REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS

Ayfoona Abdul Razak General Anatomy and Physiology

 The ability to reproduce is one of the properties
distinguishing living from non living matter.
 In human beings, the process is one of sexual
reproduction, in which the male and female organs
differ anatomically and physiologically, and the
new individual develops from the fusion of two
different sex cells (gametes)
 Specialized reproductive germ cells are called
gametes.
 The male gametes → spermatozoa
 The female gametes → ova
 They contain half the genetic material than other
cells in the body.
 They are formed by a specialised cell division
called meiosis.
 The fusion of an ovum and a spermatozoon is called
fertilisation.
 The resulting cell is called a zygote which now
possesses the full set of chromosomes.
 The zygote is diploid – having 46 chromosomes, 23
each from mother and father.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
FUNCTIONS
 Formation of ova
 Reception of spermatozoa
 Providing suitable environment for fertilisation and
fetal development
 Parturition (child birth)
 Lactation (production of breast milk which gives
nourishment for the baby)
 The female reproductive system involves
 External genitalia
 Internal organs
 External genitalia / vulva
The external genital organs are collectively called
vulva and consists of
 Mons pubis
 Labia majora
 Labia minora
 Clitoris
 Vaginal orifice
 Vestibule
 Hymen
 Vestibular glands / Bartholin’s glands
 MONS PUBIS →
 Rounded soft tissue made up of fatty tissue lying
over the symphysis pubis (the joint between the two
pubic bones)
 Hair grows here.
 LABIA MAJORA →
 These are two large folds forming the boundary of
the vulva. They are composed of
 Skin
 Fibrous tissue

 Fat

 Large number of sebaceous glands

 There is hair growth in the lateral regions

 LABIA MINORA →
 These are two smaller folds of skin between the
labia majora, containing numerous sebaceous glands.
VESTIBULE →
 The cleft between the labia minora is called the
vestibule.
 The vagina, urethra and the ducts of vestibular
glands open into the vestibule
 CLITORIS →
 This corresponds to the penis in the male
 It contains sensory nerve endings
 It has no reproductive significance
VAGINAL ORIFICE →
 The opening of the vagina to the outside is the vaginal
opening.
HYMEN →
 This is a thin layer of mucous membrane that partially
occludes the opening of the vagina.
 It is partially open to allow menstrual blood to pass.
 VESTIBULAR GLANDS →
 These glands are also called Bartholin’s glands
 They are situated one on each side near the vaginal
opening
 They are about the size of a small pea and have
ducts opening into the vestibule.
 They secrete mucus that keeps the vulva moist.
 Perineum

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Blood supply, lymph drainage and
nerve supply
BLOOD SUPPLY →
 Arterial supply is by branches of internal iliac
arteries and femoral arteries.
 Venous drainage is into the internal iliac veins.
LYMPH DRAINAGE →
 Lymph drainage is through the inguinal nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY →
 Nerve supply is by branches from pudendal
nerves.
INTERNAL GENITALIA
The internal organs of the female reproductive
system lie in the pelvic cavity and consists of
 Vagina
 Uterus
 Two uterine tubes / fallopian tubes
 Two ovaries
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Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
Vagina
 Vagina is a fibromuscular tube lined with stratified
squamous epithelium
 It connects the external and internal organs
LOCATION →
 It runs obliquely upwards and backwards at an
angle of 45 between the bladder in front and
rectum and anus behind.
 The anterior wall is 7.5 cm long
 The posterior wall is 9 cm long
 STRUCTURE →
 The vagina has three layers
 The outer covering of areolar tissue
 The middle layer of smooth muscle

 Inner lining of stratified squamous epithelium present as

folds / ridges called rugae
 It is kept moist by cervical secretions
 It has Lactobacillus acidophilus which produces lactic
acid and keeps the pH between 4.9 and 3.5, which
prevents the growth of other microorganisms.
 BLOOD SUPPLY→
 Uterine and vaginal arteries branching from internal
iliac arteries supply arterial blood.
 Venous drainage is into the internal iliac veins.
LYMPH DRAINAGE→
 This is through the deep and superficial iliac glands.
NERVE SUPPLY→
 Sympathetic, parasympathetic and somatic sensory
nerves are present.
 FUNCTIONS→
 It helps in sexual intercourse.
 It provides an elastic passage through which the
baby passes during childbirth

