Reproductive System

Zainuri Sabta N Departemen Anatomi FK UII

The reproductive system becomes active after puberty. During puberty the reproductive organs mature to create a fertile individual capable of reproducing. The primary sex organs produce the sex cells (egg/sperm) and sex hormones. The accessory sex organs are all the components involved in maintaining the sex cell and assisting in the process of fertilization.

 The

male reproductive system:

Penis: The head of the penis (glans) has a covering, called the foreskin
(prepuce). There is some natural variation in the length of the foreskin . This covering folds in on itself, forming a double layer. The foreskin is not a `flap' of skin on the end of the penis, and it is not `useless' or `redundant' skin.

 The

1.

male reproductive system:

Penis: The foreskin has twelve known functions

to cover and bond with the synechia so as to permit the development of the mucosal surface of the glans and inner foreskin. 2. to protect the infant's glans from feces and ammonia in diapers. 3. to protect the glans penis from friction and abrasion throughout life. 4. to keep the glans moisturized and soft with emollient oils. 5. to lubricate the glans. 6. to coat the glans with a waxy protective substance. 7. to provide sufficient skin to cover an erection by unfolding. 8. to provide an aid to masturbation and foreplay. 9. to serve as an aid to penetration. 10. to reduce friction and chafing during intercourse. 11. to serve as erogenous tissue because of its rich supply of erogenous receptors. 12. to contact and stimulate the G-spot of the female partner

 Copulatory organ
Proximal region = root Middle shaft = body Distal region = glans penis Body = three large tubes of tissue Corpora cavernosa penis: paired dorsal tubes with large arterial bloodflow Normally gated by the sympathetic nervous system Corpus spongiosum penis: single tube that encases the spongy urethra Glans penis = expanded distal end of the corpora spongiosum penis Prepuce is very loosely attached to corpora spongiosum penis

Penis

Penis

Nervous system control of erection and ejaculation Brain communicates sexual stimulus to erection reflex center in sacral part of spinal cord Spinal cord nerves send signals to erectile tissue in penis, arteries dilate, blood pools in erectile tissues, leading to erection Spinal cord nerves send signals that result in contraction of inner structures (epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate) Semes washes past bulbourethral gland into urethra (emission); sensation of urethral filling is returned to erection complex Spinal cord nerves send signals that result in contraction of muscles at base of penis, leading to rhythmic contractions (ejaculation)

Penis
Erectile tissues: 2 corpora cavernosa; 1 corpus spongiosum surrounding urethra encased in tunica albugenia NOkey player in arterial relaxation during erection

Erection process
The most important components of the physical erogenous stimulation of the penis during foreplay and intercourse are the sensations from the foreskin, frenulum/frenar band, and glans The foreskin has an inner and outer layer. The outer foreskin layer contains nerve endings which respond to gentle touching during the early stages of sexual arousal. This helps to trigger an erection. The nerves of the inner and outer foreskin contribute to the experience of penile stimulation, up to and including orgasm. These receptors are stimulated by stretching, or when the foreskin rolls over the surface of the glans during intercourse or masturbation.

The foreskin
The foreskin contains sensory receptors called Meissner corpuscles. We believe that these nerves, similar to nerve endings in the fingertips, are there to provide pleasure, as well as fine sensory perception. This seems to help a man to enjoy sex longer without ejaculating prematurely, because he can more easily tell when he is approaching the threshold of orgasm

The ridged bands

The ridged bands, which are like horseshoes only in that they curve forward underneath toward the point where the frenulum attaches. There are some 20 concentric ridged bands which rub over the corona. Each ridge has Meissner's corpuscles, which respond to pressure, and they produce the sexual pleasure which no individual has a right to take away from another individual
Stimulation of the frenulum and ridged band results in intense pleasurable feelings during arousal. Sensations from these structures during intercourse or masturbation are thought to be the primary trigger of orgasm in the intact male.

Stimulation of the glans

We believe that stimulation of the glans is most significant in the later stages of sexual intercourse, when penetration is deepest and emotions are running at their highest. Sensations from the glans contribute to the quality of the sensual experience. They are also apparently capable of triggering orgasm on their own, as would be the case in a circumcised man.

The circumcised penis

Following circumcision, the foreskin of the penis has been cut away. The main indications for this include:
1. Phimosis resistant to treatment with steroid cream. 2. Recurrent foreskin infections (balanitis). 3. Religion issues

The surface of the glans has developed a thick, dry layer of keratin (toughened skin), which makes it less sensitive to unwanted stimulation, but also less sensitive to the more subtle qualities of lovemaking.

