Sunshine College

Department of Pharmacy

14. Anatomy of the Reproductive System

By: Guluma Etana (BSc, MSc)

1
 Introduction
• Sexual reproduction involves production of offspring's with
a genetic makeup inherited from parents.
• Function of male reproductive system:
– to produce the male gamete, or spermatozoa,
– to transfer it to the female through coitus.
• Function of female reproductive system:
– to produce female gamete, or ova
– receive the sperm from the male during coitus.
– a site for
• fertilization,
• implantation, development of the embryo,
– facilitate delivery of the baby during parturition. 2
• The reproductive system is a unique body system in three
respects:
– To perpetuate the species by passing genetic material
from generation to generation [other body systems
function to sustain the individual)
– The anatomy and physiology of the reproductive organs
constitute the major d/c b/n the male and female species
(other systems have minor gender differences)
– It undergoes latent development under hormonal control
(others function at birth but the reproductive system does
not until puberty).

3
 Male Reproductive System
• The internal genitalia or genital organs comprise the:
– Testis
– Epididymis
– Ductus Deferens
– Seminal Vesicles,
– Prostate Gland
– Ejaculatory Ducts
– Bulbo-urethral glands
• The external genital organs comprise the:
– Penis
– Distal urethra
– Scrotum
4
5
 Male perineum

Inferior view of the perineum in the lithotomy position. Boundaries, subdivisions,

and palpable landmarks are indicated
6
 Scrotum
• Loose cutaneous fibromuscular sac for the testes and associated
structures
• It is situated posteroinferior to the penis and inferior to the pubic
symphysis
• Consisting of two layers
– skin
– superficial fascia /dartos fascia/
• Skin is heavily pigmented and covered with sparse hairs
• A fat-free fascial layer & smooth muscle fibers (dartos muscle)
are responsible for the rugas (wrinkled) appearance of the
scrotum.
• B/c the dartos muscle attaches to the skin, its contraction causes
the scrotum to wrinkle when cold, thus reducing heat loss.
7
 Scrotum…
• In warmer temperatures, the dartos muscle relaxes and the
scrotum hangs loosely.
• The testes move away from the body into an environment
3°C (about 5°F) below body temperature, more conducive
to sperm production and survival.
• Internally the scrotum is divided into two compartments each
of which encloses a testis, by the septum of the scrotum a
prolongation of dartos fascia
• The septum is demarcated externally by the scrotal raphe, a
cutaneous ridge marking the line of fusion of the embryonic
labioscrotal swellings.
8
9
 Spermatic cord
• suspends the testes in the • Constituents
scrotum – Ductus deferens
• Contains structures run to – Testicular artery
and from testis – Artery of ductus
• Fascial coverings deferens
– Internal spermatic fascia – Cremasteric artery
– Cremasteric fascia – Pampiniform venous
– External spermatic plexus
fascia – Nerves
– Lymphatic vessels
– Vestige of processus
vaginalis
10
11
12
 Torsion of the Spermatic Cord
• Torsion (twisting) of the spermatic cord is a surgical
emergency because the testicle may die.
• The torsion obstructs the venous drainage, with resultant
edema and hemorrhage, and subsequent arterial
obstruction.
• If not untwisted promptly, necrosis of the entire testicle is
likely.
• Testicular torsion may occur at any age, but it is most
common during adolescence.
• The twisting usually occurs just above the superior pole of
the testis.
13
Torsion of the Spermatic Cord
14
 Testes(singular testis)
• Endocrine sex gland.
• The ovoid testes are suspended in the scrotum by the
spermatic cords
• The testes produce sperms (spermatozoa) and
hormones, principally testosterone.
• The tunica vaginalis
– is a closed peritoneal sac partially surrounding the testis.
– The surface of each testis is covered by the visceral layer
of the tunica vaginalis, except where the testis attaches to the
epididymis and spermatic cord

15
 Testes…
• The visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis is closely
applied to:
– the testis,
– epididymis, and
– inferior part of the ductus deferens.
• The parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis, adjacent to the
internal spermatic fascia
• The small amount of fluid in the cavity of the tunica vaginalis
separates the visceral and parietal layers, allowing the testis
to move freely in the scrotum.
16
 Testes…
• Tunica albuginea
– A tough fibrous outer surface of testes the tunica
– Thickens into a ridge on its internal, posterior
aspect as the mediastinum of the testis
– Fibrous septa extend inward between lobules of minute
but long and highly coiled seminiferous tubules in which
the sperms are produced
– The seminiferous tubules are joined by straight tubules to
the rete testis, a network of canals in the mediastinum of
the testis.