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 Uterus
 The uterus is a hollow muscular pear shaped organ.
 It is flattened anteroposteriorly.
LOCATION →
 It lies in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder
and the rectum.
 It leans forward (anteversion) and is bent forward
(anteflexion) almost at right angles to the vagina.
SIZE→
 It is about 7.5 cm long,5 cm wide and its walls are 2.5 cm
thick.
 It weighs 30 to 40 g.
 STRUCTURE→
 The uterus is a hollow muscular pear shaped organ.
 Its parts are
 Fundus : dome shaped part above the openings of the uterine
tubes
 Body : the main part which is narrowest at the inferior region
called the internal os which is continuous with the cervix
 Cervix : this protrudes through the anterior wall of vagina,
opening into the external os
  Structure of uterine wall :
 The walls are composed of three layers of tissue
 Perimetrium Fundus
 Myometrium

 Endometrium

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 PERIMETRIUM →
 This the part of the peritoneum which covers the
different regions of the uterus.
 Anteriorly, it lies over the fundus and the body and it folds
between the urinary bladder and the body of the uterus
to form the vesicouterine pouch.
 Posteriorly, it covers the fundus, body and cervix and it
folds between the posterior surface of uterus and the
rectum to form the rectouterine pouch.
 Laterally, it covers only the fundus because the peritoneum
forms double folds with the uterine tubes to form
ligaments.
 MYOMETRIUM →
 This is the thickest layer of tissue.
 It is a mass of smooth muscle fibres interlaced with areolar
tissue, blood vessels and nerves.
 ENDOMETRIUM →
 This consists of columnar epithelium containing a large
number of mucus secreting tubular glands. It is divided into
two layers
 The functional layer is the upper and it thickens and becomes rich
in blood vessels in the first half of the menstrual cycle and is shed
during menstruation if fertilisation does not occur
 The basal layer lies next to the myometrium and is not lost during
menstruation. It is the layer from which the functional layer is
regenerated during next menstrual cycle.
 BLOOD SUPPLY →
 The branches of internal iliac arteries, the uterine
arteries supply blood.
 Venous drainage is into the internal iliac veins.
LYMPH DRAINAGE →
 Deep and superficial lymph vessels drain the lymph
NERVE SUPPLY →
 They contain nerves of sympathetic and
parasympathetic fibres.
 SUPPORTING STRUCTURES →
 The uterus is supported in the pelvic cavity by
surrounding organs, muscles of the pelvic floor
and ligaments that suspend it from the walls of the
pelvis. The ligaments are
 Broad ligaments
 Round ligaments
 Uteroscral ligaments
 Transverse cervical ligaments
 Pubocervical ligaments
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 FUNCTIONS →
 Endometrium of the uterus undergoes cyclical changes after
puberty in which it thickens in preparation to receive
fertilised ovum. The endometrium is shed as menstrual
flow if fertilisation does not occur.
 If fertilisation occurs, the embryo embeds itself in the
endometrium and derives nutrition from the uterine
secretions, endometrial cells, and later on via placenta which
is embedded in the uterine wall.
 The uterus does not contract for the full period of
gestation under the influence of hormone progesterone.
 At the end of pregnancy, oestrogen and oxytocin causes
powerful and rhythmic contractions to expel the baby out
through from the uterus.
Uterine tubes
 These are also called Fallopian tubes.
 They are 10 cm long and extend from the sides of
the uterus between the body and fundus.
 The end of each tube has finger like projections
called fimbriae
 The longest of these is the ovarian fimbria which is
in close association with the ovary
 STRUCTURE→
 The uterine tubes have
 an outer covering of peritoneum (broad ligament)
 Middle layer of smooth muscle

 Inner lining of ciliated epithelium

 Blood supply, lymph drainage and nerve supply is

the same as that of uterus.
 FUNCTIONS→
 The uterine tubes move the ovum from the ovary to
the uterus by peristalsis and ciliary movement.
 The mucus secreted by the lining provides ideal
conditions for movement of ova and spermatozoa.
 Fertilisation usually takes place in the uterine tube
and the zygote is propelled into the uterus for
implantation.
 OVARIES
 The ovaries are the female gonads, which produce the ova
and the sex hormones.
LOCATION →
 They lie in a shallow fossa on the lateral walls of the
pelvis.
 They are attached to the upper part of the uterus by the
ovarian ligament and to the back of the broad ligament
by a tissue called mesovarium.
 Blood vessels and nerves pass to the ovary through the
mesovarium.
SIZE →
 They are 2.5 to 3.5 cm long, 2 cm wide and 1 cm thick.
 STRUCTURE →
 The ovaries have two layers of tissue called the
medulla and the cortex.
 Medulla : this lies in the centre and consists of fibrous
tissue, blood vessels and nerves.
 Cortex : This surrounds the medulla.

