Chapter 28
The Reproductive Systems

Sexual reproduction produces new individuals

germ cells called gametes (sperm & 2nd oocyte)

fertilization produces one cell with one set of chromosomes from each parent

Gonads produce gametes & secrete sex hormones

Reproductive systems

gonads, ducts, glands & supporting structures

Gynecology is study of female reproductive system

Urology is study of urinary system & male reproductive system

Chromosomes in Somatic Cells & Gametes

Somatic cells (diploid cells)

23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46

each pair is homologous since contain similar genes in same order

one member of each pair is from each parent

22 autosomes & 1 pair of sex chromosomes

sex chromosomes are either X or Y

females have two X chromosomes

males have an X and a smaller Y chromosome

Gametes (haploid cells)

single set of chromosomes for a total of 23

produced by special type of division: meiosis

 

 

Meiosis I -- Prophase I

Chromosomes become visible, mitotic spindle appears, nuclear membrane & nucleoli disappear

 

Meiosis I -- Metaphase I, Anaphase I & Telophase I

In metaphase I, homologous pairs of chromosomes line up along metaphase plate with attached microtubules

In anaphase I, each set of homologous chromatids held together by a centromere are pulled to opposite ends of the dividing cell

Telophase I and cytokinesis are similar to mitotic division

Result is 2 cells with haploid number of chromosomes

 

 

Meiosis II

Consists of 4 phases : prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II and telophase II

Similar steps in this cellular process as in mitosis

centromeres split

sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell

Each of the daughter cells produced by meiosis I divides during meiosis II and the net result is 4 genetically unique haploid cells or gametes.

Male Reproductive System

Gonads, ducts, sex glands & supporting structures

Semen contains sperm plus glandular secretions

Scrotum

Sac of loose skin, fascia & smooth muscle divided into two pouches by septum

Skin contains dartos muscle causes wrinkling

Temperature regulation of testes

sperm survival requires 3 degrees lower temperature than core body temperature

cremaster muscle in spermatic cord

elevates testes on exposure to cold & during arousal

warmth reverses the process

Scrotal Sacs, Dartos & Cremaster Mm

Testes

Paired oval glands measuring 2 in. by 1in.

Surrounded by dense white capsule called tunica albuginea

septa form 200 - 300 compartments called lobules

Each is filled with 2 or 3 seminiferous tubules where sperm are formed

Descent of Testes

Develop near kidney on posterior abdominal wall

Descends into scrotum by passing through inguinal canal

during 7th month of fetal development

Tunica Vaginalis

Piece of peritoneum that descended with testes into scrotal sac.

Allows for easier movement of testes within scrotum

Cryptorchidism

Testes do not descend into the scrotum

3% of full-term & 30% of premature infants

Untreated bilateral cryptorchidism results in sterility & a greater risk of testicular cancer

Descend spontaneously 80% of time during the first year of life

surgical treatment necessary before 18 months

 

Formation of Sperm

Location of Stages of Sperm Formation

Seminiferous tubules contain

all stages of sperm development: spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, secondary spermatocyte, spermatid, spermatozoa

Leydig cells in between tubules secrete testosterone

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogonium (stem cells) give rise to 2 daughter cells by mitosis

One daughter cell kept in reserve -- other becomes primary spermatocyte

Primary spermatocyte goes through meiosis I

DNA replication

tetrad formation

crossing over

 

Spermatogenesis

Secondary spermatocytes are formed

23 chromosomes of which each is 2 chromatids joined by centromere

goes through meiosis II

4 spermatids are formed

each is haploid & unique

accounts for synchronized release of sperm that are 50% X chromosome & 50% Y chromosome

Sperm Morphology

Adapted for reaching & penetrating a secondary oocyte

Head contains DNA & acrosome (hyaluronidase and proteinase enzymes)

Midpiece contains mitochondria to form ATP

Tail is flagellum used for locomotion

 

Hormonal Control of Spermatogenesis

Puberty

 hypothalamus increases its stimulation of anterior pituitary with releasing hormones

anterior pituitary increases secretion LH & FSH

LH stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone

an enzyme in prostate & seminal vesicles converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT-more potent)

