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147 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

Reproductive system

-produces, stores, nourishes, and transports gametes.

gametes

functional male and female reproductive cells.

basic components of the reproductive system

-gonads


-ducts that receive and transport gametes


-accessory glands and organs that secrete fluids into the ducts of the repro system or into other excretory ducts.


-external genitalia.

gonads

repro organs that produce gametes and hormones.

reproductive tract

ducts connected to chambers and passageways that open to the outside.

testes

-male gonads that secrete sex hormones (androgens, testosterone being the main one)


-produce the male gamete (spermatazoa, sperm)

semen

-sperm mixed with the secretions of accessory glands as it travels down the lengthy duct system upon emission.


-some may be expelled during ejaculation.

ovaries

-female gonads that release only one immature gamete (oocyte).


oocyte

-female gamete.


-one is released each month.


-travels along one of two short uterine tubes, which end in the muscular uterus.


ovum

-oocyte matures into this if sperm reaches it to start the fertilization process.


-vagina connects uterus to exterior.

if fertilization takes place:

-uterus will enclose and support the developing embryo as it grows into a fetus and prepares for birth.

Male Reproductive System

Sperm travel-> testis, epididymis, ductus deferens/vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and then urethra. 

Sperm travel-> testis, epididymis, ductus deferens/vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and then urethra.

accessory organs of the male reproductive system

seminal glands(vesicles), prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands
-secrete various fluids into the ejaculatory ducts and urethra. 

seminal glands(vesicles), prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands


-secrete various fluids into the ejaculatory ducts and urethra.

Descent of the Testes


(fetus-birth)

-bundle of connective tissue fibers that extends from each testis to the posterior wall of a small anterior and posterior pocked of the peritoneum.

gubernaculum testis-bundle of connective tissue fibers that extends from each testis to the posterior wall of a small anterior and posterior pocked of the peritoneum. They lock the testes in position as the fetus grows.

Descent of the Tests


(fetus 2-4 months)

Descent of the Testes


(7 month fetus - birth)

cryptorchidism

-one or both of the testes have not descended into the scrotum by the time of birth.


-the testes are typically lodged in the abdominal cavity or within the inguinal canal.


-corrective measures should be taken before puberty or they will not produce sperm. (male is sterile)


-eventually 10% of males who are not corrected with develop testicular cancer.

Orchiectomy

surgical removal of the testes.

Spermatic cords

-paired structures extending between the abdominopelvic cavity and the testes.
-begins at entrance to the inguinal canal.
-descends into the scrotum. 

-paired structures extending between the abdominopelvic cavity and the testes.


-begins at entrance to the inguinal canal.


-descends into the scrotum.

inguinal canals

-form during birth as the testes descend into the scrotum.
-at this time, these canals link the scrotal cavities with the peritoneal cavity.
-these are normally closed in adult males, but spermatic cords create weak points in the abdominal wall th...

-form during birth as the testes descend into the scrotum.


-at this time, these canals link the scrotal cavities with the peritoneal cavity.


-these are normally closed in adult males, but spermatic cords create weak points in the abdominal wall that can result in inguinal hernias (protrusions of visceral tissues or organs), this is rare in females because their inguinal canal is small.

scrotal cavity

-a partition separates the two, so infection in one is unlikely to spread in the other. 

-a partition separates the two, so infection in one is unlikely to spread in the other.

tunica vaginalis

-serous membrane that lines the scrotal cavity and reduces friction between the opposing parietal (scrotal) and visceral (testicular) surfaces. 
-isolated portion of of the peritoneum that lost its connection with the peritoneal cavity after the ...

-serous membrane that lines the scrotal cavity and reduces friction between the opposing parietal (scrotal) and visceral (testicular) surfaces.


-isolated portion of of the peritoneum that lost its connection with the peritoneal cavity after the testes descended when the inguinal canal closed.


resting muscle tone in the dartos muscle

-elevates the testes and causes the characteristic wrinkling of the scrotal surface.

cremaster muscle

contracts during sexual arousal or in response to decreased temperature, it tenses the scrotum and pulls the testes closer to the body.


