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98 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Function of the male reproductive tract
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- transports semen (sperm with secretions of accessory glands)
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Function of the gonads
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- Reproductive organs that produce gametes and hormones (testes and ovaries)
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Function of the testes
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- produces spermatozoa (gametes) or sperm
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Accessory organs of the male reproductive tract and their functions
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- Ductus deferens: conducts sperm from epididymis to prostate gland
- Seminal glands: secrete fluid forming bulk semen volume - Prostate gland: secretes fluid and enzymes - Urethra: conducts semen to exterior - Epididymis: site of sperm maturation |
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General function of all accessory organs of the male reproductive tract
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- secrete fluids into reproductive system or other excretory ducts
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Male external genitalia and their function
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- Penis: deposits sperm into vagina
- Scrotum: surrounds testes |
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What is the pathway of sperm from the testis to the external environment?
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1) Testes
2) Epididymis 3) Ductus deferens 4) Ejaculatory duct & seminal vesicle 5) Urethra (Prostate and bulbo-urethral glands) |
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6 scrotum structures
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- Scrotal cavities
- Dartos muscle - Cremaster muscle - Spermatic cords - Superficial inguinal ring - Inguinal canal |
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Scrotal Cavities
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- houses testes
- separated by the scrotal septum (marked by raised raphe = skin) |
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Dartos muscle
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- Elevates testes and wrinkles scrotal surface
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Cremaster muscle
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- pulls testes closer to the body during sexual arousal or cold temperatures
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Spermatic cords
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- Extend between testes and abdominopelvic cavity
- each contains layers of fascia and muscle which encloses: ductus deferens, blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels |
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Superficial inguinal ring
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- Entrance to inguinal canal
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Inguinal canal
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- extends from body cavity into scrotum
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What is an inguinal hernia?
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- protrusions through the inguinal canal
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4 testes structures
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- Tunica albuginea
- seminiferous tubules - rete testis - efferent ductules |
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Tunica albuginea
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- Outer capsule continuous with the septa subdividing testes into lobules
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Seminiferous tubules
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- coiled tubules within lobules
- site of sperm production |
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Rete testis
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- Collecting area outside of lobules
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Efferent ductules
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- lead from rete testis to epididymis
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Spermatogenesis
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- sperm production (division)
- Steps: Mitosis, Meiosis I, Meiosis II, spermiogenesis |
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What occurs during mitosis (male)
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- Somatic cells produce two daughter cells containing 23 identical chromosome pairs (= diploid)
- Occurs in seminiferous tubules |
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What occurs during meiosis I and II (male)
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- produces four haploid cells each with 23 individual chromosomes
- during fertilization 23 paired chromosomes regained with 23 paternal and 23 maternal ( = synapsis) |
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What occurs during spermiogenesis?
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- (head, cap, tail added)
- differentiation of immature male gametes into physically mature spermatozoa |
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Spermatozoon structures (5)
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- Lacks many intracellular structures/organelles
- Acrosomal cap - head - neck - middle piece - tail (flagellum) |
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What does the acrosomal cap of the spermatozoon contain?
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- enzyme containing compartment
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What does the head of the spermatozoon contain?
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- nucleus with densely packed chromosomes
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What does the neck of the spermatozoon contain?
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- contains both centrioles from original spermatid
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What does the middle piece of the spermatozoon contain?
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- contains mitochondria: ATP generation for flagellum movement
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Function of the spermatozoon tail
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- Whip like organelle that moves the sperm
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Seminiferous tubules
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- organized into lobules
- spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis occur inside tubules (~9 weeks) **each segment at a different stage: tubule continuously producing spermatozoa |
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Seminiferous tubule - cells
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- Spermatogonia: earliest developmental stage, prior to mitosis division
- Spermatocytes: primary (after mitosis division), secondary (after 1st meiosis) - Spermatids: undergoing spermiogenesis, physical maturation into spermatozoa |
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Seminiferous tubule - tissues
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- Surrounded by delicate connective tissue capsule
- Areolar tissue fills spaces between tubules (also includes blood vessels and interstitial cells) - Interstitial cells secrete androgens |
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What do androgens do, and where else besides interstitial cells are they produced?
