Reproductive System

Gamete and hormone production

Histology of the reproductive system

Epithelium, glands, stroma

Common histological features

Epithelium

Protection and secretion

Glands

Produce fluids

Stroma

Connective support

Fertility studies and diagnosis

Clinical relevance of reproductive system

Testes, ducts, glands, penis

Organs of male reproductive system

Sperm and testosterone

Functions of male reproductive system

Capsule, seminiferous tubules

Structure of testis

Capsule 

Tunica albuginea and tunica vasculosa

Seminiferous tubules

Site of sperm formation

Spermatogenic cells

Develop into sperm, grows and change shape-by-shape until they become mature sperm

Sertoli cells

Nourish and protect sperm, forming blood testis barrier.

Blood-testis barrier

Formed by the sertoli cells that keeps the sperm safe from harmful substances.

Leydig cells (interstitial tissue)

Located between the tubules that produces testosterone and helps in the development of male traits and for sperm production.

Lipid droplets

Inside the testosterone because it is a steroid hormone made from fat.

Libido

Leydig

Epididymis, vas deferens, urethra

Genital ducts of male reproductive

Epididymis

Sperm storage and maturation

Vas deferens

Thick muscle wall for transport

Urethra

Passageway for sperm and urine

Seminal vesicle, prostate, cowper’s glands

Accessory glands of male reproductive system

Seminal vesicle

Fructose-rich fluid

Prostate

Alkaline secretion and corpora amylacea

Cowper’s glands

Mucus secretion

Ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, mammary glands

Organs of female reproductive system

Egg production and hormones (estrogen, progesterone)

Functions of female reproductive system

Surface, cortex, medulla

Structure of ovary

Surface

Germinal epithelium and tunica albuginea

Cortex

Contains follicles

Medulla

Vascular core

Primordial, primary, secondary, mature (graafian)

Ovarian follicle stages

Primordial stage

Flat cells

Primary stage

Cuboidal layers

Secondary stage

Antrum and theca layers

Mature (graafian) stage

Large antrum and corona radiata

Corpus luteum and albicans

Post-ovulation structure

Infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, intramural

Regions of oviduct/fallopian tube

Ciliated, peg cells

Epithelium of oviduct/fallopian tub

Ciliated cells

Move the egg forward

Peg (secretory cells)

Release fluids that nourish the egg and sperm

Infundibulum

The funnel-shaped opening near the ovary and has the fimbriae

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections that catch the egg

Ampulla

The widest part and the site of fertilization (where the sperm meets the egg).

Isthmus

A narrow passage that guides the fertilized egg toward the uterus.

Intramural (uterine)

The final section that connects directly to the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining where the fertilized egg implants

Uterine glands and blood vessels

What the endometrium contains

Myometrium

The middle layer made up of smooth muscle that contracts during childbirth and menstruation

Perimetrium

The outermost protective layer, a thin serosa

Proliferative, secretory, menstrual

Cycle phase of reproductive system

Proliferative

The endometrium thickens and grows after menstruation

Secretory phase

Glands secrete nutrients; the uterus prepares for a possible embryo

Menstrual phase

If no fertilization occurs, the lining sheds.

Cervix

Neck of the uterus that connects to the vagina

Endocervix (inside)

Simple columnar cells that secrete mucus of cervix.

Ectocervix (outside)

Stratified squamous cells for protection of cervix

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, glycogen

Lines the vaginal wall and containing

Mammary glands

Modified sweat glands that produces milk

Inactive (resting)

Mostly ducts and connective tissue of mammary glands

Active (lactating)

Enlarged secretory alveoli filled with milk