The Reproductive
system
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INTRODUCTION
• Reproductive system is a system of sex organs within an organism
which work together for the purpose of sexual reproduction.
• Sexual reproduction is the process by which organisms produce
offspring by making gametes.
• Function of male reproductive system:
• to produce the male gamete, or spermatozoa
• to transfer it to the female through intercourse
• Function of female reproductive system:
• to produce female gamete, or ova
• receive the sperm from the male during intercourse
• a site for
• fertilization
• implantation, development of the embryo,
• facilitate delivery of the baby. 2
The male reproductive anatomy
Organs of male reproductive system
includes
• Testes
• System of ducts including
– Epididymis
– Ductus deferens
– Ejaculatory ducts
– Urethra
• Accessory sex glands
– Seminal vesicles
– Prostate
– Bulbourethral glands
• Supporting structures includes
– Scrotum and
– Penis
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Scrotum
• Is the supporting structure for the testes, consists of loose skin and
underlying subcutaneous layer that hangs from the root of the penis
• Externally, the scrotum looks like a single pouch of skin separated
into lateral portions by a median ridge called the raphe
• Internally the scrotum is divided into two compartments, by the
septum of the scrotum (scrotal septum)
• The septum is made up of a subcutaneous layer and muscle tissue
called the dartos muscle
• a series of small bands of skeletal muscle that descend through the
spermatic cord to surround the testes is called cremaster muscle
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Scrotum
• The production and survival of sperm is optimal temperature that is
about 2-30C, it is below normal body temperature.
• This lowered body temperature is maintained within the scrotum
because it is outside the pelvic cavity
• In response to cold T0, the cremaster and dartos muscles contract.
• B/c the dartos muscle attaches to the skin, its contraction causes the
scrotum to wrinkle when cold, thus reducing heat loss.
• Contraction of the cremaster muscles moves the testes closer to
the body, where they can absorb body heat.
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Testes
• The testes or testicles, are paired oval
glands in the scrotum measuring about 3-5
cm long and 2-3 cm in diameter
• They are suspended in the scrotum by the
spermatic cords
• The surface of each testis is covered by of
the tunica vaginalis, except where the testis
attaches to the epididymis and spermatic
cord.
• Tunica vaginalis is derived from the
peritoneum and forms during
the descent of the testes
• Internal to the tunica vaginalis is a white
fibrous capsule composed of dense irregular
connective tissue the tunica albuginea
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Cont…
• Tunica albuginea extends inward, forming septa that divide the testis
into a series of internal compartments called lobules.
• Each of the lobules contains one to three tightly coiled tubules, the
seminiferous tubules, where sperm are produced.
• The process by which the seminiferous tubules of the testes
produce sperm is called spermatogenesis.
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Cont…
• The seminiferous tubules contain two types of cells:
– Spermatogenic cells (the sperm-forming cells), and
– Sertoli cells – they support and protect developing
spermatogenic cells in several ways.
• In the spaces between adjacent seminiferous tubules are clusters
of cells called Leydig (interstitial) cells.
• Leydig cells secrete testosterone.
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Descent of testes
• The testes develop near the kidneys, in the posterior portion of the
abdomen
• They usually begin their descent into the scrotum through the inguinal
canals during the 9-12th week of fetal development.
• accompanied by an out pouching of peritoneum known as the processus
vaginalis, projects into the scrotum.
• The testis descends posterior to the processus vaginalis.
• The inferior remnant of the processus vaginalis forms the tunica
vaginalis covering the testis.
• The ductus deferens, testicular vessels, nerves, and lymphatics
accompany the testis.
• The final descent of the testis usually occurs before or shortly after birth
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Epididymis
• The epididymis is a comma-shaped organ about 4 cm long that located
on posterior & superior margins of testes.
• Partially covered by visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis
• Each epididymis consists mostly of the tightly coiled ductus
epididymis.
• The ductus epididymis would measure about 6 m in length if it were
uncoiled.
• It consists of :
– Head : the superior expanded part of the epididymis
– Body : is the narrow midportion of the epididymi
– Tail : is the smaller, inferior portion
• At its distal end, the tail of the epididymis continues as the ductus (vas)
deferens.