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- secondary sexual characteristics (puberty)
- zona reticularis of the adrenal gland |
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Seminiferous tubule - layers
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- Basal compartment: contains spermatogonia
- Luminal compartment: where meiosis and spermatogenesis occurs |
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Activation of spermatozoa
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- Spermatozoa released from the testes into the lumen are physically (but not functionally) mature. They are immobile and incapable of fertilizing an oocyte
- Other parts of the male reproductive system aid in functional maturing and activation |
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Capacitation
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- functional maturation of spermatozoa
- occurs in both male and female reproductive systems - Spermatozoa become mobile when in contact with seminal gland secretions - Spermatozoa become capable of fertilization when exposed to female reproductive tract |
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Epididymis
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- coiled tube bound to posterior border of each testis
- Line with pseudostratified columnar epithelium (with long stereocilia to increase surface area) - sperm undergo functional maturation here (beginning of capacitation) |
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3 parts of the epididymis
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- Head (receives spermatozoa from efferent ductules)
- Body (extends inferiorly) - Tail (transitions into ductus deferens) (drains) |
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Ductus deferens (vas deferens)
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- Passes through the inguinal canal
- transports and stores spermatozoa (in the ampulla = primary storage of sperm) |
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Ejaculatory duct
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- where ductus deferens and urethra meet
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Male accessory glands
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- Seminal glands (a.k.a seminal vesicles)
- Prostate gland - Bulbo-urethral glands |
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Seminal glands
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- Contribute ~60% of semen
- secretion ejected by smooth muscle lining the gland - Stimulates flagellum movement in spermatozoa (first step of movement) |
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Prostate gland
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- encircles proximal urethra
- contributes 20-30% of semen - Contains seminal plasmin (antibiotic for male tract) |
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Bulbo-urethral gland
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- Secrete alkaline mucus for lubrication and pH buffer
**The female reproductive system is usually acidic, this alkaline mucus neutralizes the female system |
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Function of the Penis
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- conducts urine to exterior and semen to female vagina during intercourse
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Regions of the Penis
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- Root: fixed portion attached to the body wall
- Body or Shaft: movable, tubular part - Glans or head: expanded end around urethral opening - Neck: between shaft and glans - Prepuce: foreskin - Smegma: waxy secretion |
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Penis Layers (superficial to deep)
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- Outer skin (dermis has smooth muscle continuous with dartos)
- underlying areolar tissue allows skin to move - elastic tissue (well vascularized tissue causing erection) ---in resting state, arterial branches contricted ---corpora cavernosa (dorsal side) ---corpus spongiosum (around penile urethra) |
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3 phases of sexual arousal
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- arousal
- emission - ejaculation |
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Phases of sexual arousal - arousal details
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- erotic thoughts or stimulation increase parasympathetic stimulation (breed and feed) through pelvic nerves
- release of nitric oxide causes erection by arterial dilation - bulbo-urethral glands secrete to lubricate penis tip |
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Phases of sexual arousal - emission details
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- formation and movement of semen internally
- sympathetic stimulation causes contractions of ductus deferens ampullae and other accessory glands |
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Phases of sexual arousal - ejaculation details
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- males orgasm (contraction of muscles)
- sympathetic stimulation - bulbocavernosus muscle (at the base) push semen toward external urethral orifice - ischiocavernosus muscles (along the sides) stiffen the erect penis |
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Hormonal control of male reproductive system
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- Hypothalamus: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates release from the anterior pituitary
- The anterior pituitary releases: --Luteinizing hormone (LH): stimulates testosterone secretion from interstitial cells --Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): stimulates nurse cells which promotes spermatogenesis |
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What are the testosterone effects?