It has a framework of connective tissue called stroma.

It is covered by a layer of germinal epithelium which
contains ovarian follicles in various stages of maturity,
each of which contains an ovum.
 BLOOD SUPPLY→
 This is by ovarian arteries and venous drainage is
into the inferior vena cava through the ovarian
veins.
LYMPH DRAINAGE→
 Lymph drainage is via the aortic nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY→
 Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems supply
nerves to the ovaries.
 FUNCTIONS→
 Female gametes are stored and developed prior to
ovulation.
 Before puberty, the ovaries are inactive and so the ova are
present as immature follicles called primordial follicles.
 After puberty till menopause, every 28 days, one ovarian
follicle called Graafian follicle matures, ruptures and releases
its ovum into the peritoneal cavity. This is called ovulation and
it occurs during most menstrual cycles. The ruptured follicle then
becomes corpus luteum (yellow body) which will leave a small
permanent scar of fibrous tissue called corpus albicans (white
body) on the surface of the ovary.
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 Ovary has endocrine functions which means the
ovary secretes oestrogen and progesterone. While
the ovum is developing inside the follicle, the follicle
secretes increasing amounts of oestrogen. After
ovulation, the follicle becomes corpus luteum. The
corpus luteum secretes the progesterone.
PUBERTY
 It is the age at which the internal reproductive
organs reach maturity.
 It is usually between 12 and 14 years of age.
 The beginning of puberty is called menarche.
 It marks the period of child bearing period.
Changes during puberty
 Uterus, uterine tubes and ovaries reach maturity
 Menstrual cycle and ovulation begins (menarche)
 Breasts develop and enlarge
 Pubic and axillary hair begins to grow
 Increase in height
 Widening of pelvis
 Increased fat deposit in the hips and breasts
REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
 This is a series of events occurring regularly in
females every 26 to 30 days throughout the
childbearing period.
 These changes in ovaries and uterus are controlled
by changes in hormones. These hormones are under
negative feedback mechanisms.
 The hypothalamus secretes Luteinising Hormone Releasing
Hormone (LHRH) / Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone
(GnRH)
 LHRH stimulates anterior pituitary
 Anterior pituitary secretes
 Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
 Luteinising Hormone (LH)

 Hypothalamus is stimulated by high levels of oestrogen – 1st

half of cycle
 It is suppressed by both oestrogen and progesterone – 2nd
half of cycle
 FSH → which promotes the maturation of ovarian
follicles and the secretion of oestrogen, leading to
ovulation. FSH is active during first half of the cycle.
FSH secretion is suppressed once ovulation occurs so
that another ovum does not mature during the same
cycle.
 LH → triggers ovulation; stimulates the development
of corpus luteum; stimulates secretion of progesterone
 The reproductive cycle is about 28 days
 The phases in the reproductive cycle / endometrial
cycle are
 Menstrual phase, which is about 4 days
 Proliferative phase, which is about 10 days

