Physiology Reproductive System`

Front 1

Function of: gonads

Back 1

produce gametes or hormones

Front 2

testes:

Back 2

male gonads that secrete androgens (testosterone) and produce the male gametes spermatozoa

Front 3

Pathway of the spermatazoa:

Back 3

testis, epididymis, the ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and the urethra

Front 4

descent of the testis

Back 4

the testes form inside the body cavity adjacent to the kidneys, CT fibers known as the gubernaulum testis extend from the testis to the posterior wall of the peritoneum. As the fetus grows the guber. do not get any longer and lock the testis into place, The testis gradually move inferiorly and anterioorly toward the anterior abdominal wall. At the 7th developmental month fetal growth continues at a rapid pace and hormones stimulate contraction of the guber. The testis then move through the abdominal musculature accompanied by small pockets of the peritoneal cavity.

Front 5

What is cryptorchidism?

Back 5

one or both of the testes have not descended into the scrotum by the time of birth, typically testes are lodged in abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal. (3% in full term, 30% of premature). Correct decent usually occurs a few weeks later but sometimes surgical procedures needed. NEed to fix before puberty, because a cryptochid testis will not produce spermatozaoa. If both testes are cryptochid the individual will be sterile.

Front 6

spermatic chords

Back 6

paired structures extending between the abdominopelvic cavity and the testes. consits of facia muslcle enclosing the vas deferens and the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels that supply the testes.`

Front 7

The scrotum

Back 7

divided into two chambers, seperated by a thick tissue called the raphe, each testis lies in a scrotal cavity. because they are seperated, infection of one testis does not spread to the next.
contains thin layer of skin and underlying superficial fascia. contains a smooth layer f mucles called the dartos muscle.

Front 8

tunica vaginalis,

Back 8

serous membrae that lines the scrotal cavity and reduces friction beetween the opposing scrotal and testicular surfaces.

Front 9

cremaster muscle

Back 9

lies deep in the dermis of the scrotum. contraction of this muscle due to sexual arousal or low temp tenses the scrotum and pulls the testes closer to the body.

Front 10

normal development of spermatazoa

Back 10

needs a temp (2 F) lower than normal Body temp. The cremaster muscle contracts or relaxes in order to move the testes closer or farther away from the body.

Front 11

Function of: tunica albuginea

Back 11

The CT of these regions support blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that supply and drain the testis

Front 12

Seminferous tubules

Back 12

in the areolar tissue of the ST are numerous blood vessels and interstital cells.

Front 13

interstital cells.

Back 13

found in the areolar tissue of the semniferous tubules and are responsible for production of androgens, most importantly testosterone.

Front 14

Locations of spermatogenesis:

Back 14

begins at the outermost layer of cells in the semniferous tubules and proceeds towards the lumen. At each stem of this process the cells move closer to the lumen

Front 15

First of Three steps speratogenesis:

Back 15

1. Mitosis -spermatagonia undger go divisions throughout adult life. one daughter cells from each division remains in place while the other is pushed towards the lumen of the sem. tub. the dispaced cell differentites into primary spermatocytes which prepare for meiosis.

Front 16

Second step of spermatogenesis:

Back 16

meiosis: cell division involved in gamete production. in humans gametes contain 23 chromosomes, half set. the fusion of nuclei from mle and femal gamete produces a cells tht has the normal 46 chromosomes. in the semnif. tub., meiotic divisions that begin with primary spermatocytes produce spermatids, the undifferentiated male gamete.

Front 17

spermatid:

Back 17

the undifferentiated male gamete, produced in the 2nd meiotic stage of spermatogenesis.

Front 18

3rd step of spermatogenesis.

Back 18

spermiogenesis: spermatids differentiate into physically mature spermatazoa, results in numerous changes to the internal and external structures.

Front 19

at the end of meosis 1 the daughter cells are called ?

Back 19

secondary spermatocytes. and contain 23 chromosomes each of which contains a pair of duplicate chromatids.

Front 20

The completion of meiosis II yields?

Back 20

4 haploid spermatids, each containing 23 chromosomes.

