1

2

Objectives

At that the end of this unit, the students will be able to:

1. Define Reproduction.
2. Define Reproductive System.
3. List the function of male & female reproductive system.
4. Categorize the Female Reproductive organs into: Essential organs & Accessory organs.
5. Discuss the location and structure of Female External Genitalia (VULVA).
6. Describe the location, Structure & function of Female Internal Genitalia.
7. Discuss the Female Reproductive Cycles (ovarian and menstrual cycles).
8. Categorize the male reproductive organs into Essential organs & Accessory organs.
9. Location and structures involved in the male reproductive system.
10. Describe the structure and function of testis and accessory organs.

3

Define Reproduction

Objective 01

4

• Reproduction is a biological process by which an organism reproduces an offspring that is similar to the organism. 

​

• There are two main forms: sexual and asexual reproduction.
• Sexual reproduction, an organism combines the genetic information from each of its parents.
• Asexual reproduction, one parent copies itself to create genetically identical offspring.

5

Define Reproductive System

Objective 02

6

• The reproductive system also known as the genital system, is the biological system in which the male and female organs differ anatomically and physiologically.
• The new individual develops from the fusion of two different sex cells.
• Gynecology (Gyneco = woman; -logy = study of) is the specialized branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.
• The branch of medicine that deals with male disorders, especially infertility and sexual dysfunction, is called andrology (Andro = masculine).

7

8

• Adult males and females produce specialized germ cells, called gametes.
• The male gametes are called spermatozoa and the female gametes are called ova. They contain the genetic material, or genes, on chromosomes, which pass inherited characteristics on to the next generation.
• The fusion of an ovum and a spermatozoon, the resulting cell is called a zygote.
• The zygote embeds itself in the wall of the uterus where it grows and develops during the 40- week gestation period before birth.

9

List the function of male & female reproductive system

Objective 03

10

The functions of the male reproductive system

1. The testes produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.
2. The ducts transport, store, and assist in maturation of sperm.
3. The accessory sex glands secrete most of the liquid portion of semen.
4. The penis contains the urethra, a passageway for ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine.
5. Transmission of spermatozoa to the female.

11

The functions of the female reproductive system

1. The ovaries produce secondary oocytes and hormones, including progesterone and estrogens (female sex hormones), inhibin, and relaxin.
2. The uterine tubes transport a secondary oocyte to the uterus and normally are the sites where fertilization occurs.
3. The uterus is the site of implantation of a fertilized ovum, development of the fetus during pregnancy, and labor.
4. The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse and is a passageway for childbirth.
5. The mammary glands synthesize, secrete, and eject milk for nourishment of the newborn.

12

Categorize the Female Reproductive organs into: Essential organs & Accessory organs

Objective 04

13

• the female reproductive system can be categorized into essential and accessory organs as follows:
• Essential Organs
• Ovaries: Primary reproductive organs (gonads) in females.
• Produce secondary oocytes (eggs) and secrete sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
• Key in reproduction and hormonal balance.
• Accessory Organs
• Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes: Transport secondary oocytes and are the sites of fertilization.
• Uterus: Hollow organ where fertilized egg implants and fetus develops.
• Vagina: Passageway for intercourse and childbirth.
• External Genitalia (Vulva): Protect internal organs and aid in sexual arousal.
• Mammary Glands: Produce and secrete milk for newborn nourishment.

14

15

Female reproductive system

Discuss the location and structure of Female External Genitalia (VULVA)

Objective 05

16

• The vulva is the external part of a woman's body that belongs to the reproductive system. It starts from the pubic area (where hair grows) and extends back toward the anus. It is located in the perineal region — that is, roughly between the legs and in the lower part of the body.

17

18

Structure of the Vulva

• The vulva comprises several distinct anatomical structures:​

1. Mons Pubis

• A raised, fatty area located above the pubic bone.
• Covered with hair after puberty.

2. Labia Majora

• Two thick, outer skin folds that extend from the mons pubis down to the perineum.
• These are covered with skin and pubic hair.
• They are homologous to the male scrotum.

19

3. Labia Minora

• Located just inside the labia majora.
• These are thin, hairless folds of skin.
• Richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves, making them very sensitive.
• They surround the openings of the urethra and vagina.

4. Clitoris

• A small, sensitive erectile organ located at the front junction of the labia minora.
• Rich in nerve endings, responsible for sexual pleasure.
• It is functionally similar to the male penis.

20

5. Vestibule

• The space between the labia minora.
• It contains the external openings of the urethra and vagina, as well as the ducts of some glands.