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- maintain libido and associated behaviors
- stimulation of bone and muscle growth - maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics - maintenance of accessory glands |
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Functions of the female reproductive system
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- Produce sex hormones
- Produce functional gametes - Protect and support developing embryo - Maintain growing fetus - Nourish newborn infant |
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Female reproductive tract regions
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- Uterine tubes (deliver oocyte or embryo to uterus)
- Uterus (site of embryonic and fetal development) - Vagina (site of sperm deposition) - Gonads (produce oocytes and hormones) - External genitalia (Clitoris: erectile tissue producing pleasurable sensations, Labia: contain glands to lubricate vagina) - Mammary glands (produce nourishing milk for infant) |
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Three main functions of the ovaries
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- Production of immature female gametes (oocytes)
- Secretion of female sex hormones (estrogens and progestins) - Secretion of inhibin (feedback to pituitary) **inhibin decreases pituitary gland secretion |
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Layers of the ovaries
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- Germinal epithelium (visceral peritoneum)
- Tunica albuginea (dense connective tissue) - Cortex (where oocytes are produced) - Medulla |
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Function of uterine tube
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- Conducts oocytes from ovary to uterus
- Infundibulum: expanded funnel near ovary |
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Vesicouterine pouch
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- Above the bladder
- pocket between uterus and posterior bladder wall |
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Rectouterine pouch
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- Behind, near bowel
- pocket between posterior uterus and anterior colon |
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Vagina location
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- extends from uterus base to exterior
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Clitoris function
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- pleasurable sensations
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Labia function
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- lubricate vagina
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Connective tissues of the female reproductive system
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- Suspensory ligament: lateral ovary to pelvic wall
- Ovarian ligament: ovary to uterine wall - Broad ligament: mesentery connecting ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus to pelvic cavity wall - Mesovarium: mesentary supporting ovary |
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Oogenesis
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- Begins before birth, accelerates at puberty, ends at menopause
- Produces one functional ovum (compared to 4 haploid in male) - Also produces two or three polar bodies: nonfunctional, broken down as excess genetic material, non used, removed from body |
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Steps of oogenesis
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1) Mitosis gives primary oocyte (occurs before birth)
2) Meiosis I gives secondary oocyte (occurs during puberty) 3) Meiosis II gives one functional ovum (only complete after fertilization |
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Function of the ovarian cycle
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- Maturation of ovarian follicles
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What is a follicle?
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- Inactive primary oocyte + follicular cells
- Follicular cells are the support system for the egg, they provide protection and nutrition |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle
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- Formation of primary follicles
- Formation of secondary follicles - Formation of tertiary follicles - Ovulation - Formation of corpus luteum - Formation of corpus albicans |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Formation of the primary follicle
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- Follicular cells enlarge and form several layers
- Zona pellucida (clear layer) forms around oocyte |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Formation of the secondary follicle
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- Follicle wall thickens and follicular cells secrete fluid
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Formation of the tertiary follicle
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- Mature follicle
- One secondary becomes a tertiary (day 10-14 of cycle) - Has antrum (fluid filled chamber) - Granulosa cells form corona radiata (protective layer) |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Ovulation
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- Release of the secondary oocyte by the tertiary follicle
- marks the end of the follicular phase and the start of the luteal phase |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Formation of corpus luteum
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- remaining granulosa cells secrete estrogen and progesterone
- Hormones stimulate the maturation of the uterine lining |
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Stages of the ovarian cycle - Formation of corpus albicans
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- Only occurs with out fertilization
- Degeneration of corpus luteum when not fertilized |
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Uterine tube characteristics
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- Extend from near ovaries to connect to uterus
- Lined with ciliated epithelium to move oocyte to uterus - Peristaltic contractions of smooth muscle in tube wall also propel oocyte |
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Uterine components
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- Fimbriae: fingerlike extensions that drape near the ovary
- Ampulla: muscular middle segment where fertilization occurs - Isthmus: short segment attached to uterine wall, where the tube narrows and attaches to the uterus |
