CHAPTER 10

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

 By: Marinelle B. Contreras
MAN,RN

© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.

© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.
 OBJECTIVES:  )
1.Name the internal parts of a testis.
2.Explain the effects of testosterone on the male body.
3.Describe the process of spermatogenesis.
4.Follow the path of a sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the
outside.
5.Define semen and what glands contribute to its composition.
6.Name the three parts of the male urethra.
7.Describe the development of a follicle, before and after
ovulation.
8.Describe the process of oogenesis.
9.Name the parts of the uterus.
10.Name the external genitalia of the female.
11.Describe the phases of the menstrual cycle.
12.Describe lactation and the function of the mammary glands.

© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.

 The Reproductive System
 What are the primary sex organs and what do
they produce?
 The Reproductive System
 Gonads—primary sex organs
 Testes in males
 Ovaries in females
 Gonads produce gametes (sex cells) and secrete
hormones
 Sperm—male gametes
 Ova (eggs)—female gametes
 Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System
 Testes
 Duct system
 Epididymis
 Ductus (vas)
deferens
 Urethra
 Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System
 Accessory organs
 Seminal glands
(vesicles)
 Prostate
 Bulbourethral
glands
 External genitalia
 Penis
 Scrotum
Figure 16.2a Male reproductive organs.

Ureter
Urinary bladder
Seminal vesicle Prostatic urethra
Ampulla of Pubis
ductus deferens
Membranous urethra
Ejaculatory duct
Urogenital diaphragm
Rectum
Erectile tissue
Prostate
of the penis
Bulbo-urethral gland
Spongy urethra

Shaft of the penis

Ductus (vas) deferens
Epididymis Glans penis
Testis Prepuce
Scrotum External urethral
(a) orifice

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Figure 16.2b Male reproductive organs.

Urinary
bladder Ureter
Ampulla
of ductus
deferens
Seminal
vesicle
Ejaculatory
Prostate duct

Prostatic Bulbourethral
urethra gland
Membranous Ductus
urethra deferens
Root of
penis Erectile
tissues

Epididymis
Shaft (body)
of penis Testis

Spongy
urethra
Glans penis
Prepuce
External
urethral
(b) orifice
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 Testes
 Each testis is connected
to the trunk via the
spermatic cord, which
houses:
 Blood vessels
 Nerves
 Ductus deferens
 Coverings of the testes
 Tunica albuginea—
capsule that surrounds
each testis
 Septa—extensions of the
capsule that extend into
the testis and divide it into
lobules
Testes
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© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.
Testes
Figure 16.1 Sagittal section of the testis and associated epididymis.

Spermatic cord

Blood vessels
and nerves

Seminiferous
tubule

Rete testis

Ductus (vas)
deferens

Lobule
Septum
Tunica
Epididymis albuginea

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 Testes
 Each lobule contains one to four seminiferous
tubules
 Tightly coiled structures
 Function as sperm-forming factories
 Empty sperm into the rete testis
 Sperm travels from the rete testis to the
epididymis
 Interstitial cells in the seminiferous tubules
produce androgens such as testosterone
 Duct System
 The duct system
transports sperm
from the body
and includes:
 Epididymis
 Ductus deferens
 Urethra
Duct System

 How long is the epididymis?

 Duct System
 Epididymis
 Highly convoluted tube 6 m (20 ft)
long
 Found along the posterior lateral
side of the testis
 First part of the male duct system
 Temporary storage site for
immature sperm
 Sperm mature as they journey
through the epididymis
 During ejaculation, sperm are
propelled to the ductus deferens
 Duct System
 Ductus (vas) deferens
 Runs from the epididymis via the
spermatic cord through the
inguinal canal and arches over
the urinary bladder
 Ampulla—end of the ductus
deferens, which empties into
the ejaculatory duct
 Ejaculatory duct—passes
through the prostate to merge
with the urethra
 Moves sperm by peristalsis into
the urethra
Duct System

What do you call this process when smooth muscle

in the walls of the ductus deferens create peristaltic
waves to squeeze sperm forward?
Duct System