FSH stimulates spermatogenesis

testosterone stimulates final steps spermatogenesis

 

Hormonal Effects of Testosterone

Testosterone & DHT bind to receptors in cell nucleus & change genetic activity

Prenatal effect is born a male

At puberty, final development of 2nd sexual characteristics and adult reproductive system

sexual behavior & libido

male metabolism (bone & muscle mass heavier)

deepening of the voice

Control of Testosterone Production

Negative feedback system controls blood levels of testosterone

Receptors in hypothalamus detect increase in blood level

Secretion of GnRH slowed

Anterior pituitary (FSH & LH hormones) slowed

Leydig cells of testes slowed

Blood level returns normal

Pathway of Sperm Flow through the Ducts of the Testis

Seminiferous tubules

Straight tubules

Rete testis

Efferent ducts

Ductus epididymis

Ductus (vas) deferens

 

Epididymis

Comma-shaped organ, 1.5in long along posterior border of each testis

Head, body and tail region

Tail region continues as ductus deferens

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

Pathway of 18 inch muscular tube

ascends along posterior border of epididymis

passes up through spermatic cord and inguinal ligament

reaches posterior surface of urinary bladder

empties into prostatic urethra with seminal vesicle

Lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium & covered with heavy coating of muscle

convey sperm along through peristaltic contractions

stored sperm remain viable for several months

 

Spermatic Cord

All structures passing to and from the testes

testicular artery

autonomic nerves

lymphatic vessels

ductus (vas) deferens

cremaster muscle

 

Vasectomy

Male sterilization

Vas deferens cut & tied off

Sperm production continues

Sperm degenerate

100% effective

40% reversible

 

Inguinal Canal & Inguinal Hernias

Inguinal canal is 2 inch long tunnel passing through the
3 muscles of the anterior abdominal wall -- weakens wall

originates at deep inguinal ring and ends at superficial ring

Indirect hernia -- loop of intestine protruding through deep ring

Direct hernia -- loop of intestine pushes through posterior wall of inguinal canal

More common in males

Ejaculatory Ducts

Formed from duct of seminal vesicle & ampulla of vas deferens

About 1 inch long

Adds fluid to prostatic urethra just before ejaculation

Urethra

8 inch long passageway  for urine & semen

Prostatic urethra (1 inch long)

Membranous urethra (passes through UG diaphragm )

Penile (spongy) urethra (through corpus spongiosum)

Accessory Sex Glands

Seminal Vesicles

 

Pair of pouchlike organs found posterior to the base of bladder

Alkaline, viscous fluid

neutralizes vaginal acid & male urethra

fructose for ATP production

prostaglandins stimulate sperm motility & viability

clotting proteins for coagulation of semen

 

 

Prostate Gland

Single organ the size of chestnut found inferior to bladder

Secretes milky, pH 6.5 fluid that increases sperm motility and viability

citric acid for ATP production & enzymes for seminal liquefaction

Many duct openings

Enlarges with age

Bulbourethral or Cowper’s Gland

Paired, pea-sized gland within the UG diaphragm

Secretes alkaline mucous into spongy urethra

Neutralizes acids and lubricates

 

 

Semen

Mixture of sperm & seminal fluid

glandular secretions and fluid of seminiferous tubules

slightly alkaline, milky appearance, sticky

Typical ejaculate is 2.5 to 5 ml in volume

Normal sperm count is 50 to 150 million/ml

actions of many are needed for one to enter

Semen analysis----bad news if show lack of forward motility, low count or abnormal shapes

Penis

Passageway for semen & urine

Body composed of three erectile tissue masses filled with blood sinuses

Composed of bulb, crura, body & glans penis

Erection & Ejaculation

Erection

sexual stimulation dilates the arteries supplying the penis

blood enters the penis compressing the veins so that the blood is trapped.

parasympathetic  reflex causes erection

Ejaculation

muscle contractions close sphincter at base of bladder and move fluids through ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, & ejaculatory ducts

 

Glans Penis

Enlarged distal end of corpus spongiosum

External urethral orifice is small slit

Covered by loosely fitting prepuce or foreskin

Circumcision

Removal of prepuce

3 - 4 days after birth

Possibly lowers UTIs, cancer & sexually transmitted disease

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries produce 2nd oocytes & hormones