 Secretory phase, which is about 14 days

 MENSTRUAL PHASE → 4 days
 Corpus luteum is supported by human chorionic
gonadotrophin released by placenta if fertilisation
occurs
 When the ovum is not fertilised, the corpus luteum
starts to degenerate.
 Progesterone and oestrogen levels fall.
 The functional layer of endometrium is shed as
menstruation.
 The menstrual flow consists of secretions of endometrial
glands, endometrial cells, blood from degenerating
capillaries and unfertilised ovum.
 High level of progesterone and oestrogen inhibits
anterior pituitary and blocks production of FSH and
LH. The high levels prevent maturation of another
ovum during the same cycle and also if pregnancy
occurs.
 After degeneration of corpus luteum, the hormone
levels fail leading to increased activity of anterior
pituitary thus increasing levels of FSH and LH.
 PROLIFERATIVE PHASE →
 Ovarian follicles move towards maturity
 Follicle secretes oestrogen
 Oestrogen causes proliferation of functional layer of
endometrium.
 The endometrium becomes thick, vascular, rich in mucus
secreting glands.
 Rising levels of oestrogen causes increase in LH level.
 LH causes ovulation
 Ovulation is the release of mature ovum from the
ovarian follicle. This marks the end of proliferative cycle.
 SECRETORY PHASE →
 LH stimulates the development of corpus luteum
from the ruptured follicle.
 Corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some
oestrogen
 The secretory glands of the endometrium produce
increased amounts of watery mucus. This assists the
passage of spermatozoa through the uterus to the
uterine tubes where the ovum is usually fertilised.
 There is also increase in mucus by glands of uterine
tubes and cervix.
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 The ovum is fertilisable for a very short duration
after ovulation, probably as little as 8 hours.
 The spermatozoa is usually viable for 24 hours
after intercourse.
 So, the period during which fertilisation can occur is
very short.
 Changes in female body during ovulation
 Cervical mucus, which is usually thick and dry, becomes
thin, watery and elastic.
 Body temperature increases a small measurable
amount.
 Some women experience cramps during this time.
Menopause
 Menopause usually occurs between ages of 45 and 55
years, marking the end of childbearing period.
 It may occur suddenly or slowly over a period of years,
even 10 years.
 It is caused by reduction in oestrogen levels as the
number of functional follicles in ovaries declines with
age.
 The ovaries become less responsive to FSH and LH.
 Ovulation and menstrual cycle becomes irregular,
eventually ceasing.
 Several changes in body during menopause →
 Unpredictable vasodilation causing sweating and
palpitations
 Shrinkage of breasts
 Axillary and pubic hair becomes less
 Atrophy of sex organs
 Irritability and mood changes
 Thinning of skin
 Loss of bone bass
 Slow increase in blood cholesterol levels
 BREASTS
 The breasts are also called mammary glands.
 They are accessory glands of female reproductive
system.
 They exist in male as well but in rudimentary form.
STRUCTURE →
 They consist of varying amounts of
 glandular tissue, responsible for milk production,
supported by
 fatty tissue and
 fibrous connective tissue that anchor the breast to the
chest wall.
 Each breast contains about 20 lobes.
 Each lobe contains glandular structures called
lobules. Milk is produced in the lobules.
 The lobules open into tiny lactiferous ducts.
 The ducts drain milk towards the nipple
 In lactating breasts, the glandular tissue proliferates
to support milk production and recedes again after
lactation stops.
 The nipple →
 The small conical prominence at the centre of the
breast surrounded by a pigmented area.
 The pigmented area is called areola
 The areola contains sebaceous glands called
Montgomery’s tubercles which lubricates the nipple
during lactation.
Image source - https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis/breast-cancer-anatomy/
 BLOOD SUPPLY →
 Thoracic branches of axillary arteries, internal
mammary arteries and intercostal arteries supply blood.
 Venous drainage is through the mammary and intercostal
veins.
LYMPH DRAINAGE →
 Lymph drainage is into superficial axillary lymph vessels
and nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY →
 4th, 5th and 6th thoracic nerves contain sympathetic nerve
fibres. Somatic sensory nerves in the nipple area sense
suckling by the baby and stimulate hypothalamus to
secrete oxytocin
 FUNCTIONS →
 Before puberty, the breasts are small and immature.
Thereafter, they grow and develop under the
influence of oestrogen and progesterone.
 Prolactin hormone from anterior pituitary stimulates
production of milk.
 Oxytocin from the posterior pituitary stimulates
release of milk in response to suckling.
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
 FUNCTIONS

 To produce and transport sperm (the reproductive cells)

and the fluid (semen).
 To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract
during intercourse
 To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible
for maintaining the male reproductive system
 PARTS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 External Organs
 Scrotum
 Testes
 Spermatic cords
 Penis

 Internal Organs
 Epididymis and vas deferens
 Seminal vesicles
 Ejaculatory ducts
 Prostate gland
 Urethra
 Bulbourethral glands
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Scrotum
LOCATION →
 It lies below the symphysis pubis, in front of the
upper parts of the thighs and behind the penis.
STRUCTURE →
 The scrotum is a pouch of
 deeply pigmented skin,
 fibrous tissue

 connective tissue

 smooth muscle.