-reflex can be initiated by stroking the skin on the upper thigh causing the scrotum to move the testes closer.


(sperm can only develop normally if the temp is 1.1C lower than the body temperature)


-this and dartos muscle move the testes away and towards the body to maintain acceptable temperatures.

tunica albuginea

dense layer of connective tissue rich in collagen fibers.
-fibers are continuous with those surrounding the adjacent epididymis and extend into the testis. There they form septa that converge toward the region nearest the entrance to the epididymi...

dense layer of connective tissue rich in collagen fibers.


-fibers are continuous with those surrounding the adjacent epididymis and extend into the testis. There they form septa that converge toward the region nearest the entrance to the epididymis.


-support blood and lymph vessels that supply and drain the testes, and the efferent ductules that transport sperm to the epididymis.

Histology of Testes

seminiferous tubules

sperm production occurs within these.

sperm production occurs within these.


-each tubule contains spermatogonia, spermatocytes at various stages of meiosis, spermatids, sperm, and large nurse cells.

interstitial cells

"Leydig cells"


within spaces between seminiferous tubules.


-produce androgens (androsterone and testosterone)

spermatogenesis

-starts at the outermost layer of cells in the tubules and proceeds toward the lumen. 
-daughter cells move closer in each step. 

-starts at the outermost layer of cells in the tubules and proceeds toward the lumen.


-daughter cells move closer in each step.


-process begins at puberty and continues until relatively late in life (70)


-complete process takes 64 days and involves 3 integrated steps. (mitosis, meiosis, spermiogenesis)

spermatogenesis


verbally broken down

spermatogonia

stem cells that divide by mitosis to produce two daughter cells. 

stem cells that divide by mitosis to produce two daughter cells.


-one daughter cell remains at that location and the other differentiates into a primary spermatocyte.

primary spermatocye

cells that begin meiosis (involved in the production of gametes) 

cells that begin meiosis (involved in the production of gametes)

spermatids

immature gametes that subsequently differentiate into sperm. 
-those then enter the fluid in the lumen 

immature gametes that subsequently differentiate into sperm.


-initially interconnected by bridges of cytoplasm because cytokinesis is not completed in Meiosis I or II. (this helps with transferring nutrients and hormones between cells to ensure they develop the same.


-bridges are not broken until the last stages in physical maturation.


-those then enter the fluid in the lumen

nurse cells

"sustentacular cells" or "Sertoli cells"
-provide microenvironment that supports spermatogenesis. 

"sustentacular cells" or "Sertoli cells"


-provide microenvironment that supports spermatogenesis.

Chromosomes in Mitosis

-somatic cell division. (body)
-produce two daughter cells containing identical numbers and pairs of chromosomes. 
-diploid (2n)
23 x 2 = 46 chromosomes. 

-somatic cell division. (body)


-produce two daughter cells containing identical numbers and pairs of chromosomes.


-diploid (2n)


23 x 2 = 46 chromosomes.

Chromosomes in Meiosis

-two cycles of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II)
-produces 4 cells each containing 23 individual chromosomes (haploid n) that contains only one member of each pair of chromosomes. 

-two cycles of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II)


-produces 4 cells each containing 23 individual chromosomes (haploid n) that contains only one member of each pair of chromosomes.

preparation for meiosis

-DNA replication occurs within the nucleus just as it does in a cell preparing for mitosis.


-duplicated chromosomes condense and become visible with a light microscope.


-each chromosome now consists of two duplicate chromatids


-this is where the similarities between meiosis and mitosis end.

synapsis

maternal and paternal chromosomes come together in an event


-involves 23 pairs of chromosomes and each member of each pair consists of two chromatids.


-a matched set of four chromatids = tetrad


-exchange of genetic material may take place between chromatids (crossing-over) to increase genetic variation among offspring.

first meiotic division

"reductional division"


-it reduces the number of chromosomes from 46 to 23.


-each chromosome still consists of two duplicate chromatids.