17
18
 Epididymis
• Highly coiled tube
• Located on posterior & superior margins of testes
• Elongated, flattened structures.
• Partially covered by visceral layer of the tunica vaginalis
• The epididymis consists of a :
– Head: the superior expanded part
– Body: the convoluted duct of the epididymis.
– Tail: continuous with the ductus deferens,
– efferent ductules transport newly formed sperms to the epididymis
• Functions:
– Storage of spermatozoa, especially in the tail of epididymis.
– Maturation of spermatozoa—they become motile
20
 The Ductus Deferens(vas deferens)

• Is a thick-walled muscular tube

• Begins in the tail of the epididymis and
• Ends by joining the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the
ejaculatory duct.
• It is about 45 cm long and ascends in the spermatic cord.
• In its course no other structure intervenes b/n it and the
peritoneum.

21
22
 The Ductus Deferens(vas deferens)…

• Crosses the ureter near the posterolateral angle of the

bladder.
• At first it lies superior to the seminal vesicle and then it
descends medial to the ureter and this vesicle.
• 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.

23
 Vasectomy
• Part of the ductus deferens
is ligated and/or excised
• an incision performed at
the superior part of the
scrotum.
• ejaculated fluid has no
sperms.
• The unexpelled sperms
degenerate in the
epididymis and the
proximal part of the
ductus deferens. 24
 The Ejaculatory Ducts

– Formed by the union of the ducts of the seminal vesicle and

ductus deferens.
– Are about 2.5 cm long
– They run anteroinferiorly through the posterior part of the
prostate along the sides of the prostatic utricle.
– Open in to the posterior wall of the prostatic urethra.
– The paired ejaculatory ducts transport the seminal fluid into
the next structure, the prostate gland.

25
26
 The seminal vesicles
• Is a thin-walled, Blind-
ending tube about 5 cm
long;
• Pear-shaped
• located b/n the fundus of
the bladder and the
rectum.
SV
• Do not store sperm cells.
• Provide most of the volume
of the semen (a thick
yellowish alkaline fluid)
• Secrete (60% of Semen) 27
 The seminal vesicles…

• The duct of each seminal vesicle joins the ductus

deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.
• This opens into the posterior wall of the prostatic
urethra, near the opening of the prostatic utricle.

28
 The prostate gland
• Largest accessory gland of the
male repr. System
• Is partly glandular and partly
fibromuscular.
• It is about the size of a walnut
and surrounds the prostatic
urethra.
• Conical in shape
• The prostate has
– base
– apex
• 4 surfaces
– posterior
– anterior
– 2 inferolateral surfaces 29
 The prostate gland…
• Has 4 lobes
– Anterior lobe
– Posterior lobe
– Middle lobe
– Lateral lobes
– It Secretes enzymes which has the
following functions:
 Aids in activating sperm motility
 Mucus degradation
 Antibiotic
 Neutralizes female reproductive
tract ( being Alkaline fluid)

