DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL
SCIENCES
TOPIC: L20: REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
PRESENTED BY: G.
TANTHUMA
DATE: NOV 2022
 Objectives
At the end of the session students should be able to:
 Discuss the function of the reproductive system.
 Differentiate between the male and female reproductive
systems.
 Discuss the organs of the male reproductive system
including their structure and function.
 Explain the process of spermatogenesis.
 Discuss the organs of the female reproductive system
including their structure and function.
 Develop a basic understanding of the process of oogenesis.
 Discuss the female reproductive cycle including the
2 functions of the hormones involved. I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

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 Terminologies
 Gametes: Sex/reproductive cells
 Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes in somatic cells. 2n or 46
pairs.
 Haploid: Reduced number of chromosomes/halved. Gamete with
single set of 23 chromosomes. n
 Spermatogenesis: Is the sequence of events in seminiferous
tubules (testes) that produces male gametes.
 Spermiogenesis: final stage of spermatogenesis involving
development of haploid spermatids into sperm.
 Oogenesis: It is the process of formation of functional haploid
ova from the diploid germinal cells in the ovary.
 Endometrium: Inner mucosal lining of the uterine wall (Have 2
strata-stratum functionalis and basalis)
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I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 ?

What are the primary sex organs?

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Acrosomal Reaction and Sperm
Penetration
 Sperm must undergo capacitation before they can penetrate the
oocyte
 This is a gradual process that occurs over 6-8 hours as the sperm
are in the female reproductive tract (uterine tube). Causes sperm
tail to beat even more vigorously and prepare for fusion of plasma
membranes.
 Fertilization: Two layers to be penetrated (Corona radiata and
Zona pellucida: ZP3 acts as sperm receptor)
 Acrosomal reaction occurs leading to syngamy and
polyspermy blocked.

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 Acrosomal Reaction and Sperm Penetration

 An ovulated oocyte is encapsulated by: the corona radiata and

zona pellucida
 Sperm binds to the zona pellucida and undergoes the
acrosomal reaction
 Hundreds of acrosomes release their enzymes to digest a hole
in the zona pellucida
 Gradually the oocyte membrane is exposed for a sperm to
enter
 Once a sperm makes contact with the oocyte’s membrane:
 Sperm proteins bind to receptors on the oocyte membrane
 Results in insertion into the membrane

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 Acrosomal Reaction and Sperm Penetration

8 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Figure 28.2a
 Blocks to Polyspermy
 Only one sperm is allowed to penetrate the oocyte
 Two mechanisms ensure monospermy
 Fast block to polyspermy – membrane depolarization prevents other
sperm from fusing with the oocyte membrane
 Slow block to polyspermy – Ca2+ release by oocyte induces cortical
reaction – granules spill out zonal inhibiting proteins (ZIPs):
 Destroy sperm receptors
 Cause sperm already bound to receptors to detach
Dizygotic (fraternal twins): Independent secondary oocytes
fertilized.
Monozygotic (identical) twins: Develop from single fertilized
ovum. Always same sex with same genetic material.
9 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Cont.....
 Each of oocyte and sperm bring half number of chromosomes ie 23 to
form a zygote.
 The oocyte is viable for 12 to 24 hours. Sperm is viable 24 to 72 hours.

 Puberty: Appearance of sec sexual characteristics. 12-15 years in females

and 13-16 years in males.
 Menarche: As early as 8 years. In males puberty starts when mature
sperms
10 areTANTHUMA
I.H.S-G formed.
Overview of the Pelvis and Perineum
 Pelvic region: Area between the abdomen and lower limb
 Includes: Pelvic cavity and the Perineum
 Pelvic cavity: Bowl shaped space enclosed by the bony pelvis.
Structures?
 Perineum: Diamond shaped area inferior to the pelvic floor and
between upper thigh. Structures?

 Pelvic diaphragm separates true pelvis

from perineum.

Perineum into two:

a. Urogenital triangle-Contains both male and female genital structures
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b. Anal triangle-Contains anal canal and anus
 Male and female reproductive organs
Sagittal view Midsagittal section

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 Homologous structures of male
and female reproductive systems
Female Structures Male Structures
 Ovum Sperm cell
 Ovaries Testes
 Clitoris Glans penis and corpus cavernosa
 Labia majora Scrotum
 Labia minora Spongy urethra
 Vestibule Membranous urethra
 Bulb of vestibule Corpus spongiosum
penis and bulb penis
 Paraurethral glands Prostate
 Greater vestibular glands Bulbourethral (cowper’s)glands
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 Male reproductive anatomy