-duplicates separate during meiosis II.

prophase I

nuclear envelope disappears at the end of this phase.

metaphase I

as this phase begins, tetrads line up along the metaphase plate.

anaphase I

as this begins, the tetrads break up, the maternal and paternal chromosomes separate.


(major difference between mitosis and meiosis: in mitosis, each daughter cell receives a copy of every chromosome, maternal and paternal, but in Meiosis I, each daughter cell receives two copies of EITHER the maternal chromosome or paternal chromosomes)


-maternal and paternal components are randomly and independently distributed (as each tetrad splits)

telophase I

ends with the formation of two daughter cells containing unique combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes.


-both cells contain 23 chromosomes.

interphase between meiosis I and II

-very brief period


-no DNA is replicated


anaphase II

duplicate chromatids separate

telophase II

yields four haploid cells, each containing 23 chromosomes

meiosis II

equational division


the number of chromosomes has not changed.


-chromosomes are evenly distributed among the four cells, but the cytoplasm may not be.


(male immature gametes are equal in size but female gametes (oocytes) there is one large and three small nonfunctional polar bodies)


-if fertilization occurs, the oocyte completes meiosis II, yielding an ovum.

spermiogenesis

-last step of spermatogenesis.


-spermatids are not free in the cytoplasm, they are surrounded by adjacent nurse cells.


-spermatids develop into spermatoza.


spermiation

a spermatozoon loses its attachment to the nurse cell and enters the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

6 important functions of the nurse cells

1. maintenance of the blood-testis barrier.


-transport tightly regulated by tight junctions.


-produce fluid in lumen.


-regulate fluid composition.


-prevents immune cells from attacking sperm.


2. Support mitosis and meiosis.


-FSH and testosterone stimulate.


-stimulated cells promote division.


3. Support of Spermiogenesis


-surround and enfold spermatids


-provide nutrients and chemical stimuli for development


-phagocytize cytoplasm that is shed.


4. Secretion of Inhibin


-response to factors released by sperm


-depresses pituitary prod. of FSH & hypothalamic secretion of GnRH.


-feedback control of spermatogenesis


5. Secretion of Androgen-binding protein


-elevating [androgens] within seminiferous tubules


-stimulate spermiogenesis


-stimilated by FSH


6. Secretion of Mullerian-inhibiting factor


-secreted when testes develop


-causes regression of fetal mullerian ducts (passageways that form uterine tubes and the uterus)


-ensures the testes descend into the scrotum.

blood-testis barrier

-isolates the seminiferous tububles from the general circulation. 
-nurse cells are joined by tight junctions and form a layer that divides the seminiferous tubule into an outer basal compartment and an inner luminal compartment.
(basal = spermat...

-isolates the seminiferous tububles from the general circulation.


-nurse cells are joined by tight junctions and form a layer that divides the seminiferous tubule into an outer basal compartment and an inner luminal compartment.


(basal = spermatogonia)


(luminal = where meiosis and spermiogenesis occur)


luminal fluid

-very different from surrounding interstitial fluid


-high in androgens, estrogens, potassium, and amino acids.


-blood testis barrier is essential to preserving the differences between the luminal fluid and the interstitial fluid.

Anatomy of Sperm

acrosome- contains enzymes for fertilization. (during spermiogenesis, saccules of spermatid golgi apparatus fuse and flatten into an acrosomal vesicle that forms this)
tail- movement assisted by mitochondrial ATP energy. ONLY flagellum in the hum...

acrosome- contains enzymes for fertilization. (during spermiogenesis, saccules of spermatid golgi apparatus fuse and flatten into an acrosomal vesicle that forms this)


tail- movement assisted by mitochondrial ATP energy. ONLY flagellum in the human body.


Mature sperm - lacks most organelles, is essentially just a carrier of chromosomes that needs to happen fast.

epididymis

-the start of the male repro tract.
-coiled tube bound to the posterior border of each testis. 
-the head receives sperm from the efferent ductules. 
-sperm are stored in the tail. 

-the start of the male repro tract.


-coiled tube bound to the posterior border of each testis.


