The document provides an overview of the male and female reproductive systems. It describes the key organs in each system, their functions, and the processes of puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. For the male system it covers the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis. For the female it addresses the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, puberty, the menstrual cycle phases, and menopause. It provides detailed information on each organ's structure and role in reproduction.

1. The Reproductive system
Prepared by
Ms. Nisha S. Mhaske
M.Pharm (Q.A.T)
Lecturer, PRES’s COPD, Chincholi.
Email : nisha.mhaske@pravara.in

2. Contents
 Introduction to reproductive system
 Male reproductive system
 Female reproductive system
 Menopause
 References

3. Introduction
 Reproduction--- is defined as, “the process by which genetic material
is passed from one generation to another generation & thus maintains
the continuation of the species”.
 The organs of male & female reproduction are named as; Testes &
Ovaries also called Gonads, and function of gonad is production of
gamets.
 Puberty--- it is the age at which the reproductive organs start
functioning.
 Menopause---It is the period which occurs between age group of 45 to
55 years marking the end of child bearing period.

4.  Male Reproductive system
 It consists of following organs :
1. 2 testes
2. 2 epididymis
3. 2 vas deferens
4. 2 spermatic cords
5. 2 seminal vesicles
6. 2 ejaculatory ducts
7. 1 prostate gland
8. 1 penis
 Scrotum
It lies below the symphysis pubis, in front of upper part of thighs & behind the penis.
It is a cutaneous pouch, consisting of loose skin & divided into 2 components each of
which contains testes, suspended by spermatic cord.
The muscle of scrotum either contracts or relaxes in response to cold or warmth in order to
maintain an optimal temperature for formation of spermatozoa.

6. 1. Testes
 The testes are reproductive organ of males which is one of the endocrine gland.
 These are about 5 cm in length, 2.5 cm in diameter & weight about 10-15 gm.
 These are surrounded by 3 layers of tissue.
i. The outermost is covered by serous membrane Tunica vaginalis.
ii. Middle layer is dense layer of white fibrous tissue Tunica aluginea which extends inward
& divides the testes into numerous internal compartments called lobules.
iii. The innermost layer of testes is Tunica vasculosa which consists of a network of
capillaries supported by delicate connective tissue.
 A group of 200-300 cells combine & form a seminiferous tubules lined by germinal
epithelial cells that produce sperms by Spermatogenesis.
 In between germinal cells, there are cells of sertoli, which provide nourishment &
attachment for developing sperms.
 It is postulated that sertoli cells has a capacity to synthesize steroids i.e.oestradiol.
 In seminiferous tubules, clusters of interstitial endocrinocytes (i.e.interstitial cells of
Leydig) which secrets male hormone testosterone which controls the development, growth
& maintenance of the male sex organ & their secondary sex characters.

9. 2. Epididymis
 The sperms are transported out of testes into a tube called epididymis.
 It is a comma shaped organ, that lies along the posterior border of testes.
 Function---It is the site of sperm maturation which takes about 10-14 days.
During this period, sperm undergoes complete maturation, under the influence
of testosterone, thereby spermatozoa becomes mobile & capable of fertilizing
ovum.
3. Vas deferens
 This is continuation of epididymis.
 They get dilated to form ampulla.
 It is lined with pseudostratified epithelium
 Function---It stores sperms & also conveys sperms from epididymis to urethra
by peristaltic contraction of muscular coat.
4. Spermatic cords
 It is supporting structure of male reproductive system.
5. Seminal vesicles
 These are two small fibromuscular pouches lined with columnar epithelium.

10. 6. Ejaculatory duct
 They lie posterior to urinary bladder, 2 in number.
 Each duct is about 2 cm in length & is formed by the union of duct from
seminal vesicle & vas deferens.
 These ducts eject spermatozoa into prostatic urethra prior to ejaculation.
7. Prostate gland
 Lies in pelvic cavity.
 They secrete an alkaline milky fluid which neutralizes the acidity of
semen & vaginal secretions & thereby greatly increases motility &
fertility of spermatozoa.
 The prostate gland slightly increases from birth to puberty.
 The paired Bulbourethral or Cowper’s glands are about size of peas,
located beneath prostate.
 This gland secrets an alkaline substance that protects sperm by
neutralizing the acidic environment of the urethra & sexual intercourse.

11. 8. Penis
 It consists of root & body.
 It is used to introduce spermatozoa into vagina.
 The vascular changes result in erection which is parasympathetic effect after which
follows ejaculation which is sympathetic reflex during which smooth muscle sphincter at
base of urinary bladder is closed & thus urine is not expelled during ejaculation.
 The expanded portion at the tip of penis is called glans penis. Which is further covered by
skin called foreskin or prepuce.
 The penis is supplied by autonomic & somatic nerves.
 Constituent of semen (Alkaline pH 7.20-7.60)
 Semen is the fluid ejaculated during intercourse from urethra & consists of:
 Spermatozoa
 A viscid fluid secreted by seminal vesicle which helps to nourish spermatozoa
 A thin lubricating fluid produced by prostate gland
 Mucus secreted by lining of glands.
 Antibiotic seminal plasmin which has the ability to destroy a number of bacteria.

