Learn about the male and female reproductive systems | MPO training 10
Learn about the male and female reproductive systems in a simple and easy
way. This article helps you understand the basic structure and function of
both systems clearly. If you are planning to work as a Medical Promotion
Officer (MPO), this topic is very important for your course.
You will find it useful in field work and product discussion. It is written
in a friendly tone to make learning comfortable. Read till the end to get
the full concept.
Table of contents: Learn about the male and female reproductive systems
Check out the table of contents of this article-
Introduction: Learn about the male and female reproductive systems
Learn about the male and female reproductive systems in this article with
easy explanations and real examples. You will know how each part works and
supports human reproduction. This is very helpful for Medical Promotion
Officers (MPOs) who need strong basic knowledge in medical science.
You can use this clear concept while promoting products. The content is
written in a simple tone to help you learn faster and better.
Learn about the male reproductive systems basics of human body
What is Male Reproductive System?
Consists of a number sex organs that are a part of the human reproductive
process. Produces, stores and releases the male gametes, or sperm.
Diagram: Male Reproductive System
Objectives:
- Male reproductive organs
- Organ functions
- Pathway of sperm cell
- Male sex hormones and their functions
- Male reproductive system diseases
Structure of testis
- Efferent ductules
- Tunica albuginea
- Straight tubules
- Septum
- Seminiferous tubules
- Lobule
- Ductus deferens
- Epididymis
- Rete testis
Diagram: Structure of testis
Summary of functions of main parts of male reproductive system
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Testis | Produces sperm and testosterone. |
| Epididymis | Matures and stores sperm. |
| Sperm duct | Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. |
| Seminal vesicles, Cowper's gland and Prostate gland | Produces seminal fluid which feeds the sperm and allows them to swim. Sperm and seminal fluid are collectively called semen. |
| Urethra | Allows the passage of either urine or sperm. |
| Penis | Places sperm inside the body of a female. |
| Scrotum | Keeps testes at a lower temperature (35°). This is the optimum temperature for Meiosis to occur. |
Spermatogenesis and Structure of Sperm
Diagram: Spermatogenesis and Structure of Sperm
Major Events in the Life of a Sperm
1. Spermatogenesis
2. Mitosis
3. Meiosis
4. Spermiogenesis
- Head
- Midpiece
- Tail
5. Capacitation
6. Lifespan of a spermatozoa
- Puberty through life
- 30 x 106 per day
- 60 to 75 days for sperm production
- 10 to 14 days transport (epididymis)
- 20 to 100 million per milliliter of ejaculate
Diagram: Major Events in the Life of a Sperm
Sex Hormones - Male
- (1) Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - FSH
- (2) Luteinizing Hormone -LH
- (5) Hypothalamus
- (6) Pituitary gland
- (9) Testosterone
- (10) Testicle
- (11) Prolactin - PRL
Diagram: Sex Hormones Male
Male Reproductive Hormones and Their Functions
| Hormone | Location | Description of Function |
|---|---|---|
| Testosterone | Interstitial cells |
⚫Stimulates spermatogenesis.
⚫Promotes and regulates the development of secondary sexual
characteristics.
⚫Associated with sex drive levels
|
| Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | Pituitary gland | ⚫Stimulates the production of sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules |
| Luteinizing hormone (LH) | Pituitary gland | ⚫Promotes the production of testosterone by the interstitial cells. |
| Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) | Hypothalamus | ⚫Stimulates secretion of FSH and LH. |
Male reproductive system disease and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of male reproductive system disease or disorders
include:
- Urinary disorders including frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and incontinence.
- Pain in the pelvis, groin, or reproductive organs.
- Lesions on external genitalia.
- Swelling or abnormal enlargement of the reproductive organs.
- Abnormal penile drainage.
- Burning and or itching of the genitals.
Male Reproductive System Diseases
Most common diseases affecting the male reproductive system include
infection and diseases.
affecting the prostate.
Diseases:
- Prostatitis
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Prostatic Carcinoma
- Epididymitis
- Orchitis
- Testicular tumors
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)
Learn about the female reproductive systems basics of human body
The process by which organisms produce another organism is called
reproduction. The female reproductive system plays many vital functions
that ensure the continuation of the human race.
What is Male Reproductive System?
The female reproductive system is a group of organs in a woman’s body that
helps her have children. These organs include the ovaries, fallopian
tubes, uterus, and vagina. Together, they produce eggs, allow
fertilization, and support the growth of a baby during pregnancy. This
system also plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and hormone
production.
Female Reproductive organs
Female reproductive organs can be subdivided into:
- A. External genitalia.
- B. Internal genitalia.
- C. Accessory genital organs.