The circumcised penis

All circumcised men have an annular scar on the shaft of the penis. The location of the scar varies, from near the head to far down the shaft. For some men, so much skin has been removed that erection becomes difficult and even painful.

The gliding mechanism

The prepuce is a highly innervated and vascularized genital structure. During intercourse the loose skin of the intact penis slides up and down the shaft of the penis, stimulating the glans and the sensitive erogenous receptors of the foreskin itself. This is known as the `gliding mechanism that contributes greatly to sexual pleasure. Also, since more of the loose skin of the penis remains inside the vagina, the woman's natural lubrication is not drawn out

Effects of penile reduction surgery (circumcision) on sexual intercourse

Although still pleasurable for the man, intercourse without the participation of the prepuce lacks the gliding mechanism. The only source of stimulation is the glans rubbing against the wall of the vagina. The sensations from the specialised receptors of the frenar band, frenulum and inner foreskin layer are missing. If the surgery was performed on an infant, by adulthood a relatively thick keratin layer will have formed on the normally skinless mucosal surface of the glans, which further reduces the stimulation. If the circumcision was performed as an adult, the keratin layer will form, and the sensitivity of the glans will gradually be reduced over time.

 The

male reproductive system:

This system is simpler than the female reproductive system.

Scrotum: a sac located outside of the abdominal cavity, made up of a thin

layer of smooth and skeletal muscle and skin. It is divided into left and right by a septum to form different compartments for the testicles. The scrotum keeps the testicles outside the body so they can be 3 degrees cooler than normal core temperature. The muscles of the scrotum contract to bring the testicles closer to the body in cooler conditions. In warm conditions they relax to allow the skin to stretch and maximize cooling.

B. Testes: Oval shape organs made up of thousands of seminiferous tubules where the sperm is produced. It responds to follicle stimulating hormone that signals sperm production. When the sperm is in its last stages of maturation it moves to the epididymus. 1. Gross anatomy: about 1 x 4 inches, complete surrounded by a fibrous capsule and partially enclosed by a serous membrane that develop when the testes traveled outside the body into the scrotum. The fibrous capsule divides the testicles into wedge-like compartments called lobules that are filled with seminiferous tubules. They are innervated by an abundant about of visceral sensory nerves that make them very sensitive to pain. The high sensitivity serves for protection and in sexual arousal.

C. Reproductive duct system is males: This section discusses the tubules through which sperm travel to exit the body. 1. Epididymis: organ that arches over the posterior lateral side of the testis. If you uncoil the epididymis is can be as long as 6meters or 20 feet! During the twenty days the sperm spend here they complete maturation and gain the ability to swim and fertilize. During ejaculation smooth muscle contracts to send mature sperm to the ductus deferns. 2. Ductus deferens: also known as the vas deference, it runs superior to the testicles, enters the abdominopelvic cavity, runs posterior to the bladder, passes by the seminal vesicle, form the ampulla and ejaculatory duct, and finally leads into the prostatic urethra. 3. Spermatic cords: a tube of fascia holding blood vessels, nerves, and the ductus deference. See page 672 figure 24.2. 4. Urethra: As discussed in the previous chapter the urethra and men carries both sperm and urine. During ejaculation the sphincter muscles close off the bladder so urine is not released into the semen. The urethra is divided into the prostatic urethra (section passing through prostrate gland), the membranous urethra (urogenital diaphragm) and the spongy urethra (penile). Urethral glands along the spongy urethra secrete a lubricating solution before ejaculation.

D. Accessory glands: These glands produce substances that increases the chances of sperm survival once it is outside the body. These secretions in addition to sperm form semen. 1. Seminal vesicles: paired glands located posterior to the bladder. During ejaculation smooth muscle contract to help secrete a fluid that contains fructose (sugar), nutrients, prostagladins to stimulate the urethra to contract, substances that suppress the immune system against sperm in females, enzymes the enhance sperm mobility, and enzymes that thicken the ejaculate. 2. Prostate gland: the size of a chestnut, also has smooth muscle that contracts to assist in the release of prostatic secretion. This is a milky white fluid that has substances to enhance sperm mobility and thicken ejaculate. It is susceptible to tumors and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

3. Bulbourethral glands: secrete a mucus substances that lubricates and neutralizes the acid from urine in the male urethra.

