Gametogenesis and

reproductive cycles
C J Jacobs
GJ Roode

Acknowledgment for sources used:

• Embryology for the Health Science Student 1st Ed.
CJ Jacobs, LM Greyling & JH Meiring. JH Meiring 2006
• Langman’s Medical Embryology 12th Ed Sadler.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkens 2013
• Atlas of Human Anatomy Netter FH Springer Verlag, Novartis
• The Developing Human - Clinically Oriented Embryology

5th Ed Moore and Persaud. W.B. Saunders Company 1993

• Essentials of Human Embryology KL Moore The C.V . Mosby Company 1988
 Topics
 Terminology : embryological terms p29
 Male and female genitalia : structures
: route of sperm
 Gametogenesis: sperm and secondary oocyte
 Reproductive cycles : ovarial and endometrial cycles
 Spermatogenesis
 Spermiogenesis
 Comparison between a sperm (spermatozoon) and an ovum
 Structure of a spermatozoon
 Outcomes Study guide p29

Introduction to embryology

- Give a brief description of the male and female reproductive systems.

Route that sperm follows
Know and describe structures that produce secretions
- What is seminal fluid

- Annotate sketches of both male and female reproductive systems.

- Label applicable diagrams.

 Netter
Atlas

rectum

seminal
vesicle
urine bladder

ductus deferens
penis
epididymis
testis
scrotum
 Netter
Atlas

Seminiferous tubules
Spermatogonia
are imbedded
in the walls of
the tubules. As
they mature
they move into
the lumen of
the tubules.
Leydig cells in
the walls of the
tubules produce
testosterone
 Testis and epididymis Netter
Atlas
ductus
deferens Epididymis has a
storage function

efferent ductules
head

septa

body

tail lobules
Ductus deferens or vas deferens
Netter
Atlas

seminal
vesicle
urine bladder

The ductus deferens courses

superficially to the pubic bone
penis and pierces the abdominal
wall to run to the ejaculatory
duct at the back of the
scrotum
bladder.
 Netter
Atlas

bladder

ureter

ductus
deferens
seminal
vesicle

prostate

bulbo-urethral
glands
 Netter
Atlas

bladder

Prostate
Ejaculatory
Prostatic urethra
duct

Membranous urethra (misnomer)

penis

Bulbo-urethral gland
spongiose urethra
 Male Genitalia
Site of spermatogenesis in walls of seminiferous tubules
• Sites of spermiogenesis in lumen of tubules
• Route of spermatozoa
• Glands which contribute to the seminal fluid

Epididymis
- Head Storage chamber for the
- Corpus
spermatozoa
- Tail
On route: - ductus deferens > propel function
- ejaculatory tube > misnomer
- Urethra: prostatic, membranous and spongious urethra.

Seminal fluid : 3,5 ml contains >

10 % = spermatozoa 350 million sperms
90 % is from epididymi, seminal vesicles, prostate
and bulbo-urethral glands
 Netter
Atlas

ovarium

uterus pelvis
bladder (internal
rectum genitalia)
vagina

vulva perineum
 The Ovarium

Primordial follicles

mature follicle

Corpus
albicans
Netter
ovulation Atlas
Corpus luteum
The uterine tube (Fallopius tube or oviduct)

Netter
Atlas
Ampulla
Intramural part Isthmus

Ovarium ovum
fimbria
Infundibulum
with abdominal
ostium of tube
What prevent water etc.
from entering abdomen ??
 The uterus

Normal Uterine tube

fundus
implantation
site

corpus
isthmus ovarium
Netter
Internal os Atlas
cervix
external os
Fornix of
vagina
The endometrium of the uterus Langman p44
 The external os (orifice) of the cervix
 Shape of external os after multiple pregnancies.
 Measuring of dilation of external os during delivery
Appearance of the
Appearance of the cervix Appearance of the cervix
cervix of a nullipara or
of a nullipara of a multipara
from one who had
only one birth

Parous: meaning “bearing,” “producing”

 Netter Atlas
The broad ligament

Visceral
peritoneum
covering the
organs

The broad ligament: Double

The posterior face of
layer of peritoneum covering
the ovarium, directed
the uterus, its tube and the
towards the abdominal
ovarium.
cavity, is not covered
by peritoneum
Ectopic pregnancies Langman 48
Douglas peritoneal pouch Similar to Langman p49
Douglas
(Rectouterine recess) pouch
A misdirected
instrument
may puncture
fornix of
vagina and
enter the
peritoneal
cavity carrying
with it
bacteria.
sepsis
of the
peritoneal
cavity.
 Summary of Female Genitalia
Peritoneum
- forms the broad ligament
- exposed part of ovarial surface face the peritoneal
cavity - stray ova may lead to ectopic pregnancies
- Pouch of Douglas ( Recto-uterine cavity) NB> Via fornix of
vagina easy access to Pouch of Douglas. Back
. street abortions

