of
the body
q
27 Penis
nSupport structure
qContains urethra
qPassageway for ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine
nBody of penis
qThree erectile tissue masses
nTwo corpora cavernosa penis
nOne corpus spongiosum penis around urethra
qGlans penis expanded distal tip with sensory receptors
nErection – engorgement of penile blood sinuses under influence of
sexual excitement
q
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 q
28 Penis
29 Penis
30 The Male Sexual Response
nUpon sexual stimulation (visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, or
imagined), sacral parasympathetic fibers initiate and maintain an
erection
qUnder the influence of nitric oxide released from
parasympathetic neurons (“neurogenic NO”), arteries that supply
the penis dilate and blood enters penile sinuses in the erectile
tissue; NO also causes the smooth muscle within the erectile
tissue to relax, resulting in widening of the blood sinuses
q
31 The Male Sexual Response
nAfter an erection, sympathetic stimulation is necessary for the rest
of the sexual response, including ejaculation
qThe smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder
must close, followed by semen being propelled into the penile
portion of the urethra (emission)
qPowerful peristaltic contractions culminate in the release of
semen from
the urethra to
the exterior
32 Female Reproductive System
nOvaries
qPaired female gonads in abdominal cavity
nUterine tubes or oviducts
qTubes transporting secondary oocyte to site of fertilization and
zygote to uterus
nUterus
qSite of fetal development
nVagina
qPassageway from cervix to exterior
nVulva – collective external structures
nMammary glands
qPart of integumentary and reproductive systems
q
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 qPart of integumentary and reproductive systems
q
33 Female Reproductive System
34 Ovaries
nSuspended on either side of uterus in peritoneal cavity, held in
position by ligaments
qBroad ligament, ovarian ligament, and suspensory ligament
nProduce secondary oocytes
qFollicles in different stages of development surround and nourish
developing oocytes
nAlso produce and secrete hormones
qProgesterone, estrogen, inhibin and relaxin
35 Ovaries
36 Histology of Ovary
nOvarian cortex
qOvarian follicles surrounded by dense irregular connective tissue
nOvarian medulla
qLoosely arranged connective tissue with blood and lymph
vessels and nerves
37 Histology of Ovary
38 Histology of Ovary
39 Oogenesis
nOogonia complete mitosis during fetal development
qPrimary oocytes (diploid; 2n) formed before birth and many begin
to degenerate (atresia)
nMeiosis
qMeiosis I – a few primary oocytes enter prophase
nBut arrested development until after puberty
nAfter puberty, complete meiosis I as follicle develops to produce
secondary oocyte and polar body (unequal cytoplasm
distribution)
nUsually one secondary oocyte (haploid; n) ovulated each month
qMeiosis II – only if fertilized by sperm
nForms one ovum and one second polar body with genetic
material
q
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 material
q
40 Oogenesis
41 Follicular Development
nPrimordial follicle
qSingle layer of cells surrounding primary oocyte
nPrimary follicle
qClear zona pellucida, multilayered granulosa cells
nSecondary follicle
qCorona radiata, small antrum, more granulosa cells: secretes
estrogen
nGraafian follicle
qMature follicle, large antrum: ruptures and ovulates
nCorpus luteum
qRemnants after ovulation, produces hormones
nCorpus albicans
qDegenerated corpus luteum; becomes fibrous scar
q
42 Follicular Development
43

44 Animation
Gametogenesis
45 Uterine Tubes
nExtend laterally from uterus
qInfundibulum – distal funnel shape end of tube, open to serous
fluid of peritoneal cavity
qFimbriae – fingerlike extensions sweep oocyte into infundibulum
qAmpulla – widest, longest portion, typically site of fertilization
qIsthmus – short, narrow connection to uterus
nCiliated epithelial cells lining tube and peristaltic contractions of
smooth muscle transport secondary oocyte or zygote (after
fertilization)
46 Uterine Tubes
47 Uterus
nMajor regions
qFundus, body, and cervix
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47
nMajor regions
qFundus, body, and cervix
nLayers of wall
qPerimetrium – outer protective layer, supported by broad,
uterosacral, cardinal and round ligaments
qMyometrium – three smooth muscle layers important during
labor
qEndometrium
nStratum functionalis - sloughs off
nStratum basalis - produces new stratum functionalis after
menstruation
48 Uterus
49 Uterus
50 Uterus
nFunctions
qMenstruation and regrowth of sloughed-off lining
qImplantation of fertilized ovum
qContribute to structure of placenta
qSupport development of fetus during pregnancy
qLabor
nExtensive blood supply
qUterine, arcuate, radial, straight and spiral arteries
51 Uterus
52 Vagina and Vulva
nVagina
qReceptacle for penis during sexual intercourse
qOutlet for menstrual flow
qPassageway for childbirth
qRugae
nVulva
qExternal genitals of female
qInclude mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule,
vaginal and urethral orifice (separate in female), hymen,
paraurethral glands, and greater vestibular glands
qMany structures homologous (same embryonic origins) to male
structures
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 structures
53 Vagina and Vulva
54 Vagina and Vulva
55 Vagina and Vulva
56 Mammary Glands
nEach breast anterior to pectoralis major and serratus anterior
muscles
nMammary gland functions for lactation
qModified sudoriferous gland that produces milk
qLobules composed of alveoli separated by adipose tissue
qMyoepithelial cells contract to propel milk through ducts
nSecondary tubules, mammary ducts, lactiferous sinuses, and
lactiferous ducts
57 Mammary Glands
58 Female Reproductive Cycle
nOvarian cycle
qOccurs in ovary during and after maturation of oocyte
nUterine cycle
qConcurrent changes in endometrium of uterus to prepare to
receive fertilized ovum and support its development
nAlso related changes in mammary glands and cervix
q
59 Hormone Regulation of Female Cycle
nAt puberty, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (hypothalamus)
stimulates secretion of two anterior pituitary gonadotropin
hormones
qFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
nInitiates follicular growth and estrogen secretion
qLuteinizing hormone (LH)
nStimulates further follicular development and estrogen
nTriggers ovulation and corpus luteum secretion of estrogen,
progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin
qInhibin
nInhibits FSH, and LH to lesser extent
qRelaxin
nRelaxes uterine muscle and pubic symphysis