The internal genitalia consists of the:
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Vagina
- Fallopian tube
- Ovaries
Diagram: Female Reproductive organs
Internal genitalia
1. Uterus: The Uterus is a hollow, pear shaped, muscular organ.It
houses the fetus and contractions of the wall propels the baby forward
during delivery through the birth canal in a normal vaginal delivery.
2. Cervix: The cervix is the lower portion or neck of the uterus.
It is lined with mucus known as cervical mucus.
3. Vagina: The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that connects
the cervix to the outside of the body. It serves as the passageway for
menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and the birth of a baby during
normal delivery.
4. Fallopian Tube: The fallopian tubes are narrow tubes that
connect the ovaries to the uterus. When an egg is released from the
ovary, it travels through the fallopian tube. This is also the place
where fertilization by a sperm usually happens.
5. Ovary: These are the female gonads or sex glands. The
follicles in the ovaries produce the female sex hormone, Estrogen and
Progesterone.
Reproductive hormones
There are several hormones related to reproductive system but here we will
only discuss
- Female Reproductive Harmony
- FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone)
- BLH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
Diagram: Reproductive hormones
Action of estrogen
Controlled by the hypothalamus. Located at the base of the brain.
- Breast development.
- Increase cholesterol in bile.
- Increase fat store.
- Maturation and maintenance of bone mineral density.
- Muscle strength.
- Preventing atherosclerosis.
- During ovulation, vaginal lubrication increases, and hormones stimulate the growth of the uterus lining (endometrium).
Diagram: Action of estrogen
Action of progesterone
- Breasts: Reduces tenderness, cyst formation.
- Vagina: Protects cervix from infection.
- Immune system: Increases anti-inflammatory agents.
- Cardiovascular system: Lowers blood pressure.
- Uterus: Inhibits contractions during pregnancy.
Diagram: Action of progesterone
Ovulation
Diagram: Ovulation
Ovulation is the process by which mature ovum discharges from the
ovary into the abdominal cavity 14 days before the onset of the next
menstrual cycle. Ovulation occurs at day 14 in women having 28 days
menstrual cycle under the influence of LH surge.
Diagram: Human Embryo
Ovulation induction: Stimulation of Ovulation by
medication.
Diagram: Ovulation chart
Conception and contraceptives
Conception: the process of becoming pregnant involving
fertilization or implantation or both.
Contraception/ birth control: Birth control is any
activity, medicine, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Medicines
taken daily that prevent ovulation by controlling pituitary
hormone secretion. Usually, oral contraceptives contain the
hormones estrogen and progestin.
Diagram: Birth control pills
How oral pills work-
- Estrogen in the pill prevents the pituitary gland from releasing LH.
- With no LH present, the egg does not mature and ovulation does not occur.
- Progestin in pill thickens cervical mucus, blocking passage of sperm into uterus.
Diagram: How oral pills work
Menstrual cycle
- The cyclical changes that occur in the endometrium of the uterus is called menstrual cycle.
- Duration: 20-45 days (about 28 days) from the start of one menstrual period to the start of the next.
- The periodic vaginal bleeding that occurs with the shedding of superficial two thirds of the uterine mucosa along with uterine glands and blood vessels is known as Menstruation/ Menstrual phase.
- Duration: (1-5 days)
- Most women will lose less than 80 ml of blood during their period.
Menopause
The period during which the female monthly sexual cycle stops and the
female sexual hormones diminish to almost none is called Menopause.
Diagram: Menopause-strogen hormone levels
Postmenopausal complications
- Hair Loss
- Insomnia
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Changes
- Bone Loss
- Decreased Breast Fullness
- Skin Issues
- Irregular Periods
- Skin Issues
- Urinary Incontinence
- Vaginal Dryness
- Loss of Libido
- Weight Gain
Diagram: Postmenopausal complications
Some definitions
Osteoporosis: It literally means porous bone. It is a
disease in which bone weakening increases the risk of broken bone.
HRT(Hormone Replacement Therapy): HRT is treatment to
relieve the symptoms of menopause.
Menstrual regulation (MR): It is the term applied to any
treatment which is administered within 14 days of a missed
menstrual period to ensure that a woman either is not pregnant or
does not remain pregnant.
Labor: Labor is the process by which the fetus and the
placenta leave the uterus.
Induction of Labor: Induction of labor is defined as the
process of artificially stimulating the uterus to start labor.
Amenorrhea: It is the absence of a menstrual period in a
woman of reproductive age.
Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia is heavy wy or prolonged menstrual
bleeding. It can be related to a number of conditions including
problems with the uterus, hormone problems, or other conditions.
Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea causes severe and frequent
cramps and pain during the period. It may be either primary or
secondary.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is derived from the word
"endometrium," which is the tissue that lines the uterus. Patients
with endometriosis have endometrial-type tissue outside of the
uterus.
