Anatomy and Physiology

of the Male Reproductive

System

Male reproductive system

Testes produce sperm and are essential

Scrotum
Epididymis
Vas deferens
Seminal vesicles
Ejaculatory ducts
Prostate Gland
Urethra
Penis

Testes
Ovoid glands that are suspended in
the scrotum
Attached to scrotal tissue and
spermatic cords
Consist of many lobules (250-300
in each testis)
Each lobule contains:
Seminiferous Tubules for
spermatogenesis
Interstitial cells of Leydig
secrete testosterone.

that

 The testes are each

surrounded by two
protective coats (or
tunics):
Tunica Vaginalis (outer
Layer) extension of
peritoneum
Tunica Albuginea (Inner
Layer) extends between
each of the lobules

 Sperm produced in the

testes leave via the
tubulus rectus that
conveys them to a
network of tubules on
one side of each testis
called the rete testis
From here the sperm
are carried via efferent
ducts to the
epididymis.

2. Scrotum
This literally means "pouch" or "sac"
It is a pouch of skin that is incompletely
divided into left and right halves.
Each half houses one testis.
The appearance of the scrotum changes with
temperature.
Eg. Cold (or sexual arousal) it appears shorter and
quite wrinkled, because it is pulled closer to the
body for warmth.
Eg. Heat, the skin is flaccid (loose) and the testes
hang lower in the scrotum to keep them cool.

 The movement of the scrotum and testes helps to maintain intra

scrotal and hence testicular temperature constant @ 93
Movement of the scrotum is achieved by two groups of muscles:
Dartos Muscle which is a smooth muscle and causes shrinking of
the scrotum
Cremaster Muscle with is skeletal muscle and it elevates the
testes. It is attached to the internal oblique muscle of the trunk

3. Epididymis

Highly folded duct approx

6m long, for the passage
of sperm from the testis to
the vas deferens.
Sperm may be stored in
the epididymis from 18 hrs
- 20 days.
During this time the sperm
mature, including
becoming motile, so they
can fertilize an ovum.

Epididymis is
shaped like a
comma

4. Vas deferens
Short, fairly straight tube approx
45 cm long.
Ascends from the scrotum into
the abdomen and passes over
the bladder.
Vas deferens stores the sperm.
sperm are mature & motile
the local accumulation of CO2
from the normal metabolism of
the sperm causes the pH to
become acidic.
on ejaculation, the alkaline
seminal fluid will counteract the
low pH and the sperm will
become motile again.

5. Seminal Vesicles
2 glands behind
prostate gland, size &
shape of finger,
secretes viscous fluid
= 60-70% of seminal
fluid (nourish & energize
sperm)

Also secrete fructose,

citric acid, amino
acids and
Prostaglandins.

6. Ejaculatory ducts
Short tubes that
descend through the
prostate gland and
terminate in the
urethra.
Formed by the union
of the vas deferens
and seminal vesicle
ducts

7. Prostate gland

Chestnut-sized gland below

bladder.
Secretes a thin liquid that is
milky, alkaline and
constitutes 30% of the
seminal fluid volume
Provides lubrication during
coitus

8. Cowpers Glands

below prostate, 2 pea-sized

glands connect to urethra by
ducts;
secrete thick, clear mucus
before ejaculation (at tip of
penis)
alkaline to protect sperm
from acidic vagina.
Fluid has sperm! (Sperm in
urethra)

8. Urethra
Tube 18-20 cm long.
Conveys urine and
sperm (at different
times).
Three regions of
urethra
Contains glands which
secrete mucus to aid
lubrication during
intercourse.

9. Penis
Contains 3 compartments of erectile tissue which are covered
by
a loose layer of skin.
Two "corpora cavernosa"
One "corpus spongiosum" which lies ventrally in the penis and houses the
spongy urethra. Expands at the end of the penis into the "glans penis".
When aroused, inc. blood into penis, these compartments fill and expand
Leads to erect penis compression of vessels prevents blood flow out.

A penis, with foreskin retracted

9. Penis continued
Erectile tissue is sponge-like containing venous sinuses
surrounded by arteries and veins.
Upon sexual stimulation, the arteries dilate and the
spaces (or caverns) fill with blood. As they fill, the
erectile tissue becomes rigid and the penis becomes
erect.
Two main functions of the penis:
Removal of urine via the urethra
Receipt and ejection of sperm and seminal fluid
during copulation, again via the urethra.

