The document provides an overview of the male and female reproductive systems, including definitions of key terms related to puberty, menstruation, and reproductive development. It describes the anatomical structures and functions of the male and female reproductive organs, highlighting their roles in reproduction and hormonal regulation. The document emphasizes the complexity of reproductive processes, from gamete production to fertilization and gestation.

1. Male and Female
Reproductive System
NCM 107 A

2. Sex symbols
Male symbol ♂
Female symbol ♀

3. Definition of Terms
◦ Thelarche - the onset of secondary breast development, which often represents the beginning of pubertal development
◦ Menarche – (Greek: mēn "month" + arkhē "beginning") is the first menstrual cycle, or first menstrual bleeding, in female
humans. It is often considered the central event of female puberty, as it signals the possibility of fertility.
◦ Menstruation (also known as a period) is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. When
an ovum is unfertilized, the uterus lining sheds and leads to hemorrhage, called menstruation.
◦ Menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the
female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible. A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a
period. The average cycle is 28 days long.
◦ Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start before the period. It can include emotional and
physical symptoms.
◦ Puberty is the process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual
reproduction.
◦ Fertility is the quality of being able to produce children through reproduction.
◦ Reproduction (or procreation) is the biological process by which new individual organisms – "offspring" – are produced
from their parent. Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known life; each individual organism exists as the result
of reproduction.

4. Male and Female Reproductive
System
Reproductive development begins at the moment of
conception and continues throughout life (Flagg,
2018).
Sex assigned at birth is generally determined at the
moment of conception by chromosome information,
which is supplied by the sperm that joins with the

5. The Male Reproductive System

6. Andrology – (Greek: andros "man") the study of the male reproductive system
Male External Structure
1. The scrotum – is a rugated, skin-covered, muscular pouch suspended from the perineum. Its roles
are to protect the testes and help to control the temperature of the sperm.
2. The penis – consist of the cylindrical mass of erectile tissue in the shaft of the penis. The urethra
passes through these layers of tissue, allowing the penis to serve both the urinary and reproductive
tract outlet in men. During sexual arousal, nitric acid is released from the blood vessels. This causes
dilation and an increase in blood flow to the penis arteries (engorgement). Ischiocavernosus muscle
at the base of the penis under stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, then contract,
trapping both venous and arterial blood in portions of the erectile tissue.
3. The testes - are two ovoid glands, 2-3 cm long, which rest in the scrotum. Each testis is covered with a
protective white fibrous capsule and consists of a number of lobules. The lobule contains interstitial
cells (Leydig cells) that produce testosterone and seminiferous tubules that generate spermatozoa.
Testes in the fetus are first developed in the pelvic cavity, and descend later in intrauterine life (about
34th 38th week of pregnancy). Spermatozoa produced in the testes reach maturity through a complex
sequence of events.

7. Male Internal Structure
1. The Epididymis - The seminiferous tubule of each testis leads to a tightly coiled channel, called
epididymis, which is responsible for sperm transfer from the tubule to the vas deferens, the next stage
in the passage to the outside. Since each epididymis is so tightly coiled; in fact, its length is misleading.
Incredibly, it's over 20 ft long. (Sperms are immobile and unable to be fertilized when they pass through
or are deposited at epididymis level. It takes at least 12- 20 days to travel the length of the tube and a
total of 65-75 days to achieve its maximum maturity).
2. The Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens) - It is an external hollow tube, surrounded by arteries and veins
and protected by a thick fibrous tissue covering. This carries the sperm from the epididymis through
the inguinal canal to the abdominal cavity, where it ends in the seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory
duct below the bladder. The sperm maturation is achieved as it passes through the vas deferens.
3. The Ejaculatory ducts - They are formed by the fusion of vas deferens and seminal vesicles. The
ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.
4. The Seminal Vesicles - There are two convoluted pouches located in the lower part of the bladder. These
glands secrete viscous alkaline liquids rich in sugar, protein and prostaglandin content. The sperm has
become increasingly mobile because the added fluid provides them with a favorable PH setting.