-the head receives sperm from the efferent ductules.


-sperm are stored in the tail.

three functions of the epididymis

1. monitors and adjusts the composition of the fluid produced by the seminiferous tubules


-stereocilia increase the SA available for absorption from and secretion into the fluid in the tubule.


2. Acts as a recycling center for damaged sperm


-releases into interstitial fluid for pickup by the epididymal blood vessels.


3. Stores and protects sperm and facilitates their functional maturation.


-are mature and immobile when they leave.


-must undergo capacitation in order to become motile and fully functional.

capacitation

1. sperm become motile when they are mixed with secretions of seminal glands


2. become capable of successful fertilization when exposed to conditions in the female repro tract.

ductus deferens

"vans deferens"
begins at the tail of the epididymis
-transports sperm to urethra
-store sperm for several months (sperm are in temporary state of inactivity with low metabolic rates)

"vans deferens"


begins at the tail of the epididymis


-transports sperm to urethra


-store sperm for several months (sperm are in temporary state of inactivity with low metabolic rates)

peristaltic contractions in the smooth muscle layer of the ductus deferens

-propels sperm and fluid along the duct, which is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.


-under sympathetic control

functions of the accessory glands (seminal, prostate, and bulbourethral)

1. activating sperm


2. providing nutrients sperm need for motility


3. propelling sperm and fluids along the repro tract (mainly by peristalsis)


4. producing buffers that counteract the acidity of the urethral and vaginal environments.

seminal glands

secretions contain:
1. higher concentrations of fructose
-easily metabolized by sperm.
2. prostaglandins
-stimulate smooth muscle contractions 
3. fibrinogen
-after ejaculation forms a temporary semen clot within the vagina. 
4. neutralize acids...

secretions contain: (60% of semen volume)


1. higher concentrations of fructose


-easily metabolized by sperm.


2. prostaglandins


-stimulate smooth muscle contractions


3. fibrinogen


-after ejaculation forms a temporary semen clot within the vagina.


4. neutralize acids in the secretions of the prostate gland + vagine


-alkaline mix


prostate gland

-produces prostatic fluid (slightly acidic, 20-30% semen volume)


-secretions contain seminalplasmin (antibiotic protein)

prostatitis

-prostatic inflammation


-bacterial infection or apparent absence of pathogens.


-signs/symptoms resemble cancer


-antibiotic therapy is more effective treatment.

Bulbourethral glands

"cowpers glands"
secrete thick, alkaline mucus that helps neutralize any urinary acids that may remain in the urethra, and lubricates the penis tip. 

"cowpers glands"


secrete (<5% of semen volume) thick, alkaline mucus that helps neutralize any urinary acids that may remain in the urethra, and lubricates the penis tip.

contents of the ejaculate

2-5 mL of Semen


1. Sperm


-20 to 100 million/mL


2. seminal fluid


-fluid of semen, 60% seminal gland secretions, 30% prostatic, 5% nurse cells and epididyms, and <5% bulbourethral.


3. enzymes


-protease that may dissolve vagina mucus


-seminalplasmin (antibiotic)


-prostatic enzyme that coagulates semen by converting fibrinogen to fibrin


-fibrinolysin that liquefies the clotted semen after 15-30 min.

low sperm count

-individuals are probably infertile


-may reflect inflammation of the epididymis, van deferens, or prostate gland.


common sperm abnormalities

-malformed heads and "twin" sperms that did not separate at the time of spermiation.


-normal sperm will be actively swimming.

Penis/scrotum anatomy

-underlying areolar tissue of the penis allows the thin skin to move without distorting underlying structures. 
-prepuce = foreskin
 

-underlying areolar tissue of the penis allows the thin skin to move without distorting underlying structures.


-prepuce = foreskin


preputial glands

-in the skin of the neck and the inner surface of the prepuce


-secrete a waxy material called smegma.


smegma

can be an excellent source of nutrients for bacteria.


can avoid by getting circumcised.


