STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

OF THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM

MAGGIE T. GUZMAN RN, LPT

BIO2 TEACHER
Reproductive Systems
 External and internal parts
 2 Main purposes – produce offspring & allow for
sexual intimacy and fulfillment
 Secondary function
 Provide a conduit for urinary elimination
 Most structures paired (e.g., testes, ovaries,
labia majora, labia minora)
 Male and female systems complementary
(ex.: testes & ovaries, scrotum & labia
majora,
glans penis & clitoris)
 Male Reproductive System

 Testes produce gametes (sperm)

 Contains one half of genetic material needed to produce
human baby
 Urinary tract and reproductive system closely connected
Male Reproductive Anatomy
Male External Genitalia
 Penis
 Composed of a bulbous head, called the glans
penis or glans, and a shaft
 Serves a dual role as the male organ of
reproduction and as the external organ of
urinary elimination
 Scrotum
 An external sac that houses the testes in two
internal compartments
 Protects the testes from trauma and regulates
the temperature within the testes
Male Internal Reproductive Organs
 Testes
 Two oval organs, one within each scrotal sac
 Produce male sex hormones (androgens) or
testosterone and form mature spermatozoa
 It is where the sperms are produced
 Ductal system (vas deferens)
 The muscular tube in which sperm passes through
from the testis before it joins the urethra
 Involved in the formation of nutrient plasma
-enhancement of sperm motility
-nourishment of sperm
-protection of sperm (i.e.: the acidic environment
of vagina)
Male Internal Reproductive Organs
(cont.)
 Accessory glands and semen
 Seminal vesicles
 Paired glands that empty an alkaline, fructose-rich
fluid into the ejaculatory ducts during ejaculation
 Prostate-muscular gland that surrounds the first
part of the urethra as it exits the urinary
bladder (approx. size of chestnut)
- secretes fluid that also provides alkalinity to
the semen; it contains proteolytic enzymes, citric
acid. Phosphotases and lipids
 Cowper’s-(bulbourethral) glands-secretes an
alkaline fluid that coats the last part of the urethra
during ejaculation
 Semen-(alkaline fluids and sperm combination)
 Sperm’s Journey through Male Reproductive
Tract
 Formation-sperm produced in seminiferous tubules of testes
 Maturation-the sperm then move through a maze of tiny ducts
into
the epididymus where they mature
 Path into the abdominal cavity-the sperm eventually drain into
the vas deferens that travels up through the scrotum
inside the spermatic cord
 The vas deferens continues upward to the bladder where
it is joined by the excretory duct of the seminal vesicle,
forming the ejaculatory duct (connecting duct)
 Ejaculatory duct joins with urethra within the prostate
 Urethra extends to the tip of penis-path out of the
man‘s body
Female Reproductive System
 Composition
 Theexternal genitalia (vulva) and internal
reproductive organs
 Functions
 Allow for sexual intimacy and fulfillment
 Produce children through the processes of
conception, pregnancy, and childbirth
Female External Reproductive Anatomy
External Genitalia of the Female
Reproductive System

 Mons pubis
 Located atop symphysis pubis
 Labia majora
 Pairedfatty tissue folds
 Extends from mons pubis to true perineum

 Labia minora
 Paired erectile tissue folds
External Genitalia of the Female
Reproductive System (Cont.)
 Clitoris
 Hooded body composed of erectile tissue
 Prepuce is the hooded structure over the clitoris

 Vestibule
 Area between the labia minora
 Location of urethral meatus

 Perineum
 Band of fibrous, muscular tissue
 Question
Indicate whether the statement below is true or false.