30
 The prostate gland…
• It is enveloped:
– In a thin, dense fibrous
capsule (true capsule)
– The thin capsule is
enclosed within a loose
sheath derived from the
pelvic fascia called the
prostatic sheath (false
capsule).
• The prostatic venous
plexus lies between the
fibrous capsule and the
prostatic sheath.
31
 The Prostatic Ductules or Ducts
• Are 20 to 30 in number.
• They open chiefly into the
prostatic sinuses on each
side of the urethral crest on
the posterior wall of the
prostatic urethra.
• a thin milky fluid, is
discharged into the
prostatic part of the
urethra by contraction of
the smooth muscle.
• Prostatic fluid provides
about 20% of the volume
of the semen. 32
 Bulbourethral Glands
• Are two pea-size glands
(Cowper glands).
• lie posterolateral to the
intermediate part of the
urethra,
• largely embedded within the
external urethral sphincter
• Its ducts open into the
proximal part of the spongy
urethra in the bulb of the
penis.
• Their mucus-like secretion
enters the urethra during
sexual arousal. 33
 The penis
• The male copulatory organ
• By conveying the urethra, provides the common outlet for
urine and semen
• Consists of a root, body, and glans
• It is composed of three cylindrical bodies of erectile
cavernous tissue:
– the paired corpora cavernosa dorsally
– single corpus spongiosum ventrally.

34
35
36
 Root of penis
• It is the attached part
– consisting of the Bulb of penis in the middle and
the Crus of penis, on either side of the bulb.
– It lies within the superficial perineal pouch
– The crura and bulb of the penis contain masses of erectile
tissue.
– Each crus is attached to the inferior part of the internal
surface of the corresponding ischial ramus, anterior to the
ischial tuberosity.
– The bulb of the penis is penetrated by the urethra,
continuing from its intermediate part. 37
 The body (Corpus) of penis
• Is the free pendulous part
• Is suspended from the pubic
symphysis.
• Is made up of three columns
of tissue:
– two corpora cavernosa
• lie next to each other
on the dorsal side
– one corpus spongiosum
• lies b/n corpora
cavernosas on the
ventral side
38
 The body (Corpus) of penis…
• Except for a few fibers of the bulbospongiosus near the root
of the penis and the ischio cavernosus that embrace the
crura, the body of the penis has no muscles.
• The penis consists of:
– thin skin,
– connective tissue,
– Blood and lymphatic vessels,
– fascia,
– the corpora cavernosa, and corpus spongiosum containing
the spongy urethra.
• Distally, the corpus spongiosum expands to form the conical
glans penis
39
40
41
 Distal structures of the body
• Glans penis(head)
– is distal expansion of the corpus spongiosum of the penis
– Is cone shape
– Contain higher concentration of sensory nerves
– Sensitive to physical stimuli
• has :
• Corona
– margin of the glans projects beyond the ends of the
corpora cavernosa
• The corona overhangs the neck of the glans
42
 Distal structures of the body
• The neck
– separates the glans from the body of the penis.
• External urethral orifice
– slit-like opening of the spongy urethra, near the tip of the glans
• Prepuce (foreskin)
– The thin skin and fascia of the penis prolonged to cover the glans
• The frenulum of the prepuce
– is a median fold that passes from the prepuce to the urethral
surface of the glans.

43
44
The Female Genital Organs
Internal genital organs
External genital organs

45
 The Female Internal Genital Organs

• The genitalia or genital

organs consist of internal
and external structures.
• The female internal genital
organs include:
– the ovaries,
– uterine tubes ,
– uterus and
– vagina.

46
 The Ovaries
• One on each side of uterus
• Dimensions:
– length: 5 cm, width: 1.5 cm and thickness: 1 cm
– are almond-shaped, of a greyish pink color and smooth
surface before puberty
– As age advances the surface becomes irregular
• Position:
– is attached to the back of the broad ligament by the
mesovarium
– lies against the lateral wall of the pelvis in a depression
called the ovarian fossa 47
 The Ovaries…
• The ampulla of the uterine tube curves over the
lateral end of the ovary, and the infundibulum
engulfs the ovary.
• Suspensory ligament of the ovary:
– Connect the superior (tubal) end of the ovary to the
lateral wall of the pelvis
– Contains the ovarian vessels and nerves.
– pass into the mesovarium and the hilum of the ovary.

48
 The Ovaries…

• Each ovary is also attached to the uterus by a band of

fibrous tissue, the ligament of the ovary
• It connects the inferior (uterine) end of the ovary to the
lateral angle of the uterus.
• The surface of the ovary is not covered by peritoneum.