(lowers risk of UTI, HIV, and penile cancer)

erectile tissue

-3D maze of vascular channels..
resting state-> arterial branches are constricted and muscular partitions are tense. 
 

-3D maze of vascular channels..


resting state-> arterial branches are constricted and muscular partitions are tense.


erection

parasympathetic innervation of the penile arteries involves neurons that release NO and their axon terminals.


-vessels dilate, blood flow increases, vascular channels become engorged with blood.

regulation of male reproduction
 

regulation of male reproduction


dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

-in many target tissues, testosterone is converted into this.


-diffuses back out of the cell and into the bloodstream (levels are about 10% of circulating testosterone levels)


-can enter cells and bind to same hormone receptors.


-some tissues respond to this over testosterone (external genitalia)

early surge of testosterone during development

-differentiates the male duct system and accessory organs and affects CNS development.

testosterone in the hypothalamus

programs centers that are involved in:


1. GnRH prod and regulation of pituitary FSH and LH secretion


2. sexual behavior


3. sexual drive

benign prostatic hypertrophy

-increase in size happens as testosterone prod by the interstitial cells decreases.


-small massed called prostatic concretions may form within the glands.


-interstitial cells secrete small quantities of estrogen at the same time.


-these factors may stimulate prostatic growth.


-could obstruct the urethra and lead to kidney damage.

main organs of female repro system

-ovaries
-uterine tubes
-uterus
-vagina
-components of external genitalia 

-ovaries


-uterine tubes


-uterus


-vagina


-components of external genitalia

mesovarium

-thickened fold of mesentary that supports and stabilizes the position of each ovary. 

-thickened fold of mesentary that supports and stabilizes the position of each ovary.

broad ligament

-encloses the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus.
-extensive mesentary that limits side-to-side movement and rotation.
-other ligaments prevent superior-inferior movement. 

-encloses the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus.


-extensive mesentary that limits side-to-side movement and rotation.


-other ligaments prevent superior-inferior movement.

functions of ovaries

1. produce mature female gametes (oocytes)
2. secrete female sex hormones (estrogens & progesterone)
3. secrete inhibin involved in feedback control of pituitary FSH prod. 

1. produce mature female gametes (oocytes)


2. secrete female sex hormones (estrogens & progesterone)


3. secrete inhibin involved in feedback control of pituitary FSH prod.

suspensory ligament

-contains the major blood vessels of the ovary 
(ovarian artery and vein)
-vessels are connected to the ovary at the hilum, where the ovary attaches to the mesovarium. 

-contains the major blood vessels of the ovary


(ovarian artery and vein)


-vessels are connected to the ovary at the hilum, where the ovary attaches to the mesovarium.

oogenesis

-ovum production


-begins before a woman's birth, accelerates at puberty, and ends at menopause.


-occurs once a month as part of the ovarian cycle.

oogenesis


-mitosis of oogonium

oogenesis


-meiosis I

oogenesis


-meiosis II

nuclear events that differ between females and males during meiosis

1. the cytoplasm of the primary oocyte is unevely distributed during the divisions


-one secondary oocyte which contains most of the cytoplasm and tow or three polar bodies


(later disintegrate)


2. ovary released a secondary oocyte rather than a mature ovum.


-is suspended in metaphase of meiosis II until fertilized.

Ovarian follicles

-specialized structures in the cortex of the ovaries where both oocyte growth and meiosis I oocure.


ovarian cycle

1. follicular phase 
-preovulatory phase
2. luteal phase
-postovulatory phase

1. follicular phase


-preovulatory phase


2. Ovulation


3. luteal phase


-postovulatory phase

primordial follicle = primary oocyte and follicle cells.


-primary oocytes are located in the outer portion of the ovarian cortex, near the tunica aalbuginea in clusters called egg nests.


-single layer of follicle cells surround them.


