Male Reproductive

System

Figure 80-1
Guyton & Hall
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Cross section of the

seminiferous tubule
and stages of sperm
development

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Figure 80-2
Guyton & Hall

_
_

Hypothalamic-pituitarygonadal axis

hypothalamus

gonadotropin releasing hormone

_
pulsatile

LH

Leydig cells

ant. pituitary
+

growth
factors

androgens
(function 1)
peripheral
aromatization

pulsatile -- 8-14/24h

FSH

pulsatile

Sertoli cells
aromatization

androgen
binding
protein

spermatogenesis
(function 2)
estrogens

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

inhibin

Tissues Producing Androgens

cholesterol
adrenal
testis

androstenedione

testosterone
5-reductase

DHT
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

CYP 19

E2

peripheral
tissues

Different Stages of Male Sexual Function:

Plasma Testsosterone and Sperm Production

Figure 80-9; Guyton & Hall

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Cell Divisions During

Spermatogenesis

Figure 80-3;
Guyton & Hall
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Differences between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

1. In females, mitotic proliferation of germ cells occurs

prior to birth. In males, spermatogonia proliferate
only after puberty.
2. In female, meiotic divisions of primary oocyte produces
only one secondary oocyte. In male, meiotic divisions of
primary spermatocyte produces 4 mature
spermatozoa
3. In female, second meiotic division is completed
only upon fertilization. In male, the products of
meiosis (spermatids) undergo substantial
differentiation in the maturing process.
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Internal structures of the Uterus,

Ovary and a Fallopian Tube.

Figure 81-2; Guyton & Hall

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Fundamental reproductive unit = single ovarian

follicle, composed of one germ cell (oocyte),
surrounded by endocrine cells

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Menstrual cycle controlled by gonadotropins,

gonadal hormones
Ovarian cycle
follicular phase avg 15 d (range, 9-23 days)
ovulation
luteal phase 13-14 d less variable than follicular
Endometrial cycle menstruation, proliferative and
secretory phases
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Ovarian
Cycle:

follicular phase
LH
surge

ovulation

FSH and LH in the

Follicular phase

LH surge lasts 48 h
Inc
GnRH
bursts
FSH
LH
1
14 secretory phase (12d) 28
4 proliferative phase
Endometrial
(11 d)
Cycle:
menstrual
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Ovarian
Cycle:

follicular phase
ovulation
LH
surge

FSH
estradiol
LH

neg
feedback--GnRH

1
14
4 Proliferative phase
Endometrial
(11 d)
Cycle: menstrual
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Increase in estradiol to stimulate

LH surge. Then estradiol has
Negative feedback on GnRH to
reduce LH, FSH.

Secretory phase (12d)

28

Stages in follicular
growth and ovulation.

Figure 81-4;
Guyton & Hall
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Phases of Endometrial Cycle

Figure 81-7; Guyton & Hall

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Contraception
Rhythm method: if periodicity of menstrual cycle is 28 d, then
ovulation should be day 13-15: temp decreases and then
increases slightly following ovulation. Also, consistency of
mucus discharge from the vagina changes. Now, ovulation kits
available.
Oral, patch contraceptives: ethinyl estradiol, mestranol;
gestodene, norgestimate decr. androgenic effects
suppress GnRH, FSH, LH prevent LH surge (no ovulation)
progestins: cervical mucus thickens, inhibit motility decr.
transport of ova and sperm endometrium not conducive to
implantation
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Implant contraceptives: norprogestins: Norplant lasts 5 yrs

Depoprovera last 3 mos inhibits ovulation, implantation
Intrauterine device IUD spermicidal effect caused by
sterile inflammatory reaction secondarily prevents implantation of zygote
Barrier methods: diaphragm with spermicidal jelly, condoms
Postcoital contraceptives: RU 486 not approved for use
Plan B oral contraceptives used within 72 hrs of unprotected intercourse
Tubal ligation
Vasectomy
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

Menopause
Defn: obsolescence of ovaries, no estradiol production, ova
only occasional secondary follicle, few primary follicles
Occurs at 51.4 yr of age (average)
Due to reduction in estrogen, low levels of inhibin,
no negative feedback of LH and FSH; therefore, high levels
LH and FSH
Can occur naturally, due to surgery or as a result of
chemotherapy

Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.

RatData
Females

Average overall weight gain = 20.3%

Average weight gain during HRT on E1 = 8.1%
Average weight gain during HRT on E2 = 5.9%
Average estrous cycle length = 4.2 days
Vag smears with E1 = estrous phase
Vag smears with E2 = diestrous phase

Males
Average overall weight gain = 31.2%
Average weight gain during HRT on T1 = 8.2%
Average weight gain during HRT on T2 = 10.8%
Copyright2006byElsevier,Inc.