 Ductus (vas) deferens (continued)

 Ejaculation—smooth muscle in the walls of the ductus
deferens create peristaltic waves to squeeze sperm
forward
 Vasectomy—cutting of the ductus deferens at the level
of the testes prevents transportation of sperm (form of
birth control)
Duct System

 Urethra
 Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip
of the penis
 Carries both urine and sperm
 Sperm enters from the ejaculatory duct
 Duct System
 Urethra regions
1. Prostatic urethra—surrounded
by prostate gland
2. Membranous urethra—
prostatic urethra to penis
3. Spongy (penile) urethra—runs
the length of the penis to the
external urethral orifice
 Ejaculation causes the internal
urethra sphincter to close
 Prevents urine from passing into
the urethra
 Prevents sperm from entering
the urinary bladder
Figure 16.2a Male reproductive organs.

Ureter
Urinary bladder
Seminal vesicle Prostatic urethra
Ampulla of Pubis
ductus deferens
Membranous urethra
Ejaculatory duct
Urogenital diaphragm
Rectum
Erectile tissue
Prostate
of the penis
Bulbo-urethral gland
Spongy urethra

Shaft of the penis

Ductus (vas) deferens
Epididymis Glans penis
Testis Prepuce
Scrotum External urethral
(a) orifice

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Figure 16.2b Male reproductive organs.

Urinary
bladder Ureter
Ampulla
of ductus
deferens
Seminal
vesicle
Ejaculatory
Prostate duct

Prostatic Bulbourethral
urethra gland
Membranous Ductus
urethra deferens
Root of
penis Erectile
tissues

Epididymis
Shaft (body)
of penis Testis

Spongy
urethra
Glans penis
Prepuce
External
urethral
(b) orifice
© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.
 Accessory Glands and Semen
 Seminal
vesicles
 Prostate
 Bulbourethral
glands
Accessory Glands and Semen

 Seminal vesicles
 Located at the base of the bladder
 Produce a thick, yellowish secretion (60% of semen)
that contains:
 Fructose (sugar)
 Vitamin C
 Prostaglandins
 Other substances that nourish and activate sperm
 Duct of each seminal vesicle joins that of the ductus
deferens on each side to form the ejaculatory duct
Accessory Glands and Semen

 Prostate
 Encircles the upper (prostatic) part of the urethra
 Secretes a milky fluid
 Helps to activate sperm
 Fluid enters the urethra through several small ducts
Accessory Glands and Semen

 Bulbourethral glands
 Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate
 Produce a thick, clear mucus
 Mucus cleanses the spongy (penile) urethra of acidic
urine prior to ejaculation
 Mucus serves as a lubricant during sexual intercourse
Figure 16.2b Male reproductive organs.

Urinary
bladder Ureter
Ampulla
of ductus
deferens
Seminal
vesicle
Ejaculatory
Prostate duct

Prostatic Bulbourethral
urethra gland
Membranous Ductus
urethra deferens
Root of
penis Erectile
tissues

Epididymis
Shaft (body)
of penis Testis

Spongy
urethra
Glans penis
Prepuce
External
urethral
(b) orifice
© 2018 Pearson Education, Ltd.
Accessory Glands and Semen

 Semen
 Milky white mixture of sperm and accessory gland
secretions
 Components of accessory gland secretions
 Liquid portion acts as a transport medium to dilute
sperm
 Sperm are streamlined cellular “tadpoles”
 Fructose provides energy for sperm cells
 Alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidic
environment of vagina
 Semen inhibits bacteria
External Genitalia

 Scrotum
 Penis
External Genitalia

 Scrotum
 Divided sac of skin outside the abdomen that houses
the testes
 Viable sperm cannot be produced at normal body
temperature
 Maintains testes at 3°C lower than normal body
temperature
 External Genitalia
 Penis
 Male organ of copulation that delivers sperm into the
female reproductive tract
 Regions of the penis
 Shaft
 Glans penis (enlarged tip)
 Prepuce (foreskin)
 Folded cuff of skin around proximal end
 Often removed by circumcision
External Genitalia