The Cowper’s glands, the seminal vesicles, and the

prostate gland are considered the accessory glands
of the internal portion of the male reproductive
system.
 Answer
True

Rationale: The seminal vesicles, the prostate gland,

and the bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands are
considered accessory glands of the male internal
reproductive system.
Female Internal Reproductive Anatomy
Anterior View-Female Reproductive Anatomy
Internal Reproductive Organs

 Vagina (birth canal)

 A muscular tube that leads from the vulva to the uterus
 Fornices
 The main entrance to the female reproductive tract; it
receives the penis during sexual intercourse
 Uterus (womb)
 A hollow, pear-shaped, muscular structure
 Functions
 Prepare for pregnancy each month
 Protect and nourish the growing child
 It is where the embryo develops; with thick muscular walls, blood
vessels and the endometrial lining
Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)

 Uterus (womb) (cont.)

 Four sections
 Cervix
‒ Connects the vagina and uterus
‒ Outer os
‒ Where the vagina ends
Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)

 Uterus (womb) (cont.)

 Four sections (cont.)
 Uterine isthmus
‒ Connects the cervix to the main body of the
uterus
‒ Thinnest portion of the uterus, and does not
participate in the muscular contractions of
labor
‒ Most likely to rupture during childbirth
Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)
 Uterus (womb) (cont.)
 Four sections (cont.)
 Corpus
‒ Main body of the uterus
 Fundus
‒ Topmost section of the uterus
Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)
 Uterus (womb) (cont.)
 Walls of the corpus and fundus have three layers
 Perimetrium-tough outer layer of connective
tissue (supports the uterus)
 Myometrium-muscular layer responsible for
contractions of labor
 Endometrium-vascular mucosal inner layer;
changes under hormonal influence every
month; prepares for possible conception and
pregnancy
Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)
 Paired fallopian tubes (OVIDUCTS)
 Tiny, muscular corridors 8-14 cm long
 3 sections
 It is where fertilization takes place
 Isthmus-neck or narrow section (medial third of the
tube, connects to the uterus)
 Ampulla-middle portion of the tube (most frequent
site for fertilization)
 Infundibulum-outer portion that opens into the lower
abdominal cavity; at the outer edges are fimbriae
(responsible for attracting the egg toward the tube)
 Internal Reproductive Organs (cont.)
 Ovaries
 Two sex glands homologous to the male testes;
located on either side of the uterus
 Functions
 Produce the female hormones estrogen (FSH) and
progesterone (LH)
 Store ova and help them mature
 Regulate the menstrual cycle in response to
anterior pituitary hormones (Follicle stimulating
hormone, Leutinizing hormone)
 Question
Which portion of the uterus is most likely to rupture
during childbirth?

a. Cervix
b. Isthmus
c. Corpus
d. Fundus
 Answer
b. Isthmus

Rationale: The uterine isthmus is the thinnest portion of

the uterus and does not participate in the muscular
contractions of labor. Because the tissue is so thin,
the isthmus is the area that is most likely to rupture
during childbirth.
Regulation of Reproductive Function
 Puberty
 The time of life in which an individual becomes
capable of sexual reproduction
 Occurs between 10 and 14 years of age

 Development of secondary sex characteristics

 Menarche
Reproductive Hormone Production and
Function
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle
 Recurring changes that take place in a woman’s
reproductive tract associated with menstruation and
the events that surround menstruation
 Menstruation
‒ The casting away of blood, tissue, and debris
from the uterus as the inner lining sheds
‒ Flow lasts 4 to 6 days
‒ Can contribute to low iron stores and anemia
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Encompasses the events that transpire in a woman’s
reproductive organs between the beginnings of two
menstrual periods
 Ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle
a. Ovarian cycle
 follicular phase
 Luteal phase
b. Uterine cycle
 Menstrual phase
 Proliferative phase
 Secretory phase
 Menstrual Cycle (cont.)
PHASES IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