 Factors effecting size:

heredity, vasocongestion, cold air or water,
fear, anxiety (penis draws closer to body & smaller size)

Erection urethra/urinary duct closes so

semen passes through (ejaculation)
Erection not always because of sexual
excitement
REM sleep (dreaming)

The Ejaculate
Ejaculate volume is about 3 ml and ranges
from 2 to 6 ml.
pH is 7.5, slightly basic to neutralize the
acidity of the urethra and the vagina
Of the 3 ml of an ejaculate
About 0.2 ml, originates from the Cowper's
gland
About 0.5 ml from the prostate gland
about 2 ml is secreted from the seminal
vesicles

Reproductive Process
Semen production

Seminal Fluid - ejaculated liquid with sperm

Function: nourish sperm, hospitable environment,
transportation of sperm

Semen is combo of:

seminal vesicle fld., prostate gland fld., sperm mixed in the

urethra during ejaculation.

Is thick & sticky

Keeps the sperm together during transport then
liquefies so sperm can swim out.
Color varies: opalescent (milky white), yellowish or
grayish as ejaculate, then becomes clear as it liquefies.
1 tsp. (2-6 Milliliters) semen ejaculated = 200>500
million sperm

Review: Journey of the

Sperm

interstitial
cells

testosterone

sperm
production
inthe
semini
ferous
tubules

sperm
storage
inthe
Epididy
mis

transport
inthe
vas
deferens

ampulla
storage

ejaculatory
duct

fluidfrom
the
seminal
vesicles

fluidfrom
the
prostate
gland

cowpers
gland

Spinal reflex
triggers nerve
impulses to
ducts, glands,
muscles of
reproductive
system.

ejaculation

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Internal

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina

External genitalia performing a variety of secretory functions

Bartholin's glands
Skenes glands

Mammary glands
Menstrual cycle

1. Ovaries

Female Reproductive
System

The female gonads or sex glands

2 almond sized glands, either side of
uterus
They develop & expel 1 ovum/mth
A woman is born with about
400,000 immature eggs called
follicles
During a lifetime a woman releases
about 400 to 500 fully matured eggs
for fertilization
The follicles in the ovaries produce
the female sex hormones,
progesterone and estrogen
These hormones prepare the uterus
for implantation of the fertilized egg

1. Ovaries

Each ovary is held in place by 3 ligaments:

Broad ligament: suspends ovaries between the uterus & pelvic wall
Ovarian ligament: attaches ovaries to the uterus
Suspensory ligament: attaches ovaries to the pelvic wall

 These ligaments work with the Round and Uterosacral

ligaments to suspend female reproductive system in the lower
abdomen
Significantly different from males where all structures hang

1. Ovaries

Each ovary is covered by 3 layers of epithelial cells each

with different functions:

Nurture developing follicles, secrete hormones, blood vessels

and muscles.

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries: Internal Structure
The ovary contains many sac-like structures called ovarian
follicles
Follicle consists of an immature egg (oocyte) surrounded by
several follicle cells named according to its stage of
development.
Follicle cells support/nourish ova, secrete estrogen.
Primary Follicle - one layer of follicle cells around ovum
Growing Follicle - >1 layer of follicle cells around ovum
Graafian Follicle - mature oocyte, follicle cells have a fluid filled space
between them
Corpus Luteum - follicle cells left behind after the ovum has ruptured
at ovulation (makes progesterone)

Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Fallopian Tubes
Tubes approx. 10 cm long, 1 cm diameter
Receive ruptured oocyte from ovary
Fallopian tubes are NOT in direct contact with
ovaries
When an oocyte is released from the ovary it moves
into the peritoneal cavity. It must reach the mouth of
the fallopian tube to be fertilized.