 Penis (continued)
 Internally there are three areas of spongy erectile
tissue around the urethra
 Erections occur when this erectile tissue fills with blood
during sexual excitement
Male Reproductive Functions

What are the chief roles of the male in the

reproductive process?
Male Reproductive Functions

 Chief roles of the male in the reproductive

process
 Produce sperm
 Produce a hormone, testosterone
Spermatogenesis

 Sperm production
 Begins at puberty and continues throughout life
 Millions of sperm are made every day
 Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules of
the testis
 Spermatogonia (primitive stem cells) begin the
process by dividing rapidly
 During puberty, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is
secreted in increasing amounts
Figure 16.3 Spermatogenesis.

Seminiferous
tubule Basement membrane

Spermatogonium 2n 2n Daughter cell

(stem cell) type A (remains
at basement
Mitosis 2n membrane
as a stem cell)
Growth
Daughter cell type B
Enters (moves toward tubule
prophase of lumen)
meiosis I 2n Primary

Meiosis
spermatocyte
Meiosis I
completed
n n Secondary
spermatocytes
Spermatogenesis

Meiosis II

n n n n Early
spermatids
Spermiogenesis

Late
n n n n
spermatids

Sperm
n n n n

Lumen of
seminiferous
tubule

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Figure 16.3 Spermatogenesis (1 of 2).

Seminiferous
tubule

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Figure 16.3 Spermatogenesis (2 of 2).
Basement membrane

Spermatogonium 2n 2n Daughter cell

(stem cell) type A (remains
at basement
Mitosis membrane
2n
as a stem cell)
Growth
Daughter cell type B
Enters (moves toward tubule
prophase of lumen)
meiosis I 2n
Primary

Meiosis
spermatocyte
Meiosis I
completed
n n Secondary
spermatocytes
Spermatogenesis Meiosis II

n n n n Early
spermatids
Spermiogenesis

n n n n Late
spermatids

Sperm
n n n n

Lumen of
seminiferous
tubule

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Spermatogenesis

 Each division of a spermatogonium stem cell

produces:
 Type A daughter cell, a stem cell, that continues the
stem cell population
 Type B daughter cell, which becomes a primary
spermatocyte, destined to undergo meiosis and form
four sperm
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis

 Meiosis
 Special type of nuclear division that differs from mitosis
 Occurs in the gonads
 Includes two successive divisions of the nucleus
(meiosis I and II)
 Results in four daughter cells (gametes)
Spermatogenesis

 Gametes are spermatids with 23 chromosomes

 23 chromosomes are half the usual 46 found in other
body cells
 23 is known as the haploid number (n)—half the
genetic material as other body cells
 Union of a sperm (23 chromosomes, n) with an
egg (23 chromosomes, n) creates a zygote (2n,
or 46 chromosomes)
Figure 16.4 The human life cycle.

Gametes (n = 23)

n
Egg

n
Sperm
Meiosis Fertilization

Multicellular
adults Zygote 2n
(2n = 46) (2n = 46)

Mitosis and
development

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 Spermatogenesis
 Spermiogenesis
 Spermatids are nonmotile and not
functional as sperm
 A streamlining process is needed to
strip excess cytoplasm from a
spermatid and modify it into a sperm
 A sperm has three regions: head,
midpiece, tail
 Acrosome sits anterior to the sperm
head (nucleus)
 The entire process of
spermatogenesis, including
spermiogenesis, takes 64 to 72
days
Testosterone Production

 During puberty:
 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) begins prodding
seminiferous tubules to produce sperm
 Luteinizing hormone (LH) begins activating the
interstitial cells to produce testosterone
Testosterone Production

 Testosterone
 Most important hormonal product of the testes
 Stimulates reproductive organ development
 Underlies sex drive
 Causes secondary sex characteristics
 Deepening of voice
 Increased hair growth
 Enlargement of skeletal muscles
 Increased bone growth and density
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 1
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
2 GnRH stimulates the anterior
Anterior
pituitary pituitary to release gonadotropins
—FSH and LH.
3 FSH stimulates
spermatogonia to produce sperm.
5
2 4 LH stimulates the interstitial
cells to release testosterone,
FSH LH which serves as the final trigger
Testosterone for spermatogenesis.
3 4 Testosterone then enhances
5 spermatogenesis.
5 The rising level of
testosterone exerts negative
feedback control on the
hypothalamus and pituitary.
Testosterone Primary and secondary
sex characteristics

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis
FSH and
testosterone
stimulate
sperm
production

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 2
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
Anterior
pituitary

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 3
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
2 GnRH stimulates the anterior
Anterior
pituitary pituitary to release gonadotropins
—FSH and LH.