-activated primordial follicle will either mature and be released as a secondary oocyte or degenerate (atresia)


-monthly process = ovarian cycle.


primordial to primary.


follicular cells to granulosa cells.


zona pellucida- glycoprotein rich region where microvilli surrounding follicular cells intermingle with microvilli from the surface of the oocyte.


thecal cells and granulosa cells work together to produce sex hormones (estrogens)

wall of the follicle thickens and the deeper follicular cells begin secreting small amounts of fluid.


follicular fluid: accumulates in small pockets that gradually expand and separate the inner and outer layers of the follicle.


tertiary follicle: mature graafian


this complex spans the entire width of the ovarian cortex and distorts the ovarian capsule, creating a prominent bulge in the surface of the ovary.


-the oocyte projects into the antrum (expanded central chamber of the follicle)


-LH levels begin rising, prompting the primary oocyte that was suspended in prophase I to complete meiosis I.


-on day 14 of a 28 day cycle, a secondary oocyte and the attached granulosa cells lose their connection with the follicular wall and drift free within the antrum


-granulosa cells still associated with the secondary oocyte form a protective layer known as the corona radiata.

-tertiary follicle releases the secondary oocyte


-distended follicular wall suddenly ruptures, ejecting the follicular contents into the pelvic cavity.


-sticky follicular fluid keeps corona radiata and oocyte attached to the surface of the ovary.


-oocyte is then moved into the uterine tube by contact with the fimbriae that extend from the tube's funnel like opening.

-empty tertiary follicle collapses and ruptured vessels bleed into the antrum.


-remaining granulosa cells invade the area and proliferate to create an endocrine structure (corpus luteum). LH stimulates this process.


-cholesterol contained in the structure is used to manufacture progesterone (prepares the uterus for pregnancy by stimulating the maturation of the uterine lining and the secretions of uterine glands)

-corpus luteum begins to degenerate 12 days after ovulation (unless fertilized)


-progesterone and estrogen levels drop


-fibroblasts invade the nonfunctional corpus luteum and produce knot of pale scar tissue (corpus albicans)


-disintegration (involution) of the corpus luteum marks the end of the ovarian cycle.

age and oogenesis

-generally only a single oocyte is released into the pelvic cavity at ovulation.


-at puberty, each ovary contains 200,000 primordial follicles


-40 years later, few if any remain, although only about 500 secondary oocytes will have been ovulated.


Uterine Tubes

Uterine Tubes

-oocytes are transported by a combination of ciliary movemebt and peristaltic contractions in the walls of these.


-SNS and PNS nerves from the hypogastric plexus turn on this movement a few hours before ovulation.


-this structure also provides nutrient rich environment with lipids and glycogen. (nourishes sperm and pre-embryo)

fertilization

-if fertilization is to occur, the secondary oocyte must encounter sperm 12-24 hours of its passage into the uterine cavity.


-fertilization usually takes place near the boundary between the ampulla and isthmus.

pre-embryo

the cell cluster produced by the initial cell division following fertilization and before implantation in the uterine wall.

peg cells

-project into the lumen of the uterine tube


-secrete a fluid that both complete capacitation of sperm and supplies nutrients to sperm and pre-embryo.

uterus 

uterus

-protects, nourishes and removes wastes for the developing embryo (wks 1-8) and fetus (wks 9-delivery).


-contractions of this structure are important in expelling the fetus at birth.

Suspensory Ligaments of the Uterus 

Suspensory Ligaments of the Uterus

uterosacral: keep body of uterus from moving inferiorly and anteriorly.


round: restrict posterior movement.


cardinal: prevent inferior movement.



muscles and fascia of the pelvic floor also provide mechanical support.

blood supply to uterus

-uterine arteries receive blood from the internal iliac arteries and from ovarian arteries which arise from the abdominal aorta.


-extensive interconnection ensuring a reliable supply despite changes during pregnancy.

innervation of the uterus

-autonomic fibers from the hypogastric plexus (sympathetic) and from sacral segments 3 and 4 (parasympathetic).


-info reaches the CNS via dorsal roots of the spinal nerves T11 and 12.


-segmental blocks (delicate anesthetic procedure during labor) only target T10-L1.

