Human Reproductive Biology Flashcards
Male
Gonads
Testes
Male
Sex glands
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbo-urethral gland
Male
Ducts
Epipydidymis
Vas Deferens
Ejaculatory duct
Urethra
Female
Gonads
Ovaries Fallopian tubes / oviducts Uterus Vagina Uvula / Pudendum
Reproductive Cells
Testes
Produce germ cells
Spermatozoa
Reproductive Cells
Ovaries
Produce germ cells
Oocytes
- Known as gametes.
- Produced via meiosis
What is Spermatogenesis
Production of Sperm:
- initiated at start of puberty
- ~300 million produced per day
Occurs in seminiferous tubules.
Seminiferous Epithelium
Formed by two cell populations
- spermatogenic germ line cells
- sertoli supporting cells
What are Interstitial Cells?
- Adjacent to seminiferous tubules
- Stimulated by LH to produce testosterone
- Concentrate testosterone 20-200 times the level found in blood via ABP (Androgen Binding Protein).
Hormones and Spermatogenesis
Process
Hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone)
Anterior pituitary releases FSH & LH
LH = Interstitial cells + Testosterone FSH = Sertoli cells + Spermatogonia - Inhibin
LH + FSH = Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis Process
Germinal Epithelium (lining of seminiferous tubule)
Primordial sperm (2n) (Mitosis) Spermatogonium (2n) (Mitosis / Differentiation) Primary Spermatocyte (2n) (Meiosis) Secondary Spermatocyte (n) (Meiosis II) Spermatid (n) + Spermatazoon (n) (Spermiogenesis)
Germ Line Stem Cells
- Spermatagonial stem cells can be isolated from testis tissue
- They can be transplanted into a recipients testis
- The transplanted cells to develop into competent sperm
Deposition of Semen in Humans
- Semen is deposited in the vagina, at the cervical Os.
- Semen coagulates due to sex gland enzymes
- Coagulant retains spermatozoa at the cervical os
- Coagulant acts as alkaline buffer in acidic vagina (pH 5.7)
- Within one minute sperm are detected in the cervix.
- 99% of sperm are lost from vagina
What is puberty?
Immature individuals acquires the physical and behavioural attributes which will allow them to reproduce.
What are Twin Studies?
Genetic influences are the single largest factor accounting for variation in pubertal development.
What are external factors effecting?
Stressful events
Endocrine disrupting chemicals
Adiposity
Rule of Nutrition in Pubertal Initiation
Puberty is later in countries which have “sub-optimal” socioeconomic status.
Causes of delayed puberty:
- Malnutrition e.g. Anorexia Nervosa
- Elite athletes e.g. gymnasts & ballerinas
Advanced puberty associated with moderate obesity.
What is the menstrual cycle?
- Transport gametes to site of fertilisation
- Provide suitable site for embryo implantation
- Ends in endometrial shedding. (Releases period)