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Human Structure & Function > MCQ 4 - Reproductive System > Flashcards

MCQ 4 - Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

Functions of the testes

A

Production of spermatozoa by the process spermatogenesis

Synthesis + secretion of sex hormones

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2
Q

Define spermatozoa

A

Also called spermatozoon + sperm

Male gametes

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3
Q

Structure of the testis

From ball

A

Tunica albuginea = layer covering testis
Seminiferous tubule = inside testis, where sperm is made, round structures (200-250 micrometers diameter)
Rete testis = straight tubules connected
Efferent duct = sperm travels through to get to…
Epididymis (head + tail) = sperm travels through to..
Vas deferens to…
Urethra

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4
Q

Define spermatogenesis
Rate
How many days?

A

Production of sperm
Rate of sperm production - 1000 sperm per second
64 days to complete

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5
Q

Structure of seminiferous tubules

A

Round structures
Steroli cells
Gonocytes/germ cells
Leydig cells

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6
Q

Cells types within the testes

A

Leydig cells = outside in interstitial tissues, endocrine part of the testes
Gonocytes/germ cells = going to become sperm
Steroli cells = close contact with germ cells, interact + stimulate germ cells in order to become sperm

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7
Q

Stages of spermatogenesis

A

Mitosis = diploid cells
Puberty
Meiosis = haploid cells (primary to secondary spermatocytes)
Spermiogenesis = remodelling process

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8
Q

What is spermiogenesis

A 
Process of remodelling 
Package genetic material, so can be delivered
Spermatid to mature sperm
Formation of acrosome (enzyme cap)
Condensation of nucleus 
Tail formation
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9
Q

Mechanisms to ensure continuous sperm production

A

Renewable A0 spermatogonia (very 1st stage/step)
Spermatogenic cycle = sections of tubule, new spermatogonia enter process every 16 days
Spermatogenic wave = spermatogenesis staggered in sections along length of tubule

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10
Q

Hormones involved in spermatogenesis

A

Hypothalamus = GnRH, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone
(Via portal vessels)
Anterior pituitary = LH, luteinising hormone, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone
(Peripheral circulation)
Testis

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11
Q

Steroli cells

A 
Control spermatogenesis 
Sexual differentiation of male phenotype 
Mechanical + nutritional support 
Form blood-testis barrier
       Special tubular environment 
       Prevent auto-antibody production 
       Prevent entry of toxic substances 
Produce seminiferous fluid
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12
Q

When can sperm not be used in IVF (LOCATION)?

A

Sperm in seminiferous tubule + head of epididymis

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13
Q

Sperm maturation changing in epididymis

A

Sperm develop ability to swim
Surface changes to sperm head to formation of glycoprotein coat
Metabolism changes - use of glucose stores to eternal fructose
Structure changes - loss of cytoplasmic droplet

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14
Q

Passive movement of sperm through reproductive tract

A

Passive movement through epididymis
Seminiferous fluid production in tubules + absorption in epididymis
Smooth muscle contractions in epididymal wall
Movement of epididymal cilia

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15
Q

Erection

A 
Arteriolar vasodilation in penis 
Increase blood flow to sinuses 
               Corpus cavernosa 
               Corpus spongiosum 
Parasympathetic nervous control
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16
Q

Ejaculation

A

Smooth muscle contractions - in vas deferens + accessory glands
Sympathetic nervous control

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17
Q

Define accessory glands

A

Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral gland

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18
Q

Composition of seminal fluid

A 
Seminiferous fluid (contains salts ions, K, Na, Cl, HCO3-)
Accessory gland secretions =
    Seminal vesicles 
    Prostate gland
    Bulbourethral gland

pH = 7.2 - 7.8

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19
Q

Causes of sperm loss

A 
Distance
Unfavourable vagina pH
Cervical mucous 
Loss at ejaculation 
Female immune system 
Oviductal fluid movement
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20
Q

Sperm transport in female reproductive tract

A

Time between mating + fertilisation = 5-60 mins
Aim = get to site of fertilisation in oviduct
Sperm moves 4-5 mm/min
Uterine contractions, promoted by oestrogen, prostaglandins, oxytocin
Uterine, cilia, stimulated by oestrogens
Chemotrophic factors from ovum

21
Q

Sperm maturation in female reproductive tract

A

CAPACITATION = lots of tail movement, loss of glycoprotein coat, increased permeability + sensitivity to calcium