• Functionally, the epididymis is the site of sperm maturation and
storage
• It also helps propel sperm into the ductus (vas) deferens during sexual
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arousal by peristaltic contraction of its smooth muscle
Epididymis
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Ductus Deferens (vas deferens)
• It is about 45 cm long, ascends along
the posterior border of the epididymis
through the spermatic cord and then
enters the pelvic cavity.
• There it loops over the ureter and
passes over the side and down the
posterior surface of the urinary
bladder.
• The ductus deferens enlarges to form the ampulla of the ductus
deferens as it passes posterior to the bladder
• It then joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory
duct.
• Like the epididymis, the ductus deferens also can store sperm for
several months
• Functionally, the ductus deferens conveys sperm during sexual arousal
from the epididymis toward the urethra. 14
Spermatic Cord
• The spermatic cord is a
supporting structure of the
male reproductive system that
ascends out of the scrotum
• It consists of the
– ductus (vas) deferens
– testicular artery and veins
– autonomic nerves
– lymphatic vessels
– cremaster muscle and fascia
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Clinical condition
Vasectomy
• A vasectomy is a method of sterilizing
of males which is a surgical procedure
to cut or seal the tubes that carry a
man's sperm to permanently prevent
pregnancy.
• part of the ductus deferens is ligated
and/or excised through an incision in
the superior part of the scrotum.
• Although sperm production continues
in the testes, but it can no longer reach
the exterior.
• The sperm degenerate and are
destroyed by phagocytosis.
• vasectomy has no effect on sexual
desire, performance, and ejaculation.
• If done correctly, it is close to 100%
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effective.
Ejaculatory Ducts
• Is about 2 cm long and is
formed by the union of the duct
of seminal vesicle and the
ampulla of the ductus (vas)
deferens
• They run anteroinferiorly
through the posterior part of
the prostate
• open in to the posterior wall of
the prostatic urethra.
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Seminal vesicles
• The paired seminal vesicles or seminal glands are convoluted
pouch like structures, about 5 cm in length, lying posterior to the
base of the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum
• They secrete an alkaline, viscous fluid that contain fructose,
prostaglandins, fibrinogen for sperm energy
• The alkaline nature of the seminal fluid helps to neutralize the
acidic environment of the male urethra and female reproductive
tract
• The fructose is used for ATP production by sperm.
• Prostaglandins contribute to sperm motility and viability
• Fluid secreted by the seminal vesicles normally constitutes about
60% of the volume of semen.
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Prostate gland
• Largest accessory gland of the male
reproductive System
• It measures about 3 cm long, 4 cm wide,
and 2 cm in AP depth.
• It is inferior to the urinary bladder and
surrounds the prostatic urethra
• Secretes milky slightly acidic prostate
fluid which make up about 25% of the
volume of semen
• The prostate has base and apex
• A base closely related to the neck of the
bladder.
• An apex that is in contact with fascia on
the superior aspect of the urethral
sphincter and deep perineal muscles.
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Prostate gland
• 4 surfaces
• posterior
• Anterior &
• two inferolateral surfaces
• 4 lobes
• Anterior lobe
• Middle lobe
• Lateral lobes
• Posterior lobe
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Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper glands)
• are two pea-size glands lie posterolateral to the
intermediate part of the urethra inferior to the
prostate
• The ducts of the bulbourethral glands open into
the proximal part of the spongy urethra in the
bulb of the penis.
• During sexual arousal, the bulbourethral glands
secrete an alkaline fluid into the urethra that
protects the passing sperm by neutralizing acids
from urine in the urethra.
• They also secrete mucus that lubricates the end
of the penis it accounts 15% of the semen 22
Urethra
• The terminal duct of the reproductive
and urinary systems
• It serves as a passageway for both
semen and urine.
• About 20 cm long, it passes through
the prostate, the deep muscles of the
perineum, and the penis
• is subdivided into three parts
1. The Prostatic Part- during orgasm
receives semen
2. The Membranous Part- passes
through deep muscles of the
perineum
3. The spongiosas part –with in the
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penis
The Penis
• The penis cylindrical in shape and contains the urethra and is a
passageway for the ejaculation of semen and the excretion of urine.
• It consists of a glans penis, body, and a root.
• The body of the penis is composed of three cylindrical masses of
tissue:
– the paired corpora cavernosa dorsally
– the single corpus spongiosum ventrally.