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Why is the male genitalia outside body cavity?
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 SCROTUM  Superficial location ideal for
sperm production.
 need temp 2-3 degrees
celsius lower than body
temp
 Depend on two sets of muscles
 Dartos; smooth muscle in
superficial fascia wrinkles scrotal
skin, reduce heat loss.
 Cremaster; skeletal muscle
from internal oblique muscle,
elevates testes to absorb heat.
 What is the role of the
pampiniform plexus around
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testicular artery? Absorbs heat
Hormonal Control of Testicular Function

 The testes are controlled by two gonadotropic hormones

secreted by the anterior pituitary gland - luteinizing
hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH)
 The secretion of these hormones is stimulated by the release
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the
hypothalamus
 LH stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone
 FSH together with testosterone regulates
spermatogenesis
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 Testosterone
 It is a male hormone that is produced in the testes
 Its function include:
1. Stimulation of the development of the male
reproductive organs during fetal development
2. Stimulation of the descent of the testes before birth
3. Stimulation of the development of secondary sexual
characteristics
4. Stimulates sex drive
5. Stimulates the synthesis of proteins
Traces of testosterone in females from the adrenal
17 glands.
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
  The penis is the organ used to deposit
Penis-External genitalia semen in the female
 3 parts: a root, body (shaft), and
glans penis.
 The penis is made up mostly of
erectile tissue
 Erection is accomplished by
vasocongestion, through
parasympathetic nervous system.
 The arterioles in the penis dilate
and the erectile tissue fills with
blood, causing the penis to enlarge in
length and width
 The veins that drain the erectile tissue
are mechanically compressed
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
reducing venous outflow.
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 Accessory sex glands
Seminal vesicles
 Lie on posterior bladder wall and secrete fluid into the ejaculatory duct.
 This fluid is alkaline, contains sugars and prostaglandins (accounts for
about 70% of semen).
 Sperm and semen mix in the ejaculatory duct and enter the prostatic
urethra.
The prostate gland
 Around neck of bladder and first part of urethra.
 It produces thin, acidic, milky fluid with enzymes, calcium and citrates
that stimulates sperm motility. Accounts for about 25% semen.
The bulbourethral glands
 Pea-sized gland below the prostate, release a thick, clear neutralizing
20 mucous into the urethra prior to ejaculation.
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Seminal Fluid or Semen

 A slightly alkaline sticky fluid mixture of sperm cells

and secretions from the accessory glands.
 Forms transport medium and provides nutrients and
chemicals to activate sperm.
 In semen: Prostaglandins (decrease viscosity of
cervical mucus and cause reverse peristalsis in uterus,
seminal plasmin and clotting factors, fibronolysin)
 The volume of semen in a single ejaculation may vary
from 1.5 to 6.0 ml.
 There are between 50 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of
semen. Sperm counts below 10 to 20 million per milliliter
usually present fertility problems.
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 Hormonal regulation  Hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH) that
stimulates the anterior
pituitary
 Pituitary releases LH and FSH
 FSH stimulates
spermatogenesis
 LH stimulates testosterone
production (more than FSH in males)
 Sertoli cells secrete androgen-
binding protein (ABP) in
response FSH and testosterone,
also secretes inhibin (FSH
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inhibited)
 Hormonal Regulation of Testicular Function
 Feedback inhibition on the
hypothalamus and pituitary
results from:
 Rising levels of testosterone
 Increased inhibin production
when sperm count is high
Testosterone: Principal
androgen, lipid soluble.
 It suppresses LH and GnRH
release (-ve feedback).
 some converted to DHT
Androgens:Prenatal dev, male
sexual characteristics, sexual
23 function.
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Male sexual responses
 ERECTION: Engorgement of erectile bodies with blood.
Parasympathetic reflex trigger release of nitric oxide which
relaxes vascular smooth muscle and arterioles dilate. Read on
Erectile dysfunction (ED)/impotence and Viagra pills
 Involves increase in length, width & firmness
 Changes in blood supply: arterioles dilate, veins constrict,
bulbourethral glands lubricate glans penis
Ejaculation: forceful expulsion of semen into the urethra and out
of the penis.
Sympathetic control.
What prevents mixing of urine and semen? Smooth muscle
sphincter at base of urinary bladder closes during ejaculation, preventing
urineI.H.S-G
from being expelled during ejaculation.
TANTHUMA
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 MALE STERILITY
• Undescended (cryptorchidism) testes, varicocele
and elevated temperatures in scrotum (immature
sperm),in uncorrected cryptorchidism testes
eventually develop testicular cancer.
 Lack of specific calcium ion needed for motility.
 Environmental toxins (PVCs), radiation, lead,
pesticides.
 Antibiotics (tetracycline)
 Substance and drug abuse: marijuana, lack of selenium,
excessive alcohol intake can cause abnormal sperm and
low sperm count.
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
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 HIV and male reproductive system
 Male circumcision and HIV: Surgical procedure that
remove part or entire prepuce.
 Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
 Foreskin rich in HIV target cells (Dendritic cells,
langerhans, CD4+ T-cells and macrophages cells).
 Inner preputial mucosa is keratinized and hence reduce
micro-tears. (Retraction over shaft during intercourse).
 Vulnerability to genital disease ulcers reduced.
Reference: Gray et al., 2007.The Lancet. Male circumcision
for HIV prevention in men in Rakai, Uganda. Or any
recent literature on safe male circumcision.
26 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Questions
 Explain the significance of the blood-testis barrier
in immunity.
 Discuss how a fairly constant temperature
conducive for sperm production is maintained.
 State any two (2) benefits of safe male
circumcision?
 How would you account for infertility in males?