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Uterus function
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- site of embryo implantation
- provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for embryo and fetus |
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Layers of the uterus
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- Perimetrium: thin tissue layer that protects the uterus
- Myometrium: muscle layer, produces contractions (oxytocin) - Endometrium: inner epithelial lining whose characteristics change monthly due to hormone changes (where embryo implants) |
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Uterus - Lumen regions
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- Uterine cavity: large superior cavity continuous with isthmus or uterine tube
- Internal os: opening connecting cavity to cervical canal - Cervical canal: constricted inferior passageway - External os: curving inferior tip within vagina |
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Uterus regions
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- Fundus: rounded superior portion connecting to uterine tubes
- Body: largest portion ending at cervical canal - Cervix: inferior portion surrounding cervical canal, projects into vagina |
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Uterine vasculature
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- Uterine artery
- arcuate arteries (encircle endometrium) - radial arteries (supply endometrium) - straight arteries (supply basilar zone) - spiral arteries (supply functional zone) **Straight and spiral influence menses **Functional: removed during menses, Basilar: stays the same |
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Uterine (or menstrual) cycle
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- Monthly changes in functional zone of uterus in response to sex hormone levels
- Averages 28 days in length - First cycle (menarche) begins ~11-12 years - Cycles continye until menopause ~45-55 years |
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Phases of the uterine cycle
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- Menses
- Proliferative phase - Secretory phase |
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Phases of the uterine cycle - Menses
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- Destruction of the functional zone
- caused by contricted spiral arteries reducing the flow of blood and nutrients (kill off) - Menstruation (process of endometrial sloughing) |
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Phases of the uterine cycle - Proliferative phase
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- Repair and regeneration of functional zone
- Increased estrogen levels from ovary |
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Phases of the uterine cycle - Secretory phase
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- Must be in this stage to support pregnancy
- Secretion of glycoproteins by uterine glands (supports embryo) - Effected by progestins and estrogen - Begins at ovulation and lasts until progesterone levels decrease (menses) |
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Functions of the vagina
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- Passageway for menstrual fluids
- Receives penis and temporarily holds spermatozoa - Forms inferior portion of the birth canal |
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Female external genitalia regions
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- Vulva or pudendum: area containing external genitalia
- Mons pubis: adipose tissue superficial to pubic symphysis - Prepuce: extensions of labia minora encircling clitoris - Clitoris: erectile tissue projection - Labia majora: prominent folds encircling labia minora - Labia minora: surround vestibule - Greater and lesser vestibular glands: mucous glands, analogous to bulbo-urethral glands in male |
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Mammary gland functions
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- Give nourishment from milk to infant
- Controlled mainly by hormones from reproductive system and placenta - Interaction of hormones causes milk production (Lactation) - Oxytocin = release, Prolactin = production |
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Mammary gland location
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- Directly over pectoralis major muscle
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Mammary gland components
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- Pectoral fat pad: subcutaneous fat deep to skin
- Suspensory ligaments: surround duct system and connect tubes - Lobes: organizational units consisting of multiple lobules with many secretory alveoli (secrete milk) stimulated by prolactin - Lactiferous duct: drains milk from lobe - Lactiferous sinus: milk storage - Nipple: conical projection containing 15-20 sinuses (stimulated by oxytocin) - Areola: skin around the nipple with many sebaceous glands |
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What occurs with ovarian and uterine cycles do not operate synchronously?
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- Infertility
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Step 1 in hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles
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- Release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus
- Causes production and release of FSH - Causes production of LH |
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Step 2 in hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles
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- Follicular phase of the ovarian cycle
- Begins when FSH stimulates some secondary follicles to become tertiary - As tertiary develops. FSH levels decline due to inhibin release - Developed follicles secrete estrogens (estradiol) which inhibits LH secretion and stimulates endometrial growth and secretion |
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Step 3 in hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles
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- Luteal phase of ovarian cycle (begins after ovulation)
- GnRH and elevated estrogen levels stimulate LH release - Large increase in LH causes: completion of primary oocyte in meiosis I, rupture of follicular wall, ovulation, formation of corpus luteum - progesterone levels increase while estrogen decreases (if no pregnancy, progesterone levels drop and cycle repeats) |
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