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 It is divided into two compartments, each containing
 One testis
 One epididymis

 The testicular end of spermatic cord

FUNCTIONS →
 It contains both the testes
 It provides correct temperature for production of
sperm.
Testes
 The testes (singular - testis) are the reproductive
glands of the male
SIZE →
 They are about 4.5 cm long, 2.5 cm wide and 3 cm
thick.
LOCATION →
 They are suspended inside the scrotum by spermatic
cords.
 STRUCTURES AROUND
THE TESTES →
The testes are surrounded
by three layers of tissue
 Tunica vaginalis
 Tunica albuginea
 Tunica vasculosa

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 Tunica vaginalis : This is a double membrane
forming the outer covering of the testes
This layer is a downgrowth of peritoneum. The testes
develop in the abdomen in early fetal life and
descend into the scrotum usually at 8 th month of
fetal life. While descending, they bring the
peritoneum, blood vessels, nerves and lymph vessels
into the scrotum. This peritoneum then separates
from the abdominal peritoneum.
 Tunica albuginea : This is a fibrous covering below
the tunica vaginalis. The ingrowths from this layer
divides the glandular structure of the testes into
lobules.
 Tunica vasculosa : it is a network of capillaries
supported by connective tissue.
 STRUCTURE OF TESTES →
 Each testis has 200 to 300 lobules.
 Within each lobule, there are 1 to 4 convoluted loops of
germinal epithelial cells, called seminiferous tubules.
 Between the tubules, are groups of interstitial cells called
cells of Leydig that secretes the testosterone hormone
after puberty.
 At the upper pole of testis, the tubules combine to form
one tubule. This tubule is about 6 m in full length, but it is
repeatedly folded and tightly packed into a mass called
epididymis.
 The epididymis leaves the scrotum as vas deferens or
deferent duct in the spermatic cord.
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 FUNCTIONS →
 Production of testosterone by the cells of Leydig under
the influence of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary.
 Spermatogenesis: Spermatozoa (sperm) are produced
in the seminiferous tubules of the testes and the process
is called spermatogenesis.
FSH is released from the anterior pituitary. FSH controls
sperm production.
➢ Sperms are formed from parent cells called
spermatogonium present in the seminiferous tubules.
➢ The spermatogonium undergoes meiosis to form
spermatids. The spermatogonium also undergo
mitosis to keep a constant supply of
spermatogonium ready to develop into spermatids.
➢ The spermatids then develop into mature sperms in
a process called spermiogenesis. This maturation
takes place under the influence of testosterone.
They mature as they pass through the long and
convoluted tubule of epididymis, where they are
stored.
Image source - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/9/3/744/htm
 The mature sperm has a head, a body and a long
whip like tail used for movement.
 The head is almost completely filled by nucleus
containing the genetic material. It also contains enzymes
required for penetrating the outer layers of the ovum.
 The body is packed with mitochondria which produces
energy required for the propelling action of the tail.
 The tail propels the sperm along the female
reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and uterine tubes)
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 Successful spermatogenesis takes place at a
temperature 3C below the normal body
temperature. The testes are cooled because
 their position is outside the abdominal cavity in the
scrotum
 The outer covering of scrotum has very little insulating
fat
 Blood and lymph vessels pass to the testes in the
spermatic cord.
BLOOD SUPPLY →
 Arterial supply is by testicular artery which is a branch
of abdominal aorta.
 Venous drainage is through the testicular vein
LYMPH DRAINAGE →
 Lymph drainage is through aortic nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY →
 This is provided by branches of 10th and 11th thoracic
nerves.
 Spermatic cords
 The spermatic cords suspend the testes in the scrotum.
 Each cord contains
 testicular artery,
 testicular veins,
 lymphatics,
 deferent duct and
 testicular nerves.

 The cord is covered in a sheath of smooth muscle and

connective and fibrous tissues.
 The cord is attached to the testes on the posterior wall.
 There are two cords, one for each testis.
Vas Deferens / Deferent Duct
 This is about 45 cm long
 It passes upward from the testes through the
inguinal canal and ascends medially towards the
posterior wall of the bladder.
 Here it is joined by the duct from the seminal
vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct.
 It carries spermatozoa from the testes to the urethra
for expelling from the body.
 Seminal Vesicles
 These are two small
fibromuscular pouches lined
with columnar epithelium
 They lie on the posterior side
of the bladder.
 Inferiorly, each duct opens
into a duct which joins with
corresponding vas deferens
to form ejaculatory duct.

