Chapter 39

Introduction to the
Reproductive System

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Female Reproductive System

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 Role of the Female Ovary

• Store ova

• Produce the sex hormones estrogen and

progesterone

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 Hormones Produced in the Ovaries
• Estrogen

– Estradiol, estrone, and estriol

– Enters cells and binds to receptors within

the cytoplasm

– Promotes messenger RNA activity

• Progesterone

– Released into circulation after ovulation

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Effects of Progesterone on the Body
• Decreased uterine motility
• Development of secretory endometrium
• Thickened cervical mucus
• Breast growth
• Increased body temperature
• Increased appetite
• Depressed T cell function
• Anti-insulin effect
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Male Reproductive System

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 Pregnancy

• The ovum is fertilized by the sperm

• A new cell is produced that divides to produce

the embryo

• The embryo implants on the wall of the uterus

• The interface between the fetal cells and the

uterus produces the placenta

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Role of Female Sex Hormones

• Prepare the body for pregnancy

• Maintain pregnancy

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 Function of the Hypothalamus
• Releases GnRH at puberty

• Stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH

and LH

• Stimulates the production and release of the sex

hormones

• Controls levels by a series of negative feedback

systems

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Interaction of Hormones on the
Menstrual Cycle

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Pituitary and Ovarian Hormone Levels

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 Components of the Testes

• Seminiferous tubules

– Produce the sperm

• Interstitial (Leydig) cells

– Produce the hormone testosterone

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 Production of Sperm in the
Seminiferous Tubules

• Occurs in response to FSH stimulation and

testosterone in the interstitial cells

• Occurs in response to LH stimulation

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Effects of Estrogen on the Body

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Effects of Progesterone on the Body

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Effects of Testosterone on the Body
• Growth of male and sexual accessory organs
• Growth of testes and scrotal sac
• Thickening of vocal cords
• Hair growth
• Increased protein anabolism and decreased
protein catabolism
• Thickening of cartilage and skin
• Vascular thickening
• Increased hematocrit
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 Pregnancy Changes
• Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for many
of the changes in the female body during pregnancy
including:
– Elevated body temperature
– Development of the cervical plug
– Further growth of female accessories structures
and breast tissue, softening of the ligaments to
allow easier delivery, elevated blood glucose levels,
elevated cholesterol levels, surface blood vessels
to release heat, and impaired immune and
inflammatory responses
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 Four Phases of the Human
Sexual Response
• Period of stimulation with mild increases in
sensitivity and beginning stimulation of the SNS

• Plateau stage when stimulation levels off

• Climax resulting from massive sympathetic

stimulation of the body

• Period of recovery or resolution

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 Menopause and Male Climacteric

• Occur when the body can no longer produce sex

hormones

• The hypothalamus and anterior pituitary respond

by releasing increasing levels of GnRH, FSH, and
LH in an attempt to achieve higher levels of sex
hormones

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