Uterine tubes transport fertilized ova

Uterus where fetal development occurs

Vagina & external genitalia constitute the vulva

Mammary glands produce milk

The Ovary

Pair of organs, size of unshelled almonds found in upper pelvic region

Regional histology

tunica albuginea is capsule
of dense connective tissue

cortex is region just deep to
tunica, contains follicles

medulla is deeper region
composed of connective tissue, blood vessels & lymphatics

germinal epithelium is simple epithelial covering over the ovary

 

Reproductive Ligaments

Broad ligament suspends uterus from side wall of pelvis

Mesovarium attaches ovaries to broad ligament

Ovarian ligament anchors ovary to uterus

Suspensory ligament covers blood vessels to ovaries

Round ligament attaches ovaries to inguinal canal

Follicular Stages

Stages of follicular development

primordial

primary

secondary

graafian

ovulation

Corpus luteum is ovulation wound

fills in with hormone secreting cells

Corpus albicans is white scar left after corpus luteum is not needed

Life History of Oogonia

Germ cells from yolk sac migrate to ovary & become oogonia

As a fetus, oogonia divide to produce millions by mitosis but most degenerate (atresia)

Some develop into primary oocytes & stop in prophase stage of meiosis I

200,000 to 2 million present at birth

40,000 remain at puberty but only 400 mature during a woman’s life

Each month, hormones cause meiosis I to resume in several follicles so that meiosis II is reached by ovulation

Penetration by the sperm causes the final stages of meiosis to occur

Review of Oogenesis

Uterine or Fallopian Tubes

Narrow, 4 inch tube extends from ovary to uterus

infundibulum is open, funnel-shaped portion near the ovary

fimbriae are moving finger-like processes

ampulla is central region of tube

isthmus is narrowest portion joins uterus

 Function of Uterine Tube

Function -- events occurring in the uterine tube

fimbriae sweep oocyte into tube, cilia & peristalsis move it along, sperm reaches oocyte in ampulla, fertilization occurs within 24 hours after ovulation & zygote reaches uterus about 7 days after ovulation

Lining of the Uterine Tubes

Anatomy of the Uterus

Site of menstruation
& development of fetus

Description

3 inches long by 2 in.
wide and 1 in. thick

subdivided into fundus,
body, isthmus & cervix

 

Position of Uterus

Anteflexion -- normally projects anteriorly and superiorly over the urinary bladder

Retroflexion -- posterior tilting of the uterus

Histology of the Uterus

Endometrium

simple columnar epithelium

stroma of connective tissue and endometrial glands

stratum functionalis

shed during menstruation

stratum basalis

replaces stratum functionalis each month

 

Blood Supply to the Uterus

Uterine arteries branch as arcuate arteries and radial arteries that supply the myometrium

Straight & spiral branches penetrate to the endometrium

spiral arteries supply the stratum functionalis

their constriction due to hormonal changes starts menstrual cycle

 

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus

Indications for surgery

endometriosis, ovarian cysts, excessive bleeding, cancer of cervix, uterus or ovaries

Complete hysterectomy removes cervix

Radical hysterectomy removes uterus, tubes, ovaries, part of vagina, pelvic lymph nodes and supporting ligaments

Vagina

Passageway for birth, menstrual flow & intercourse

Description

4 inch long fibromuscular organ ending at cervix

mucosal layer

stratified squamous epithelium & areolar connective tissue

large stores of glycogen breakdown to produce acidic pH

muscularis layer is smooth muscle allows considerable stretch

lies between urinary bladder and rectum

orifice partially closed with membrane (hymen)

Vulva (pudendum)

Mons pubis -- fatty pad over the pubic symphysis

Labia majora & minora -- folds of skin encircling vestibule where find urethral and vaginal openings

Clitoris -- small mass of erectile tissue

Bulb of vestibule -- masses of erectile tissue just deep to the labia on either side of the vaginal orifice