E. Penis: Designed to deliver semen into the female reproductive tract. It originates at the root, expends through the body, and ends at the glans penis. Skin around the glans penis is called prepuce (circumcision has contradicting arguments that seem to weigh equally). The penis contains erectile bodies: corpora spongiosum, corpora cavernosa, and others consisting of smooth muscle and connective tissue. It is a spongy network surrounded by a high amount of blood vessels that dilate during arousal and engorge the spongy tissues with blood. The veins that normally drain the penis are pressured shut by the expanding spongy tissue. The parasymphatetic branch causes the penis to become erect by stimulating vasodilation. The symphatetic branch cause ejaculation by stimulating contraction of smooth muscle along the reproductive tract.

II. The female reproductive system: These organs produce the ova (eggs), sex hormones, and provide an environment for internal fertilization and development of the fetus. They undergo changes according to the menstrual cycle. Mammary glands are considered part of this system because they nourish the infant.

A. The ovaries: the size of an almond, this paired organ is suspended by mesenteries and ligaments. It is surrounded by a fibrous capsule and can be divided into a cortex and medulla. The cortex houses the developing ova and the medulla holds vascular tissue. The ovary is the site of oogenesis and female sex hormone production. It responds to follicle-stimulating hormone that signals the maturation of an ovum. Typically only one egg is released from an ovary every month, the ovaries alternate in releasing the egg. Every time an egg is released the ovaries become scarred. Hormones that affect the menstrual cycle and female sex organs are also released by the ovaries; estrogen and progesterone.

1. Ovarian cycle: this concerns the changes in the ovary during the menstrual cycle. Females are born with all the potential ova they can produce in a life time. These are called the primordial follicles which consist of a single immature oocyte and a single layer of follicular cells. These cells respond to FSH and being the maturation of an oocyte. Follicular phase: during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle one follicle matures up until the stage when it is able to release an oocyte. Other primordial follicles may get activated but die out along the way. The primordial follicle becomes the primary follicle and continues to develop until it becomes the vesicular follicle. At this point the oocyte is surrounded by follicle cells that the form a fluid filled cavity.

Ovulation (midpoint) phase: at about the mid cycle LH is release to signal the follicle to rupture and release the oocyte from the ovary. The ovum is surrounded by a group of cells that continue to nourish it, they are called the corona radiata. When the egg cell is released it enters the peritoneal cavity but is swept into the fallopian/uterine tubes by fimbriae. Luteal phase: after ovulation and during the last two weeks of the cycle the follicle that held the oocyte becomes the corpus luteum, it is now considered an endocrine gland that releases progesterone. If no implantation occurs it becomes the corpus albicans (now scar tissue).

B. Uterine tubes: also called fallopian tubes, they take the oocyte and provide a site for fertilization. The tube is lined with ciliated epithelium that gently guides the oocyte towards the uterus. There are also peristaltic waves caused by smooth muscle contraction to aide the movement of the oocyte. There are also non-ciliated cells the nourish the oocyte or embryo on its way to the uterus. sometimes a fertilized egg can implant in a uterine tube and cause a life threatening ectopic pregnancy.

C. The uterus: a thick muscular pouch about the size of a pear that lies in the pelvic cavity superior to the bladder. The function of the uterus is to receive an embryo and provide an environment for its development. During pregnancy it stretches to accommodate the growth of the fetus. When there is no pregnancy the cavity within the uterus is small. The opening of the uterus is at the cervix, during child birth it dilates to allow the child to pass by. The cervix tissue may become infected by a virus called HPV human papilloma virus. It can cause abnormal tissue growth including cervical caner. The purpose of pap-smears is to check the cervical tissue for abnormal growth.
1. Supports of the uterus: The uterus, cervix, and vagina are supported by ligaments and mesenteries. Most uterine support is provided by muscles of the pelvic floor. Sometimes these muscles are torn during child birth and the unsupported uterus results in a prolapsed uterus. In this condition the tip of the cervix protrudes through the opening of the external vagina. 2. Uterine wall: composed of three layers: perimetrium (outer= serous membrane), myometrium (middle= layers of smooth muscle), and endometrium (inner= simple columnar epithelium). The thick layer called stratum functionalis (above myometrium) undergoes most of the changes during the uterine cycle.

3. Uterine cycle: also called the menstrual cycle, it relates to changes occurring in the endometrium of the uterus that are induced by female sex hormones. Menstrual phase: (days 1-5) during this phase the endometrium is shed

Proliferative phase: (days 6-14) during this phase the endometrium builds a new stratum functionalis as it responds to rising estrogen levels. As the layer thickens glands release a clear sticky mucus secretion that assist the sperm in finding the egg.