Ovary : Role in gametogenesis

Uterus - Fundus
Role of endometrium in
- Corpus
menstrual cycle
- Cervix

Uterine tube - Intramural part Role of inflammation

- Isthmus + ampulla and scar formation in
- Infundibulum infertility
- Abdominal ostium
Route 1. Seminiferous tubules of testis Division of cells
2. Epididymus
3. - head Secretions for nutrition
that 4. - body Storage
5. - tail
sperm 6. Ductus deferens
7. Ejaculatory duct Seminal vesicle secretions
8. Urethra Propulsion
follows
uterus
9. – prosthatic part Secretions from prostate
bladder
10. - Membranous part Secretions from Bulbo-
11.
rectum - Spongiose part, urethral glands
(Penile part or pendulous part)
vagina
12. Vagina Role of secretions in
vulva
13. Uterus female tract on sperm
14. - Cervix = capacitation – be
15. - Body able to fertilize
16. – Uterine tube
17. - Isthmus Propulsion
18. - Body
19. - Ampulla Fertilization
Gametogenesis Langman p 10, Jacobs et al p 6

Definition of gametogenesis

Gametogenesis is the maturation process that germ cells undergo

to form male and female gametes in preparation for fertilization.

Gametogenesis in the male is known as spermatogenesis and

produces spermatozoa and

Gametogenesis in the female is known as oogenesis and produces

oocytes.

Maturation changes occur in both the chromosomes and the

cytoplasm.
 Outcomes Study guide p 30

Gametogenesis

- Describe the reasons for the changes in the

primordial cells during maturation.

-Describe, or illustrate by means of a schematic

representation, the changes in the primordial
germ cells, under the following headings:

[i] chromosomal changes

[ii] morphological changes

- Label applicable diagrams.

GAMETOGENESIS Langman p 10 & 21, Jacobs et al p 6

Maturation changes occur in both the chromosomes and the cytoplasm.

The purpose of these changes

To half the number of chromosomes in the germ cell:

The gamete contains only half the number of chromosomes, i.e. 23 instead of 46.
Reason: After conception the normal number of chromosomes, namely 46, will
be restored.

To change the cytoplasm of the germ cell, to change the shape of the gamete:

In the ovum: The oocyte keeps all of its cytoplasm and thus contains enough
nutrients for the zygote. ADD ZONA PELLUCIDA

In the sperm: Loss of its cytoplasm makes it smaller. The cell develops a head,
neck and tail, as well as an acrosome. These changes promote movement and
give the sperm the ability to penetrate the ovum and fertilize it.
Primordial germ cells or Precursur germ cells
Langman p 10, Jacobs et al p 6 Mr C J Jacobs
Once upon a time ……
when a person was of
only 4 weeks post
fertilization age, it was
programmed for his /
her primordial germ
cells to start migrating
from his / her yolk sac
to his / her asexual
gonads where the cells
arrived in the 5th week.
Thus: asexual gonad
will become:
Genetic male > testis
Gen. female > ovarium
 Gametogenesis Langman p 10 -26, Jacobs et al p6 -10
Germ cells Female: oogenesis Ovum
Maturation process
Male: spermatogenesis spermatozoon
Ready for fertilization

Germ cells Precursors of gametes:

become: spermatogonia spermatozoa

oogonia ovum
Purpose of maturation changes: (Gametogenesis)
1. To half the number of chromosomes : haploid, 23
After conception it will be restored: diploid, 46
2. Changes to cytoplasm
Oocyte: Retain cytoplasm after meiotic divisions
>> Large quantity of cytoplasm : for nutrition. Zona pellucida
Sperm: Loose cytoplasm and acquire tail
>> Changes promotes movement , penetration
Oogenesis Langman p 21-23, Jacobs etal p6-11
Oogonia
Prenatal oogenesis ( before birth )
Maturation process
Postnatal oogenesis ( after birth)
Ovum: Ready for fertilization
( Ovum = secondary oocyte plus “extras”

Prenatal development
• migration of germ cells
Yolksac asexual gonad
Ovarium ( Genetic female embryo )
Oogonia mitosis “egg nests”
5th month ~ 7,000,000
•differentiate Degeneration of oogonia
•Primary oocytes and some primary oocytes

Primordial follicles Perhaps reason: Down

1. arrested in a resting stage syndrome
during prophase. Birth: 700,000, Puberty:40,000
Oogenesis Langman p 29, Jacobs et al p 6
Oogonia
Prenatal oogenesis ( before birth )
Maturation process
Postnatal oogenesis ( after birth)
Ovum: Ready for fertilization

Postnatal development
• what is the situation at birth?
Primary oocytes

Primordial follicles Birth: 700,000

1. arrested in a resting stage during prophase.