Perineum

Diamond-shaped area between the thighs in both sexes

bounded by pubic symphysis and coccyx

urogenital triangle contains external genitals

anal triangle contains anus

Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands that produce milk (lactation)

amount of adipose determines size of breast

milk-secreting glands open by lactiferous ducts at the nipple

areola is pigmented area around nipple

suspensory ligaments suspend breast from deep fascia of pectoral muscles (aging & Cooper’s droop)

Fibrocystic Disease of the Breasts

Most common cause of breast lumps

Cysts and thickenings of alveoli develop

Cause

hormonal imbalance

excess of estrogen or deficiency of progesterone in the postovulatory phase

result is lumpy, swollen & tender breast a week before menstruation begins

Female Reproductive Cycle

Controlled by monthly hormone cycle of anterior pituitary, hypothalamus & ovary

Monthly cycle of changes in ovary and uterus

Ovarian cycle

changes in ovary during & after maturation of oocyte

Uterine cycle

preparation of uterus to receive fertilized ovum

if implantation does not occur, the stratum functionalis is shed during menstruation

Hormonal Regulation of Reproductive Cycle

GnRH secreted by the hypothalamus controls the female reproductive cycle

stimulates anterior pituitary to secrete FSH & LH

FSH initiates growth of follicles that secrete estrogen

estrogen maintains reproductive organs

LH stimulates ovulation & promotes formation of the corpus luteum which secretes estrogens, progesterone, relaxin & inhibin

progesterone prepares uterus for implantation and the mammary glands for milk secretion

relaxin facilitates implantation in the relaxed uterus

inhibin inhibits the secretion of FSH

Overview of Hormonal Regulation

Phases of Female Reproductive Cycle

Hormonal Changes

Menstrual Phase

Menstruation lasts for 5 days

First day is considered beginning of 28 day cycle

In ovary

20 follicles that began to develop 6 days before are now beginning to secrete estrogen

In uterus

declining levels of progesterone caused spiral arteries to constrict -- glandular tissue dies

stratum functionalis layer is sloughed off along with 50 to 150 ml of blood

 

Preovulatory Phase

Lasts from day 6 to 13 (most variable timeline)

In the ovary (follicular phase)

follicular secretion of estrogen & inhibin has slowed the secretion of FSH

dominant follicles survives to day 6

by day 14, graafian follicle has enlarged & bulges at surface

increasing estrogen levels trigger the secretion of LH

In the uterus (proliferative phase)

increasing estrogen levels have repaired & thickened the stratum functionalis to 4-10 mm in thickness

Ovulation

Rupture of follicle & release of 2nd oocyte on day 14

Cause

increasing levels of estrogen stimulate release of GnRH which stimulates anterior pituitary to release more LH

 

 

Signs of Ovulation

Increase in basal body temperature

Changes in cervical mucus

Cervix softens

Mittelschmerz---pain

Postovulatory Phase

Most constant timeline = lasts 14 days

In the ovary (luteal phase)

if fertilization did not occur, corpus albicans is formed

as hormone levels drop, secretion of GnRH, FSH & LH rise

if fertilization did occur, developing embryo secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which maintains health of corpus luteum & its hormone secretions

In the uterus (secretory phase)

hormones from corpus luteum promote thickening of endometrium to 12-18 mm

formation of more endometrial glands & vascularization

if no fertilization occurs, menstrual phase will begin

Negative Feedback on GnRH

Menstrual Abnormalities

Amenorrhea = absence of menstruation

hormone imbalance, extreme weight loss or low body fat as with rigorous athletic training

Dysmenorrhea = pain associated with menstruation

severe enough to prevent normal functioning

uterine tumors, ovarian cysts, endometriosis or intrauterine device

Abnormal uterine bleeding = excessive amount or duration or intermenstrual

fibroid tumors or hormonal imbalance

Human Sexual Intercourse

4 phases

excitement phase produced by parasympathetic NS

engorgement of blood vessels & cardiovascular changes

plateau phase of variable duration

sexual flush to face & chest

orgasm phase (climax)

rhythmical muscular contractions & pleasure

sympathetic nervous system causes ejaculation

resolution

profound relaxation & return to normal

male refractory period where 2nd ejaculation is impossible

Some male & female physiological differences

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

Consistent inability of adult male to hold an erection long enough for sexual intercourse