A. Follicular phase
B. Luteal phase
C. Menstrual phase
D. Proliferative phase
E. Secretory phase

 Ovarian cycle
– Follicular phase
– It is marked /controlled by FSH and LH by the APG and
estrogen by the ovaries
– Encompasses days 1-14 of a 28-day cycle
– Ovulation
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual Cycle (cont.)
 Ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle (cont.)
 Luteal phase
- part of the menstrual cycle of the ovary after the
oocytes are released from the follicles; the remains of
the follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which then
secretes progesterone, which stimulates the uterus to
undergo final maturation changes that prepare it for
gestation to house and nourish the embryo
 Controlled by luteinizing hormone
 Includes days 15-28
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Uterine cycle
 Refers to the changes that occur in the inner
lining of the uterus
 Four phases
– Menstrual phase
 Day 1 of the menstrual cycle: onset of
menstruation
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Uterine cycle (cont.)
 Menstrual phase (period)
– Uterine lining is shed
– Follicle begins to develop
– Ends when the menstrual period stops on
approximately day 1-5 of the cycle when
endometrium degenerates and sloughs off,
producing the menstrual discharge
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Uterine cycle (cont.)
 Proliferative phase
- Part of the menstrual cycle of the uterus;
corresponds to the latter part of the
follicular phase of the ovaries (day 8-14)
when the endometrium heals and begins
to thicken as the consequence of estrogen
secretion
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Uterine cycle (cont.)
 Secretory phase
-part of the menstrual cycle of the uterus;
corresponds to the luteal phase of the ovaries; the
endometrium undergoes final changes before it
receives the embryo during implantation
– Corpus luteum begins to produce progesterone
– Prepares for pregnancy
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Uterine cycle (cont.)
 Ischemic phase
– Days 27 and 28, estrogen and progesterone
levels fall
– Uterine lining becomes ischemic and begins to
slough
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
 Menstrual cycle (cont.)
 Cervical mucus changes
 Menstrual phase – cervix does not produce mucus
 Proliferative phase – a tacky, crumbly type of
mucus that is yellow or white
 Ovulation - distensible, stretchable quality called
spinnbarkheit
 After ovulation – mucus becomes scanty, thick,
and opaque
Regulation of Reproductive Function
(cont.)
Menopause
 Reproductive capability ends

 Ovaries cease to function

 Hormone levels fall

 Climacteric

 Usually between 47 and 55 years of age

Sexual Response Cycle (cont.)
 Four phases
 Excitement phase

 Plateau phase

 Orgasm phase

 Resolution phase
Excitement Phase of the Sexual Response
 Female
 Clitorisbecomes engorged and enlarged
 Labia majora separate; labia minora increase in size

 Uterus increases in size and begins to elevate

 Male
 Penis becomes erect
 Scrotal sac thickens

 Testicular elevation occurs

Plateau Phase of the Sexual Response

 Female
 The outer third of the vagina becomes engorged, the
clitoris retracts behind its hood, and the labia minora
deepen in color
 The uterus is fully elevated in the pelvic cavity

 Male
 The head of the penis in the male becomes further
engorged, and the testes remain engorged and
elevated
Orgasm Phase of the Sexual Response

 Female
 Theclitoris remains retracted behind the hood, and the
outer third of the vagina, rectal sphincter, and uterus
undergo rhythmic contractions
 Male
 Experiences contractions of the urethra, base of the
penis, and rectal muscles, as well as emission and
expulsion of semen
Sexual Response Cycle

 Two physiological responses

 Vasocongestion
 Occurs in the pelvic organs during sexual excitement
 Leads to erection of the penis and clitoris, vaginal
lubrication, and engorgement of the labia and
testicles
 Myotonia
 Present throughout the body
 Produces muscular contractions during orgasm
Resolution Phase of the Sexual Response

 Female
 The clitoris descends, and the labia and internal organs
return to their prearoused positions and colors
 Male
 Erectionis lost
 Testes descend

 Scrotum thins
 Question
What event marks the beginning of the plateau phase
in the sexual response cycle?

a. Engorgement of the clitoris

b. Series of muscular contractions
c. No specific event
d. Testes descend
 Answer
c. No specific event

Rationale: No set event marks the beginning of the

plateau phase.
Phases of Human Development
7 steps:
1. gametogenesis
2. fertilization
3. cleavage
4. blastulation
5. gastrulation
6. neurulation
7. organogenesis
1.Gametogenesis
 is a process by which the diploid germ cells
undergo a number of chromosomal and
morphological changes to form mature haploid
gametes.