Female Reproductive System

At ovulation, a current
draws the oocyte into the
fallopian tube.
Finger-like projections
called fimbriae

Infundibulum:
funnel-like structure

Narrows into the ampulla

Constricts further into
isthmus as it enters uterus

Female Reproductive System

Fallopian Tubes
Provide site for fertilization by sperm, usually
upper end
10-11 days for the zygote to drift down the tube
Wall of the Fallopian Tubes
lined with longitudinal and circular smooth muscle
move oocyte toward uterus
some areas are ciliated
secrete nutritive substances to nourish oocyte

Female Reproductive System

Tubal ligation, commonly knows as "getting your
tubes tied," is a surgical sterilization technique for
women.
This procedure closes the fallopian tubes, and stops the
egg from traveling to the uterus from the ovary.
It also prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tube
to fertilize an egg.
In a tubal ligation, fallopian tubes are cut, burned, or
blocked with rings, bands or clips.
The surgery is effective immediately.
Over 98% effective as birth control.
They do not protect against reproductive tract infections,
including HIV/AIDS.

Female Reproductive System

Uterus
Hollow, thick-walled organ womb
Receives, retains and nourishes the fertilized
egg
Before first pregnancy it is the size and shape of
a pear
after first child remains a bit larger

Female Reproductive System

Uterus consists of:

Isthmus - slightly narrower region between the body and cervix
Fundus - rounded region superior to entrance of fallopian tubes
Body - major hollow part of the uterus
Cervix - neck or narrow outlet of the uterus: projects into the vagina

Female Reproductive System

Wall of the Uterus
The uterine wall is highly muscular and consists of 3
layers:
Perimetrium - outermost layer (think of perimeter)
Myometrium - thick smooth muscle layer, contracts in
childbirth
Endometrium - mucosal lining, site of implantation for
embryo

The endometrium receives a rich blood supply from a

complex network in the myometrium so that it can
respond to hormonal changes in the blood
Eg. Pregnancy, stages of menstrual cycle

Female Reproductive System

Broad ligament helps keep the uterus and fallopian tubes in place.

Female Reproductive
System
Cervix
The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina
The cervical opening to the vagina is small
This acts as a safety precaution against foreign bodies
entering the uterus

During childbirth, the cervix dilates to accommodate

the passage of the fetus
This dilation is a sign that labor has begun

Female Reproductive System

Vagina
Thin-walled, fibromuscular tube, 8-10 cm long
Lies between the bladder and rectum
Extends from cervix of uterus to exterior of body
Birth canal (and passage for menses)
Female copulatory organ
Vaginal mucosa has NO glands
With the help of two Bartholins glands (outside vagina)
becomes lubricated during SI

Female Reproductive System

Vagina
pH of the vagina in menarchal (reproductive)
women is acidic
Maintained by glycogen stores that are used by
resident normal Flora
Keeps vagina healthy parasite free
Low pH is hostile to sperm

High pH of seminal secretions aid to neutralize

the acidic pH of the vagina and enhance
survival of sperm.

Female Reproductive System

Fornix at proximal end (meets cervix of uterus) there
is a fold - this is a potential site for infection in the
female reproductive tract.

Female Reproductive System

Hymen at distal end
(external opening) there
may be an extension of
the mucosa partly or
completely covering the
vaginal orifice
highly vascular and often
bleeds after first sexual
intercourse as it is ruptured

Female Reproductive System

External Genitalia,
collectively called the
Vulva:
Mons Pubis
fatty, rounded area over
the pubic area
During adolescence sex
hormones trigger the
growth of pubic hair on
the mons pubis

Female Reproductive System

Labia Majora
2 fatty skin folds that are
homologous with the male
scrotum
Outer lips darker
pigmentation
Protective covering
Are covered with hair and
sebaceous glands
Become flaccid with age and
after childbirth
Swell during intercourse

Female Reproductive System

Labia Minora
Inner lips
smaller folds covered with
mucosa and richly supplied with
sebaceous glands
Made up of erectile, connective
tissue that darkens and swells
during sexual arousal
Located inside the labia majora
They are more sensitive and
responsive to touch than the
labia majora
The labia minora tightens
during intercourse

Female Reproductive System

Clitoris
Contains erectile cavernous
tissue like the penis
Richly supplied with nerves,
and so is one of the most
sensitive areas for women
Engorges with blood upon
sexual arousal
Housed in a hood of tissue
(prepuce) formed by the
junction of labia minora
Highly sensitive organ
composed of nerves, blood
vessels, and erectile tissue
Key to sexual pleasure for most
women