27 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Spermatogenesis – in seminiferous tubules

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Figure 27.8b, c
 Each spermatid develops into a
Spermiogenesis
spermatozoon.
 A spermatozoon is made up of
three parts:
Head (capped with an
acrosome), Midpiece,Tail.
 The acrosome contains
enzymes that help to
penetrate the ovum.
 The tail provides mobility for
the spermatozoon & is powered
by mitochondria found in
the midpiece of the sperm.
29 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Female reproduction

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31 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Female Reproductive Anatomy

 External genitalia:
Vulva (Labia, clitoris,
vestibule, hymen,
greater vestibular
glands).
 Internal genitalia:
vagina, uterus,
uterine tubes and
ovaries.

32 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 The Ovaries
 Female gonads: Gametes
(oocytes) and sex hormones
(estrogen and progesterone),
inhibin and relaxin.
 Held into position by ligaments
 Over 2 million primordial
follicles before birth. 200,000 at
menarche and 300-400 shed at
ovulation
 Has two layers of tissue (medulla
& cortex).
 Ovulated oocyte carried towards
the uterus with the aid of ciliated
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
cells and peristalsis by smooth
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muscle sheets.
 Fallopian tubes (Uterine, oviduct)
•Paired muscular tubes
•Has four parts: Uterine
part, Isthmus, Ampulla
(normal site for
fertilization), Infundibulum
(with fingerlike fimbrae)
•Three layers: Mucosa,
muscularis and serosa
Functions
•Transmit: Ova from ovary,
sperm from the uterine
cavity
•Site for fertilization and Fertilization occur up to 24 hrs after ovulation. Zygote undergo
cell division as move towards uterus for 6-7 days.
also ectopic
34 pregnancies
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Location UTERUS (WOMB)
•Between Urinary bladder an rectum
•Size of inverted pear (7.5cm*5cm), larger
in those who been pregnant, atroph with
age (low hormone level)
Subdivisions
Fundus: Dome-shaped, project anteriorly
Body: Central portion
Cervix: Inferior narrow portion opening
to vagina
Function
•Passageway for sperms to oviduct
•Site for implantation of fertilized ovum
•Development of fetus during pregnancy
•SourceI.H.S-G
of menstrual
TANTHUMA
flow
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The cervix and the vagina
Cervix
 Cervical mucus: mixture of water, glycoproteins, lipids,
enzymes and inorganic salts.
 At ovulation: allow sperm survival; less viscous and
more alkaline (pH 8.5).
 At other times: block sperm penetration; more viscous
and clearer.
 Vagina
 Fibromuscular canal lined with mucous membrane
continuous with cervix.
 Fornix: at attachment to cervix
 Widest diameter anteroposterior
 Entrance covered by membranous hymen
 Walls with rugae to allow distension
 Receptable to penis, outlet for menstrual flow and birth
canal
 Metabolism of glycogen to lactic acid protects against
36 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
infection
 Events of Oogenesis

37 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA Figure 27.19

 Ovarian Cycle
 After puberty, the ovary constantly alternates between two
phases:
 Follicular phase – presence of maturing follicles
 Luteal phase – presence of corpus luteum
 The average ovarian cycle lasts 28 days
 The follicle phase (0-14 days) produces a mature egg
ready for ov
 ulation
 The luteal phase (15-28 days) prepares the female
reproductive tract for pregnancy in case fertilization
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occurs
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Oogenesis and follicular dev-Histology (Frontal section)

Ovum maturation in stages

39 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Ovarian Cycle

 Follicular phase (1-14 days) is the time of follicle growth.