Causes

psychological or emotional factors

physical factors

diabetes mellitus, vascular disturbances, neurological disturbances, testosterone deficiency, drugs (alcohol, nicotine, antidepressants, tranquilizers,etc)

Viagra causes vasodilation of penile arteries and brings on an erection

 

 

Birth Control Methods

Surgical

Hormonal

Mechanical barriers

Periodic abstinence

Coitus interruptus

Induced abortion

Surgical Sterilization

Male (vasectomy)

removal of a portion of the vas deferens

incision in posterior scrotal sac

out patient & local anesthesia

sperm can no longer reach the exterior

degenerate and removed by phagocytosis

sexual desire not effected since testosterone levels unchanged

Female (tubal ligation)

uterine tubes are tied closed and cut

sperm can not reach oocyte

 

Hormonal Birth Control

Oral contraceptive --- “the pill”

progesterone & estrogen combination pill

negative feedback on the anterior pituitary & hypothalamus to prevent secretion of FSH & LH

no follicular development or ovulation

no possible pregnancy

other benefits of the pill

regulate menstrual cycle & reduce endometriosis

Risks increased for smokers

increased chances of blood clot formation

Not recommended for people with liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, migraines

 

Other Hormonal Methods

Norplant

surgically implanted capsules releasing progestin & inhibiting ovulation for 5 years

Depo-provera

intramuscular injection of progesterone every 3 months that changes uterine lining & ovum maturation

Vaginal ring

worn internally releasing progestin or combination of progestin & estrogen

Intrauterine Devices

Small object made of plastic, copper or steel left in cavity of uterus

changes uterine lining so is unfavorable for embryo implantation

approved for 10 year usage

May cause excessive bleeding or discomfort

Spermatocides

Chemical substances in foam, cream, jelly, douche or suppository that kill sperm upon contact

Available without prescription

Normally used in conjunction with a barrier device

May inactivate HIV virus & decrease incidence of gonorrhea

Mechanical Barriers

Male & female condoms (vaginal pouch)

covers penis or lines vagina

Diaphragm = dome-shaped cap over cervix

prevents entry of sperm into uterus

does not protect against AIDS or STD

may cause recurrent UTIs

All of the above may offer some protection against sexually transmitted disease

Physiological Methods of Birth Control

Rhythm method (periodic abstinence)

abstaining from intercourse when secondary oocyte is likely to be viable (3 to 7 days of cycle)

3 days before ovulation, ovulation & 3 days after

few women absolutely regular cycles

will not know it was an irregular cycle until too late

Sympto-thermal method

observe body for signs of ovulation & abstain form intercourse accordingly

increased basal body temperature & mucus changes

problem is sperm is viable for 48 hours

Coitus interruptus (withdrawal before ejaculation)

Induced Abortion

Miscarriage is a spontaneous loss of the fetus

Induced abortions

vacuum aspiration (suction)

infusion of saline solution to kill embryo

surgical evacuation (scraping)

`RU 486 is called a nonsurgical abortion

antiprogestin drug that causes uterine lining to collapse & embryo is lost (menstruation occurs)

can be taken up to 5 weeks after conception

Early Anatomy -- Male Pattern

Depends upon SRY gene
on Y chromosome

sertoli cells secrete Mullerian
inhibiting substance

leydig cells secrete testosterone
causing mesonephric duct to
develop into male tubes

seminiferous tubules, epididymis
& vas deferens & seminal vesicles

prostate & cowper’s glands are
outgrowths of urethra

testosterone secretion stops at birth when hCG from the placenta stops stimulating leydig cells

 

Early Anatomy -- Female Pattern

Females have 2 X chromosomes so SRY gene is absent

Gonads develop into ovaries

no mullerian-inhibiting substance is produced so female pattern of duct development occurs

paramesonephric duct develops into vagina, uterus & uterine tubes

mesonephric ducts degenerate

Female pattern depends on the absence of testosterone

 

Development of External Genitalia

External genitals similar at 8 weeks (genital tubercle)