8. 5. The Prostate Gland- A chestnut-sized gland located just below the bladder
and
allowing the urethra to move through the middle of the gland, like a
doughnut
hole. The purpose of the gland is to produce a thin, alkaline fluid that, when
applied to the secretion of seminal vesicles, further protects sperm by
increasing the normal low PH level of the urethra.
6. The Bulbourethral Glands- Two bulbourethral or Cowper's gland lie beside
the
prostate gland and drain into the urethra by short ducts. They provide one
more
source of alkaline fluid to help ensure the safe passage of sperm. Semen is
therefore derived from the prostate gland (60 percent), the seminal vesicle
(30
percent), the epididymis (5 percent) and the bulbourethral gland (5 percent).
7. The Urethra- Is a hollow tube emerging from the base of the bladder, which,
after passing through the prostate gland, continues to the outside through

9. The purpose of the male reproductive system
organs is to perform the following functions:
 Producing, storing and transmitting sperm (male
reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
 Discharge of sperm in the female reproductive tract
during sexual contact.
 Producing and secreting male sex hormones responsible
for controlling the male reproductive system

10. The Female Reproductive
System

11. Gynecology - the study of female reproductive system
Female External Structure
1. Mons veneris - a tissue pad located above the pubic symphysis, the pubic bone
joint. Covered by a triangular patch of curly hair, the purpose of the mons
veneris is to cover the junction of the pubic bone from trauma.
2. Labia minora – directly posterior to the mons pubis, spread two hairless folds
of connective tissue. Normally, the labia minora folds are pink in color; the
inner surface is lined with mucus membranes and the outer surface is lined
with skin. The region is abundant with sebaceous gland.
3. The Labia majora – a two-fold of tissue fused anteriorly but separated
posteriorly, which is situated sideways to the labia minora and consisting of
loose connective tissue surrounded by epithelium and pubic hair. Labia majora
is used as protection for the external genitalia; it protects the urethra and the
vagina.

12. 4. Other External Organs
Vestibule – the flattened, smooth surface between the labia. Both the opening of the bladder (urethra) and the uterus (vagina) emerge
from this area.
Clitoris – a tiny, rounded organ of erectile tissue at the forward junction of the labia minora (approximately 1-2 cm). It is protected by a
fold of skin, a prepuce; it is sensitive to touch and temperature; and it is the source of sexual pleasure and orgasm in a woman.
Two Skene glands – located on both sides of the meatus; their ducts open into the urethra. Bartholin glands (vulvovaginal glands) are
situated on either side of the vaginal opening with ducts reaching into the proximal vagina between the labia minora and the hymen.
The secretion of each of these glands helps to lubricate the external genitalia of the sexual encounter.
Fourchette – a ridge of tissue developed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and the labia majora. It is the tissue that often
breaks (laceration) or is cut (episiotomy) during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening.
Perineal Muscle (Perineal Body) – posterior to the fourchette. It is a muscular region that expands during childbirth to allow the vagina
to widen and the fetal head to pass.
Hymen – a strong yet elastic semicircle of tissue that protects the opening of the vagina during childhood. It is often torn away at the
time of the first sexual intercourse.
5. Vulvar blood supply – the blood supply of female external genitalia is primarily from the pudendal artery and a section is from the
inferior rectal artery. Venous return is through the pudendal artery. The disadvantage of this vein rich in blood supply is that trauma to
the area, such as pressure during childbirth or bicycle seat injuries, which can cause large hematomas. The advantage is that it leads to
the quick healing of any tears in the region following childbirth or other injuries.
6. Vulvar nerve supply – the anterior portion of the vulva receives its nerve supply from the ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve (L1
level). The posterior portion of the vulva and the vaginal nerves are supplied by the pudendal nerve (S3 level). Such a rich supply of
nerves makes the area highly sensitive to touch, pressure, pain and temperature. Fortunately, at birth, normal stretching of the
perineum causes a temporary loss of sensation in the area, reducing the amount of local pain experienced.