Front 21

About spermatids undergoing spermiogenesis :

Back 21

they are not free in the semnif. tub. they are surrounded by cytoplasm and nurse cells.

Front 22

Spermiation:

Back 22

a spermatozoon loses its attachment to the nurse cell and enters the lumen of the semnif. tub.

Front 23

duration of spermatogenesis

Back 23

from spermatogonial division to spermiation takes about nine weeks.

Front 24

blood testes barrier>

Back 24

similar in function to the blood brain barrier. Nurse cells joined by tight junctions forming a layer that divides the semin. tub. into a outter basal compartent containing spermatogonia, and an inner luminal compartment where meiosis and speriogenesis take place. this fluid is a barrier preventing immune cells from detecting and attacking the developing spermatozoa.

Front 25

The fluid in the lumen of the seminiferous tubule is produced by ?

Back 25

nurse cells. it is high in androgens, estrogens, potassium and amino acids.

Front 26

Why might spermatozoa be seen as foreign to the body?

Back 26

in their plasma membranes they contain sperm-specific antigens not found in somatic cell membranes that might be recognized as foreign.

Front 27

nurse cells 6 functions:

Back 27

blood testies barrier, support mitosis and meiosis (FSH and testosterone) stimulate nurse cells to promote division of spermatogonia and meiotic divisions of spermatocytes, they suppor spermiogenesis (they surrround spermatids providing nutrients and promote development), They secrete inhibin (depresses FSH and GnRH and provides feedback control of spermatogenesis), They secrete ABP (this binds testosterone elevating levels in the seminif. tub. stimulating spermiogenesis), they secrete MIF ( a hormone causing regression of the Mullerian ducts passage ways that participate in the formation of uterine tubes and uterus in females)

Front 28

Inhibin function:

Back 28

depresses pituitary production of FSH and perhaps the hypothalamic secretion of GnRH

Front 29

FSH stimulates?

Back 29

The production of ABP

Front 30

Function of: MIF

Back 30

causes regression of the fetal mullerian ducts, passageways that participate in the formation of the uterine tubus and uterus in females.

Front 31

The faster the rate of sperm production, the more __ secreted

Back 31

inhibin

Front 32

summary of spermatogenesis

Back 32

mitosis of spermatogonium to primary spermatocyte (2N) -> meiosis 1 to secondary spermatocyte-> meiosis II to spermatids (hapoid)-> spermiogenesis to spermatozoa

Front 33

spermiogenesis is

Back 33

physical maturationg of spermatids to spermatozoa

Front 34

Anatomy of spermatozoon

Back 34

Head containing densely packed chromosomes, at the tip is the acrosomal cap containing enzymes essential to fertilization, a short neck attaches the head to the middle piece that contains mitochondria that provide ATP needed for movement of tail, The tail is the only flagellum in the human body.

Front 35

Whats unique about a spermatozoon to other bodily cells?

Back 35

it lacks ER, Golgi, lysosomes, peroxisomes, ect. This reduces cell mass to increase speed, becuase it lacks glycogen it must absorb nutrients from the surrounding fluid.

Front 36

What is the start of the male reproductive tract?

Back 36

the epididymis

Front 37

When the spermatozoa leave the seminiferous tubules?

Back 37

They are incapable of moving and fertilization, fluid currents and cilia lining the efferent ductules transport the immobile gametes to the epididymis

Front 38

epididymis structure:

Back 38

head proximal to testis receives spermatozoa fro the efferent ducturles, body is coiled, tail is less coiled and ascends to connect with the ductus deferens. spermatazoa are primarily stored in the tail.

Front 39

Spermatazoa in the reproductive tract are primarily stored in the?

Back 39

tail of the epididymis

Front 40

Function of: epididymis (3)

Back 40

1. monitors and adjusts the composition of fluid produced by the semniferous tubules (psce with sterocilia for absorption and secretion. 2. recycling center for damaged speratozoa. 3. stores and protects spermatazoa and facilitates their functional maturation.

Front 41

capacitation

Back 41

spermatazoa leaving the epididymis are mature but immobile, must undergo this to become mobile and fully functional. it occurs in two steps: 1. spermatozoa become motile when mixed with secretions of the seminal glands and 2. they become capable of fertilization when exposed to conditions to the female reproductive tract.

