Module 3
Module 3
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
TESTES
Rete Testis
Rete testis is a network of thin-walled channels
present in mediastinum. All the seminiferous
tubules open into the rete testis.
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Vas Efferens
From rete testis, 8 to 15 tubules called vas efferens
arise. Vas efferens join together and form the head
of epididymis and then converge to form the duct of
epididymis
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Epididymis
Duct of epididymis is an enormously
convoluted tubule,
with a length of about 4 meter. It begins at
head, where
it receives vas efferens.
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Vas Deferens
At the caudal pole of testis, epididymis
turns sharply
upon itself and continues as vas deferens,
without any
definite demarcation.
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SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES
Seminiferous tubules are thread-like convoluted tubular
structures which produce the spermatozoa or sperms.
There are about 400 to 600 seminiferous tubules in
each
testis. Each tubule is 30 to 70 cm long with a diameter
of 150 to 300 μ.
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Spermatogenic Cells
Spermatogenic cells or germ cells present in seminiferous
tubules are precursor cells of spermatozoa. These
cells lie in between Sertoli cells and are arranged in an
orderly manner in 4 to 8 layers.
In children, the testis is not fully developed.
Therefore,
the spermatogenic cells are in primitive stage called
spermatogonia. With the onset of puberty, spermatogonia
develop into sperms through different stages.
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Sertoli Cells
Sertoli cells are the supporting cells for spermatogenic
cells in seminiferous tubules. These cells are also called
sustentacular cells or nurse cells.
Sertoli cells are the large and tall irregular columnar
cells, extending from basement membrane to lumen
of the seminiferous tubule.
Germ cells present in seminiferous tubule are attached to Sertoli cells by
means of cytoplasmic connection.
This attachment between germ cells and Sertoli cells exists till the
matured spermatozoa are released into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.
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FUNCTIONS OF TESTES
Testes performs two functions:
1. Gametogenic function: Spermatogenesis
2. Endocrine function: Secretion of hormones.
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GAMETOGENIC FUNCTIONS
OF TESTES – SPERMATOGENESIS
Spermatogenesis is the process by which the male
gametes called spermatozoa (sperms) are formed
from
the primitive spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia) in
the testis ,
It takes 74 days for the formation
of sperm from a primitive germ cell..
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STAGES OF
SPERMATOGENESIS
Spermatogenesis occurs
in four stages:
1. Stage of proliferation
2. Stage of growth
3. Stage of maturation
4. Stage of
transformation.
1. Stage of Proliferation 23
2. Stage of Growth
In this stage, the primary spermatocyte
grows into a
large cell. Apart from growth, there is no
other change
in spermatocyte during this stage
3. Stage of Maturation 25
After reaching the full size, each primary spermatocyte
quickly undergoes meiotic or maturation division, which
occurs in two phases:
First phase
In the first phase, each primary spermatocyte divides
into two secondary spermatocytes. The significance
of the first meiotic division is that each secondary
spermatocyte receives only the haploid or half the
number of chromosomes. 23 chromosomes include 22
autosomes and a X or a Y chromosome.
Second phase
During this phase, each secondary spermatocyte undergoes
second meiotic division, resulting in two smaller
cells called spermatids. Each spermatid has haploid
3. Stage of Maturation 26
After reaching the full size, each primary spermatocyte
quickly undergoes meiotic or maturation division, which
occurs in two phases:
First phase
In the first phase, each primary spermatocyte divides
into two secondary spermatocytes. The significance
of the first meiotic division is that each secondary
spermatocyte receives only the haploid or half the
number of chromosomes. 23 chromosomes include 22
autosomes and a X or a Y chromosome.
Second phase
During this phase, each secondary spermatocyte undergoes
second meiotic division, resulting in two smaller
cells called spermatids. Each spermatid has haploid
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Stage of Transformation
There is no further division. Spermatids are
transformed into matured spermatozoa
(sperms), by means of spermeogenesis and
released by spermination.
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Spermeogenesis
Spermeogenesis is the process by which
spermatids become matured spermatozoa.
Changes taking place during spermeogenesis:
i. Condensation of nuclear material
ii. Formation of acrosome, mitochondrial spiral
filament and tail structures
iii. Removal of extraneous (extra volume of
nonessential) cytoplasm.