13. Female Internal Structures
The Ovaries
The ovaries are about 3 cm long by 2 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm thick, or the size and shape of the almonds.
They are grayish-white and tend to be pitted, with minute indentations on the surface.
Ovaries are found in the lower abdomen near to and on both sides of the uterus. It is difficult to find them with
abdominal palpation since they are too deep in the abdomen. The role of the two ovaries (the female gonads) is
to develop, mature and release ova (the egg cells). In this process, ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone
and start and manage menstrual cycles.
The ovaries are kept suspended and in close contact with the ends of the fallopian tubes by three tight support
ligaments connected to the uterus or the pelvic wall.
Division of Reproductive Cells (Gametes) –
At birth, each ovarie contains approximately 2 million immature ova (oocytes) formed during first 5 months of
intrauterine life. Although these cells have a special ability to construct a new structure, they contain basically
the normal cell components: a cell membrane, a translucent cytoplasm layer, and a chromosomal-containing
nucleus.
Oocytes, like sperm, differ from other body cells in the number of chromosomes in the nucleus. Reproductive
cells (both ova and spermatozoa) have just half the normal number of chromosomes, so that when they
combine (fertilization), the new body formed from them has a total of 46 chromosomes.
The ovule has 22 autosomes and an X sex chromosome, while the sperm has 22 autosomes and either an X or a
Y sex chromosome.

14. Maturation of Oocytes –
Each oocyte in the ovary is enveloped by a protective membrane or a thin layer of cells called the primordial
follicle. Between 5 and 7 million ova in the uterus forms. Many of them never evolve beyond the primitive state
and ultimately atrophy, so that only two million are present at birth.
At 7 years of age, there are only about 500,000 in each ovary; at 22 years, there are approximately 300,000 in
each ovary; and, due to menopause, none is left (all either matured or atrophied). "The point in which there are
no functioning oocytes left in the ovaries" is a definition of the menopause.
Fallopian Tube
The fallopian tubes emerge from each of the upper corners of the uterine body and stretch outward and backward
until each of them is opened at its distal end, next to the ovary. Fallopian tubes are around 10 cm long in a mature
woman. The purpose is to move the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus and to provide a place for the fertilization
of the ovum by sperm.
The fallopian tube is a smooth, hollow pipe, anatomically divided into four separate sections:
a. The interstitial section is the part of the tube inside the uterine wall. This segment is only about 1 cm in length; at
this point, the lumen of the tube is only 1 mm in diameter.
b. The isthmus segments are about 2 cm long and, like the interstitial tube, extremely narrow. That is the part of the
tube that is cut or sealed by a tubal ligation or a tubal sterilization procedure.
c. The ampulla is the third and also the longest section of the tube. It is around 5 centimeters in length. It is in this
section that the ovum fertilization normally occurs.
d. The infundibular segment is approximately 2 cm long and is funnel-shaped. The rim of the funnel is covered by
fimbria (small hairs) which help direct the ovum into the fallopian tube.
The lining of the entire fallopian tube is comprised of mucous membrane, which consists both mucous secreting
and ciliated (hair-covered) cells. There is a connective tissue and a thin muscle layer underneath the mucous lining.

15. Uterus
The uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in the lower pelvis, posterior to the bladder, and anterior to the
rectum. This is about the size of an olive in childhood, and its proportions are reversed from what they are later on.
At maturity, the uterus is approximately 5 to 7 cm long, 5 cm wide and 2.5 cm deep in the widest upper section. It
weighs approximately 60 g in a non-pregnant condition. The purpose of the uterus is to receive the ovum from the
fallopian tube; to provide a place for implantation and nourishment; to provide protection for the developing fetus;
and, at the maturity of the baby, to expel it from the body of a woman.
After childbirth, the uterus never recovers to its non-pregnant state but remains roughly 9 cm long, 6 cm wide, 3 cm
thick and 80 g in weight.
The uterus consists of three parts:
a. The body or corpus -The body of the uterus is the uppermost part of the uterus and forms the major part of the
organ. During pregnancy, the body of the uterus is the part of the structure that stretches to accommodate the
developing fetus. The area of the uterus between the attachment points of the fallopian tubes is referred to as
the fundus. The fundus is also a section that can be palpated abdominally to ascertain the amount of uterine
development occurring during pregnancy, to measure the frequency of uterine contractions during labor, and
to assess whether the uterus returns to its non-pregnant state following childbirth.
b. The isthmus - The isthmus of the uterus is a small segment between the body and the cervix. For the non-pregnant
uterus, the length is just 1 to 2 mm. Throughout pregnancy, this section also significantly widens to better support
the growing fetus. This is the part of the uterus that is most often cut when the fetus is born through a cesarean
birth.
c. The cervix - The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus. It represents approximately one third of the total uterus
size and is approximately 2 to 5 cm long. Approximately half of it lies above the vagina and half extends into the
vagina. Its central cavity is termed the cervical canal. The opening of the canal at the junction of the cervix and
isthmus is the internal cervical os; the distal opening to the vagina is the external cervical os. The level of the
external os is at the level of the ischial spines (an important relationship in estimating the level of the fetus in the
birth canal).