Front 42

Ductus deferens (vas deferens):

Back 42

they accept spermatazoa from the tail of the epididymis. contain thick layer of smooth muscle that contacts to propel spermatazoa and fluid along duct lined with PCCE. the vas deferens also can store spermatozoa for several months (they have lower metabolic rates). Ampulla is expanded portion that junctions with the seminal duct marking the start of the ejaculatory duct which penetrates the prostate gland and empties into the urethra.

Front 43

The urethra

Back 43

passageway used by both the urinary and reproductive system.

Front 44

Seminal glands:

Back 44

account for 60% fluid volume of semen. High concentrations of fructose, and prostaglandins which stimulate contractions along the male and female repro. tracts., and fibrinogen which forms a temporary clot within the vagina. / secretions are alkaline to neutralize acidic secretions of prostate gland and vagina

Front 45

When do spermatozoa begin capacitation?

Back 45

when mixed with the secretions of the seminal glands, and begin beating their flagella, becoming highly motile.

Front 46

Contractions of the ductus deferens, seminal glands and prostate gland are under control by ?

Back 46

sympathetic NS

Front 47

Prostate glands:

Back 47

produces prostatic fluid, a slightly acidic solution 20-30% of semen volume, secretions also contain seminalplasmin an antibiotic helping to prevent urinary tract infection.

Front 48

protatitis

Back 48

prostatic inflammation,

Front 49

Bulbo-urethral glands:

Back 49

cowper glands: secrete a thick alkaline mucous that neutralizes urinary acids and lubricates the glans (tip of the penis)

Front 50

Semen:

Back 50

2-5mL, low volume indicates problems with prostate glands or seminal glands. contains spermatazoa (20-100 mill/ mL), seminal fluid, enzymes

Front 51

Composition of seminal fluid:

Back 51

60% seminal gland secretion, 30% protate gland secretion, 5% nurse cells of epididymis, less than 5% of bulbo-urethral secretions.

Front 52

enzymes of the semen:

Back 52

protease that helps dissolve muscous secretions of vagina, sminalplasmin and antibiotic, escherihia coli a prostatic enzyme that coagulates the semen fibrinogen to fibrin, and fibrinolysin which liquefies the clotted semen after 15-30 minutes.

Front 53

The pituitary gland releases?

Back 53

FSH and LH in response to GnRH synthesized in the hypothalamus

Front 54

FSH in spermatogenesis

Back 54

targets primarily nurse cells of the seminiferous tubules. under FSH stimulation and testosterone from interstitial cells, nurse cells promote spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis and secrete ABP

Front 55

The rate of spermatogenesis is regulated by?

Back 55

a negative feedback loop involving GnRH, FSH and inhibin, FSH promotes spermatogenesis along semin. tub. and as it accelerates so does the secretion of inhibin by nurse cells which inhibits FSH and GnRH secretion.

Front 56

LH

Back 56

induces the secretion of testosterone and other androgens by the interstitial cells of the testes.

Front 57

testosterone functions:

Back 57

stim spermatogenesis promoting maturation of spermatozoa through its effect on nurse cells, affects CNS (sexual drive and behavior), stimuates metabolism in protein syn, blood cell formation, and muscle growth, maintains male secondary sex characteristics (facial hair, increased muscle mass and body size, and adipose deposit location and size, and maintains accessory glands of male repro tract.

Front 58

testosterone is carried by?

Back 58

GBG mostly and albumins

Front 59

Above normal levels of testosterone?

Back 59

inhibit the release of GnRH by the hypothalamus, causing a reduction in LH secretion lowering the levels of testosterone.

Front 60

pathway of sperm:

Back 60

seminf tub. ->rete testis->efferent ductules-> epididymes->ductus deferens->ejaculatory duct->urethra

Front 61

principle organs of the female reproductive system:

Back 61

ovaries, uterine tubules, uterus, vagina, and components of the external genetalia.

Front 62

Broad ligament:

Back 62

encloses the ovaries, uterine tubules, and uterus

Front 63

mesovarium

Back 63

thickened fold of of mesentary that supports and stabalizes each ovary.

