Transcript Reproductive Organs

Unit 3: Reproductive Organs

Overview

  • Lumbo-pelvic region: houses the reproductive organs.

  • Discussion includes male and female sexual reproductive organs and their functions.

Male Reproductive Organs

Internal Genital Organs

  • Location: Right half of the male pelvis and perineum.

  • Includes:

    • Testes

    • Epididymis

    • Ductus deferens (vas deferens)

    • Seminal glands

    • Ejaculatory ducts

    • Prostate

    • Bulbo-urethral glands

  • Testes and Epididymis: Considered internal genital organs due to their developmental position and homology with internal female ovaries.

Ductus Deferens

  • Continuation of the duct of the epididymis.

  • Structure: Thick muscular walls, small lumen providing cord-like firmness.

  • Pathway: Begins in the tail of the epididymis, ascends posterior to the testis, medial to the epididymis, forms part of the spermatic cord, and penetrates the abdominal wall through the inguinal canal.

Seminal Glands

  • Location: Between the fundus of the bladder and rectum, superior to the prostate.

  • Function: Secrete thick alkaline fluid with fructose and coagulating agent to mix with sperm.

  • Blood Supply: Arteries from the inferior vesical and middle rectal arteries, corresponding veins.

Ejaculatory Ducts

  • Formed by the union of seminal gland ducts and ductus deferens.

  • Pathway: Arise near bladder neck, travel through the prostate, terminates in the prostatic urethra.

Prostate Gland

  • Largest accessory gland of the male reproductive system, walnut-sized.

  • Surrounds the prostatic urethra, related to the bladder neck and rectum.

  • Examination: Enlargements or tumors detected via digital rectal examination.

Innervation of Male Reproductive Organs

  • Richly innervated by sympathetic fibers from intermediolateral cell column (T12-L2 spinal segments).

  • Fibers include:

    • Presynaptic sympathetic fibers to lumbar and pelvic plexuses.

    • Presynaptic parasympathetic fibers from S2 and S3 spinal segments via pelvic splanchnic nerves.

    • Cavernous nerves supply erectile bodies of the penis to facilitate erection.

Female Reproductive Organs

Ovaries

  • Shape: Almond-shaped gonads where oocytes develop.

  • Function: Release oocytes into the uterine tubes.

Uterine Tubes

  • Location: Connect oocyte from ovary to uterus; site of fertilization.

  • Pathway: Funnel-like infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and uterine part through the uterine wall.

Uterus

  • Structure: Thick-walled, hollow muscular organ with three layers:

    • Endometrium: Vascular and secretory layer, undergoes cyclical changes for implantation.

    • Myometrium: Smooth muscle that aids in childbirth.

    • Peritoneum: Covers fundus and body, continues as broad ligament.

  • Function: Site of embryo implantation and fetal development.

Vagina

  • Distensible tube connecting uterus to exterior (vaginal orifice).

  • Lies between urethra (anterior) and rectum (posterior).

  • Forms vaginal fornix around the cervix.

Blood Supply to Female Reproductive Organs

  • Uterus:

    • Supplied mainly by uterine arteries; collateral supply from ovarian arteries.

    • Venous drainage via uterovaginal venous plexus into internal iliac veins.

  • Vagina:

    • Supplied by uterine and internal pudendal arteries.

    • Venous drainage via vaginal venous plexuses into internal iliac veins.

Innervation of Female Reproductive Organs

  • Parasympathetic supply: Via pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4) to uterus and vagina.

  • Sympathetic supply: Fibers through sympathetic trunk, synapse in prevertebral ganglia.

  • Visceral Afferent Fibers:

    • Pain from intraperitoneal structures (uterus) travels with sympathetic fibers to T12-L2.

    • Pain from subperitoneal structures (cervix, vagina) travels with parasympathetic fibers to S2-S4.

  • Somatic sensation: From vaginal opening via the pudendal nerve.