Lecture: Reproduction Flashcards
What produces male gametes?
Testes
“Nurse cells” in the male reproductive system
Sertoli cells
Testosterone-producing cells in the male reproductive system
Leydig cells
The conversion of undifferentiated germ cells (spermatogonia) into specialized motile sperm (spermatoza)
Spermatogenesis
Results in the release of sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules
Spermatogenesis (meiosis + spermiogenesis)
Results in the release of sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules
Spermatogenesis (meiosis + spermiogenesis)
Spermatids differentiate into sperm
Spermiogenesis
Sperm released from sertoli cells into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules
Spermiation
Sperm stem cells
Spermatogonia
Meiosis
- Involves 2 rounds of cell division
- Yields 4 haploid cells called gametes
Purpose of the acrosome on a sperm
Facilitates penetration of secondary oocyte
Purpose of the middle piece or mitochondrial sheath of sperm
Provides ATP for locomotion
Purpose of the tail on a sperm
Propels sperm through the female reproductive tract
How many chromosomes does the nucleus of a sperm contain?
23
Final maturation of the sperm that occurs within the female reproductive tract (triggered by secretions of the uterus)
Capacitation
What causes the hyperactivation of the sperm tail in capacitation?
A Ca influx as a result of an increase in female progesterone
How can men be infertile at the stage of capacitation?
Men that are deficient in the progesterone-binding Ca channel are infertile
Which hormone stimulates testosterone production by the leydig cells?
Luteinizing hormone
What does testosterone do?
- Stimulates the final steps of spermatogenesis
- Inhibits luteinizing hormone release
What does follicle stimulating hormone do?
- Acts on sertoli cells
- Promotes spermatogenesis
How does FSH promote spermatogenesis?
Stimulates androgen binding protein which keeps testosterone protein high
Which cells release inhibin?
Sertoli cells
What is the function of inhibin?
Reduce FSH release
Transport ducts of the male reproductive system
- Ejaculatory duct
- Prostatic urethra
- Membranous urethra
- Spongy urethra
Storage and transport ducts of the male reproductive system
- Ductus (vas) deferens
- Ampulla of the ductus deferens
Maturation and storage duct of the male reproductive system
Epididymis
Accessory glands of the male reproductive system
- Seminal vesicle
- Prostate
- Bulbourethral gland
Components of the seminal fluid excreted by the seminal vesicles
- Fructose
- Prostaglandins
- Fibrinogen
Components of the seminal fluid excreted by the prostate
- Slightly acidic pH
- Proteolytic enzymes
- Seminalplasmin
Components of the seminal fluid excreted by the bulbourethral gland
- Mucous
- Alkaline (basic) pH
Purpose of fructose in seminal fluid
Fuel for glycolysis for ATP production
Purpose of prostaglandins in seminal fluid
Contribute to sperm viability, motility, and transport
Purpose of fibrinogen in seminal fluid
Aids in coagulation of semen in female reproductive tract
Purpose of slightly acidic pH in the prostate seminal fluid
pH due to citric acid used for ATP production
Purpose of proteolytic enzymes in seminal fluid
Break down clotting proteins from seminal vesicles
Purpose of seminalplasmin in seminal fluid
Seminalplasmin is an antibiotic that destroys bacteria
Purpose of mucous in seminal fluid
Minimizes damage to sperm during ejaculation
Purpose of alkaline (basic pH) in seminal fluid released from the bulbourethral gland
Protects sperm from acids in urine
Where does fertilization occur?
Ampulla
Where does egg and hormone production occur in females?
Ovary
What collects the female egg (ovum)?
Fimbriae
Where does implantation, development, and contraction occur?
Uterus
What is also known as the selective barrier in the female reproductive system?
Cervix
Where does sperm deposit in the female reproductive system?
Vagina
When are oocytes created in a female?
They are all produced prior to her birth
In females, the germ cells migrate to the ovary and become…
oogonia