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Spermination
Spermination is the process by
which the matured sperms are
released from Sertoli cells into
the lumen of seminiferous
tubules.
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Composition of Semen:
1. Spermatozoa: These are the male reproductive cells responsible for fertilizing the
female egg.
2. Seminal Plasma: Seminal plasma is the liquid portion of semen, which provides a
medium for sperm transport. It consists of water, electrolytes, enzymes, vitamins,
hormones, and various proteins.
3. Enzymes: Semen contains enzymes like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that help
liquefy the semen after ejaculation and enable sperm to swim freely.
4. Fructose: This sugar provides an energy source for sperm, aiding their motility and
endurance.
5. Alkaline pH: Semen has a slightly alkaline pH, which helps neutralize the acidic
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Production of Semen:
Semen is produced primarily in the testes
through a process called spermatogenesis.
Spermatogenesis involves the development
and maturation of sperm cells. These sperm
cells are then stored in the epididymis until
they are ready to be ejaculated.
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Physiological Response:
Climax:
Ejaculation is often associated with the
climax or orgasm, which is a pleasurable and
intense sensation of release. Orgasm and
ejaculation are closely linked but not
necessarily the same thing. Some men can
experience orgasm without ejaculation, and
vice versa.
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Semen Expulsion:
Refractory Period:
After ejaculation, most men experience a
refractory period during which they are
unable to achieve another erection or
orgasm. The duration of this period varies
among individuals and can become longer
with age..
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Dihydrotestosterone (DHT):
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA):
Androstenedione:
The balance and regulation of these male sex hormones are crucial for
maintaining normal male reproductive and sexual function, as well as
overall health.
Hormone imbalances can lead to various health issues, such as
hypogonadism (low testosterone), which may require medical
intervention.
Testosterone replacement therapy is sometimes used to address
hormonal deficiencies in men when necessary, under medical
supervision.
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Divisions of uterus
Uterus is divided into three portions:
1. Fundus (above the entrance points
of fallopian tubes)
2. Body (between fundus and
isthmus)
3. Cervix (below isthmus)..
UTERUS 57
Structure of uterus
Uterus is made up of three layers:
1. Serous or outer layer
2. Myometrium or middle muscular
layer
3. Endometrium or inner mucus
layer
UTERUS 58
Changes in uterus
Uterus changes its size, structure and
function in different phases of sexual life.
Just before menstruation, uterus is
enlarged, becomes more vascular. The
endometrium thickens with more blood
supply.
This layer is desquamated during
menstruation and reformed after
menstrual period.
During pregnancy, uterus is enlarged very
much with increase in weight. After
parturition (delivery), it comes back to its
original size but the cavity remains larger.
In old age, uterus is atrophied
UTERUS- CERVIX 59
Vagina
Vagina is a short tubular organ. It is
lined by mucus
membrane, which is formed by
stratified epithelial cells.
THIRD PERIOD
Third period extends after menopause to the rest of
the
life.
MAMMARY GLANDS
Paired, Glandular tissue, variable
amount fats
Glandular tissue – divided into
15-20 mammary lobes
containing cluster of cells –
alveoli
Alveoli secrete milk- stored in
lumen (alveoli)
Alveoli opens mammary tubules
Tubules of each lobe join –
mammary duct
Many ducts join to form
mammary ampulla- which is
connected lactiferous duct,
through which milk sucked out
OOGENESIS
THE PROCESS OF FORMATION OF HAPLOID OVUM FROM DIPLOID
OOGONIA CELLS IN THE OVARY IS CALLED OOGENESIS.THIS
BEGINS AT BEGINS AT EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT.
Secondary
• Primary follicles surrounded by more granulosa cells &
follicles theca
• Secondary follicles – fluid filled cavity – antrum
• Theca layer – theca interna (vascular) & theca
externa(fibrous)
• T. interna- 10-15 layers follicle cells (membrane granulosa)
Tertiary • Primary Oocyte (2n) within follicle- size increases & first
meiotic division – unequal large haploid secondary oocyte+
follicles 1st polar body
1. Multiplication phase:
o Certain primary germ cells (large size &
nuclei) of germinal epithelium lining
ovary, undergo rapid mitotic division.
o It result in formation of group of diploid
egg mother cell, oogonia.
o Each group of cells forms a rounded
mass called egg nest.