FSH LH

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 4
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
2 GnRH stimulates the anterior
Anterior
pituitary pituitary to release gonadotropins
—FSH and LH.
3 FSH stimulates
spermatogonia to produce sperm.
2

FSH LH

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 5
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
2 GnRH stimulates the anterior
Anterior
pituitary pituitary to release gonadotropins
—FSH and LH.
3 FSH stimulates
spermatogonia to produce sperm.
2 4 LH stimulates the interstitial
cells to release testosterone,
FSH LH which serves as the final trigger
for spermatogenesis.
3 4 Testosterone then enhances
spermatogenesis.

Testosterone Primary and secondary

sex characteristics

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
Figure 16.6 Hormonal control of testosterone release and sperm production. Slide 6
Hypothalamus 1 The hypothalamus releases
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
1 (GnRH).
GnRH
2 GnRH stimulates the anterior
Anterior
pituitary pituitary to release gonadotropins
—FSH and LH.
3 FSH stimulates
spermatogonia to produce sperm.
5
2 4 LH stimulates the interstitial
cells to release testosterone,
FSH LH which serves as the final trigger
Testosterone for spermatogenesis.
3 4 Testosterone then enhances
5 spermatogenesis.
5 The rising level of
testosterone exerts negative
feedback control on the
hypothalamus and pituitary.
Testosterone Primary and secondary
sex characteristics

Supporting cell Seminiferous

tubule in testis
FSH and
testosterone
stimulate
sperm
production

Spermatogonia
Spermatogenesis

KEY:
Stimulates
Inhibits
The Male Sexual Response
The male sexual response includes erection and orgasm
accompanied by ejaculation of semen. Orgasm is followed
by a variable time period during which it is not possible to
achieve another erection.
The Male Sexual Response
The Male Sexual Response
 Anatomy of the Female Reproductive
System
 Ovaries
 Duct system
 Uterine
(fallopian) tubes
 Uterus
 Vagina
 External genitalia
 Ovaries
 Ovaries
 Produce eggs (ova) and
hormones (estrogen and
progesterone)
 Each ovary houses ovarian
follicles consisting of:
 Oocyte (immature egg)
 Follicle cells—layers of
different cells that surround
the oocyte
Ovaries

 How many days does ovulation occurs?

Ovaries

 Ovarian Cycle
 The events of the menstrual cycle that take place
in the ovaries make up the ovarian cycle. It
consists of changes that occur in the follicles of
one of the ovaries. The ovarian cycle is divided
into the following three phases: follicular phase,
ovulation, and luteal phase.
 Ovaries
 The follicular phase is the first phase of the ovarian
cycle. It generally lasts about 12 to 14 days for a 28-
day menstrual cycle. During this phase, several
ovarian follicles are stimulated to begin maturing, but
usually only one — called the Graafian follicle —
matures completely so it is ready to release an egg.
The other maturing follicles stop growing and
disintegrate. Follicular development occurs because of
a rise in the blood level of follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. The
maturing follicle releases estrogen, the level of which
rises throughout the follicular phase.
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Ovaries

