Basic physiology - male and female Flashcards
2 main functions of the male reproductive system
produce and transport sperm
production of androgens to support secondary sexual characteristics
epididymis
mature sperm sit and wait for ejaculation
semen
transports sperms and produces nutrients
Where is semen produced?
60% seminal vesicle
30% prostate gland
5% bulbourethral gland
How many million sperm/ml and how many ml of semen?
20-200
2-5
What is the site of spermatogenesis?
seminiferous tubules
7 Sertoli cell functions
support spermiation
form blood-testis barrier
isolate haploid secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa from immune system
physical movement of sperm towards lumen
provision of nutrients to sperm
remove wastes from developing sperm
remove excess cytoplasm following cell divisions
Where do the seminiferous tubules join?
rete testis
pathway for sperm in ejaculation
vas deferens-seminal vesicles-prostate-bulbourethral glands-urethra
how long does the production of sperm last?
75 days
When do sperm become motile?
in the storage phase in the epididymis
How is a constant testicular temperature maintained?
arterial blood enters a dense capillary network
arterial blood cooled by venous blood
6 factors affecting spermatogenesis
immunological reactions (auto-immune)
endocrine - reduced gonadotrophins, anabolic steroids
medication - chemo, anti depressants, anti hyppertensives
testis temperature - hyperthermia
loss of blood testis barrier
environment - smoking, alcohol
Normal temperature of testis
2 degrees below body temp
6 targets for androgens and their effects
systemic - hair, deep voice, protein anabolism, sebaceous gland activity CNS - aggressive behaviour anterior pituitary and hypothalamus penis - erections, ejaculation striated muscle prostate and seminal vesicles
Female first meiotic division
starts pauses and completes before ovulation
Female second meiotic division
completed after cell unites with secondary oocyte
How long after LH surge does ovulation occur?
36 hours
dual role of oestrogen - explain
low levels - negative feedback high levels (day 12-14)- positive feedback - LH surge
GnRH from hypothalamus function
stimulate LH and FSH from anterior pituitary
LH from anterior pituitary - 3 functions
maintain dominant follicle
induce follicular maturation and ovulation
stimulate CL function
FSH from anterior pituitary function
stimulate follicular recruitment and development
Where does oestradiol come from?
granulosa cells
4 functions of oestradiol
support secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organs
negative feedback of LH and GnRH except late follicular phase –> positive control LH surge
stimulate proliferative endometrium
negative control FSH
Where does progesterone come from?
CL
2 functions of progesterone
maintain secretory endometrium
negative feedback of HPO
explain from fetal –>birth–>puberty–>menopause the number of eggs
7 million oocytes
2 million immature follicles
4-10 mature each cycle - 1 ruptures
too few immature follicles
Targets for oestrogen
CNS mammary glands fat distribution bone maturation and turnover reproductive system anterior pit/hypothalamus
Why is LH and FSH high in menopause?
trying to get the ovary to release an egg but unable to do so
