1. Sperm Release Pathway: The Parasympathetic Step
Brain perceives sexual stimulus
NO (nitrous oxide) released in smooth muscle lining arterioles of erectile tissue
Arterial muscles relax, arterioles dilate
Arterioles fill with blood
Engorged arterioles compress venules
Blood is trapped in erectile tissue arterioles. Erection achieved.

2. Sperm Release Pathway: The Sympathetic Step
7. Prolonged sexual stimulus results in spinal reflex impulse…
8. Causes contraction of:
*vas deferens *bulbourethral gland
*prostate gland * seminal vesicles
9. Semen empties into urethra
10. Urethral sphincter muscles contract
11. Semen forcefully ejected from urethra
Ejaculation

3. Female Reproductive System

6. I. Female Reproductive Structures
Ovaries
Oviducts
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
Brain

7. A. Ovaries Primary Reproductive Organ/Female Gonad Paired
Attached medially to uterus by ovarian ligament
Filled with ovarian follicles
Each ovarian follicle contains an immature oocyte (gamete)

8. Follicle membrane
Immature oocyte
OVARIAN FOLLICLE

9. Onset of Puberty
Hypothalamus released GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)
Pituitary Gland releases:
FSH ESTROGEN
LH RELEASE

10. Release of Estrogen at onset of Puberty…
SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS
Breast development
Widening of pelvic girdle
Body hair
MENARCHE
First ovulation followed by menstrual period

11. The Ovarian Cycle Results in the release of: Repeats ~ 28 days
gamete
hormones required for pregnancy
Repeats ~ 28 days
OVULATION:
major event of Ovarian Cycle!
release of mature oocyte from ovary

12. 3 Phases of Ovarian Cycle
Follicular Phase
Ovulation
Luteal Phase

13. 1. Follicular Phase Days 1 - 14
Granulosa cells (Epithelium/CT) of follicle provide nutrition/support/protection to oocyte
Follicle increases in size around oocyte
Follicle secretes Estrogen hormone
Zona pellucida forms around oocyte
Thick protective, nutritive membrane
Increased granulosa cells surround oocyte
“Corona radiata”

14. nucleus
Zona pellucida
Corona Radiata

15. 2. Ovulation Day Day 14 Wall of ovary bulges and bursts
Oocyte (w/ corona radiata) expelled from ovary!

16. Ovulation
Identify:
Ovary
Follicle
Oocyte
Corona Radiata

17. 3. Luteal Phase Days 15 – 28 Follicle remains in ovary after ovulation
Granulosa cells secrete hormones:
Progesterone
Estrogen
Follicle has been transformed into…
CORPUS LUTEUM!

19. The fate of the Corpus Luteum…
If sperm are present and oocyte becomes fertilized…
Corpus Luteum continues production of progesterone (pregnancy hormone) for 1st three months of pregnancy!

21. If fertilization of oocyte does NOT occur…
Corpus luteum stops hormone production and breaks down

23. B. It Starts with the Brain…

24. C. Fallopian Tubes Aka: oviducts / uterine tubes
Attached medially to uterus
Lateral region surrounding ovary…
Ampulla : common site of fertilization
Possesses ciliated finger-like projections that hang over ovary…
Fimbriae !

25. Ampulla
Fimbriae

26. D. The Uterus “womb” Thick muscular lining
Resembles a pear in shape and size
Functions to receive, retain, and nourish the fertilized ovum

27. The Uterus is… Divided into regions Fundus: rounded superior region
Body: largest region
Cervix: narrow inferior region

28. Fundus
Body
Cervix

29. The Uterus is… Composed of three layers:
Perimetrium: outer visceral layer
Myometrium: middle muscular thickest layer
Endometrium: inner epithelial layer
site of implantation of fertilized ovum

30. The Uterus is… Highly vascular!
Uterine Arteries: branch to provide blood to myometrial and endometrial layers of uterus!

31. The Vagina Extends from cervix to external environment Functions to:
Allow for passage of infant (“birth canal”)
Allow for passage of menstrual flow
Receive penis during intercourse
(female organ of copulation)
Acidic pH in adults protection against infection
 hostile environment for sperm

32. The fate of the Ovum... Post-Ovulation

33. Menstruation Occurs ~ 14 days post ovulation
Occurs ONLY if fertilization of ovum does NOT occur
Endometrium layer of uterus is shed
Results in bleeding from vagina for ~3-5 days
Endometrial layer will immediately begin rebuilding vascular tissue during days 1-14 of Ovarian Cycle (due to estrogen!)