 Ovulation is the second phase of the ovarian

cycle. It usually occurs around day 14 of a 28-day
menstrual cycle. During this phase, the Graafian
follicle ruptures and releases its ovum. Ovulation
is stimulated by a sudden rise in the blood level of
luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.
This is called the LH surge.
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 Ovaries
 The luteal phase is the third and final phase of the
ovarian cycle. It typically lasts about 14 days in a 28-
day menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the luteal
phase, FSH and LH cause the Graafian follicle that
ovulated the egg to transform into a structure called
a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes
progesterone, which in turn suppresses FSH and LH
production by the pituitary gland and stimulates the
continued buildup of the endometrium in the uterus.
How this phase ends depends on whether or not the
ovum has been fertilized.
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Ovaries
 If fertilization has not occurred, the
falling levels of FSH and LH during the
luteal phase cause the corpus luteum
to atrophy, so its production of
progesterone declines. Without a high
level of progesterone to maintain it, the
endometrium starts to break down. By
the end of the luteal phase, the
endometrium can no longer be
maintained, and the next menstrual
cycle begins with the shedding of the
endometrium (menses).
 Ovaries
 If fertilization has occurred so a zygote
forms and then divides to become a
blastocyst, the outer layer of the
blastocyst produces a hormone called
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
This hormone is very similar to LH and
preserves the corpus luteum. The
corpus luteum can then continue to
secrete progesterone to maintain the
new pregnancy.
Figure 16.7 Sagittal section of a human ovary showing the developmental stages of an ovarian follicle.

Primary follicle Growing follicles

Degenerating
corpus luteum

Blood
vessels
Antrum
Corona
radiata

Mature vesicular
(Graafian) follicle

Germinal
epithelium
Corpus luteum
Developing Ruptured Ovulation Secondary oocyte
corpus luteum follicle

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Ovaries

 Ovarian follicles
 Primary follicle—contains an immature oocyte
 Vesicular (Graafian) follicle—growing follicle with a
maturing oocyte
 Ovulation—the follicle ruptures when the egg is mature
and ready to be ejected from the ovary; occurs about
every 28 days
 The ruptured follicle is transformed into a corpus
luteum
Ovaries

 Ovary support
 Suspensory ligaments secure the ovaries to the lateral
walls of the pelvis
 Ovarian ligaments anchor ovaries to the uterus
medially
 Broad ligaments, a fold of peritoneum, enclose and
hold the ovaries in place
Figure 16.8b The human female reproductive organs.

Suspensory Uterine (fallopian) tube

ligament of ovary
Fundus Lumen (cavity)
Ovarian of uterus of uterus
blood
vessels Ovary
Broad Infundibulum
Uterine
ligament Fimbriae tube

Ovarian ligament Round ligament of uterus

Body of Endometrium
uterus Wall of
Myometrium
Perimetrium uterus
Ureter
Uterine blood Cervical canal
vessels
Uterosacral
ligament
Vagina
Cervix
(b)

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 Duct System
 Uterine
(fallopian) tubes
 Uterus
 Vagina
 Duct System
 Uterine (fallopian) tubes
(continued)
 Form the initial part of the duct
system
 Receive the ovulated oocyte
from the ovaries
 Provide a site for fertilization
 Empty into the uterus
 Little or no contact between
ovaries and uterine tubes
 Supported and enclosed by the
broad ligament
 Duct System
 Uterine (fallopian) tube
structure
 Infundibulum
 Distal, funnel-shaped
end
 Fimbriae
 Fingerlike projections of
the infundibulum
 Receive the oocyte
from the ovary
 Cilia located inside the
uterine tube transport
the oocyte
Duct System

What do you call this procedure where the fallopian

tubes are cut, tied or blocked to permanently
prevent pregnancy?
Duct System

What do you call this procedure where the fallopian

tubes are cut, tied or blocked to permanently
prevent pregnancy?

Ans: Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation prevents an egg from traveling from
the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and blocks
sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to the
egg. The procedure doesn't affect your menstrual
cycle
Figure 16.8b The human female reproductive organs.