• Each cavernous body has an outer fibrous covering or capsule known
as the tunica albuginea
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Penis…
• The distal end of the corpus spongiosum
penis is a slightly enlarged, acorn-shaped
region called the glans penis and its
margin is the corona.
• Glans penis contain higher
concentration of sensory nerves
• The distal urethra enlarges within the
glans penis and forms a terminal slitlike
opening, the external urethral orifice.
• At the neck of the glans, the skin
and fascia of the penis are prolonged as
a double layer of skin is known as
prepuce (foreskin), which in
uncircumcised males covers the glans to
a variable exten.
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Root of the penis
• It is the attached part consisting of the bulb of
penis in the middle and the crus of the penis, on
either side of the bulb.
• The crura and bulb of the penis contain masses
of erectile tissue.
• The bulb of the penis is enclosed by the
bulbospongiosus muscle, a muscle that aids
ejaculation
• Each crus is attached to the inferior part of the
internal surface of the corresponding ischial
ramus and is surrounded by ischiocavernosus
muscle
• The bulb of the penis is penetrated by the urethra,
continuing from its intermediate part.
• Neck of the penis separates the glans from the
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body of the penis.
Female reproductive anatomy
• The organs of the female reproductive system include
– ovaries (female gonads);
– the uterine (fallopian) tubes, or oviducts;
– the uterus;
– the vagina; and
– external organs, which are collectively called the vulva, or
pudendum which includes
• mons pubis
• labia majora
• labia minora
• clitoris
• bulbs of the vestibule
• greater and lesser vestibular glands.
• hymen 28
Ovaries
• The ovaries are paired female gonads, they are homologous to the
testes.
• The ovaries produce
1. secondary oocytes (female gametes) that develop into mature ova
(eggs) after fertilization
2. hormones, including progesterone and estrogens, inhibin, and
relaxin.
• The ovaries, one on either side of the uterus descend to the brim of the
superior portion of the pelvic cavity during the third month of
development.
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Ovaries
• A series of ligaments hold ovaries in position are
– Broad ligament of the uterus is part of the parietal peritoneum, attaches
to the ovaries by a double-layered fold of peritoneum called the
mesovarium..
– The ovarian ligament anchors the ovaries to the uterus
– The suspensory ligament attaches them to the pelvic wall.
• Each ovary contains a hilum, the point of entrance and exit for
blood vessels and nerves
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Uterine Tubes
• Females have two uterine (fallopian) tubes, or oviducts, that
extend laterally from the uterus.
• The tubes, which measure about 10 cm long
• They provide a route for sperm to reach an ovum and transport
secondary oocytes and fertilized ova from the ovaries to the uterus.
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Uterine Tubes
The uterine tubes are divisible into four parts
1. Infundibulum
the funnel-shaped portion of each tube
it is close to the ovary but is open to the pelvic cavity.
It ends in fingerlike projections called fimbriae, one large ovarian
fimbria is attached to the superior pole of the ovary.
2. Ampulla:
the widest and longest part of the tube, which begins at the medial end
of the infundibulum;
fertilization of the oocyte usually occurs in the ampulla
3. Isthmus:
is the more medial, short, narrow, thick-walled portion that joins the uterus.
4. Uterine part:
the short intramural segment of the tube that passes through the wall of
the uterus and opens via the uterine ostium into the uterine cavity at the
uterine horn. 32
Ectopic pregnancy Sites
•Ampulla (95%)
•Isthmus (8%)
•Ovary (< 2%)
•Cervix (< 2%)
•Abdomen (< 2%)
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Tubal Ligation
• Ligation of the uterine tubes is a surgical method of birth
control.
• performed through a short suprapubic incision made just at
the pubic hairline and the of a segment of the tube removed,
and tube closured by suture ligation.
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Uterus
• The uterus (womb) is a thick-walled, pear-shaped, hollow muscular organ.
• In females who have never been pregnant, it is about 7.5 cm long, 5 cm
wide, and 2.5 cm thick and the weigh is approximately 90 g.
• The normal adult uterus position is anteverted and anteflexed (flexed or
bent anteriorly) so that its mass lies over the bladder.
• It serves as part of the pathway for sperm to uterine tubes.
• It is also the site of implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of
the fetus during pregnancy.
• During reproductive cycles when implantation does not occur, it is the
source of menstrual flow.