Front 64

Function of: ovaries

Back 64

1. production of immature female gametes, oocytes 2. secretion of female sex hormones (estrogins and progestins) 3. secrete inhibin for feedback control of FSH production.

Front 65

Gametes in females are produced?

Back 65

in the cortex of the ovary

Front 66

unline spermatogonia, oogonia?

Back 66

complete their mitotic divisions before birth.

Front 67

Primary oocytes

Back 67

develop before birth, proceed as far as prophase of meiosis I and process halts.

Front 68

ovarian follicles

Back 68

in cortex of ovaries where both the oocyte growth and meiosis I occur

Front 69

Primordial follicle

Back 69

the primary oocyte and its follicle cells form this

Front 70

Step 1 f ovarian cycle:

Back 70

Formation of primary follicles from primordial follicles. follicle cells become granulosa cells. Contains a zona pellucida. thecal cells form around the follicle. Granulosa and thecal cells produce estrogens

Front 71

Step 2 of the ovarian cycle:

Back 71

Secondary follicle formation from pirmary follicle (not as frequent). follicular fluid secreted by follicular cells accumulates. Follicle as a whole enlarges due to increasing size of primary oocyte and fluid accumulation.

Front 72

Step 3 of ovarian cycle:

Back 72

Formation of tertiary follicle. until this time the primary oocyte has been suspended in prophase I of Meiosis I. LH levels begin to rise prompting the prim oocyte to complete meiosis I. First meiotic division yields a secondary oocyte and 1 nonfunctional polar body. The secondary oocyte then enters meiosis II but stops at metaphase. meiosis II will not complete unless fertilization occurs. granulosa cells form a protective layer called the corona radiata.

Front 73

Step 4 of the ovarian cycle.

Back 73

Ovulation. Tertiary follicle releases the secondary oocyte. follicle wall ruptures ejecting secondary oocyte and corona radiata into pelvic cavity and stays attached to the surface of ovary. oocyte is then moved into uterine tube by contact with fimbriae. Ovulation marks the end of the follicular phase of the ovaran cycle and start of the luteal phase.

Front 74

Step 5 of ovarian cycle.

Back 74

The formation and degeneration of the corpus luteum. empty tertiary follicle collapses and bleeds into antrum. granulosa cell invade the area and proliferate to form corpus lutem. (occurs under LH stimulation) cholesterol contained i the corpus lutem is used to make progestins. It secretes low levels of estrogen too. estrogen levels are not as high as ovulation, progesterone is the principle hormone in the luteal phase.

Front 75

progesterones primary function

Back 75

to prepare uterus for pregnancy by stimulating the maturation fo teh uterine lining and the secretions of uterine glands.

Front 76

Step 6 of the ovarian cycle:

Back 76

Degeneration fo the corpus luteum beginning roughly 12 days after ovulation (unless fert occurs)
progesterone and estrongen levels fall maredly. Firbroblasts invade nonfunc. corpus luteum producing corpus albican. this marks the end of the ovarian cycle.

Front 77

The uterus

Back 77

provieds mechanical protection, nutritional support and waste removal for the developing embryo and fetus.

Front 78

suspensory ligaments

Back 78

three pairs stabalize the position of the uterus and limits its range of movement

Front 79

name the suspensory ligaments of the uterus

Back 79

uterosacral securing movment inferiorly and anteriorly. The round ligaments restric posterior movement. and the cardinal ligaments prevent inferior movement.

Front 80

anatomy of uterus.

Back 80

Mainly body, then cervix. Fundus is the rounded portion of the body. the isthmus is the end of body constriction. the cervix is the inferior portion of the uterus that extends from the isthmus to the vagina.

Front 81

The uterine cycle is?

Back 81

a repeating series of changes in the structure of t the endometrium.

Front 82

3 phases of uterine cycle?

Back 82

menses, proliferative phase and secretory phase.