Suspensory Uterine (fallopian) tube

ligament of ovary
Fundus Lumen (cavity)
Ovarian of uterus of uterus
blood
vessels Ovary
Broad Infundibulum
Uterine
ligament Fimbriae tube

Ovarian ligament Round ligament of uterus

Body of Endometrium
uterus Wall of
Myometrium
Perimetrium uterus
Ureter
Uterine blood Cervical canal
vessels
Uterosacral
ligament
Vagina
Cervix
(b)

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Duct System

 What part of the female reproductive organ

receives, retains, nourishes a fertilized egg?
Duct System

 Uterus
 Situated between the urinary bladder and rectum
 Size and shape of a pear, in a woman who has never
been pregnant
 Receives, retains, nourishes a fertilized egg
Duct System

 Uterine support
 Broad ligament suspends the uterus in the pelvis
 Round ligament anchors the uterus anteriorly
 Uterosacral ligament anchors the uterus posteriorly
Duct System

 Regions of the uterus

 Body—main portion
 Fundus—superior rounded region above where uterine
tube enters
 Cervix—narrow outlet that protrudes into the vagina
 Duct System
 Layers of the uterus
 Endometrium
 Inner layer (mucosa)
 Site of implantation of a
fertilized egg
 Sloughs off if no
pregnancy occurs
(menstruation or
menses)
 Myometrium is the middle
layer of smooth muscle that
contracts during labor
 Perimetrium (visceral
peritoneum) is the
outermost serous layer of
the uterus
 Duct System
 Vagina
 Passageway that extends from
cervix to exterior of body and is
located between urinary bladder
and rectum
 Serves as the canal that allows
a baby or menstrual flow to
leave the body
 Female organ of copulation
 Receives the penis during
sexual intercourse
 Hymen—partially closes the
vagina until it is ruptured
 External Genitalia and Female Perineum
 The female external
genitalia, or vulva,
includes:
 Mons pubis
 Labia
 Clitoris
 Urethral orifice
 Vaginal orifice
 Greater vestibular
glands
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 What is the fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis

And is covered with pubic hair after puberty?
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 Mons pubis
 Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis
 Covered with pubic hair after puberty
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 Labia—skin folds
 Labia majora
 Hair-covered skin folds
 Enclose the labia minora
 Also encloses the vestibule
 Labia minora—delicate, hair-free folds of skin
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 Vestibule
 Enclosed by labia majora
 Contains external openings of the urethra and vagina
 Greater vestibular glands
 One is found on each side of the vagina
 Secretions lubricate vagina during intercourse
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 What part of the female repro is the pleasure center?

External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 Clitoris
 Contains erectile tissue
 Corresponds to the male penis
 The clitoris is similar to the penis in that it is:
 Hooded by a prepuce
 Composed of sensitive erectile tissue
 Swollen with blood during sexual excitement
 The clitoris lacks a reproductive duct
External Genitalia and Female Perineum

 Perineum
 Diamond-shaped region between the anterior ends of
the labial folds, anus posteriorly, and ischial
tuberosities laterally
Figure 16.9 External genitalia of the human female.

Mons pubis
Labia majora

Prepuce of
clitoris
Clitoris
Vestibule
Urethral orifice
Vaginal orifice
Opening of duct
of greater
vestibular gland
Labia minora
Perineum
Anus

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Female Reproductive Functions and Cycles

 The total supply of eggs is determined by the time

a female is born
 Ability to release eggs begins at puberty with the
onset of the menstrual cycle
 Reproductive ability ends at menopause (in
female’s fifties)
 What is the process of producing ova (eggs) in a
female?
Oogenesis

 Oogenesis is the process of producing ova (eggs)

in a female
 Oogonia are female stem cells found in a developing
fetus
 Oogonia undergo mitosis to produce primary oocytes
that are surrounded by cells that form primary follicles
in the ovary
Oogenesis

 Primary oocytes are inactive until puberty

 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes some
primary follicles to mature each month
 Cyclic monthly changes constitute the ovarian
cycle
Oogenesis

 Meiosis starts inside maturing follicle

 First meiotic division produces a larger secondary
oocyte and a smaller first polar body
 A vesicular follicle contains a secondary oocyte
(maturation from a primary follicle takes about 14
days)
 Ovulation of a secondary oocyte occurs with the
release of luteinizing hormone (LH)
 Secondary oocyte is released and surrounded by
a corona radiata
Figure 16.11 Ovulation.