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 qRelaxin
nRelaxes uterine muscle and pubic symphysis
n
q
60 Hormone Regulation of Female Cycle
qEstrogen
nStimulate development and maintenance of female reproductive
structures and secondary sex characteristics
nStimulates protein anabolism
nDecreases blood cholesterol levels
qProgesterone
nWorks with estrogen to prepare endometrium for implantation
nPrepares mammary glands for milk secretion
nNegative feedback regulation mechanism
n
q
61 Hormone Regulation of Female Cycle
62 Phases of Female Cycle
nMenstrual phase
qIn ovaries, primordial follicle develop into primary, then
secondary follicles
qIn the uterus, stratum functionalis of the endometrium is shed,
discharging blood tissue fluid, mucus, and epithelial cells
nPreovulatory phase
qIn ovaries, a group of follicles begins to undergo maturation
nOne becomes dominant, and others degenerate
nGraafian follicle secretes estrogens and inhibin, which
decreases FSH and stops other follicles from growing
qIn uterus, estrogens stimulate repair of endometrium
63 Phases of Female Cycle
nOvulation
qHigh levels of estrogen exert positive feedback effect on anterior
pituitary and hypothalamus
qSurge of LH causes rupture of Graafian follicle and release of
secondary oocyte with zona pellucida and corona radiata cells
into pelvic cavity
nPostovulatory phase
 into pelvic cavity
nPostovulatory phase
qIn ovaries, the corpus luteum develops from the ruptured follicle
qStimulated by LH, secretes progesterone, estrogens, relaxin, and
inhibin
qIn uterus, endometrium thickens in readiness for implantation
nAlso begins secretion of nutrients to support implantation
q
64 Phases of Female Cycle
65 Phases of Female Cycle
66 Positive Feedback Control of Ovulation
67 Phases of Female Cycle
nIf fertilization and implantation do not occur
qIn the ovaries, corpus luteum degenerates and levels of
progesterone and estrogens decrease
qIn the uterus, menstruation triggered by decreasing hormones
qInitiation of another reproductive cycle
nIf fertilization and implantation do occur
qIn the ovaries, human chorionic gonadotropin secreted by the
implanted embryo maintains corpus luteum , so it continues to
secrete progesterone and estrogens
qIn the uterus, endometrium development continues in
preparation for implantation by the zygote
n
q
68 Phases of Female Cycle
69 Animation
Hormonal Regulation of Female Reproductive Function
70 Fertilization
nUnion of the genetic material from a haploid sperm and haploid
secondary oocyte
qMale and female pronuclei form a single nucleus
qTypically occurs in uterine tube 12 to 24 hours after ovulation
nSperm use flagella to swim from vagina through cervical canal, to
uterine tube
qCapacitation – changes that prepare for penetration of corona
 uterine tube
qCapacitation – changes that prepare for penetration of corona
radiata to zona pellucida
qAcrosomal reaction – release of acrosomal enzymes to digest
path through zona pellucida
qPolyspermy block – fast and slow reactions prevent another
sperm penetration
q
n
q
71 Fertilization
nSperm entering oocyte triggers completion of meiosis II by oocyte,
producing second polar body and diploid zygote
nTwins
qDizygotic (fraternal) – if two secondary oocytes released and
fertilized by two sperm
qMonozygotic (identical) – if single fertilized ovum separates into
two embryos
qConjoined twins – if developing ovum forms two embryos, but
cells do not separate within 8 days
q
n
q
72 Fertilization
73 Fertilization
74 Early Embryonic Development
nEmbryo – from fertilization to 8th week of development
qCleavage – rapid cell division of zygote, producing blastomeres
qMorula – solid sphere of cells
qBlastocyst – hollow ball of differentiated cells
nEmbryoblast – develops into embryo
nTrophoblast – becomes placenta and other support structures
nImplantation
qBlastocyst attaches to the endometrium
qEndometrium becomes decidua basalis and later becomes the
maternal part of placenta
q
n