 The oocyte and cells of the primordial follicle grow into a primary follicle
 As soon as more than one cell layer is present in the follicle, it is called a
secondary follicle and the cells are called granulosa cells. Granulosa cells
secrete estrogens and wrap the oocyte in a zona pellucida. A fluid filled
antrum is also present
 Graafian follicle has a large antrum and the oocyte has completed meiosis
I. Ready for ovulation
 luteal phase (14 – 28 days) period of corpus luteum activity. Endocrine
activity
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– secretion
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA of progesterone and some estrogen Figure 27.20
 Spermatogenesis vs Oogenesis
 Spermatogenesis:
 Takes 65-75 days in males at puberty (14 years).
 One primary spermatocyte produces 4 gametes (sperm).
 Meiosis completed within testes
 Continuous process

 Oogenesis:
 Begins in females before they are even born (foetus).
 One primary oocyte gives rise to a single gamete (ovum).
 Meiosis completed after fertilization
 Discontinuous . Fetus and later in life

41 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 UTERUS/ Uterine Wall
 Hormonal activity is also preparing the
uterine wall for implantation
 Endometrium is the mucosal lining
where embryo will implant and has two
main layers:
Stratum functionalis:undergoes
cyclic changes in response to blood
levels of ovarian hormones and is shed
during menstruation
Stratum basalis: regenerate the
stratum functionalis
 Uterus: Thick walled (Endometrium,
Myometrium, Perimetrium).
42 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Ovarian and Uterine (menstrual) Cycles

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Summary of the phases of the reproductive cycle

Adopted from Physiology in Childbearing with Anatomy and Related Biosciences

44
(Rankin, 2017)
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Female Reproductive Cycle
 Menstrual cycle
- A series of changes that occur monthly in the lining of the
uterus to prepare for the fertilized egg
 Regulation of the cycle
- Controlled by release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) from hypothalamus
- GnRH stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone
(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior
pituitary gland

45 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 Hormonal regulation and the ovarian cycle

46 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA Figure 27.21

 Cont…
 FSH
- Stimulates release of estrogen
 LH
- Stimulates development of ovarian follicles
- Triggers ovulation
- Promotes formation of corpus luteum
 Estrogen
- Stimulates development of female secondary sexual characteristics
- Stimulates protein synthesis
- Inhibits release of GnRH, LH and FSH through negative feedback
 Progesterone
- Secreted by cells of corpus luteum
- Prepares the endometrium for implantation
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 Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

48 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA Figure 28.6

 Effects of Pregnancy: Metabolic Changes

 The placenta secretes human placental lactogen (hPL), also called

human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), which stimulates
the maturation of the breasts.
 hPL promotes growth of the fetus and exerts a maternal glucose-
sparing effect.
 Human chorionic thyrotropin (hCT) increases maternal
metabolism.
 Parathyroid hormone levels are high, ensuring a positive calcium
balance.

49 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Effects of Pregnancy: Physiological Changes

 GI tract – morning sickness occurs due to elevated levels of hCG,

estrogen and progesterone
 Urinary system – urine production increases to handle the additional
fetal wastes
 Respiratory system –dyspnea (difficult breathing) may develop late in
pregnancy
 Cardiovascular system – blood volume increases
25-40%
 Venous pressure from lower limbs is impaired, resulting in varicose veins

50 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
Birth control/Contraception:Restricting number of
children and prevention conception.
 Mechanism of action. Pros and Cons
a. Total abstinence: Safe
b. Surgical sterilization (Vasectomy, tubal ligation): No reproduction
b. Barrier methods: Diaphragms and Condoms
c. Hormonal methods/Oral contraceptives/Pills (EC): -ve feedback
inhibition (FSH & LH); no ovulation and alter cervical mucus; no
implantation. Other: Norplant, Depo-provera, lunelle, skin patches
and vaginal ring.
d. Spermicides: make vigina and cervix unfavourable to sperm
e. Intrauterine device (IUD): Plastic, copper or steel object. Prevent
implantation by changing lining of uterus.
e. Periodic abstinence (rhythm method/sympto-thermal): Avoid
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ovulation, usually -/+ 3 days ovulation (14 of 28 day cycle)
I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 HIV and Reproduction
Major routes of HIV (Takes control of host cell division): Order :
Blood, Semen, Vaginal secretions and Breast milk.
Why women most susceptible to HIV infection?
 Viginal mucosa and HIV infection (Antigen presenting dendritic cells).
 Mucous membranes lining the cervix and uterine walls
 The much larger surface area of the vagina and cervix compared to the areas
of the penis
 Low estrogen levels directly affect the vaginal wall, making it thinner so HIV
can more easily pass through the wall.
The non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of vagina can easily
slough off due to abrasions during sexual intercourse.
 Why are sexual active teenagers predisposed to STDs?
 PMTCT: Points of transmission (Pregnancy; Delivery;
Breastfeeding). Interventions: ARV (viral load), improve obstetric
and feeding practices.Refer to recent Guidelines HAART & PMTCT.
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I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 The Case for Redefining Infertility. Proponents of “social infertility” ask: What if it’s your
biography, rather than your body, that prevents you from having a child? By Anna
Louie Sussman. June 18, 2019