Oocyte

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Oogenesis

 Meiosis is completed after ovulation only if sperm

penetrates the oocyte
 Ovum is produced
 Two additional polar bodies are produced
 Once ovum is formed, the 23 chromosomes can
be combined with the 23 chromosomes of the
sperm to form the fertilized egg (zygote)
 If the secondary oocyte is not penetrated by a
sperm, it dies and does not complete meiosis to
form an ovum
Oogenesis

 Meiosis
 Males—produces four functional sperm
 Females—produces one functional ovum and three
tiny polar bodies
 Sex cell size and structure
 Sperm are tiny, motile, and equipped with nutrients in
seminal fluid
 Egg is large, is nonmotile, and has nutrient reserves to
nourish the embryo until implantation
Figure 16.10 Events of oogenesis.

Meiotic Events Follicle Development

in Ovary
Before birth
2n Oogonium (stem cell)
Follicle cells
Mitosis Oocyte

2n Primary oocyte Primary

follicle
Growth

2n
Primary oocyte Primary
(arrested in prophase I; follicle
present at birth)

Childhood (ovary inactive)

Monthly from
Primary
puberty to menopause follicle
2n Primary oocyte (still
arrested in prophase I) Growing
follicle

Mature
vesicular
Meiosis I (completed by one (Graafian)
primary oocyte each month) Secondary oocyte follicle
(arrested in
First polar body n metaphase II)
Ovulation
Sperm Ovulated
secondary
Meiosis II of polar body oocyte
(may or may not occur) Meiosis II completed
(only if sperm
n n n n penetration occurs)
Polar bodies
(all polar bodies Second Ovum
degenerate) polar body

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Hormone Production by the Ovaries

 Estrogens are produced by follicle cells

 Cause secondary sex characteristics
 Enlargement of accessory organs of the female
reproductive system
 Development of breasts
 Appearance of axillary and pubic hair
 Increase in fat beneath the skin, particularly in hips and
breasts
 Widening and lightening of the pelvis
 Onset of menses (menstrual cycle)
Hormone Production by the Ovaries

 Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum

 Production continues until LH diminishes in the blood
 Does not contribute to the appearance of secondary
sex characteristics
 Other major effects
 Helps maintain pregnancy
 Prepares the breasts for milk production
Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

 Cyclic changes of the endometrium, about 28

days in length
 Regulated by cyclic production of estrogens and
progesterone by the ovaries
 FSH and LH, from the anterior pituitary, regulate
the production of estrogens and progesterone by
the ovaries
 Ovulation typically occurs about midway through
cycle, on day 14
Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

 Stages of the menstrual cycle

 Menstrual phase
 Proliferative stage
 Secretory stage
 Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
 Days 1–5: menstrual phase
 Functional layer of the endometrium is sloughed
 Bleeding occurs for 3 to 5 days
 Ovarian hormones are at their lowest levels
 By day 5, growing ovarian follicles are producing more
estrogen
 Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
 Days 6–14: proliferative stage
 Regeneration of functional layer of the endometrium
 Endometrium is repaired, thickens, and becomes well
vascularized
 Estrogen levels rise
 Ovulation occurs in the ovary at the end of this stage
 Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
 Days 15–28: secretory phase
 Levels of progesterone rise and increase the blood
supply to the endometrium, which becomes more
vascular
 Endometrium increases in size and readies for
implantation
 Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle
 Days 15–28: secretory phase (continued)
 If fertilization does occur:
 Embryo produces a hormone that causes the corpus
luteum to continue producing its hormones
 If fertilization does NOT occur:
 Corpus luteum degenerates as LH blood levels decline
 The phases are repeated about every 28 days
 Figure 16.12b Hormonal interactions of the female cycles.

Primary Secondary Vesicular Ovulation Corpus Degenerating

follicle follicle follicle luteum corpus luteum

Follicular Ovulation Luteal

phase (Day 14) phase
b) Ovarian cycle: Structural changes in the ovarian follicles during the
ovarian cycle are correlated with (d) changes in the endometrium of
the uterus during the uterine cycle.

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Figure 16.12c Hormonal interactions of the female cycles.