Front 83

Menses

Back 83

interval marked by the degeneration of the functional zone of the endometrium. caused by constriction of the spiral arteries, which reduces blood flow of the endometrium. deprived of oxygen and nutrients the secretory glands and other tissues in the functional zone begin to deteriorate. eventually the weakened arterial walls rupture and blood poors into the CT of the functional zone, only functuional zone affected bc deeper basilar layer is provided with blood from straight arteries which remain unconstricted. Entire functional zone is lost. generally lasts 1-7 days

Front 84

Proliferative phase

Back 84

the basilar zone survives menses intact. epithelial cells of uterine glands multiply and spread across endometrial surface restoring integrity of uterine epithelium. results in full restoration of functional zone. Restoration occurs at the same time as the enlargement of primary and secondary follicles in the ovary. This phase is stimulated and sustained by estrogens secreted by the developing ovarian follicles.By the time ovulation occurs, endometrial glands are making mucus rich in glycogen essential for the survival of fertilized egg. functional zone is highly vascularized.

Front 85

Secretory phase

Back 85

endometrial glands enlarge accelerating rates of secretion, and arteries elongate through the tissues of functional zone. this occurs under the stimulatory effects of progestins and estrogens from corpus luteum. This phase begins at the time of ovulation and persists as long as the corpus luteum is intact. uterine cycle ends when the corpus luteum stops producing hormones. secretory phase usually lasts 14 days.

Front 86

puberty in women is delayed if ?

Back 86

leptin levels are low

Front 87

amernorrhea

Back 87

failure to initiate menses caused by developmental abnormalities. can be caused by mal nutrition and severe stress.

Front 88

If GnRH is absent or supplied constantly ?

Back 88

FSH and LH secretion will stop in the matter of hours.

Front 89

hormones in follicular phase

Back 89

FSH stimulation causes primoridal follicles to develop into primary follicles, as they enlarge thecal cells start producing androsteredione (estrogen and androgen synthesis) it is absorbed by granulosa cells and converted into estrogens. additionally small amounts of estrogen are secreted by interstitial cells, must carried by albumins and less by GBG. Estradiol dominant prior to ovulation

Front 90

hormones and the luteal phase

Back 90

The high levels of LH that trigger ovulation also promote gesterone secretion and the formation of the corpus luteum. as progesterone levels rise and estrogen levels fall, the GnRH declines sharply, this low GnRH freq. stimulates LH more than FSH, and the LH maintains the structure and secretory function of corpus luteum. progesterone is the main hormone of the luteal phase secreted by corpus luteum. its main function is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by enhancing blood supply to functional zone. Once corpus luteum deteriorates, progestrone and estrogen levels drop sharply and GnRH levels increase stimulating FSH and ovarian cycle begins again.

Front 91

GnRH source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 91

hypothalamus,males: testosterone and inhibin
females: increased by estrogen decreased by progesterone, stimulates FSH and LH secretion in both M and F

Front 92

FSH source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 92

adenohypophysis, stim by GnRH inhibited by inhibin, primary effects: males: stim spermatogenesis and speriogenesis by through effect on nurse cells; Females it stimulates follicle develop, estrogen production, and oocyte maturation

Front 93

LH source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 93

source: adenohypophysis
Regulation males: stimulated by GnRH /females: stimulated by GnRH, secretion by combination of high pulse GnRH freq and high estrogen levels
Effects: males; stimulates interstitial cells to secrete testosterone
females: stimulates ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and progesterone secretion.

Front 94

Androgens (testosterone) source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 94

source: interstitial cells of testes
regulation: stimulated by LH
effects: secondary sex characteristics, promote maturation of spermatozoa; inhibits GnRH secretion

Front 95

Estrogens source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 95

source: granulosa and thecal cells of developing follicle; corpus luteum
regulation: stimulated by FSH
effects: stimulate LH secretion, sex chacteristics, stimulate growth and repair of endometrium, increase freq of GnRH

Front 96

progesterone source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 96

source: granulosa cells from corpus luteum
regulation: stimulated by LH
effects: stimulate endometrial growth, reduce GnRH freq

Front 97

Inhibin source, regulation, and primary effects

Back 97

Source: nurse cells of the testes and granulosa cells of ovaries
Regulation: stimulated by factors released by developing spermatazoa and developing follicles
effects: inhibits secretion of FSH and possible GnRH