2. Growth phase:
o Long duration (12- 13 years)
o One of the diploid oogonia undergoes growth
increasing in cytoplasm and accumulation of yolk &
transform to enlarged oogonia called primary oocyte
(2n)
o Other oogonia form single layered follicular
epithelium- P.follicle
o P.follicle surrounded by more granulosal cell-
Sec. follicle
o Sec. follicle- fluid filled antral cavity-
Antrium-Ter.Follicle
o Ter. Follicle- Graffian follicle
3. Maturation phase:
o A fully-grown primary oocyte (2n)
undergoes I meiotic division results
in the formation of two unequal
sized haploid cells.
o The large secondary oocyte (n) and
a small polocyte (polar body).
o The secondary oocyte undergoes
II meiotic division to form a large
ootid/ ovum and a small 2nd polar
body.
o Sec. oocyte forms new membrane-
Zona pellucida- Graffian follicle
o The 1st polar body also undergoes
equal division to produce two cells.
• Thus during oogenesis four cells are produced. Among
them one is functional ootid and three are non-functional
polar bodies.The ootid with very little change becomes an
ovum.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE:
Sperms produced by male, 50% has 22 autosome with ‘X’ and 50 % has
22 autosome with ‘Y’ chromosome.
The fusion of sperm withY chromosome with ovum (X) results in male
baby- XY & fusion of sperm with X chromosome with ovum (X) results in
female baby.(XX).
Function of Placenta:
1. Helps in nutrition of the embryo & transports nutrients like amino acids,
sugars, vitamins form maternal blood to foetal blood
2. Respiration of embryo- exchange of O2 & CO2 through diffusion from
foetal blood to maternal blood vice versa
3. Excretion – nitrogenous waste like urea into maternal blood
4. Endocrine gland- estrogen, progesterone, human chronic
gonadotropin (hCG) & human placental lactogen (hPL)
5. Antibodies- diphtheria, small pox, measles etc., pass to foetus from
maternal blood
6. Stores glycogen till liver formation
7. Effective barrier- toxic chemicals & germs
• Later phase of pregnancy relaxin- secreted by ovary
• hCG , hPL & relaxin- only during pregnancy
• Other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, prolactin,thyroxin-
increases several fold in maternal blood
• Hormones- supporting fetal growth,metabolic changes in mother &
maintenance of pregnancy
• After implantation- inner cell mass differentiates- outer ectoderm and
inner endoderm & middle mesoderm soon appears- tissue & organs
• Inner cell mass contain certain cells- Stem cells- potency to give rise to
all tissues & organs
• Pregnancy will last for 9 months divided as 3 trimesters - 1st :- end of 3rd
month, 2nd :- end of 6th month & 3rd :- end of 9th month
• 1st month- embryo heart formed
• First sign- listening heart sound through stethoscope
• 2nd month- limbs & digits, end of 12 weeks(first trimester)- major organ
system- limbs, external genital organs
• 1st movement & hair on head- during fifth month
• End of 24 week (second trimester)- body covered with fine hair, eye lid
separate, eyelashes formed
• End of nine month- foetus fully developed & ready for delivery
PARTURITION
The period of pregnancy is called gestation period. It is 9 months in
human.
The delivery of foetus is called parturition. It occurs by the
contraction of uterine Myometrium.
The signal of parturition is originated from the fully developed foetus
and the placenta. It induces mild contraction of uterus called fetal
ejection reflex.
Hormone (adrenal gland) secreted by foetus diffuses to maternal blood
& stimulate oxytocin secretion
Oxytocin causes forceful contraction of myometrium (labour pain) &
stimulates further secretion of oxytocin
Stimulatory reflex between uterine contraction & Oxytocin secretion
continues inducing stronger contraction & pushes the foetus by dilated
cervix (birth canal) facilitated by relaxin- parturition
After delivery the placenta is also expelled out of the uterus.
LACTATION
Mammary gland of female undergo differentiation & produce
milk towards end of pregnancy- Lactation
The mammary gland starts producing milk towards the end
of the pregnancy.
Milk produced during initial days of lactation is called
colostrum. It contains several antibodies which provide
immunity (passive) or resistance to the new born baby.
The milk production is controlled by Lacto trophic or
prolactin hormone secreted by pituitary.
Breast feeding during initial period of infant growth is
recommended for bringing up a healthy baby
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