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 q
n
q
75 Early Embryonic Development
76 Early Embryonic Development
77 Early Embryonic Development
78 Embryonic Period
nPlacenta is site of exchange between mother and fetus
qFetal portion formed by chorionic villi
qMaternal portion formed by endometrium
qFunctions for O2/CO2 exchange, protective barrier, stores
nutrients, produces several hormones to maintain pregnancy
qDetaches and becomes the “afterbirth” after delivery
nUmbilical cord connects placenta to embryo/fetus
qForms from extraembryonic mesoderm surrounded by amnion
qConsists of two umbilical arteries (oxygen-poor blood) and one
umbilical vein (oxygen-rich blood)
qScar after delivery becomes umbilicus (navel)
79 Embryonic Period
80 Embryonic Period
nThird to ninth week of embryonic development
qThree primary germ layers differentiate from the embryonic disc
qEctoderm gives rise to nervous system and epidermis
qMesoderm gives rise to connective tissues and muscles
qEndoderm gives rise to gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder and
urethra, and respiratory tract
qAll major organs appear during fourth through eighth weeks of
development
qAll major body systems have begun development by end of
eighth week, although most functions are minimal
nFetal period, week nine to birth, primarily concerned with the
growth and differentiation of tissues and organs that developed
during the embryonic period
81 Embryonic and Fetal Development
82 Hormones of Pregnancy
nHuman chorionic gonadotropin
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82 Hormones of Pregnancy
nHuman chorionic gonadotropin
qSecreted by chorion to maintain corpus luteum until about 4th
month, when placenta produces enough progesterone and
estrogens
nProgesterone and estrogens
qSecreted initially by corpus luteum, then chorion, and later
placenta
qHigh estrogen level prepares myometrium for labor;
progesterone ensures myometrium is relaxed and cervix tightly
closed
nRelaxin
qSecreted initially by corpus luteum, and later by placenta
qIncreases the flexibility of pelvic ligaments and helps dilate cervix
for delivery
83 Hormones of Pregnancy
84 Hormones of Pregnancy
nHuman chorionic somatomammotropin
qSecreted by chorion
qPrepares the mammary glands for lactation, increases protein
synthesis for maternal growth, and influences maternal and fetal
metabolism
nCorticotropin-releasing hormone
qSecreted by the placenta
qEstablishes timing of birth
qIncreases secretion of cortisol, which is needed for maturation of
fetal lungs and production of surfactant to keep alveoli open after
first breath
85 Hormones of Pregnancy
86 Changes During Pregnancy
nMaternal abdominal organs get pushed superiorly against the
diaphragm, while the ureters and urinary bladder are compressed
nMaternal weight gain, breast enlargement, and lower back pain
resulting from lordosis (swayback)
nMetabolic changes to meet fetal demands for nutrients and oxygen
qIncreased cardiac output, heart rate, and blood volume
qIncreased respiratory rate and volume
qIncreased appetite, but decreased GI tract motility

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 qIncreased respiratory rate and volume
qIncreased appetite, but decreased GI tract motility
q
n
q
87 Changes During Pregnancy
88 Labor
nProcess by which fetus is expelled from the uterus through the
vagina
nControlled by complex interactions of several hormones
qRising levels of estrogens stimulate release of prostaglandins by
placenta, which cause softening of the cervix
qEstrogens also increase number of oxytocin receptors in uterine
muscle fibers, enhancing oxytocin stimulation of uterine
contractions by positive feedback cycle
qRelaxin increases flexibility of pubic symphysis and helps dilate
cervix
89 Labor
nTrue labor
qUterine contractions at regular intervals and dilation of cervix,
expulsion of fetus, and delivery of placenta
nFalse labor
qInvolves pain at irregular intervals that does not intensify
q
90 Labor
91 Animation
Hormonal Regulation of Pregnancy and Childbirth
92 Lactation
nSecretion and ejection of milk from mammary glands
nProlactin
qSecreted by anterior pituitary gland
qPromote milk synthesis and secretion
qInhibited by progesterone until maternal levels drop after delivery
qSuckling of baby stimulates stretch receptors, initiating nerve
impulses from hypothalamus
nOxytocin
qSecreted by posterior pituitary gland

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 nOxytocin
qSecreted by posterior pituitary gland
qPromotes milk ejection reflex and contraction of myoepithelial
cells
qSuckling of baby stimulates stretch receptors, initiating nerve
impulses from hypothalamus
93 Lactation
94 Benefits of Breastfeeding
nColostrum
qProduced first few days after birth
qNot as nutritious as true milk, but contains important antibodies
to protect infant
nIdeal nutrition for infant
nBeneficial cells and molecules
nDecreased incidence of diseases later in life
nMiscellaneous benefits, including enhanced intellectual and
neurological development
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