DHT causes external male structures to develop before birth

Labioscrotal swelling

scrotum or labia majora

Urethral folds

spongy penile urethra or labia minora

Glans area

glans penis or clitoris

Absence of DHT results in development of female

 

 

 

 

Deficiency of 5 Alpha-Reductase

Rare genetic defect producing a deficiency of 5 alpha-reductase

enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

At birth, baby looks externally female due to lack of DHT during development

At puberty, testosterone levels rise

masculine characteristics appear

breasts fail to develop

an internal exam reveals testes & other structures

 

 Aging Female Reproductive System

Hormone-directed sexual characteristics start to develop at puberty

Reproductive cycle occurs once/month from menarche (10-14) until menopause (between 40 & 50)

Fertility declines with age

decreasing number of viable follicles

less frequent ovulation

declining ability of uterus to support young embryo

Menopause is cessation of menstruation

no remaining follicles to stimulate estrogen secretion

osteoporosis, hot flashes, mood swings, organ atrophy

 

 

Aging Male Reproductive System

Decline in reproductive function is more subtle (capacity may remain into 90’s)

Decline in testosterone at 55

reduced muscle synthesis

fewer viable sperm

reduced sexual desire

Enlargement of prostate (benign hyperplasia)

1/3 of males over 60

frequent urination, decreased force of stream, bed-wetting & sensation of incomplete emptying

 

Sexually Transmitted Disease

On the increase in the United States

Chlamydia -- bacteria; asymptomatic, leads to sterility from scar tissue formation

Gonorrhea -- bacteria, discharge common, blindness if newborn is infected during delivery

Syphilis -- bacteria, painless sores (chancre), 2nd stage all organs involved, 3rd stage organ degeneration is apparent (neurosyphilis)

Genital Herpes -- virus, incurable, painful blisters

AIDS & hepatitis B --viruses (chapters 22 & 24)

Testicular Cancer

Most common cancer in age group 20-35

one of the most curable

Begins as problem with spermatogenic cells within the seminiferous tubules

Sign is mass within the testis

Regular self-examination is important

 

Prostate Cancer

Leading male cancer death

treatment is surgery, radiation, hormonal and chemotherapy

Blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

enzyme of epithelial cells

amount increases with enlargement (indication of infection, benign enlargement or cancer)

Over 40 yearly rectal exam of prostate gland

acute or chronic prostatitis is an infection of prostate causing swelling, tenderness & blockage of urine flow

treat with antibiotics

 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Physical & emotional distress during the postovulatory (luteal) phase

disappear at onset of menstruation

Signs & symptoms are variable

mood swings, depression, headache, fatigue, backache, constipation, breast tenderness, edema

Since occurs only after ovulation, oral contraceptives are an effective treatment

careful diet & exercise may help

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus

tissue discharged from open-end of uterine tubes during menstruation

can cover ovaries, outer surface of uterus, colon, kidneys and bladder

Problem is tissue responds to hormonal changes by proliferating then breaking down & bleeding

causes pain, scarring & infertility

Breast Cancer

Second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

1 in 8 women affected

rarely before 30, but more common after menopause

5%  of cases are younger women (genetic mutation)

Detection by self-examination & mammography

ultrasound determines if lump is benign, fluid-filled cyst or solid & possibly malignant

Risk factors

family history, no children, radiation, alcohol & smoking

Treatment

lumpectomy, radical mastectomy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy

Ovarian Cancer

Most common cause of gynecological deaths excluding breast cancer

difficult to detect before metastasizes

Difficult to detect before metastasis

Risk factors

over 50, white, family history, nulliparity, first pregnancy after 30, diet (high fat, low fiber and lack of vitamin A), asbestos & talc

Early symptoms unremarkable -- heartburn, nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, etc

Cervical Cancer

Starts as cervical dysplasia (change in shape, growth & number of cells)

May progress to cervical cancer

Detected in Pap smear

Linked to genital warts and large number of sexual partners at an early age

Yeast Infection

Candida albicans is yeastlike fungus that grows on mucous membranes

Causes vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginitis

inflammation of the vagina

severe itching and pain

yellow discharge with odor

More likely after antibiotic therapy for some other disease