6. Greater Vestibular (Bartholin's) Glands

• These are two glands located on either side of the vaginal opening.
• They secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva during sexual arousal.

7. Bulbs of the Vestibule

• These are masses of erectile tissue located deep to the labia minora.
• During sexual arousal, they become engorged with blood, helping to tighten the vaginal opening.

21

Function of the Vulva

• Protection: Shields the internal genital organs from pathogens and mechanical injury.
• Sexual Arousal: Contains erectile tissue and nerve endings that facilitate sexual pleasure.​
• Urination: Includes the urethral opening for urine to pass out.
• Lubrication: Glands secrete mucus to maintain moisture and reduce friction during intercourse.​

22

Describe the location, Structure & function of Female Internal Genitalia

Objective 06

23

• All these organs are located inside the female body, specifically in the pelvic cavity. The urinary bladder lies in front, and the rectum lies behind.
• The internal genital organs include:
• Ovaries
• Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)
• Uterus
• Vagina

24

25

Ovaries

• Structure:
• These are two small almond-shaped glands, located on either side of the uterus.
• They are held in place by ligaments like the broad ligament, ovarian ligament, and suspensory ligament.
• Function:
• They produce eggs (secondary oocytes).
• They also secrete important hormones like: Estrogen, Progesterone, Inhibin, Relaxin
• These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.

26

27

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

• Structure:
• Each tube is about 10 cm long and has four parts:
• Infundibulum – funnel-shaped end with finger-like projections called fimbriae.
• Ampulla – the widest and longest part, where fertilization usually takes place.
• Isthmus – a narrow section that connects to the uterus.
• Intramural (uterine) part – the portion that passes through the wall of the uterus.
• Function:
• The tubes carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
• Fertilization (union of sperm and egg) usually occurs in the ampulla.

28

29

Uterus (Womb)

• Structure:
• The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ divided into three regions:
• Fundus – the top, dome-shaped part.
• Body – the main, central portion where a fertilized egg implants.
• Cervix – the narrow lower portion that connects to the vagina.
• Function:
• The uterus is the site for implantation of the fertilized egg.
• It nurtures and supports the developing fetus during pregnancy.
• During labor, it contracts to help deliver the baby.

30

31

Vagina

• Structure:
• The vagina is a 10 cm long muscular canal, connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.
• It lies behind the urinary bladder and urethra, and in front of the rectum.
• Function:
• It acts as the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse.
• It serves as the passageway for menstrual flow.
• It is also the birth canal during childbirth.

32

33

Discuss the Female Reproductive Cycles (ovarian and menstrual cycles)

Objective 07

34

• The female reproductive cycle consists of two closely connected cycles:
• Ovarian Cycle – Takes place in the ovaries.
• Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle – Occurs in the uterus.
• Both cycles are regulated by hormones released from the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and the ovaries.

35

Ovarian Cycle

• This cycle occurs in the ovaries and its purpose is to mature and release an egg. It has three phases:
• Follicular Phase
• Ovulation Phase
• Luteal Phase

36

37

1. Follicular Phase (Days 1–13):

• The brain releases Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
• FSH stimulates several follicles in the ovaries to grow.
• One dominant follicle is selected and continues to mature the egg.
• This follicle also secretes estrogen.

38

2. Ovulation (Around Day 14):

• A sudden surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) causes the mature follicle to rupture and release the egg.
• The egg is then picked up by the fallopian tube.
• This is the time when fertilization is most likely to occur.

39

3. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28):

• The ruptured follicle becomes a corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and some estrogen.
• These hormones prepare the endometrial lining of the uterus for implantation.
• If fertilization doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, hormone levels drop, and the next cycle begins.

40

Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle

• This cycle takes place in the uterus and its role is to prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy or shed it if pregnancy doesn't happen. It has three phases:
• Menstrual Phase
• Proliferative Phase
• Secretory Phase

41

Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle

42

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5):

• If there’s no pregnancy, the functional layer of the endometrium is shed and leaves the body as menstrual blood.
• This is known as menstruation or a period.

43

2. Proliferative Phase (Days 6–14):

• Estrogen levels rise, stimulating the regeneration of the endometrial lining.
• The lining thickens again to get ready for a fertilized egg.

44

3. Secretory Phase (Days 15–28):

• Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, further prepares the endometrium.
• The lining becomes more glandular and rich in nutrients.
• If no implantation occurs, hormone levels fall, and the cycle restarts with menstruation.

45

Hormonal Regulation Summary

• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Released from the hypothalamus; stimulates the pituitary gland.
• FSH & LH: Promote follicular development and ovulation.
• Estrogen & Progesterone: Help grow and maintain the uterine lining.