 Animals produce gametes directly through meiosis

in organs called gonads. Males and females of a
species that reproduces sexually have different
forms of gametogenesis:
 spermatogenesis (male) in testes produce sperms.
 oogenesis (female) in Ovary produce ova.
Structure of sperm
Structure of ovum of sea urchin
2.Fertilization:
- stage of development that yields diploid gametes
- is the process whereby two sex cells (gametes) fuse together
to create a new individual with genetic potentials derived
from both parents.
 Have two separate activity:
1. Combining of genes derived from the two parents.
2. Creation of new organisms.
The first function is: Transmit genes from parents to
offspring.
The second is : initiate reactions in the egg cytoplasm that
proceed development. Also,
Restoration of the diploid number of chromosomes reduced
during meiosis.
It have 4 major steps:
1. Sperm contacts the egg
2. Sperm or its nucleus enters the egg, and
regulation of sperm entry .
3. Sperm and egg nuclei fuse
4. Egg becomes activated and developmental
changes begin
3. Cleavage
 Is the process of repeated rapid mitotic cell divisions of the
zygote (unicellular structure) to form the Blastula
(multicellular structure).
 The produced cells named Blastomeres.
 During this stage the size of the embryo does not change,
the blastomeres become smaller with each division.
 The type & pattern of cleavage differ from species to
species.
 continues divisions to form a ball of 32 cells called the
morula.
 The morula continues divisions to form the hollow blastula
with up to several hundred cells.
 The cavity of the blastula is the blastocoel.
Figure 47.8x Cleavage in a frog embryo
4. Blastulation
 The result (end period) of cleavage.
 The production of a multicellular blastula
 Blastula cells are called blastomeres.
 A cavity forms within the ball of the cells called
the blastocoel.
Blastula of frog
Sea urchin blastula
Human blastula
Starfish development, unfertilized egg. 4 blastomeres.
2 blastomeres.

Starfish development,
16 blastomeres. 32 blastomeres.
nonmotile blastula.
morula
5. Gastrulation

 The morphogenetic process called gastrulation

rearranges the cells of a blastula into a three-
layered (triploblastic) embryo, called a
gastrula, that has a primitive gut.
 It means rearrangement of blastula cells that
transforms the blastula into a gastrula.
 The blastula develops a hole in one end and
cells start to migrate into the hole; this forms
the gastrula
 Blastocoel gradually disappear and a new
cavity is formed Gastrocoel.
 The gastrula is a three-layered embryo
 The formation of three primary embryonic germ
layers
 Endoderm (inner)
 Mesoderm (middle)
 Ectoderm (outer)

 The pattern of gastrulation is affected by the amount

of yolk.
 The cells at the vegetal pole invaginate, initiating
gastrulation.
Gastrulation in a Frog Embryo
 Organogenesis
 Organogenesis is the formation of the organs
- stage of development where the different germ
layers differentiate into specific organ system
 The layers are germ layers; they have specific fates in
the developing embryo:
 Endoderm
 The innermost layer
 Goes on to form the gut
 Mesoderm
The middle layer.
Goes on to form the muscles, circulatory system, blood and
many different organs
 Ectoderm
 The outermost
 Goes on to form the skin and nervous system
 Organogenesis Begins With
Development of the Nervous System
 The nervous system is the first
organ system to develop.
 The notochord grows and
induces overlying ectoderm to
form the neural plate.

 Cells of the neural plate fold to

form the neural groove and the
surrounding neural folds fuse
to form the neural tube.