49
50
 The Uterine Tubes
• These are 10 cm long and 1 cm in diameter.
• Carry oocytes from the ovaries and sperm cells from the
uterus to the fertilisation site in the ampulla of the uterine
tube.
• Also conveys the dividing zygote to the uterine cavity.
• Allow communication between the peritoneal cavity and the
exterior of the body.
• Is divided into 4 parts:
– infundibulum,
– ampulla,
– isthmus, and
– intramural or uterine parts.
51
 Parts of uterine tubes
Infundibulum The ampulla
• is the funnel-shaped distal • begins at the medial end
end of the uterine tube. of the infundibulum.
• It is closely related to the • Usually site of fertilisation.
ovary. • is the widest and longest
• Its opening into the part of the uterine tube,
peritoneal cavity is called
the abdominal ostium.
• About 2 mm in diameter
• Its margins have 20 to 30
fimbriae
52
 Parts of uterine tubes…

• The Isthmus
– is the short (about 2.5 cm), narrow, thick-walled part of
the uterine tube.
– It enters the cornu of the uterus.
• The Intramural (Uterine)
– is the short segment that passes through the thick
myometrium of the uterus.
– It opens via the uterine ostium into the uterine cavity at
the uterine horn.

53
54
 Ectopic pregnancy Sites
• Ectopic pregnancy
implantation of blastocyst
other than uterus
 Ampulla (95%)
 Isthmus (8%)
 Cornua (< 2%)
 Ovary (< 2%)
 Abdomen (< 2%)
 Cervix (< 2%)
• Is a medical emergency
– if not diagnosed early, the
implanted blastocyst can cause
rupture and haemorrhage of
the affected tube.
55
 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.
• The oocyte is unable
to pass into the
uterus, and therefore
cannot progress to a
pregnancy.
56
 Uterus
• Is a thick-walled, pear-
shaped, hollow muscular
organ.
• The non-gravid uterus lies in
the lesser pelvis,
• The normal adult uterus
position is:
– Anteverted and anteflexed
(flexed or bent anteriorly) so
that its mass lies over the
bladder.

57
 58
Abnormal positions
 Uterus…
• Although its size varies considerably, the non-gravid uterus is
approximately
– 7 to 8 cm long,
– 5 to 7 cm wide,
– 2 to 3 cm thick and
– 90 g in weight.
• Consists of 2 major parts:
– The expanded superior 2/3 is known as the body
– The cylindrical inferior 1/3 is called the cervix (L. neck).
• It has two surfaces:
– vesical surface (related to the bladder)
59
– intestinal surface.
60
 The body

• Forms the superior 2/3 of the structure.

• includes:
– The fundus: the rounded part of the body that lies
superior to the orifices of the uterine tubes,
– The horns: are the superolateral regions where the uterine
tubes enter.
– The isthmus: constricted region of the body just superior to
the cervix.

61
 Cervix
• Cylindrical, lower part of uterus whose inferior part projects
into vagina;
• approximately 2.5 cm long in an adult non-pregnant woman.
• The cavity of the cervix (cervical canal) communicates with
uterine cavity & vagina through its internal os & external os
respectively.
• Pierces anterior wall of vagina divided into:
– supravaginal part - between the isthmus and the vagina and
– vaginal part – protrudes into the superior most anterior vaginal
wall

62
63
 The wall of the uterus
• Consist of 3 layers:
• Perimetrium:
– the outer serous coat
– Made up of peritoneum.
• Myometrium:
– the middle muscular coat of smooth muscle
– greatly distended during pregnancy
– blood vessels and nerves of the uterus are located in this coat.
• Endometrium:
– the inner mucous coat, which firmly adheres to the myometrium
– is actively involved in the menstrual cycle
– differ in structure with each stage site of implantation
64
65
 Supports of the Uterus
• Normal positions of uterus is maintained by:
– ligaments
– muscles
– fibromuscular structures
– peritoneal folds
• Ligaments of the Uterus
– Broad ligament
– Round ligament
– Cardinal (transverse cervical) ligament
– Uterosacral ligament
– Pubocervical Ligaments

