This topic covers the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including the structures involved in reproduction, hormone regulation, and the process of gamete production.
Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology – Study Notes
| Structure | Location | Primary Functions | Key Histology / Physiology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testes | Scrotum (outside abdomen) | • Spermatogenesis • Testosterone production |
• Seminiferous tubules (spermatogenic epithelium) • Leydig cells (interstitial, androgen synthesis) |
| Epididymis | Posterior to each testis | • Sperm maturation (motility, membrane changes) • Storage |
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia |
| Vas deferens (ductus deferens) | Muscular tube to pelvic cavity | • Propels sperm during ejaculation (peristalsis) | Thick muscular wall, thick collagenous adventitia |
| Seminal vesicles | Posterior to bladder | • Secrete ~60 % of ejaculate volume (fructose, prostaglandins, clotting proteins) | Glandular acini with columnar epithelium |
| Prostate gland | Around urethra, below bladder | • Alkaline fluid (zinc, citrate) to neutralize vaginal acidity • PSA (seminal plasma liquefaction) |
Glandular tissue with basal and secretory cells |
| Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands | Posterior to urethra, within urogenital diaphragm | • Pre‑ejaculate (lubrication, mucus) | Small tubulo‑alveolar glands |
| Penis | External organ | • Delivery of sperm & seminal fluid • Erectile function (corpora cavernosa) |
Erectile tissue with sinusoidal spaces, rich vascular supply |
| Urethra | Passage through penis | • Conduit for semen & urine (separate phases) | Stratified columnar epithelium (proximal) → pseudostratified columnar (mid) → stratified squamous (distal) |
| Hormone | Source | Target | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| GnRH | Hypothalamus | Anterior pituitary | Stimulates LH & FSH release |
| LH | Anterior pituitary | Leydig cells | ↑ Testosterone |
| FSH | Anterior pituitary | Sertoli cells | Supports spermatogenesis |
| Testosterone | Leydig cells | Multiple (Sertoli cells, secondary sexual traits) | Maintains spermatogenesis, libido, muscle mass |
| Inhibin | Sertoli cells | Pituitary (negative feedback) | ↓ FSH |
| Structure | Location | Primary Functions | Key Histology / Physiology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovaries | Lateral pelvic walls | • Oogenesis (development of oocytes) • Estrogen & progesterone synthesis |
• Fol |