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Uterus
• Anatomical subdivisions of the uterus include:
Fundus -a dome-shaped portion superior to the
uterine tubes
Body- a tapering central portion
Cervix - an inferior narrow portion which
opens into the vagina
• A constricted region b/n the body of the uterus
and the cervix is known as the isthmus.
• The interior of the body of the uterus is called
the uterine cavity, and the interior of the cervix
is called the cervical canal.
• The cervical canal opens into the uterine
cavity at the internal os and into the vagina at
the external os 36
Ligaments of the Uterus
• Several ligaments that are either extensions of the parietal peritoneum or
fibromuscular cords maintain the position of the uterus
– broad ligaments (paired) are double folds of peritoneum attaching the uterus
to either side of the pelvic cavity.
– round ligaments are bands of fibrous connective tissue between the layers of
the broad ligament; they extend from a point on the uterus just inferior to the
uterine tubes to a portion of the labia majora of the external genitalia.
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Ligaments of the Uterus
– cardinal (lateral cervical) ligaments are located inferior to
the bases of the broad ligaments and extend from the pelvic
wall to the cervix and vagina.
– uterosacral ligaments (paired) also peritoneal extensions, lie
on either side of the rectum and connect the uterus to the
sacrum.
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Histology of the uterus
It has 3 layers:
1. Perimetrium:
• the outer serous coat part of the visceral peritoneum;
• it is composed of simple squamous epithelium and areolar CT.
• Laterally, it becomes the broad ligament
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Histology of the uterus…
2. Myometrium: 3. Endometrium:
• The middle layer of the uterus • the inner mucous coat, which
consists of three layers of smooth firmly adheres to the myometrium
muscle fibers that are thickest in • is divided into two layers
the fundus and thinnest in the Stratum functionalis lines the
cervix. uterine cavity and sloughs off
• The thicker middle layer is circular; during menstruation.
the inner and outer layers are Stratum basalis is permanent
longitudinal or oblique. and gives rise to a new stratum
• greatly distended during pregnancy functionalis after each
• During labor and childbirth, menstruation.
coordinated contractions of the Attaches endometrium to
myometrium in response to myometrium
oxytocin from the posterior pituitary
site of implantation
help expel the fetus from the uterus. 40
Blood supply of the uterus
• Uterine arteries which is a branches of the internal iliac artery
supply blood to the uterus.
• Uterine arteries give off branches called arcuate artery that are
arranged in a circular fashion in the myometrium.
• These arteries branch into radial arteries that penetrate deeply into
the myometrium.
• Just before the branches enter the endometrium, they divide into two
kinds of arterioles:
– Straight arterioles supply the stratum basalis
– Spiral arterioles supply the stratum functionalis
• Blood leaving the uterus is drained by the uterine veins into the
internal iliac veins.
• The extensive blood supply of the uterus is essential to support
regrowth of a new stratum functionalis after menstruation,
implantation of a fertilized ovum, and development of the placenta.
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Blood supply of the uterus …
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Cervix
• Cylindrical, lower part of uterus whose inferior part projects into
vagina
• The cavity of the cervix (cervical canal) communicates with
uterine cavity & vagina through its internal os & external os
respectively.
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Vagina
• Is a tubular, 7–9 cm long fibromuscular canal lined with mucous
membrane that extends from the cervix to the vaginal orifice
• It serves as a canal for menstrual fluid and the passageway for
childbirth
• It is the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse.
• Histologically, it consists of nonkeratinized stratified squamous
epithelium and areolar connective tissue
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Female External Genitalia (Vulva)
• It include
• Mons pubis
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Clitoris
• Bulbs of the
vestibule
• Greater and lesser
vestibular glands.
• Hymen
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• Mons Pubis
• is a rounded fatty elevation anterior to the pubic symphysis.
• The amount of fat increases during puberty and decreases after
menopause.
• Covered with coarse pubic hairs during puberty, which also
decrease after menopause.
• Labia Majora
• are two symmetrical folds of fat & skin
• provide protection for the urethral and vaginal orifice
• The labia majora meet anteriorly at the anterior labial
commissure.
• They do not join posteriorly but a transverse bridge of skin
called the posterior labial commissure passes between them.
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Labia Minora
• are thin, delicate folds of fat-free hairless skin.
• They are located between the labia majora.
• It contains many sensory nerve endings.