66
67
 Ligaments of the Uterus
• Broad Ligament
– is a flat sheet of peritoneum, associated with the uterus,
fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Subdivisions: Anatomically, the broad ligament can be
divided into three regions:
1. Mesometrium – Surrounds the uterus and is the largest
subsection of the broad ligament.
2. Mesovarium – Part of the broad ligament associated with
the ovaries.
– It projects from the posterior surface of the broad ligament
and attaches to the hilum of the ovary, enclosing its
neurovascular supply.
3. Mesosalpinx – Originates superiorly to the mesovarium,
enclosing the fallopian tubes.
68
Internal female genital organs: A. Isolated dissection specimen consisting of the
ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and related structures. The broad ligament is removed on
the left side. 69
 Ligaments of the Uterus…
• Round Ligament
– Is a remnant of the
embryonic gubernaculum.
– It originates at the
uterine horns and
attaches to the labia
majora, passing through
the inguinal canal.
– Can be a source of pain
during pregnancy, due to
the increased force
placed on the ligament
by the expanding uterus.
70
 Ligaments of the Uterus…
• Cardinal Ligaments
– Are also known as the lateral, transverse cervical, or
Mackenrodt’s ligaments.
– House the uterine artery and uterine veins.
– These ligaments arise from the side of the cervix and the
lateral fornix of the vagina.
– They provide an extensive attachment on the lateral
pelvic wall at the level of the ischial spines.
– When a hysterectomy is being performed due to a
malignancy, the cardinal ligaments are often removed as
they are common reservoir of cancerous cells.
71
 Ligaments of the Uterus…
• Pubocervical Ligaments
– Are bilateral structures, which
attach the cervix to the
posterior surface of the pubic
symphysis.
– They function to support the
uterus within the pelvic cavity.
• Uterosacral Ligaments
– are also bilateral fibrous
bands, which attach the cervix
to the sacrum.
– They are also known as
the recto-uterine ligaments or
sacrocervical ligaments.
– This supports the uterus and
holds it in place. 72
 Uterus In Pregnancy
• Greatly enlarged as a
result of the increasing production
of estrogens and progesterone.
• At first, it remains as a pelvic
organ
• by the third month the
fundus rises out of the pelvis, and
• by the ninth month it has
reached the xiphoid process.
• Result from hypertrophy of the
smooth muscle fibers of the
myometrium
73
 Vagina
• A musculomembranous(7-9cms)
tube
• Extends from the cervix to the
vestibule
• Its posterior wall is ~1cm
longer than the anterior
• lies posterior to the urinary
bladder and urethra &
anterior to the rectum
• Serves:
– as a canal for menstrual fluid.
– Forms birth canal.
– sexual intercourse.
• The vagina is usually
collapsed except at its
superior end, where the cervix
holds them apart 74
 Interior of the vagina

• The area of the vaginal

lumen, which surrounds
the cervix, is divided into
four regions, or fornices:
– anterior, posterior, right
lateral, and left lateral.
• The vaginal orifice in a
virgin possesses a thin
mucosal fold called the
hymen, which is
perforated at its center
75
 Vagina…

• Four muscles compress

the vagina
and act as sphincters:
– pubovaginalis,
– external urethral
sphincter,
urethrovaginal
sphincter, and
bulbospongiosus

76
 Vaginal fistulae

• Because of the close relationship of the vagina to adjacent

pelvic organs, obstetrical trauma during long and difficult
labor may result:
– in weaknesses
– Necrosis
– or tears in the vaginal wall and
– sometimes may form open communications (fistulas)
between the vaginal lumen and that of the adjacent
bladder, urethra, rectum, or perineum

77
78
 Female Perineum

Inferior view of the perineum in the lithotomy position. Boundaries, subdivisions,

and palpable landmarks are indicated.
79
 Female External Genitalia(vulva)
• Include:
– mons pubis
– labia majora
– labia minora
– clitoris
– bulbs of the
vestibule
– greater and lesser
vestibular glands.
– hymen

80
 Mons Pubis (L. mountain)

• 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.
• The typical female distribution of pubic hair has a horizontal
superior limit across the pubic region

81
 The Labia Majora (L. large lips)
• Are two symmetrical folds of fat & skin
• Provide protection for the urethral and vaginal orifices
• 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.

