Mammalian Reproduction Flashcards
Explain one function of two hormones that stimulate sperm production
Follicle stimulating hormone- stimulates the production of ANRDOGEN BINDING PROTIEN and formation of blood-testis barrier
Testosterone- development of male reproductive tissues- testis and prostate, promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, stimulates Sertoli cells to produce inhibin
Levels of hormones change during the oestrous cycle
LH- decreases
FSH- decreases
Oestrogen- decreases
Progesterone- increases
How levels of the following hormones change when an animal is giving birth
Oestrogen- increase
Oxytocin- increase
Progesterone- decrease
Prostaglandins- increase
The length of the gestation period in a cow
Between 279-287/ 9 months
State the three parts of the female reproductive system
Ovaries, uterus, vagina
Describe the role of the following hormones in reproduction
Oestrogen- stops FSH production, stimulates pituitary gland to release LH, builds up uterine lining allowing implantation, causes thickening of the endometrium
Oxytocin- stimulated by suckling, bonding of young, stimulates labour, increases prostaglandins
Function of the epididymis
Sperm are matured and stored
Two functions of the male reproductive system
Produce and store sperm
Release sperm into the female reproductive tract
Structure and function of the os penis
Bone found in some species of mammal, used to maintain an erection
Three functions of the placenta
Provides nutrients to the foetus
Functions for respiration
An area for excretion
State functions of the cervix and uterus
Cervix- provides protection for the reproductive system against infection
Uterus- where fertilised egg implants, stretched to accommodate growth of foetus contracts to expel foetus
Which type of uterus does a pig have
Bicornuate
Two functions of the female reproductive tract
Produce eggs, provides a place for fertilisation to occur
3 layers of the uterus
Perimetrium- outer layer, supports shape of the uterus
Myometrium- muscular layer, contracts
Endometrium- forms the inner lining, where implantation takes place
Define terms fertilisation, implantation and gestation
Fertilisation- sperm and egg fuse
Implantation- a fertilised egg attached itself to the lining of the uterus
Gestation- the length of time between conception and birth
Roles of hormones
GnRH- controls other reproductive hormones, stimulates the production of LH and FSH
Progesterone- maintains the lining of the uterus ready for fertilised egg, inhibits the production of FSH
Cortisol- linked to increased maternal interest in offspring (stress hormone)
Where are the following hormones produced?
Oestrogen- ovaries
Progesterone- corpus luterum, ovaries, placenta
Androgen binding hormone- seminiferous tubules
Oxytocin- hypothalamus
What is the corpus luteum?
A sac of cells remaining after the ova had been released during ovulation
Describe the milk let down process
Prolactin triggers the mammary glands, stimulates lactation
Oxytocin releases milk and is stimulated by suckling
Explain the roles of hormones during parturition(giving birth)
Progesterone levels decrease allowing other hormones to act on the uterus
Oestrogen levels rise leading to uterine contractions and cervical softening
Relaxin is secreted by the ovaries relaxing pelvic ligaments and opening the birth canal
Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop allowing prolactin to be secreted which triggers lactation
Describe how levels of hormones change through all stages of the oestrous cycle
Dioestrus is between oestrous cycles and levels of progesterone peak
Pro-oestrous- follicle enlarges, progesterone decreases, oestrogen increases, GnRH is secreted which stimulates the release of FSH and LH
Oestrous- animal is sexually receptive, oestrogen increases as well as FSH and LH leading to ovulation
Metoestrous- corpus luteum decays, progesterone levels increase and inhibits oestrogen release
Gametogenesis-
Occurs in the reproductive organs
Process where ova and sperm are produced by CELL DIFFERENTIATION of the germ line
Differentiating haploid daughter cells for the production of functional gametes
2 pathways involved- mitosis and meiosis
Roles of hormones 2
Oestrogen- rebuilds the uterine lining after menstruation, stimulates release of LH
Testosterone- produced my tested, enables development of sex organ tissues and secondary sexual characteristics
Androgen binding hormone- produced by seminiferous tubules, helps to maintain high concentrations of testosterone
Prostaglandins- help with uterine contractions
Oxytocin- released by pituitary gland, helps stimulate uteri’s r contractions and lactation