Secretory phase: (days 15-28) during this point the stratum functionalis is highly vascularized and there is secretion of glycoproteins to support a developing embryo in case fertilization occur. These changes are a response to progesterone released by the corpus luteum in the ovary. If there is no fertilization the progesterone levels drop signaling changes that cause death of the stratum functionalis. The arteries constrict cutting out blood supply and suddenly open again but the weak capillaries fragment and the menstrual phase begins again.

D. The vagina: also known as the birth canal. It is the opening that leads into the cervix and is located anterior to the anus but posterior to the clitoris and urethral opening. The vagina is also the site where sperm is deposited. This canal is very flexible and it composed of three layers: adventitia, muscularis, and mucosa. It also has ruggae to stimulate the penis during intercourse and stretch out during childbirth. The mucosa is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. It secretes glycogen to maintain healthy beneficial bacteria that produce lactic acid. This creates an acidic environment that is not beneficial to other bacteria or sperm.

E. External genitalia: also called the vulva and often incorrectly referred to as the vagina. It includes the mons pubis (fatty rounded pad over the pubic symphisis), the labia majora (thick skin fold analogous to the scrotum), the clitoris (erectile tissue analogous to the penis), and vestibule associated structures( the vaginal and urethral orifice and vestibule glands). The vestibule are protected by the mucus membrane sheathes called the labia minora.

Vulva

1. Clitoris 2. Labia majora 3. Hymen 4. Perineum 5. Hood of the clitoris (also called prepuce) 6. Labia minora 7. Urethral orifice - or urethral opening (where you pee out of) 8. Opening of the vagina

The Vagina
Important in sexual intercourse--outer 1/3 is most sensitive to sexual stimulation

Female copulation organ 3 layers of tissue: Mucosal layer = non-keratinized stratified squamous

Folded into rugae (vaginal rugaesimilar to urinary bladder rugae & gastric rugaeallows distension) Acidic (pH 4.0) to inhibit colonization
Muscularis layer = similar to intestinal tract (circular & longitudinal layers) Fibrous layer = anchors vagina to pelvis

Clitoris
Embryonic/fetal analog of penis--contains erectile tissues Very sensitive to stimulation--many nerve endings May retract and become less evident when erect Located in front of urethral opening

Labia
Labia majora (outer lips)-swell during sexual stimulation Labia minora (minor lips)-swell and change color during sexual stimulation

F. Mammary glands: modified sweat glands that are active in pregnant females to produce milk for the infant. These first appear as rudimentary structures in both men and women. When females reach puberty the ducts grow but the glands do no fully develop; the mas of the breast is mostly adipose. During pregnancy glandular alveoli form and produce milk shortly after childbirth. The breast include the nipple and the areola (ring around nipple). The glands consist of lobes that drain into the nipple by lactiferous ducts and lactiferous sinuses where milk accumulates during breastfeeling. Lymoph vessels drain into the parasternal and axillary lymphonodes.

During sexual stimulation, breasts may enlarge and nipple and surrounding areola (usually darker than surrounding tissue) may become erect, but have no erectile tissue

III. Pregnancy and childbirth: This section briefly describes the evens that occur in the womans body during fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth. A. Pregnancy: occurs once an egg is successfully fertilized and successfully implants.

1. Events leading to fertilization: Sperm swims from the vagina through the cervix, through the uterine wall until it reaches the oocyte in the uterine tubes. When burrows into the zona pellucida of the oocyte enzymes digest it way to allow the sperm to reach the egg. The plasma membranes fuse and sperm nucleus enters the oocytes cytoplasm. This initiates the cortical reaction in which the egg destroys other sperm receptors so no other sperm binds and fertilizes the egg. When the male and female chromosomes come together fertilization has been completed and the zygote will begin to divide. Once it is large enough and has formed a blastocyst it enters the uterus to implant.

Development of External Genitalia

Development of External Genitalia

Development of External Genitalia

Homologous Sex Organs

During embryonic development, the male & female sex organs are initially the SAME
Easy way to think about this concept:
Males = sex organ progenitors descend out of the pelvic cavity Female = sex organ progenitors remain within the pelvic cavity Undifferentiated Male Female Gonad Genital swelling Urogenital folds Testis/testes Scrotum Spongy urethra Ovary/ovaries Labia majora Labia minora

Genital tubercle
Prepuce

Penis
Foreskin Glans

Clitoris
Clitoral hood Clitoral glans