16. The uterine wall consists of three separate coats or layers of tissue:
a. an inner one of mucous membrane (the endometrium) - The endometrium layer of the uterus is the one that is
important for menstrual function. It is formed by two layers of cells. The layer closest to the uterine wall, the basal
layer, remains stable, uninfluenced by hormones. In contrast, the inner glandular layer is greatly influenced by
both estrogen and progesterone. It grows and becomes so thick and responsive each month under the
influence of estrogen and progesterone that it is capable of supporting a pregnancy. If pregnancy does not
occur, this is the layer that is shed as the menstrual flow.
b. a middle one of muscle fibers (the myometrium) - The myometrium, or muscle layer of the uterus, is composed
of three interwoven layers of smooth muscle, the fibers of which are arranged in longitudinal, transverse, and
oblique directions. This network offers extreme strength to the organ. The myometrium serves the important
function of constricting the tubal junctions and preventing regurgitation of menstrual blood into the tubes. It also
holds the internal cervical os closed during pregnancy to prevent a preterm birth.
c. an outer one of connective tissue (the perimetrium) - The perimetrium, or the outermost layer of the uterus, serves
the purpose of adding strength and support to the structure.
The uterus is held in the pelvic cavity by multiple ligaments which also protect the bladder and are further protected
by a combination of fascia and muscle. Since it is not bound, the uterus is free to enlarge during pregnancy without
any pain.
The posterior ligament forms a fold of peritoneum behind the uterus. It opens a gap (Douglas' cul-de-sac) between
the rectum and the uterus.

17. The broad ligaments are two peritoneum folds that cover the front and back of the uterus and extend to the pelvic
sides to help stabilize the uterus. The round ligaments are two fibrous, muscular cords that travel from the body of
the uterus to the joints of the fallopian tubes, through the wide ligaments and through the inguinal canal, inserted
into the fascia of the vulva. The round ligaments serve as additional "stays" to help steady the uterus.
Several uterine deviations (shape and position) may interfere with fertility or pregnancy. In the fetus, the uterus first
forms with a septum or a fibrous division, longitudinally separating it into two portions.
As the fetus matures, this septum dissolves, so that typically at birth no remnant of the division remains. In some
women, the septum never atrophies, and so the uterus remains as two separate compartments. Half of the septum
is still present in the others. However most women have unusually shaped "horns" at the junction of the fallopian
tubes, called the bicornuate uterus. Any of these malformations can decrease the ability to conceive or give birth
to a child.
Usually, the body of the uterus is tilted slightly forward. Positional deviations of the uterus commonly seen are:
a. Anteversion, a state in which the entire uterus is tipped far forward.
b. Retroversion, a condition in which the entire uterus is tipped backward
c. Anteflexion, a condition in which the body of the uterus is bent sharply forward at the junction with the cervix
d. Retroflexion, a condition in which the body is bent sharply back just above the cervix.

18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpwax-dvhl0

19. Vagina
The vagina is an empty, musculomembranous canal placed at the rear of the bladder and at the front of the
rectum. It stretches from the cervix of the uterus to the outer vulva. Its purpose is to serve as an organ of intercourse
and to carry sperm to the cervix so that the sperm can enter the ova in the fallopian tube. It extends with childbirth
to act as the birth canal.
At the cervical end of the structure there are recesses on all sides called the posterior fornix; the anterior fornix; and
the lateral fornix. The posterior fornix acts as a location for semen pooling during coitus; this allows larger number of
sperm to stay close to the cervix and facilitates sperm migration to the cervix.
The vaginal wall at the fornices is so thin that the bladder can be palpated through the anterior fornix, the ovary
through the lateral fornices, and the rectum through the posterior fornix. The vagina is coated with a stratified
squamous epithelium similar to that of the cervix.
It has a middle connective tissue layer and a strong muscular wall. Normally, the walls contain many folds or rugae
that lie in close approximation to each other. These folds make the vagina very elastic and able to expand at the
end of pregnancy to allow a full-term baby to pass through without tearing.
The blood supply to the vagina is provided by the vaginal artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. Vaginal tears
at birth appear to bleed profusely because of this abundant blood supply. The same rich blood supply is also the
reason that every vaginal damage at birth heals quickly.
The vagina has both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve innervations from the S1 to S3 levels. However, the
vagina is not an highly responsive organ. Sexual arousal, often due to vaginal stimulation, is primarily affected by
clitoral stimulation.