Female Reproductive System

Urethra
Opening located directly
below clitoris
Passage of urine

Vaginal Opening
Opening may be covered by a
thin sheath called the hymen
Using the presence of an
intact hymen for determining
virginity is erroneous
Some women are born
without a hymen
The hymen can be perforated
by many different events

Female Reproductive System

Vestibular Glands
Greater vestibular
(Bartholin's)
2, posterior, mucous
secreting, can plug and
make cysts, reservoir
for VD

Lesser vestibular
(Skene's)
2, anterior to opening
of the vagina, mucous
producing

Female Reproductive System

Perineum
The muscle and tissue located between the vaginal
opening and anal canal
It supports and surrounds the lower parts of the
urinary and digestive tracts
The perinium contains an abundance of nerve endings
that make it sensitive to touch
An episiotomy is an incision of the perinium used
during childbirth for widening the vaginal opening

Female Reproductive System

Mammary Glands
Present in both sexes but only become functional in women
Only of importance functionally after childbirth to produce
milk for feeding the baby

Each mammary gland is contained within a rounded,

skin- covered breast
In the centre of each breast is a slightly hollowed area,
darker than skin, called the areola, surrounds the
central nipple
In the areola there are large sebaceous glands that give it a
lumpy texture and appearance.
Both the areola and nipple are innervated by the autonomic
nervous system and become erect by tactile and sexual
stimuli (also cold temperatures)

Female Reproductive System

Mammary Glands: Internal Structure
Each mammary gland is made up or 15-25 lobes that
radiate around the nipple
Each lobule is connected by lactiferous ducts that open
into the nipples (gets milk to nipple)
Lobes contain
Alveolar Glands produce milk during lactation

Lobes are separated by connective tissue and fat

There are suspensory ligaments in the connective tissue
that attach the breasts to the pectoral muscles of the
chest

Reproduction and the Menstrual

Cycle

Reproduction and the

Menstrual Cycle
Structures involved

Hypothalamus
Pituitary (anterior lobe) [secretes FSH & LH]
Ovary [estrogen, progesterone]
Uterine lining

The average cycle is 28 days in length

(range 24-35)
Feedback loop of hormones

SEX HORMONES
HORMONES PRODUCED IN THE PITUITARY
GLAND
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone

LH
Luteinizing hormone - signals ovulation

HORMONES PRODUCED BY THE FOLLICLES

IN THE OVARIES
Estrogen- produced throughout the menstrual cycle
Progesterone-produced during second half of cycle
Contributes to thickening of the endometrium which is shed during
menstrual phase if fertilization does not take place

Reproduction and the

Menstrual Cycle
2 main phases: follicular and luteal phase each 14 days
Follicular phase (14 days)
Includes menstrual flow phase (5 days)
Loss of 25-65 ml of blood average

Hypothalamus triggers pituitary to secrete FSH

Causes the follicle to develop
As follicle develops, starts to produce estrogen

Estrogen has three important effects:

Inhibits FSH production
weve got a follicle and dont need to produce another one now

causes the endometrium lining to build up

Causes the pituitary to secret LH

LH surge causes ovulation: marks end of the follicular phase

Reproduction and the

Menstrual Cycle
As FSH declines, causes the increase in secretion of LH
(Luteinizing hormone).
Spike in LH causes ovulation to occur

After ovulation, in luteal phase

After ovulation the follicle is called a corpus luteum
Corpus luteum makes progesterone.
Progesterone:
inhibits pituitary manufacture of LH (and FSH)
Weve got successful ovulation, dont need anymore

LH surge (due to
low FSH) triggers
ovulation

Estrogen (ovary)
inhibits FSH
production

Follicle develops

Corpus luteum
makes progesterone,
inhibits FSH, LH

As E & P decrease,
inhibition of FSH
declines

Progesterone &
estrogen rise if
embryo implants

Reproduction and the

Menstrual Cycle
The egg cell is fertile for about 48 hours
after ovulation
In general, fertilization occurs 14th and 15 th
days.
Sperm cells are fertile in the reproductive
tubes for about 48 hours.

Reproduction and the

Menstrual Cycle
If pregnancy occurs
Estrogen and progesterone stay high
FSH and LH stay low, the endometrium
continues to grow
Corpus luteum grows and dominates the ovary
Most birth control pills contain the combination of
the hormones estrogen and progesterone to
prevent ovulation: inhibits FSH and LH