L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

CHAPTER 9: THE UROGENITAL SYSTEM

▪ The biological system is made up of all the ▪ gametes may be produced by same or separate individuals,
anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction. generation of variation

▪ Many non-living substances such as fluids, hormones, and

pheromones are also important accessories to
the reproductive system.

FUNCTIONS OF THE UROGENITAL SYSTEM

✓ Produce egg and sperm cells (gametes)

✓ Transport and sustain these cells
✓ Nurture the developing offspring
✓ Produce hormones
✓ Use hormones → trigger sexual maturity → organism will
reproduce
✓ MAJOR FUNCTION: ENSURE SURVIVAL OF THE
SPECIES Reproductive Organs
Reproduction
Primary/Gonads – OVARIES AND TESTES → production of
▪ process by which individual produce offspring of their gametes and hormones
similar kind
- these hormones function in the maturation of the
▪ the process by which new individuals of a species are
reproductive system, the development of sexual
produced and the genetic material is passed from
characteristics, and regulation of the normal physiology of
generation to generation
the reproductive system.
▪ it is one significant way to perpetuate life → existence of
individual organism Secondary/Accessory – OTHER ORGANS, DUCTS, GLANDS
▪ ASEXUAL and SEXUAL METHOD → transport and sustain gametes

Biparental Inheritance - these structures transport and sustain the gametes and
nurture the developing offspring
▪ a type of biological inheritance where the progeny inherits
a maternal and a paternal allele for one gene

Sexual Reproduction Human Reproduction And Development

▪ employs internal fertilization, and depends on the action of

▪ involves a complex life cycle in which a gamete with a single
hormones, the nervous system, and the reproductive
set of chromosomes (haploid) combines with another to
system.
produce a zygote that develops into an organism with two
sets of chromosomes (diploid)
▪ result to a generation of variation among organisms

KNK 1
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
▪ designed to produce and transport sperm cells.
▪ reproduction cannot take place unless sperm cells are
deposited in the female reproductive system.
TESTES/TESTICLES (PRIMARY/MALE GONADS)
▪ spermatogenesis and secretion of hormones
▪ paired with oval glands that are suspended outside the
abnormal cavity → provide lower temp. (3° C below normal
body temperature) for sperm production
▪ 5 cm in length, 2.5 cm in diameter, 10/15 g each
▪ each paired testis has seminiferous tubules → produce
sperm and the interstitial tissue lying along the tubules that
secrete testosterone.
▪ constitute 5% of the secretions in the seminal fluid
Scrotum
▪ bag of skin that helps regulate the temp. of the testicles in
order to produce sperm
MUSCLES:
DARTOS → contract = wrinkled, relaxed=smooth
CREMASTER → cold/aroused = contraction for warmth
DUCT/DUCT SYSTEM
▪ series of ducts where sperm cell travels towards the
external environment
Epididymis
▪ site of sperm maturation and storage
LOC: along the posterior border of each testis
comma-shaped organ: head, body, and tail
HEAD → superior portion; contains efferent ducts
BODY → contains ductus epididymis
TAIL → inferior portion; mature sperm storage
Vas Deferens/Ductus Deferens
▪ contiguous fibromuscular tube (thick-walled) with the
epididymis
▪ transport sperm (semen) to the ejaculatory ducts
▪ in mammals, vas deferens joins the urethra
▪ portion of each vas deferens is removed in Vasectomy
LOC: begins at the tail of the epididymis then turns sharply
upward along the posterior margin of the testes
Urethra
▪ discharge urine from the body
▪ facilitates discharge of semen
▪ prevent urine to enter urethra → sphincters contract
Prostatic Urethra → proximal portion
✓ passes through the prostate gland
✓ receives the ejaculatory duct
Membranous Urethra → short region
✓ passes through the pelvic floor
Penile/Spongy/Cavernous Urethra → longest portion
✓ extends the length of the penis
✓ opens to the outside at the external urethra orifice
LOC: from the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice at
the tip of the penis
Ejaculatory Duct
▪ each vas deferens, at the ampulla, joins from the adjacent
seminal vesicle, forming a short ejaculatory duct
▪ each duct passes through the prostate gland and empties
into the urethra
▪ conduct sperm and seminal fluid into the prostatic urethra
prior to ejaculation
ACCESSORY GLANDS
▪ secretion of fluids that enter the urethra
Seminal Vesicle
▪ two saccular glands posterior to the urinary bladder
▪ each gland has a short duct that joins with vas deferens at
the ampulla to form an ejaculatory duct
▪ secretions are 60% of the total volume of the seminal fluid
alkaline secretion neutralizes acid in the female tract
FUNC: stores and produce the fluid that makes up the semen
LOC: behind the bladder which secrete alkaline
KNK 2
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

VISCOUS FLUID THREE ERECTILE TISSUES

✓ fructose for sperm’s energy source ✓ two corpora cavernosa
✓ prostaglandins → mobility and viability of the sperm ✓ corpus spongiosum