Uterine Wall 

Uterine Wall

perimetrium- incomplete serosa covering that is continuous with the peritoneal lining.


endometrium -the glandular and vascular tissues support the physiological demands of the growing fetus.


estrogen influence: uterine glands, blood vessels, and epithelium change with the phases of the monthly uterine cycle.

endometrium functional zone

endometrium functional zone

-contains most of the uterine glands and contributes most of the endometrial thickness.


-undergoes dramatic changes in thickness and structure during the menstrual cycle.


-supplied by the spiral arteries.

endometrium basilar zone 

endometrium basilar zone

-attaches the endometrium to the myometrium and contains the terminal branches of the tubular uterine glands.


-supplied by the straight arteries which are fed by the radial arteries.

Uterine Cycle

"menstrual cycle"
-repeating series of changes in the structure of the endometrium. 
-28 days 

"menstrual cycle"


-repeating series of changes in the structure of the endometrium.


-28 days


-menses and proliferative phase occur during follicular phase of ovarian cycle


-secretory phase corresponds with luteal phase.

menses

menses

-interval marked by the degeneration of the functional zone.


-caused by constriction of the spiral arteries, reducing blood flow.


-deprived of oxygen and nutrients, secretory glands and other tissues begin to deteriorate.


-weakened arterial wall ruptures and blood pours into the connective tissue of the fxnl zone.


-blood cells and dead tissue enters uterine cavity to leave through vagina.


-repair begins at each site at once, sloughing off is gradual.


-before this phase has ended, the entire fxnl zone has been lost.

menstruation

-process of endometrial sloughing


-usually a week, 35-50 mL of blood are lost.


-painless process.

dysmenorrhea

-painful menstruation


-result from uterine inflammation, myometrial contractions, or form conditions involving adjavent pelvic structures.

proliferative phase 

proliferative phase

-epithelial cells of the uterine glands multiply and spread across the endometrial surface, restoring uterine epithelium.


-further growth and vascularization completely restore fxnl zone.


-takes place the same time primary and secondary follicles enlarge in the ovary.


-estrogens secreted by the developing follicles sustain this phase.


-by ovulation, fxnl zone is thick and mucous glands extend to its border with the basilar zone.


-uterine glands are manufacturing mucus rich in glycogen that is essential for ovum survival.

secretory phase 

secretory phase

-uterine glands enlarge, accelerating secretion rate


-arteries supplying uterine wall elongate under the combined stimulatory effects of progesterone and estrogen from corpus luteum.


-over next two days, glands become less active and the uterine cycle ends when the corpus luteum stops producing stimulatory hormones.

menarche

first cycle of uterine cycle at puberty.


continues until menopause.


menopause

-termination of the uterine cycle (45-55)

amenorrhea

-if menarche does not appear by the age of 16 or the normal uterine cycle of an adult woman is interrupted for 6 months or more.


primary amenorrhea

-failure to initiate menses.


-may indicate abnormalities such as nonfunctional ovaries, absence of uterus, endocrine, or genetic disorders.


-can also result from malnutrition (leptin levels are too low)

secondary amenorrhea

-severe physical or emotional stress can cause this.


-reproductive system gets shut down.


-possibly from dramatic weight loss, anorexia, depression, or grief.


-has also been observed in marathon runners and other women engaged in training programs that require sustained levels of exertion, severely reducing body lipid reserves.

vagina 

vagina

major functions:


1. passageway for the elimination of menstrual fluids.


2. receive penis.


3. holds sperm prior to passage to uterus.


4. forms the inferior portion of the birth canal.


hymen

elastic epithelial fold of variable size that partially blocks the entrance to the vagina.
-typically stretched and torn during "first time". 

elastic epithelial fold of variable size that partially blocks the entrance to the vagina.


-typically stretched and torn during "first time".

bulbospongiosus muscles

-contractions constrict the vagina.

vaginal microbioda

-usually harmless


-supported by nutrients in the cervical mucus


-metabolic activity creates an acidic environment which resists growth of many pathogens.


-acidic environment also inhibits motility of sperm, buffers in semen are very important for successful fertilization.

vaginitis

-fungi, bacteria, or parasites may cause this inflammation of the vaginal canal.