13. Puberty in males
 Puberty in males
 Occurs between the age group 10-14 years.
 LH from anterior pituitary stimulates interstitial cells of testes to
increase the production of testosterone which influences the
following characters:
1. Growth of muscles & marked increase in height & weight.
2. Enlargement of larynx & voice “breaks”
3. Growth of hair on face, chest, abdomen & pubis
4. Enlargement of penis, scrotum & prostate gland.
5. Production of sperms.

14. Female reproductive system
 The female reproductive organs also called genitalia are divided into 2
categories: i. External genitalia ii. Internal Genitalia.
 External organ consists of Mons pubis, Labia Majora, Labia Minora, Clitoris,
Vestibule.
 Internal organs lie in pelvic cavity & consists of vagina, uterus, 2 uterine
tubes & 2 ovaries.
1. Vagina
 It is fibromuscular tube lined with stratified epithelium, supplied with blood
vessels & nerves & connecting the external & internal organs of reproduction.
 It consists of 3 layers, they are: Outer covering of areolar tissue, Middle layer
of smooth muscles, Inner lining of squamous epithelium.
 The acidic pH is maintained by lactobacillus acidophilus secreting lactic acid
which maintains pH from 3.5 to 5.0
 Function- as it prevents growth of other bacteria & hence acts as protective.

16. 2. Uterus
 Hollow muscular, pear-shaped organ situated in pelvis.
 It consists of; Body, fundus, Cervix.
 The walls of uterus consist of 3 layers: Perimetrium, Myometrium,
Endometrium.
 Function- Growth & development of embryo until the time of delivery.
3. Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes)
 It is muscular tube
 The end of each tube has a finger like projection called fimbrae.
 Function- They convey ovum from ovary to uterus by peristalsis & ciliary
movement with the help of ciliated membrane.
 Also it secrets mucus which provides ideal condition of movement of ova &
sperms.

17. 4. Ovaries
 Also called female Gonads.
 Has double layer of peritoneum called mesoovarian.
 It consists of following parts:
i. Germinal epithelium--- A layer of simple epithelium that covers the surface of ovary.
ii. Tunica Albugenia--- immediately lower to germinal epithelium & is a capsule of
collagenous connective tissue.
iii. Stroma--- composed of outer cortex & it surrounds loose layer of medulla . The
cortex contains ovarian follicle.
iv. Ovarian follicle--- it contains oocytes (immature ova). But during child bearing years,
one ovarian follicle matures, ruptures & releases its ovum into peritoneum during each
menstrual cycle.
v. Graafian follicle--- contains immature ovum & secrets hormone estrogens. Ovulation
is the process of maturation of Graafian follicle & liberation of ovum.
vi. Corpus luteum--- glandular body develops from ovarian follicle. After ovulation, the
follicle lining cells develop into corpus luteum (yellow body) under the influence of
luteinizing hormone (LH) from anterior lobe of pituitary gland. Also produces
hormone progesterone. Each month one follicle develops into one ovum & is set free
& extended at about middle (day 14th) of menstrual cycle.

18. Ovary

19.  Functions of ovary
 Production of ova by ovulation.
 Production of oestrogen
 Production of progesterone
 Puberty in Females
 Occurs between the age group 11-16 years.
 Uterus, uterine tubes & ovaries reach maturity
 Menstrual cycle & ovulation begins
 Breast develops & enlarge
 Pelvic hair begins to grow
 Increase in growth rate & widening of pelvis.

20. Menstrual cycle
 It is defined as a series of changes in endometrium of a non-pregnant women.
 It is hormonal control & controlled by regulating factors from hypothalamus called
gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn RH)
 It stimulates anterior pituitary to release following hormones:
1. FSH --- Which promotes maturation of ovarian follicle & secretion of oestrogen leading to
ovulation.
2. LH --- Simulates development of corpus luteum & secretion progesterone.
 Phases of menstrual cycle are divided into:
1. Proliferative phase ---10 days
2. Secretory phase ---14 days
3. Menstrual cycle ---4 days
 Proliferative phase
 Release of estrogen
 Endometrium gets proliferated & it gets renewed,
 Graafian follicle is maturing & this phase lasts for 10 days & is terminated when ovulation
occurs & oestrogen production is inhibited.

21.  Secretary phase
 Immediately after ovulation.
 Under the influence of progesterone, the endometrium becomes oedematous &
secretary glands produce an increased amount of watery mucus which is also called as
Luteal phase.
 If ovum is fertilized, then endometrium grows further & then the menstrual cycle is
interrupted during the period of lactation.
 If ovum is not fertilized, the cycle enters in the next phase.
 Menstrual phase
 It is characterized by periodic discharge of 25 to 65 ml of blood, tissue fluid, mucus, &
epithelial cells.
 It is caused by sudden reduction in oestrogen & progesterone
 It lasts for 4 to 5 days.
 During this phase, ovarian cycle is also in operation & primary follicle begins its
development.

24.  Menopause
 It is the period which occurs between age group of 45 to 55 years
marking the end of child bearing period.
 This is due to ovaries normally become less responsive to FSH &
LH stimulation & is characterized by:
I. The breast shrink
II. Sex organ atrophy
III. Pelvic hair become sparse
IV. Sweating, palpitation, causing discomfort & disturbances of the
normal sleep pattern.

25. References
 Human Anatomy & Physiology, by Rahul Phate, Career
publications, First edition-Jan 2004, Page no:217-232.
 Human Anatomy & Physiology, by S.B.Bhise & A.V.Yadav, Nirali
Prakashan, 25th edition-July 2013, Page no:16.1-16.9