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 FUNCTIONS →
 These vesicles produce the seminal fluid.
Seminal fluid is 60% of the fluid in which sperm is
transported. It contains all the nutrients required to
support the sperm.
It is ejaculated at the time of sexual orgasm in
males and it is ejaculated by the contraction of the
seminal vesicles.
Ejaculatory ducts
 These are two tubes about 2 cm long.
 They are formed by the union of seminal duct and
deferent duct.
 They are fibromuscular structures with columnar
epithelial lining.
 They pass through prostate gland and joins the
prostatic urethra.
 They carry seminal fluid and spermatozoa.
 Prostate gland
LOCATION →
 It lies in the pelvic cavity in
front of the rectum and
behind the symphysis pubis.
 It surrounds the first part of
urethra.
STRUCTURE →
 It consists of
 An outer fibrous covering
 A layer of smooth muscle
 Glandular substance made
of columnar epithelium

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FUNCTIONS →
 It secretes a thin, milky fluid that makes up about

30% of semen.
 It contains a clotting enzyme which thickens the

semen in the vagina thus restricting free movement

of semen.
Penis
 The penis is an external reproductive organ
 It has a root and a body
 The root lies in the perineum (the area between anal
opening and reproductive organs)
 The body surrounds the urethra.

 It is formed by three cylindrical masses of erectile

tissue and smooth muscle.
 The erectile tissue is supported by fibrous tissue.
 It is covered with skin and has a rich blood supply.
 The two lateral columns are called corpora
cavernosa and the column in between them is called
corpus spongiosum.
 At its tip it is expanded into a triangular structure
called glans penis.
 Just above the glans penis, the skin is folded upon
itself and forms a double layer called foreskin or
prepuce.
Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html
 BLOOD SUPPLY →
 Deep, dorsal and bulbar arteries supply blood.
 Venous drainage is through internal iliac veins and
internal pudendal veins.
NERVE SUPPLY →
 Autonomic and somatic nerves are present in the
penis.
 Parasympathetic stimulation causes dilation of
arteries, constriction of veins leading to erection of
the erectile tissue.
 Urethra
 The male urethra is a common passage for urine and
semen.
STRUCTURE →
 The urethra is 19 to 20 cm long and consists of three parts
 The prostatic urethra originates at the opening at the urinary
bladdder and passes through the prostate gland.
 The membranous urethra is the shortest and narrowest part. It
extends from the prostate gland to the bulb of the penis.
 The spongiose or penile urethra lies within the corpus
spongiosum of the penis and terminates at the external urethral
orifice in the glans penis.
 There are two urethral sphincters:
 The internal urethral sphincter consists of smooth
muscles and is present at the neck of the bladder
above the prostate gland.
 The external urethral sphincter is made of skeletal
muscles and surrounds the membranous urethra.
EJACULATION
 Ejaculation is the act of ejecting semen from the body
and it occurs at male orgasm.
 Semen consists of sperm, seminal fluid and prostatic fluid.
 Spermatozoa are expelled from epididymis and pass
through vas deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra. This
movement is by the contraction of smooth muscles in the ducts.
 The muscles in the walls of seminal vesicles and prostate
gland also contract. This adds the seminal fluid and prostatic
secretions to the spermatozoa.
 The force of these muscle movements cause the semen to
be expelled through the external urethral orifice.
 Semen is the combined secretions of the male
reproductive organs. It consists of
 Spermatozoa / sperm - 10%
 Seminal fluid from seminal vesicles – 60%
 Prostatic secretions – 30%
 Mucus produced in the urethra.

 Semen is slightly alkaline, and neutralises the acidity of

the vagina.
 The ejaculate is about 2 to 5 ml.
 Ejaculate contains between 40 and 100 million
spermatozoa per ml.
  If not
ejaculated,
the sperm
loses its
fertility and is
reabsorbed
by the
epididymis.