• Sebaceous and sweat glands open on both of their surfaces.
• The labia minora enclose the vestibule of vagina
• They meet just superior to the clitoris to form a fold of skin called
the prepuce (clitoral hood).
• In young females the labia minora are usually united posteriorly
by a small fold of the skin, the frenulum of the labia minora.
Vestibule of the Vagina
• is the space surrounded by the labia minora.
• Within the vestibule are orifice of urethra and vagina, hymen (if
still present)and ducts of the greater vestibular glands open into
the vestibule.
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External Urethral Orifice
• The opening of the urethra to the
exterior
• located 2 to 3 cm posterior to the
clitoris and immediately anterior to
the vaginal orifice.
• On either side of the external
urethral orifice are the openings of
the ducts of the paraurethral
(Skene’s) glands and these glands
are homologous to the prostate in
the male.
Vaginal Orifice
• Is the opening of the vagina to the
exterior, occupies the greater
portion of the vestibule and is
bordered by the hymen.
• Is located inferior and posterior48to
the external urethral sphincter
Bulbs of the Vestibule
Greater Vestibular Glands • These are 2 large, elongated masses of
(Bartholin glands) erectile tissue that are about 3 cm in
• located on each side of the length.
vestibule of the vagina, and • it lie along the sides of the vaginal orifice
posterolateral to the vaginal , deep to the bulbospongiosus muscles
orifice. • are homologous with the corpus
• ducts open into the vestibule of spongiosum and bulb of the penis in
the vagina on each side of the males
vaginal orifice. • Unlike the penis, however, the bulbs are
• secrete a small amount of separated from the clitoris by the
lubricating mucus into the vestibule of the vagina.
vestibule of the vagina during
sexual arousal.
• It is homologous with the
bulbourethral glands in the
male.
• Several lesser vestibular glands
also open into the vestibule
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Clitoris
• is a small cylindrical mass composed of
two small erectile bodies, the corpora
cavernosa, and numerous nerves and
blood vessels.
• It is located where the labia minora meet
anteriorly
• It is homologous with the penis in male
• Unlike the penis, is not traversed by the
urethra ; therefore it has no corpus
spongiosum.
• It is suspended by a suspensory ligament.
• It is highly sensitive and very important
in the sexual arousal of a female and it
plays an important role in sexual
excitement in females 50
The clitoris consists of
• Root
• Body that are composed of
• two crura,
• two corpora cavernosa,
• Glans
• Prepuce (foreskin) of the
clitoris
• is formed at the point where
the labia minora unite and
covers the body of the
clitoris.
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Male
Female 52
Summary of Homologous Structures of the Female and Male
Reproductive Systems
FEMALE STRUCTURES MALE STRUCTURES
Ovaries Testes
Ovum Sperm cell
Labia majora Scrotum
Labia minora Spongy (penile) urethra
Vestibule Membranous urethra
Bulb of vestibule Corpus spongiosum penis and
bulb of penis
Clitoris Glans penis and corpora
cavernosa
Paraurethral glands Prostate
Greater vestibular glands Bulbourethral (Cowper’s)
glands
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Hymen
• A thin cresentic fold of tissue or thin
fold of mucous membrane that
covers all or part of the entrance to
the vagina
• After its rupture, usually following
the first sexual intercourse, only
remnants of the hymen remain.
• Sometimes the hymen completely
covers the orifice, a condition
called imperforated hymen.
• Surgery may be needed to open
the orifice and permit the
discharge of menstrual flow.
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Perineum
• Is the diamond-shaped area medial to the thighs and buttocks of both
males and females.
• It contains the external genitals and anus.
• The perineum is bounded anteriorly by the pubic symphysis, laterally
by the ischial tuberosities, and posteriorly by the coccyx.
• A transverse line drawn between the ischial tuberosities divides the
perineum into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the
external genitals and a posterior anal triangle that contains the anus.
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Bony land mark of perineum
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Episiotomy
• During childbirth, the emerging fetus stretches the perineal
region.
• To prevent excessive stretching and even tearing of this
region, a physician sometimes performs an episiotomy
episi- vulva or pubic region; -otomy incision), a perineal
cut made with surgical scissors.
• The cut may be made along the midline or at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees to the midline.
• The incision is closed in layers with sutures that are
absorbed within a few weeks.
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