✓ fibrinogen (protein) → slight coagulation reactions in the STRUCTURE

semen after ejaculation
ROOT attaches it to the pubic arch

Prostate Gland
▪ firm, dense structure, walnut size
SHAFT (BODY) main part, pendant portion
FUNC: secretes fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm;
encircles urethra as it leaves the urinary bladder
secrete water, cholesterol, and enzymes that make up 25% of
the volume of semen and contribute to the sperm motility and GLANS PENIS tip/head of the penis
viability
LOC: inferior to the urinary bladder

MALE SEXUAL RESPONSE AND

Cowper’s/Bulbourethral Glands
HORMONAL CONTROL
▪ glands that are small = pea size
in response to sexual stimulation, it secretes an alkaline
▪ includes erection and orgasm with ejaculation of semen
mucus-like fluid that:
▪ orgasm is followed by a variable time period during which it
✓ neutralizes the acidity of the urine residue in the urethra; is not possible to achieve another erection.
helps neutralize the acidity of the vagina
✓ some lubrication for the tip of the penis during sex TERM MEANING
FUNC: produces a pre-ejaculate that cleanses and lubricates
the urethra prior to the arrival of the semen SPERMATOGONIA immature germ cells
LOC: near the base of the penis
PRIMARY diploid cell formed by
SUPPORTING STRUCTURES SPERMATOCYTE spermatogonium

Penis SECONDARY haploid cell formed by meiotic

SPERMATOCYTE division or primary spermatocyte

SPERMATID haploid cells formed by meiotic

division of secondary spermatocyte.

SPERMIOGENESIS process by which spermatids form

sperm cells

GNRH Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone

stimulates secretion of LH and FSH

▪ the male copulatory organ LH luteinizing hormone

▪ cylindrical pendant organ
▪ becomes erected when male is aroused (erectile tissue is
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
being filled with blood)
FUNC: transports; urine (urination), semen (ejaculation)
LOC: anterior to the scrotum

KNK 3
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

SPERMATOGENESIS SERTOLI CELLS

▪ process of sperm production in the testes
▪ initially, the walls of the seminiferous tubules consist of
clusters of sperm-forming cells known as spermatogonia
➢ in puberty, spermatogonia undergo further mitosis to
increase its number and to produce primary
spermatocytes
➢ primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis to produce
secondary spermatocytes
➢ secondary spermatocytes enter second meiotic
division to produce spermatids
➢ spermatids, without further division, will become
spermatozoa (sperm)
nourishment for the developing sperm cells
LEYDIG CELLS
between the tissues of the seminiferous tubules
secretes testosterone
SPERMATOZOA (SPERM)
▪ male gamete/cell
▪ only 1/600 of an inch (0.05 millimeters long)
▪ produced at a rate of 300 million per day
▪ at birth = simple round cells
▪ at puberty = testosterone/hormones → sperm
▪ once ejaculated, they live approx. 72 hours in the female
reproductive tract

PARTS OF SPERMATOZOON

contains nuclear/genetic material and

HEAD dense granule called the acrosome
which contains hyaluronidases and
proteinases that aid the penetration of
sperm into secondary oocyte (immature
ovum)

MIDDLE PIECE contains the mitochondria

FLAGELLA/TAIL to propel for motility/locomotion

KNK 4
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

SEMEN
THREE PRINCIPAL REGULATORS
▪ bathes, nourishes, and protect the sperm
▪ mixture of sperm and seminal fluid
▪ volume of one ejaculation 2.5-5.0 ml, with 50-150 million FOLLICLE- spermatogenesis,
sperm/ml STIMULATING (FSH) helps on sperm maturation
▪ slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.2-7.6
▪ provides sperm with transportation medium and nutrients
▪ neutralizes hostile acidic environment of the male urethra LUTEINIZING production of testosterone
and female vagina HORMONE (LH)
▪ in semen analysis, the following are tested, motility of
sperm, count, liquefication, morphology, pH, fructose level
development of male
✓ slightly alkaline mixture of sperm cells and secretions secondary sex characteristics
from the accessory glands and spermatogenesis
✓ secretions from the seminal vesicles make up about ANDROGEN/
60% of the volume of the semen TESTOSTERONE stimulate the enlargement of
✓ most remainder come from the prostate gland testes and various accessory
✓ small volume of sperm and secretions from organs
Cowper’s/bulbourethral gland
✓ single ejaculation → 1.5 to 6.0 ml
✓ 50-150 million sperm per milliliter of semen
✓ 10-20 million per milliliter = infertility problems
✓ several million sperm to ensure fertilization occurs

HORMONES AFFECTING THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE

ORGAN

Hypothalamus
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone stimulates secretion of FSH
and LH in the anterior pituitary gland
Pituitary Gland
secretes FSH and LH

KNK 5
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

▪ designed for conception, pregnancy, and childbirth Clitoris

▪ includes primary organ, internal and external genitalia
▪ located entirely in the pelvis (lowest part of the abdomen)
The female reproductive system enables a woman to:
➢ small sensory organ
➢ erectile tissue homologous to penis
LOC: anterior portion/front of the vulva