20. Breast
Themammaryglandsorbreastsdevelopearlyintheuterusfromtheectodermaltissue.Theyremaininastopped
stageofdevelopmentuntiltheriseoftestosteroneofpubertycausesanoticeableincreaseintheirsize.Theincrease
insizeisprimarilyduetoanincreaseinconnectivetissueplusfatdeposition.
Themilkglandsofthebreastaredividedintoapproximately20lobesbyconnectivetissuepartitions.Alltheglands
ineachlobeproducemilkfromtheacinarcellsanddeliverittothenipplethroughthelactiferousduct.Thenipple
hasabout20smallopeningsthroughwhichthemilkissecreted.
 The nipple is made of a smooth
muscle capable of erection by
means of manual stimulation or
sucking stimulation. Stimulation
transmits stimuli to the posterior
pituitary gland to produce
oxytocin. Oxytocin serves to
constrict the cells of the milk
gland and to propel the milk
forward into the ducts that lead
to the nipple.
 The skin covering the nipples is darkly
pigmented to about 4 cm and is called the
areola. The area appears rough on the surface
because it contains many sebaceous glands,
called Montgomery's tubercles.
(Effective blood supply is essential for bringing
nutrients to the milk glands and allows for a large
supply of milk for breastfeeding).

21. Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics
The Role of Androgen
Androgenic hormones are the hormones responsible for muscular development, physical growth, and the increase
in sebaceous glands that cause typical acne in both boys and girls during adolescence. In males, androgenic
hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex and the testes and, in females, by the adrenal cortex and ovaries.
The level of the primary androgenic hormone, testosterone, is low in males until puberty (between ages 12 and 14
years), when it rises to influence pubertal changes in the testes, penis, scrotum, prostate and seminal vesicles; the
appearance of male pubic, axillary and facial hair; laryngeal enlargement with its accompanying voice change;
maturation of spermatozoa; and closure of growth plates in long bones (termed adrenarche). In girls, testosterone
influences enlargement of labia majora and clitoris and the formation of axillary and pubic hair.

22. Hypothalamus
(synthesize and release)
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone
(GnRH)
(triggers)
Anterior pituitary
(release)
Luteinizing Hormone
Follicle-stimulating Hormone
[Gonadotropin Hormones]
(triggers)
Ovarian Follicle
Excrete high level of Estrogen
Development of the uterus, fallopian tubes,
and vagina; typical female fat distribution;
hair patterns; breast development; also
closes the epiphyses of long bones.
The Role of Estrogen
The start of breast
development is referred
to as thelarche, which
typically starts 1 to 2
years before
menstruation.

23. Secondary Sex Characteristics
Puberty has been the period of greatest sex differentiation since the early intrauterine months. The specific steps in
the maturation process, the milestones reached, remain the same before the puberty for boys and girls. And adolescent
sexual development is also organized in the same order of sequence along the way, but the interval between some of
them is different in the sexes according to Tanner (1990).
In females, pubertal changes typically occur as follows:
Growth spurt
↑ transverse diameter of the pelvis
Breast development
Growth of pubic hair
Onset of menstruation
Vaginal secretion
 The average age at which menarche occurs is 12.4 years (Ledger, 2012). However, it can occur as early as 9 years
of age or as late as 17 years of age and may still be within the usual range of age. Menstrual cycle does not become
normal until ovulation happens regularly and this does not appear to happen until 1-2 years after menarche and
the development of ova ceases at menopause.

24. Secondary gender characteristics of boys typically exist in the order of:
↑ in weight
Growth of testes
Growth of face, axillary, and pubic hair
Voice changes
Penile growth
↑ in height
Spermatogenesis
 In contrast to the development of ova in girls, sperm in boys does not begin in intrauterine life and is not produced
in a cyclic pattern; rather, it is produced in a continuous cycle. The development of sperm continues from puberty
throughout the life of the male.