Symptoms of endometriosis may include: excessive menstrual
cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow. Women with endometriosis
are more likely to have difficulty getting pregnant.
Infertility: Infertility is a problem of the reproductive
system. It affects the body's ability to reproduce. It could be
caused by a problem with the man's system, the woman's system, or
both.
PPH (Postpartum Hemorrhage): PPH is classified as a genital
blood loss of above 500 ml within the first 24 hours of giving
birth.
Abortion: Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by removal
or expulsion of an embryo or fetus.
Male and female reproductive system difference
| Feature | Male Reproductive System | Female Reproductive System |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Organs | Testes (produce sperm and testosterone) | Ovaries (produce eggs and estrogen/progesterone) |
| Gametes Produced | Sperm (male gamete) | Egg or ovum (female gamete) |
| Location of Organs | Mostly external (penis, scrotum) | Mostly internal (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina) |
| Hormones Involved | Testosterone | Estrogen and progesterone |
| Fertilization Site | Inside female body | Fallopian tube (site of fertilization) |
| Function | Produces and delivers sperm | Produces eggs, supports fertilization and pregnancy |
| Pathway for Gamete Travel | Vas deferens → Urethra | Ovary → Fallopian tube → Uterus |
| Common Duct for Urine & Semen | Urethra (common pathway) | Separate openings for urinary and reproductive systems |
| External Genitalia | Penis, scrotum | Vulva (includes labia, clitoris, etc.) |
| Menstrual Cycle | Not present | Present (monthly ovulation and menstruation) |
Diagram: Male and female reproductive system difference
Male and female reproductive system comparison
| Aspect | Male Reproductive System | Female Reproductive System | Comparison Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Reproductive Organs | Testes | Ovaries | Both produce gametes and sex hormones |
| Type of Gametes | Sperm (small, motile) | Eggs/Ova (large, non-motile) | Both are haploid cells for sexual reproduction |
| Hormones Produced | Testosterone | Estrogen, Progesterone | Both regulate secondary sex characteristics & cycles |
| Location of Organs | Mostly external (penis, scrotum) | Mostly internal (uterus, ovaries, etc.) | Female system is more internally located |
| Gamete Pathway | Testes → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Urethra | Ovary → Fallopian tube → Uterus | Different paths, but both lead to possible fertilization |
| Fertilization Role | Delivers sperm | Receives sperm, site of fertilization and pregnancy | Female system supports fertilization and gestation |
| Urinary System Link | Shared (urethra carries semen and urine) | Separate (urine and reproductive tracts distinct) | Female system has separate reproductive and urinary tracts |
| External Genitalia | Penis, Scrotum | Vulva (labia, clitoris, vaginal opening) | Both have visible structures aiding reproduction |
| Menstrual Cycle | Absent | Present (monthly cycle) | Unique to females for egg release and uterus prep |
| Role in Reproduction | Produces and transports sperm | Produces egg, site of fertilization, nourishes fetus | Female system has broader reproductive responsibilities |
FAQs
1. What is the main function of the male reproductive system?
The male reproductive system produces and delivers sperm to the female
reproductive system for fertilization.
2. What is the role of testosterone in the male reproductive system?
Testosterone is the main male hormone that supports sperm production and
male sexual characteristics.
3. What is ovulation in the female reproductive system?
Ovulation is the process where an ovary releases an egg, usually once a
month, for possible fertilization.
4. How does fertilization happen in humans?
Fertilization occurs when a male sperm cell meets and joins with a female
egg cell inside the fallopian tube.
5. What are common diseases of the reproductive system?
Some common diseases include prostate problems, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome), STDs, and infertility issues.
6. How does the uterus support pregnancy?
The uterus holds and nourishes the baby (embryo/fetus) during pregnancy
until birth.
7. What is the function of the testes in males?
The testes produce sperm and testosterone, which are vital for
reproduction and male development.
8. How do hormones control the reproductive system?
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone control growth,
sexual functions, and reproductive cycles.
Conclusion: Learn about the male and female reproductive systems
In conclusion, when you learn about the male and female reproductive
systems, you build a strong base in medical science. This is essential for
every Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) who wants to succeed in the pharma
field. This article helps you remember the key points easily. It is
written for your better understanding and practical use. Keep this concept
in mind while working or preparing for your job. You will thank yourself
later for learning this topic clearly.
Sarwar Hossain Himel
I am Sarwar Hossain Himel, I am a sports lover. Education: BBA & MBA in Accounting. Job: Medical Promotion Officer (MPO) & 5 years of teaching experience. Freelancing: Google blogger & Article Writer. Web Design is my passion.