82
 The Labia Minora (L. small lips)
• 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 the 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.

83
 The Vestibule of the Vagina

• Is the space b/n the labia minora.

• The urethra, vagina, and ducts of the greater
vestibular glands open into the vestibule.

84
85
 Vestibular Glands

• The Greater Vestibular Glands(B.G )

– located on each side of the vestibule of the vagina,
– posterolateral to the vaginal orifice.
– ducts open into the vestibule of the vagina on each side
of the vaginal orifice.
– secrete a small amount of lubricating mucus into the
vestibule of the vagina during sexual arousal.
– homologous with the bulbourethral glands in the male

86
 Vestibular Glands…

The Lesser Vestibular Glands

– are small glands on each side of the vestibule of the
vagina.
– They open into it b/n the urethral and vaginal orifices.
– also secrete mucus into the vestibule, w/c moistens the
labia and the vestibule.

87
 The Clitoris
• Is an erectile organ 2 to 3 cm in length.
• It is homologous with the penis but is not traversed by the
urethra
• It is usually hidden by the labia when it is flaccid.
• It is suspended by a suspensory ligament.
• enlarge upon tactile stimulation, like the penis but it does not
lengthen significantly.
• It is highly sensitive and very important in the sexual arousal
of a female.
• Consists of a root and a body that are composed of:
– two crura,
– two corpora cavernosa,
– a glans
88
89
90
 The Bulbs of the Vestibule
– These are 2 large, elongated masses of erectile tissue
that are about 3 cm in length.
– lie along the sides of the vaginal orifice,deep to the
bulbospongiosus muscles
– are homologous with the bulb of the penis.
– Unlike the penis, however, the bulbs are separated from
the clitoris and are separated by the vestibule of the
vagina.

91
 Hymen
• A thin anular fold of mucous
membrane immediately
within the vaginal orifice
surrounding the lumen
• The size and appearance
of the vaginal orifice vary
with the condition of the
hymen

92
93
 The Breasts
• Are paired structures located on
the anterior thoracic wall, in the
pectoral region.
• It extends horizontally from the
lateral border of the sternum to
the mid-axillary line.
• Vertically, it spans between the
2nd and 6th costal cartilages.
• It lies superficially to the
pectoralis major and serratus
anterior muscles.
• In females, the breasts contain
the mammary glands – an
accessory gland of the female
reproductive system.
94
 Mammary Gland
• A modified sudoriferous (sweat) gland that produces milk.
• Consists of 15 to 20 lobes, or compartments, separated by a
variable amount of adipose tissue.
• In each lobe are several smaller compartments called
lobules, composed of grapelike clusters of milk-secreting
glands termed alveoli (small cavities) embedded in
connective tissue.
• Contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli
helps propel milk toward the nipples.

95
 Mammary Gland…

• When milk is being produced, it passes from the alveoli into

a series of secondary tubules and then into the mammary
ducts.
• Near the nipple, the mammary ducts expand to form sinuses
called lactiferous sinuses (lact-milk), where some milk may be
stored before draining into a lactiferous duct.
• Each lactiferous duct typically carries milk from one of the
lobes to the exterior.

96
 Mammary Gland…
• The functions of the mammary glands are the synthesis,
secretion, and ejection of milk;
– these functions called lactation
• Milk production is stimulated largely by the hormone
prolactin from the anterior pituitary, with contributions from
progesterone and estrogens.
• The ejection of milk is stimulated by oxytocin, which is
released from the posterior pituitary in response to the
sucking of an infant on the mother’s nipple (suckling).

97
98
99