Image source - https://doctorlib.info/anatomy/ross-wilson-anatomy-physiology-health-illness/18.html

PUBERTY IN MALES
 It occurs between ages 10 and 14
 Luteinising Hormone from the anterior pituitary
stimulates the cells of Leydig to produce
testosterone in increasing amounts.
 Testosterone helps the body to reach sexual
maturity.
Changes occurring at puberty
 Growth of muscle and bone resulting in increased
height and weight
 Enlargement of larynx and deepening of voice
 Increase in hair growth on face, axillae, chest,
abdomen and pubis
 Enlargement of penis, scrotum and prostate gland
 Maturation of seminiferous tubules and production
of spermatozoa
 Skin becomes thicker and oilier.
Changes upon ageing
 Sexual ability and fertility starts declining at about
50 years of age.
 This is due to decrease in secretion of testosterone.
 There is no set period like in females.
CONTRACEPTION
 Contraception is also known as birth control,
anticonception or fertility control.
 Contraception is a method or device used to
prevent pregnancy
 Planning and using birth control is called family
planning. This is not supported by some groups of
people due to cultural, religious and other reasons.
 METHODS
 Barrier methods
 Hormonal birth control
 Intrauterine devices
 Sterilization
 Behavioural methods
 Emergency contraceptives

 All these methods are used during or before coitus or

intercourse except emergency contraceptives which are
used after sex.
 Behavioural methods are less effective than other
methods.
Barrier methods
 These contraceptives are devices that attempt to
prevent pregnancy by physically preventing the
sperm from entering the uterus.
 These include condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms,
etc.
 They may be used by males or females.
 These are the most common method of
contraceptives used.
 They have the added advantage of preventing
sexually transmitted diseases.
Hormonal birth control
 They are available as pills, implants under the skin,
injections, etc.
 They contain either oestrogen, progestin or both.
 They are used by females.
 These pills prevent fertilisation by inhibiting
ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
 They may also decrease chances of implantation.
Intra uterine devices
 These are small devices, often T shaped which are
implanted inside the uterus by a medical professional.
 They are a form of long term reversible contraception.

Eg: Copper IUD, Hormonal IUD, etc.

 Copper IUD does not allow fertilisation to occur and if
fertilisation occurs, it also makes implantation hard.
 Hormonal IUD action depends on the hormone.

 Some IUDs also make the environment in the female

reproductive tract unsuitable for sperm
Sterilization
 This is a surgical method of contraception which can
be done in both males and females.
 Vasectomy in males is the cutting or tying up of the
vas deferens (duct carrying sperm from the testes to
the penis).
 Tubal ligation in females is the blocking, clipping
or removal of fallopian tubes. It prevents fertlisation
of eggs by the sperm
 These are permanent methods of sterilisation.
 Behavioural Methods
 These are natural methods of contraception in which devices
or pills are not used.
 It involves regulating the timing or method of intercourse
 These methods prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm
from entering the female reproductive tract altogether or
when an egg may be present.
 The different methods of behavioural contraception are
 Fertility awareness
 Withdrawal
 Abstinence
 Lactation
 Fertility Awareness →
 These methods involve determining the fertile days
of menstrual cycle and avoiding sexual intercourse
during these days.
 Measuring body temperature, monitoring cervical
secretions, using ovulation detection kits, etc are the
ways of determining the ovulatory period.
 Withdrawal →
 The withdrawal method, also called coitus interruptus, is
the method of ending intercourse or pulling out the penis
before ejaculation.
 This method prevents entry of sperm into the female
reproductive tract.
Abstinence →
 This method means avoiding any type of sexual activity
or avoiding only vaginal intercourse.
 Complete abstinence is 100% effective in preventing
pregnancy
 Lactation →
 This is called lactational amenorrhea
 It is the postpartum infertility which occurs in
females after delivery and may be extended by
breastfeeding. This infertility is caused by the
changes in FSH and LH hormone levels.
 This method is successful for about 6 months if the
baby is exclusively breastfed.
Emergency contraception
 These methods are medications or devices used
after unprotected sexual intercourse.
 These pills are often given to victims of rape.
 They prevent ovulation or fertilisation.
DISEASES
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
 These are diseases caused by microbes and are
transmitted during sexual intercourse.
 Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, etc.
 AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a
viral infection transmitted sexually as well as
through other means.
DISEASES OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 Inflammation of external and internal reproductive
organs – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
 Changes to the vulva due to ageing or infections.
 Tumours – cervical carcinoma, ovarian tumours, etc.
 Changes to the uterine layers – endometriosis
 Inflammation and tumours of breasts.
 Female infertility
DISEASES OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 Infections – urethritis, orchitis, etc.
 Undescended testis – can result in infertility and
cancer
 Prostatic changes affecting urination.
 Tumours of testes and prostate
 Breast enlargement in male – gynaecomastia
 Male infertility
THANK YOU