Summary of Reproductive System Lecture

Introduction

• Overview of human reproductive system
• Combination of male and female systems

Gonads

• Primary structures producing gametes
  • Males: Sperm
  • Females: Ova/Eggs
• Secretion of secondary sex hormones
  • Promotes gender characteristics
  • Supports child development in females
• Importance of ducts in reproductive processes
  • Storage and transportation of gametes

Male Reproductive System

Anatomical Overview

• Begins with the scrotum
  • Supporting structure for the testes
  • Consists of loose skin and subcutaneous tissue
  • Separated in the middle by a vertical septum
• Testicular cancer often affects one testis due to compartmentalization

Muscles Associated with Scrotum

• Dartos muscle: Smooth muscle causing skin wrinkling
• Cremaster muscle: Skeletal muscle that aids in testes descent

Temperature Regulation

• Scrotum helps keep testes 2-3°C cooler for optimal sperm development

Testes Structure

• Covered by tunica vaginalis (serous membrane)
• Tunica albuginea: Dense irregular connective tissue
• Formation of lobules containing seminiferous tubules
  • Site of spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis Process

• Begins with spermatogonia (diploid cells)
• Division to primary spermatocytes (diploid)
• Meiosis leads to secondary spermatocytes (haploid)
• Development into spermatids, then spermatozoa

Supporting Cells

• Sertoli (sustenacular) cells: Support development and nourish sperm
• Interstitial (Leydig) cells: Secrete testosterone

Sperm Structure

• Head: Contains nucleus with 23 chromosomes
• Acrosome: Enzyme to penetrate egg
• Midpiece: Mitochondria for ATP production
• Tail: Flagellum for propulsion

Duct System

1. Seminiferous Tubules
2. Straight Tubules
3. Rete Testis
4. Efferent Ducts
5. Epididymis
   • Storage and maturation (14 days)
6. Ductus (Vas) Deferens
   • Transport to urethra

Accessory Glands

• Seminal Vesicles: Alkaline fluid, fructose, prostaglandins
• Prostate Gland: Milky fluid, promotes sperm viability
• Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands: Alkaline mucus secretion

Semen Composition

• Mixture of sperm and seminal fluid
• Volume: 2.5 to 5 mL per ejaculation
• Sperm count: 50-150 million/mL

Penis Structure

• Composed of corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum
• Urethra passage for urine and semen
• Glands penis and prepuce (foreskin)

Female Reproductive System

Anatomical Overview

• Fewer structures than males, more physiologically complex
• Primary organ: Ovaries
  • Produce ova and secrete hormones

Ovaries and Ligaments

• Ovarian structure and location
• Held by broad, mesovarian, ovarian, and suspensory ligaments

Oogenesis

• Process of egg development
• Primordial follicles develop into mature Graafian follicle

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

• Structure and function
• Fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus

Uterus Structure

• Fundus, body, isthmus, cervix
• Layers: Perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium
• Monthly shedding of endometrial lining

Cervix and Vagina

• Cervical mucus function
  • Protective plug, mucus plug during pregnancy
• Vagina: Muscular canal between urethra and rectum

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• Components: Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora
• Vestibule: Contains openings for urethra and vagina

Mammary Glands

• Milk production and secretion
• Structures: Lobes, lobules, alveoli, lactiferous ducts
• Function during lactation

This summary captures the extensive details of the male and female reproductive systems discussed in the lecture, providing a comprehensive overview for study and review purposes.