 The anterior portion forms the

brain; the rest forms the spinal
cord.
 Development of organs from three primary germ layers
 Ectoderm forms:
 skin and associated glands, nervous
system.
 Mesoderm forms:
 muscles, skeleton, gonads, excretory
system, circulatory system.
 Endoderm forms:
 lining of digestive tract, liver, pancreas,
lungs.
 DIFFERENCE OF MONOZYGOTIC
AND DIZYGOTIC TWINS
MONOZYGOTIC TWINS
(IDENTICAL)
monozygotic twins are developed
by the splitting of a fertilized
embryo into two
Cause is not known
Genetic codes are nearly identical
Gender is the same
Blood types are the same
Appearance is extremely similar
but may be affected by
environmental factors
DIZYGOTIC TWINS
( FRATERNAL)
Dizygotic twins are developed by
two separate simultaneous
fertilization events
Caused either by IVF, certain
fertility drugs or hereditary
predisposition
Genetic codes are same as any
other sibling
Gender is different
Blood types are different
Appearance is similar as any other
siblings
Development of Monozygotic and
Dizygotic Twins
The first form of life
 At conception the genetic material from each
parent is fused.

 A living cell called the zygote is formed within

hours

 The Zygote will become transformed through a process

of three stages:
1. Germinal period– The first two weeks after conception
2. Embryonic period- The 3rd to the 8th week after
conception
3. Fetal period- The ninth week after conception to birth
 Different Types Of Contraceptive Methods
And Their Effectiveness.

Contraception- it is a process that blocks any one of

the following stages of reproduction in humans
specifically in the following:
a. release and transport of gametes
b. fertilization
c. implantation
d. actual completion of the development of the
embryo or fetus
DIFFERENT METHODS:

A. Ovulation suppressing methods (HORMONAL)

- prevents the oocytes to mature
 Oral Contraceptives-(pills)
- type of contraception taken in by women to prevent them from
ovulating

 Progestin-only pills
 NuvaRing
 Depo-Provera-Birth control shot given once every three months to prevent pregnancy
-99.7% effective preventing pregnancy
- No daily pills to remember

 Norplant and other implants

 - Implants are placed in the body filled with hormone that prevents pregnancy
- Physically inserted in simple 15 minute outpatient procedure
-Plastic capsules the size of paper matchsticks inserted under the skin in the arm
- 99.95% effectiveness rate
 C. Surgical method
- a special type of contraception preventing
fertilization that involves surgery
c.1. Vasectomy- entails cutting of the vas
deferens
c.2. Tubal Ligation- entails cutting of the fallopian
tubes
D. Implantation- Suppressing methods
- type of contraception that prevents the
blastocyst from being implanted in the
endometrium
d.1. Intrauterine Device- it physically blocks the
blastocyst from implanted in the endometrium
d.2. Morning after Pill
- Must be taken within 72 hours of the act of
unprotected intercourse or failure of contraception
method
 B. Barrier Methods
- contraception that prevents fertilization
CONDOM- type of barrier method that is inserted
on the male penis to prevent the release of sperm into
the female reproductive tract
 b.2. diaphragm- it blocks the cervix, thereby preventing the
passage of the sperm into the uterus
b.3. cervical cap- covers the cervix and blocks passage of
the sperm into the uterus
b.4. spermicidal jelly or foam- barrier method that kills the
sperm on contact; they are placed inside the vaginal canal

E. ABORTION- type of contraception that involves the

deliberate removal of the embryo/ fetus before it completes
gestation
F. COITUS INTERRUPTUS
G. ABSTINENCE-abstinence is when partners do not engage in
sexual intercourse
-Communication between partners is important for those
practicing abstinence to be successful
-Only 100% method of birth control
H. CALENDAR METHOD
H. CALENDAR METHOD
- Women take a class on the menstrual cycle to
calculate more fertile times
- abstains from sex during the calculated fertile
time
- uses barrier methods during fertile time
- Perfect effectiveness rate = 91%
- Typical effectiveness rate = 75%
- No 100% safe day-irregular periods
HOW TO USE THE CALENDAR METHOD