Plasma hormone level

Estrogens

Progesterone

(c) Fluctuation of ovarian hormone levels: Fluctuating levels of

ovarian hormones (estrogens and progesterone) cause the endometrial
changes of the uterine cycle. The high estrogen levels are also
responsible for the LH/FSH surge in (a).

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Figure 16.12d Hormonal interactions of the female cycles.

Endometrial Blood vessels

Functional layer glands

Menstrual
flow
Basal layer

1 5 10 15 20 25 28 Days
Menstrual Proliferative Secretory
phase phase phase

The menstrual and proliferative phases occur before ovulation and together
correspond to the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. The secretory phase
corresponds in time to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

(d) The three phases of the uterine cycle:

• Menstrual: Shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium.
• Proliferative: Rebuilding of the functional layer of the endometrium.
• Secretory: Begins immediately after ovulation. Enrichment of the blood
supply and glandular secretion of nutrients prepare the endometrium to
receive an embryo.
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Figure 16.7 Sagittal section of a human ovary showing the developmental stages of an ovarian follicle.

Primary follicle Growing follicles

Degenerating
corpus luteum

Blood
vessels
Antrum
Corona
radiata

Mature vesicular
(Graafian) follicle

Germinal
epithelium
Corpus luteum
Developing Ruptured Ovulation Secondary oocyte
corpus luteum follicle

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Mammary Glands

 Present in both sexes, but function only in

females
 Modified sweat glands
 Function is to produce milk to nourish a newborn
 Stimulated by sex hormones (mostly estrogens)
to increase in size
 Mammary Glands
 Parts of the mammary gland
 Areola—central pigmented area
 Nipple—protruding central area
of areola
 Lobes—internal structures that
radiate around nipple
 Lobules—located within each
lobe and contain clusters of
alveolar glands
 Alveolar glands—produce milk
when a woman is lactating
(producing milk)
 Lactiferous ducts—connect
alveolar glands to nipple
 Lactiferous sinus—dilated
portion where milk accumulates
Figure 16.13a Female mammary glands.

Skin (cut)

Pectoralis major muscle

Connective tissue
suspensory ligament

Adipose tissue
Lobe

Areola
Nipple

Lactiferous sinus
Lactiferous duct
Lobule containing
alveoli

(a)
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Figure 16.13b Female mammary glands.

Skin (cut) First rib

Pectoralis major muscle

Connective tissue
suspensory ligament

Adipose tissue
Lobe

Areola
Nipple
Opening of
lactiferous duct

Lactiferous sinus
Lactiferous duct
Lobule containing
alveoli
Hypodermis
(superficial fascia)
Intercostal muscles

(b)
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Mammography

 Mammography is X-ray examination that detects

breast cancers too small to feel
 American Cancer Society recommends
mammography annually for women between 45
and 54 years old and every 2 years thereafter if
the results are normal
 Breast cancer is often signaled by a change in
skin texture, puckering, or leakage from the
nipple
Figure 16.14 Mammograms.

Malignancy

(a) Mammogram procedure (b) Film of normal breast (c) Film of breast with tumor

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Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive
System
 Gender is determined at fertilization
 Males have XY sex chromosomes
 Females have XX sex chromosomes
 Reproductive system structures of males and
females are identical during early development
 Gonads do not begin to form until the eighth week
 The presence or absence of testosterone
determines whether male or female accessory
reproductive organs will form
Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive
System
 The reproductive system is inactive during
childhood
 Reproductive system organs do not function for
childbearing until puberty
 Puberty usually begins between ages 10 and 15
Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive
System
 Males
 Enlargement of testes and scrotum signals onset of
puberty (often around age 13)
 Females
 Budding breasts signal puberty (often around age 11)
 Menarche—first menstrual period (usually occurs
about 2 years later)
Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive
System
 Menopause—a whole year has passed without
menstruation
 Ovaries stop functioning as endocrine organs
 Childbearing ability ends
 Hot flashes and mood changes may occur
 There is a no equivalent of menopause in males,
but there is a steady decline in testosterone