1: Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
Summaris the hormonal axis of the male repoductive system
GnRH
LH/FSH
- LH stimmulates Testosterone production from the Leydig cells
- FHS together with Testosterone acts on Sertori cells
- produce Sperm from Germ cells
- produce inhibin
Both Testosterone and Inhibin have a -ve feedback on Hypothalamus and Pituitary
What is the epidymis?
Part where Sperm Are stored before being ejeculated
Explain the process of male ejaculation
At ejaculation
- sperm pass from epidymis through
- the two Vas Deferens (which are contractile),
- mixed with fluid from the seminal vesicles
- leaves the ejaculatory duct,
- and passes into the urethra where it
- mixes with secretions from the prostate gland.
Where does spermatogenesis occur?
What are the main cells involved?
It takes place in the Seminiferous tubule, cells pass from outsid to in for ripe sperm cells
- Sertoni cells= grey
- Leydic cells= associated
- spermatogonia are the visible cells
Explain the cyclical changes in the feedback loop of the femaly reproducive system
Oestrogen has an
- inhibiting role in first part of cycle
- enhancing (+ve feedback) for mid cycle (triggers ovulation)
And Progesterone has generally
- -ve feedback on hypothalamic Pituitary axis
Explain the role of FSH in femal reproduction
•FSH stimulates (some) development of ovarian follicles & 17b-estradiol synthesis
Explain the role of LH in female reproduction
•LH stimulates progesterone production
+ acts on thecal cells to stimmulate androgen production (converted to oestregen by granulosa cells under influence of FSH)
Summarist the circulating steroid hormonal changes and LH/FSH changes in the female cycle
Explain the changes in the endometrial lining during the menstrual cycle
- Thickening from 2-3mm to 7-16mm in first 3/4 (Etrogen only)
- imlantation happens at maximal thickness
- Menstruation (shedding of Endometrium) –> E2+ Progesterone
Summarist the stages of Follicuogenensis and its timing
- Primary follicle with primary oocyte starts to form
- Growing follicle
- Antral Ovum
- Oculation
- Formation of Corpus Luteum
- Degradation of Corpus Luteum
Happens over 3 Months! Several eggs in both ovaries
Explain the precess of oogenesis
- 1st mitotic devison happens in utero
- Cell reusmes with 2nd mitotic devision when it ripenes –> 2 month before Menstrutation
- BUT: stops at Metaphase II at ovulation
- Only resume with Fertilisation!
Differentiate between sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse and biological sex
Definitions
Sexual reproduction – produce genetically different offspring.
Sexual intercourse – required for – sexual reproduction, sexual activity, sexual pleasure, human bonding.
Biological sex – identifies gender, a result of chromosomes, produces different gametes.
Which neuroendocrine system is involved in Reward and pleasure?
The mesolimbis dopaminergic pathway
Which neuroendocrine system is involved regulation of fertility and parenting?
Hypothalamus to pituitary
What are the changes to the penis that occur during erection?
- Initiated by: increased parasympathetic activity to smooth muscle of pudendal artery
- increase in NO
- NO–> increases cGMP –> dilatation of arterial smooth muscle.
- counteracts sympathetic-maintained myogenic tone
- increases blood flow in corpus cavernosum
- which compresses the dorsal vein, restricting the outflow of blood
- The urethra is protected from increased pressure by surrounding corpus spongiosum (less turgid)