From puberty onwards……. Puberty:40,000

Actually from an ovarian cycle onwards when a follicle is
called upon to develop further
Perhaps 40 years later at an age of 50+
Ovarian Langman p21, 29 & 40
Jacobs p 7 & 10
cycle
 Maturation of a primordial follicle
leads to a mature Graaf follicle

At the beginning of Langman p 21 & 29, Jacobs et al p7 & 10

each ovarian cycle….

Seminal
vesicle
prostate
Ovulation Langman p31- 35, Jacobs et al p 7 & 10

After ovulation remnants of the Graaf follicle forms

a hormonal gland namely the corpus luteum
bladder

Seminal
vesicle
prostate
 Mature Graaf follicle Langman p 31, Jacobs et al p7

Liquor folliculi
Liquor folliculi
Theca externa
bladder

Stratum granulosum
Theca interna
Seminal
vesicle
prostate oophorus
Cumulus

Oocyte

Nucleus
 Summary: Oogenesis
• Postnatal development
Primordial follicle
Ovum = secondary oocyte plus zona pelucida & corona radiata
With the onset of each ovarian cycle:
5 -15 primordial follicles start to develop further. Normally only one
persist.
Primary follicle
1. Pr. oocyte secretes zona pellucida around it self
2. Follicular cells proliferate stratum granulosum
3. Spaces unite to form follicular antrum, filled with fluid
4. Cumulus oophorus can be found around oocyte ( Corona radiata )
5. Inner layer of cells namely theca interna layer secretes oestrogen
6. Outer layer of cells : theca externa is a layer of connective tissue
7. Complete meiosis I Sec. Oocyte plus first polar body
8. Before ovulation secondary oocyte enters meiosis II
Meiosis II is completed only if fertilization takes place
9. Hormonal surge, more fluid increased pressure in anthrum
10. Mature Graaf follicle
 Langman p 39- 41,
Jacobs et al p10 & 11

bladder

Endometrial
Seminal
cycle vesicle
prostate
Reproductive cycle Langman p 44&45, Jacobs etal p11
Endometrial cycle: (Menstrual cycle)

• Proliferative phase
• Day 6 - 14,
• (Follicular phase)
• Estrogen
• Rebuild of layers
• Day 15 - 28
• Secretory phase
• (Progestational ) • Estrogen and progesteron
• New characteristics
• Day 1 - 6
• Menstrual phase
• Lack of hormones
• Break down, except…...
• Gravid phase -- Corpus luteum of pregnancy
hCG - circulating hormone prevents break down of endometrium
Reproductive cycles Langman p 29 & 39, Jacobs et al p10
• cycles occur only in females: Ovarian and Endometrial cycles
- two cycles occur simultaneously
- phases of two cycles correlate with each other
- influenced by hormones:
- FSH, Follicle stimulating hormone
- LH, Luteinizing hormone
- ESTROGEN, - PROGESTERON, - hCG ( chorionic gonadotropin)
Ovarian cycle:
• Maturation of the Graaf follicle
 Ovulation • takes place 14 th day before end of ovarian cycle

• it is a release mechanism to shed secondary oocyte

• Corpus luteum Endocrine gland - Progesterone
• Corpus luteum of Pregnancy : hCG - circulating
• Corpus albicans : white scar
Spermatogenesis Langman p 24, Jacobs et al p 9

•Germ cells
 4 th week post conception migrate to the testis (Genetic male)
 Primordial germ cells remain dormant until puberty
 From puberty: differentiate into spermatogonia

From Puberty onwards No cycles

Spermatozoa takes 64 – 74 days to maturate, millions are formed continuously
•Testis cords 4th
acquire week
lumen seminiferous tubules
• Spermatogonia Type A spermatogonia (Stem cells)
Corona radiata
Type B Primary
Puberty / needspermatocytes
to be used
meiosis I
Sec. Oocyte plus first polar body
2 secondary spermatocytes
meiosis II
4 spermatids 1:4
 Langman p 26,
Spermiogenesis (Metamorphosis) Jacobs et al p 9

Large
immobile
cell in lumen

Mobile
spermatozoon
stored in epididymis

- Number of viable sperms varies

> some abnormal
- Temperature dependant
 Jacobs etal p 9
Comparison between a sperm (spermatozoon) and an ovum:

Sperm Ovum

Size Microscopically small Relative large

Motility Highly motile NO motility

Cytoplasm Very little Rich in cytoplasm and glycogen

Chromosomes 22 + X ór 22 + Y 22 + X (haploid)
(haploid)

Duration of From puberty for rest Starts before birth. From puberty
formation of life mature ova are released on a cyclic
basis up to menopause.
Infertility
Where can one look for the cause?
Genitalia ?
Obstruction in Fallopian tube due to inflammation
Bypass the problem by in vitro fertilization and embryo
transfer procedures (Before we are born fig 3-3 )
Gametes ?
Abnormal sperm
Bypass problem by using micro techniques to harvest
sperm directly from testis
Behaviour ?
Counselling
The end