-may affect the survival of sperm and reduce fertility.

exfloliative cytology

-hormonal changes from ovarian cycle affects vaginal epithelium.


-clinician can estimate the stage from a smear.

external female genitalia 

external female genitalia

area is the vulva (pudendum)


clitoris: derived from the same embryonic structure as the penis. (contains erectile tissue comparable to the corpora cavernosa)


glands that secrete onto the external genitalia

-lesser vestibular


-greater vestibular


-paraurethral



keep the vagina moist and lubricated.

lactation

milk production
-occurs in the mammary glands 
-controlled by the hormones of the reproductive system and placenta (temporary structure that provides the embryo and fetus with nutrients)

milk production


-occurs in the mammary glands


-controlled by the hormones of the reproductive system and placenta (temporary structure that provides the embryo and fetus with nutrients)

resting mammary gland

resting mammary gland

-dominated by a duct system rather than by active glandular cells.


-secretory apparatus normally does not complete development until pregnancy.


active mammary gland

active mammary gland

-tubuloalveolar gland, consisting of multiple glandular tubes that end in secretory alveoli.

regulation of female reproduction 

regulation of female reproduction

combining key events in the ovarian and uterine cycles 

combining key events in the ovarian and uterine cycles

estrogens multiple functions that affect the activities of many tissues and organs throughout the body

1. stimulating bone and muscle growth


2. maintaining female secondary sex characteristics


-body hair distribution and location of adipose tissue deposits


3. affecting CNS activity (sexual drive)


4. maintaining functional accessory reproductive glands and organs


5. initiating the repair and growth of the endometrium.

steroid hormone synthesis in males and females

sexual intercourse

"coitus" "copulation"


-introduces semen into the female repro tract.

male sexual arousal

-erotic thoughts, the stimulation of sensory nerves in the genital region, or both lead to an increase in parasympathetic outflow over the pelvic nerves.


-leads to an erection (tensing of the skin increases senstivity)


-subsequent stimulation can initiate the bulbourethral glands providing lubrication.

emission

-occurs under sympathetic stimulation.


-peristaltic contractions of the ampulla push seminal fluid and sperm into prostatic urethra,


-sympathetic commands also cause contraction of the urinary bladder and internal urethral sphincter.

ejaculation

-powerful, rhythmic contractions appear in the ischiocavernosus (stiffen penis) and bulbospongiosus (push semen toward external urethral opening) muscles.


-contractions controlled by somatic motor neurons in the inferior lumbar and superior sacral segments.


-contraction of smooth muscle within the prostate acts to pinch off the urethra, preventing urine from passing through.

detumescence

-after ejaculation, blood begins to leave the erectile tissue and the erection subsides.


-controlled by SNS.

impotence

-erectile dysfunction


-could be from low blood pressure in the arteries supplying the penis, due to a circulatory blockage like a plaque.


-also from drugs, alcohol, trauma, or illnesss that affect the ANS or CNS.

Viagra, Levitra, Cialis

-enhance and prolong the effects of NO on the erectile tissue of the penis.


-treat impotence.

Female Sexual Arousal

-PNS activation leads to engorgement of the erectile tissue of the clit and vestibular bulbs, aous glands and increased secretion from cervical mucous glands and the greater vestibular glands.


-increases receptor sensitivity to stimulation and the glands lubricate vaginal walls


-network of blood vessels in the vaginal wall become filled with blood.


-PNS also makes nipples more sensitive.

chlamydia

can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

AIDs

caused by virus


deadly

decrease in estrogen levels during menopause

-leads to reductions the size of boobs, and uterus


-thinning of urethral and vaginal epithelia.

hot flashes

typically begin while estrogen levels are decreasing and cease when estrogen levels are at minimum.


-these intervals of increased body temperature are associated with surges of LH production.

male climacteric

-declining male reproductive function


-levels of circulating testosterone begin to decrease between the ages of 50-60 and levels of circulating FSH and LH increase.


-sperm production continues.

hormones of the reproductive system