➢ Produce eggs (ova)

➢ Have sexual intercourse Vagina
➢ Protect and nourish the fertilized egg until fully ➢ muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the
developed cervix of the uterus
➢ Give birth
Urethra
PRIMARY REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN
➢ canal that carries urine outside of the body.
Ovaries
➢ paired Vestibule
➢ almond-like in size and shape LOC: a cleft between the labia minora

➢ 3.5 cm long, 2 cm wide, 1 cm thick

WITHIN THE VESTIBULES:
FUNC: produce eggs/ova and secrete estrogen and
progesterone
LOC: right and left of the uterus, held by peritoneal ligaments, HYMEN ring of tissue
the two ovaries is connected by the fallopian tube ruptured during sex or physical
activities

EXTERNAL GENITALIA

• collectively called as vulva/pudendum VAGINAL ORIFICE opening of vagina to outside

bordered by the hymen

EXTERNAL anterior to vaginal orifice

URETHRAL urethra opening to the outside
ORIFICE

Opening of several ducts:

homologous to male prostate gland

Paraurethral
(Skene’s) Glands FUNC: secretes mucus
LOC: either side of the external
Mons Pubis urethral orifice
➢ outermost structure
➢ covered by skin and pubic hair homologous to male Cowper’s
Greater Vestibular glands
LOC: fleshy area above the top of vaginal opening
(Bartholin’s)
FUNC: secretes mucus as a
Glands
Labia lubricant during sex
➢ hair covered folds of skin
LOC: either side of the vaginal orifice
LOC: skin flaps surrounding the vaginal opening
Labia Minora – small folds
Labia Majora – large folds

KNK 6
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

INTERNAL GENITALIA ➢ during puberty, only one primary oocyte per month
completes its first meiotic division to form a secondary
Vagina oocyte and a small polar body
➢ muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the ➢ the secondary oocyte and the first polar body will
cervix of the uterus undergo second meiotic division to form an ootid which
matures to form the egg (ovum) and a second polar
FUNC: receives the penis during copulation, passageway of
body which usually degenerates
blood during menstruation, serves as birth canal

OVARIAN CYCLE
Uterus - Body, Fundus/Mid part, Cervix
▪ series of events in the ovaries that occur during and after
the maturation of the oocyte (egg or ovum)

✓ ovarian follicle develops

FOLLICULAR PHASE during the menstrual cycle

✓ begins with the formation of

➢ hollow, thick-walled, pear-shaped organ the corpus luteum and ends
➢ 7 cm long and 5 cm wide but capable of stretching to over with the start of the menstrual
30 cm for embryo growth LUTEAL PHASE flow
FUNC: site of fetus development and growth, implantation,
✓ usually, 14 days
labor, menses
LOC: lies above and tipped over the urinary bladder
Myometrium (smooth muscle fibers)
thickest external lining OVARIAN FOLLICLE
Endometrium (simple columnar epithelium) ▪ fluid filled structure that consist of the developing oocyte as
interior lining, formation of placenta well as the other cells involved in the maturation process
(oogenesis)
Fallopian/Uterine Tube
THECA CELL
➢ aka oviducts
➢ pair of long, narrow ducts ▪ stimulated by the LH, converts cholesterol to androgen.
FUNC: passageway of oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus, ▪ these androgens will be released in the granulosa cells
site of fertilization, transport male sperm cells to the egg
LOC: female abdominal cavity GRANULOSA CELL
Fimbriae ▪ stimulated by the FSH
finger-like projections that sweep over the ovary at the time of ▪ transform androgen to estrogen
ovulation.
HORMONES AFFECTING THE FEMALE
OOGENESIS REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN

▪ production and development of egg cell/oocyte

HYPOTHALAMUS
▪ outermost layer of the ovaries
GnRH stimulates secretion of FSH and LH in the anterior
pituitary gland
➢ during the early stage of fetal development (2-9 months
gestation), the germ cells (oogonia) undergo mitosis to PITUITARY GLAND
produce primary oocytes secretes FSH and LH
➢ by birth, all primary oocytes have been arrested at the
end of prophase

KNK 7
 L E C T U R E O N T H E U R O G E N I TA L S Y S T E M

FEMALE HORMONES

✓ ovulation
Estrogen ✓ development of secondary sexual characteristics in
female
✓ secretion from the follicle is dependent on FSH and LH

Progesterone ✓ stimulates thickening of endometrium

Follicle Stimulating ✓ follicle development

Hormone (FSH)

✓ in the midmenstrual cycle, LH is responsible for ovulation.

Luteinizing ✓ continued LH secretion subsequently stimulates the
corpus luteum to produce progesterone
Hormone (LH)

Human Chorionic ✓ prevents corpus luteum from disintegrating

Gonadotrophic
(HCG)

✓ uterine contraction
Oxytocin ✓ milk ejection after giving birth

Prolactin ✓ milk production

KNK 8