53 I.H.S-G TANTHUMA
 REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Explain the significance of the blood-testis barrier in immunity.
2. Define the following

 Diploid:
 Haploid:
 Menarche:
 Menopause:
3. State any two (2) benefits of male circumcision?

4. Discuss how a fairly constant temperature conducive for sperm production is

maintained.
5. Outline the mechanism of action of the following birth control methods.
i. Sterilization:
ii. Emergency contraception “morning –after pill”:
iii. Intrauterine devices (IUD):
6. How would you account for infertility in males?

7. Describe the mechanism of action of oral contraceptives.

 ANSWERS
1.The blood-testis barrier partitions the interstitial blood compartment of the testis from the adluminal compartment of the
seminiferous tubules, thus separating the blood from the sperm. Sperms are produced late in life after the body has acquired its
immunity thus if they are exposed to blood the body would see them as foreign and would cause an antigen-antibody reaction.
2. Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes in somatic cells. 2n or 46 pairs
Haploid: Reduced number of chromosomes/halfed. Gamete with single set of 23 chromosomes. n

3. Foreskin removal reduces risk of UTIs and cutaneously acquired infections:

 Foreskin rich in HIV target cells (Dendritic cells, langerhans, CD4+ T-cells and macrophages cells), hence reduced when removed
 Inner preputial mucosa is keratinized and hence reduce micro-tears. (Retraction over shaft during sexual intercourse).
 Reduced risk penile cancer and HPV infection,cervical cancer in female partners
4. Its external positioning (away from the abdominopelvic cavity)
 Changes in scrotal surface: When cold Dartos and cremaster muscles contract and testes closer to body wall; scrotum shortens, and
wrinkle to reduce heat loss. When warm cremaster and dartos muscles relaxes, scrotal skin become flaccid, become loose to
increase surface area.
 Pampiniform plexus (veins) absorbs heat from testicular artery.
5. i. Sterilization: No reproduction.Secondary oocyte cannot pass through uterine tubes, sperm cannot reach oocyte.
ii. Emergency contraception “morning –after pill”: The high levels of estrogens and progesterone in pills provide for –ve feedback inhibition
of FSH and LH, uterine lining will shed and implantation blocked.
iii. Intrauterine devices (IUD): Inserted into the uterus cavity and cause changes in the uterine lining that prevents implantation of a
fertilized ovum.
6. -Lack of estrogen; its presence regulates absoption of luminal fluid in head of epididymis, if disrupted sperms enter epididymis
diluted and could result in infertility
-Non- descent of testes
-Low sperm count
-Morphologically distorted sperm
7. -Prevents pregnancy mainly by negative feedback inhibition of secretion of the gonadotropins FSH and LH from the anterior
pituitary. The low levels of FSH and LH usually prevent development of dominant follicle, as a result estrogen level does not rise
and ovulation is not triggered. Thus no secondary oocyte available for fertilization.
-Also alter cervical mucus, so that is hostile to sperm and blocks implantation in uterus. Even if fertilization occurs there cannot be
implantation.
 REFERENCES
1. Gilroy, AM. (2013). Anatomy: An essential Textbook. Thieme
2. Marieb, EN, (2015). Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology.
11th Edition. Pearson
3. Marieb, EN & Hoehn, K (2007). Human Anatomy and Physiology.
9th Ed. Pearson, Boston.
4. Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM (2010). Gray’s Anatomy for
Students. 2nd Ed. Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.
5. Tortora, G. J., Derrickson, B. (2013). Principles of Anatomy and
Physiology. 14th Edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
6. Martini, F. H., Nath, J.L., Bartholomew, E. F. (2014). Fundamentals
of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th Edition. Pearson
7. Waugh, A., Grant, A. (2014) Ross and Wilson, Anatomy and
Physiology in Health and Illness. 12th Edition, Churchill
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