46

Categorize the male reproductive organs into Essential organs & Accessory organs

Objective 08

47

Essential Organs (Primary Reproductive Organs)

• These are the organs directly responsible for the production of gametes (sperm):
• Testes (testicles):
• These are the primary sex organs.
• They produce sperm (spermatogenesis).
• They also produce male sex hormones, mainly testosterone.

48

male reproductive organs essential accessory diagram

49

Accessory Organs (Secondary Reproductive Organs)

• These aid in the storage, maturation, and transport of sperm or in the process of ejaculation. They include: Ducts, Accessory Sex Glands and Supporting Structures.

​

• Ducts (Tubular Structures)
• These transport sperm from the testes to the outside:
• Epididymis – site of sperm maturation and storage
• Vas deferens – transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct
• Ejaculatory ducts – connect vas deferens to the urethra
• Urethra – carries sperm (and urine) out of the body

50

• Accessory Sex Glands
• These secrete most of the fluid portion of semen:
• Seminal vesicles – Produce 60% of semen volume, rich in fructose.
• Prostate gland – adds a slightly acidic fluid that enhances sperm motility
• Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands – Secrete mucus to lubricate urethra.

​

• Supporting Structures
• These assist in the delivery of sperm:
• Scrotum – sac that holds and regulates temperature of testes
• Penis – organ of copulation; delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract

51

Location and structures involved in the male reproductive system

Objective 09

52

• The male reproductive system consists of structures that are mostly located outside and within the pelvic cavity. These structures are involved in the production, storage, nourishment, and transport of sperm, and also in the secretion of male sex hormones.

​

• Location of Male Reproductive Organs
• External Structures
• Internal Structures

​

53

male reproductive organs

54

• External Structures (Located Outside the Body)
• Penis – Located externally, used in sexual intercourse and urination.
• Scrotum – Pouch of skin hanging outside the abdominal cavity, behind and below the penis. Contains the testes.

55

• Internal Structures (Located Inside the Pelvic Cavity or Embedded in Body Wall)
• Testes – Located inside the scrotum, but functionally internal glands.
• Epididymis – Coiled tube located on the posterior side of each testis.
• Ductus (Vas) deferens – Ascends from scrotum into pelvic cavity, loops over bladder.
• Ejaculatory ducts – Located within the prostate gland.
• Urethra – Passes from the bladder through the penis.
• Seminal vesicles – Paired glands located posterior to the urinary bladder.
• Prostate gland – Located inferior to the bladder, surrounds the urethra.
• Bulbourethral glands – Located below the prostate, near the base of the penis.

56

Describe the structure and function of testis and accessory organs

Objective 10

57

• Structure of the testis:
• The testes are paired oval glands located in the scrotum.
• Each testis is surrounded by:
• Tunica vaginalis – outer protective layer.
• Tunica albuginea – inner fibrous capsule that extends inward to divide the testis into compartments called lobules.
• Each lobule contains 1 to 3 seminiferous tubules, where spermatogenesis (sperm production) occurs.
• Cells within the Testes:
• Spermatogenic cells – develop into sperm.
• Sertoli cells (sustentacular cells) – support and nourish developing sperm cells, form the blood-testis barrier.
• Leydig (interstitial) cells – located between seminiferous tubules; secrete testosterone

58

• Functions of the testis:
• Produce sperm (spermatogenesis).
• Secrete testosterone, the primary male sex hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics and libido.

59

Structure and Function of Accessory Organs

1. Epididymis:

• Coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis.
• Function: Site for sperm maturation (acquire motility) and storage.

2. Vas (Ductus) Deferens:

• Muscular tube extending from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
• Function: Transports sperm from scrotum to pelvic cavity.

3. Ejaculatory Ducts:

• Formed by the union of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicle ducts.
• Function: Convey sperm and secretions into the urethra.

60

4. Urethra:

• Shared duct for urine and semen, passes through the penis.
• Function: Conducts semen outside the body during ejaculation.

5. Seminal Vesicles:

• Paired glands behind the bladder.
• Function: Secrete alkaline fluid with fructose (energy source for sperm) – contributes to 60% of semen volume.

6. Prostate Gland:

• Single gland located below the bladder.
• Function: Secretes milky, slightly acidic fluid that enhances sperm motility and viability.

7. Bulbourethral (Cowper's) Glands:

• Paired glands located near the base of the penis.
• Function: Secrete mucus to lubricate the urethra and neutralize traces of acidic urine.

61

male reproductive organs

62

63

If you have any…!

​

Questions…?

or

Confusion…?

64

64

Good luck

65