ACROSOME REACTION = fusion of acrosome to surface membrane, release digestive enzyme (acrosin + hyaluronidase)

22
Q

Define oocyte

A

Cell whose meiotic divisions produce single ovum + 3 polar bodies

23
Q

Changes to oocyte at fertilisation

A

Ca2+ released from intracellular stores
Cortical reaction = exocytosis of cortical granules
Hardening of zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy
Complete 2nd meiotic division
Fusion of haploid male + female pronuclei = diploid zygote

24
Q

Functions of ovaries

A

Production of oocytes by process oogenesis

Synthesis + secretion of sex hormones

25
Stages of oogenesis
Oogonium undergoes mitosis = primary oocyte + 1 polar body (After puberty ⬇️) Meiosis stimulated by LH + ovulation = secondary oocyte Meiosis stimulated by sperm entry = polar body + fertilised egg
26
Trend of germ cells in human ovary, define atresia
Atresia = degeneration of oocytes | Gradually decrease with age
27
Stages of follicular development
``` Primordial follicle Primary oocyte Primary follicle Pre-antral follicle (Puberty) Antral follicle Ovulated secondary oocyte ```
28
Development/Structure of pre-antral follicle | Middle outwards
Primary oocyte Zona pellucida Granulosa cell layers Thecal cell layers
29
Development/structure of antral follicle
Primary oocyte Antrum Cumulus cells
30
Hormones involved in controlling follicular development + ovulation
Follicular phase: Hypothalamus = GnRH Ovary = oestradiol, androgens, inhibin Androgens (aromatase) = oestrogens
31
Effects of LH surge on oocyte
Completes 1st meiotic division Primary oocyte ➡️ secondary oocyte + 1st polar body Arrest in metaphase of 2nd meiotic division Forms cortical granules Increase collagenase activity, especially stigma region of follicle
32
Similarities in spermatogenesis oogenesis
Both gametogenesis (completed at puberty) Principles: mitosis, meiosis, cellular remodelling Control by hypothalamic-pituitary axis: GnRH, LH, FSH External influences
33
Differences in spermatogenesis + oogenesis
Spermatogenesis = continuous production/release of sperm, production of sperm + androgens at same time, large output, mitosis + meiosis activated at puberty, stem cell renewal (infinite gamete number), 1 primary spermatocyte = 4 spermatozoa, continues through adult life Oogenesis = regular cyclic release of ova at ovulation, cyclic production of ova + steroids, few oocytes released, mitosis completed at birth (all oogonia become primary oocytes, no self-renewal (finite number), 1 primary oocyte = 1 mature ovum, meiosis initiated before birth, gametogenesis ends at menopause
34
2 ovarian cycles
Menstrual cycle = first day of cycle is menstruation | Oestrous cycle = first day of cycle = oestrus (heat)
35
What are the 2 menstrual cycle phases + day number + key events?
Follicular/proliferative phase (day 1-14) = growing follicle, oestrogen released = prepares for gamete transport (Ovulation = day 14) = LH released Luteal/secretory phase (day 14-28) = corpus luteum, FSH + progesterone released = prepares for implantation
36
Functions of female reproductive tract
Transport gametes to fertilisation site | Provide site of implantation + embryo development
37
Structure of uterus | Middle outwards
``` Endometrium = inner epithelial layer + uterine glands Myometrium = circular + longitudinal smooth muscle layers Serosa = outer connective tissue layer ```
38
Changes to uterus during menstrual cycle | Follicular / proliferative phase
Increased contractility of myometrium Growth + proliferation of endometrium aqueous secretions (protein filament channels) = help sperm transport + maturation Cervix relaxes
39
Changes to uterus during menstrual cycle | Luteal / secretory phase
``` Decreased myometrium contractility Extensive proliferation of endometrium + blood vessels Viscous secretions (mucous) protein filament mesh = help implantation + early pregnancy Cervix constricts ```
40
Factors impacting fertility
``` Age = puberty + menopause Genetic + developmental factors Pathological factors Physiological factors Pharmacological factors ```
41
Physiological changes at puberty
Activates = gonads (reproductive organs), age 9-14 1st = menstruation + ejaculation Appearance sexual characteristics
42
Define gonads
Reproductive organs that produce gametes + sex hormones
43
How is puberty initiated?
Activation = GnRH neurones + hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis Increased freq. + amplitude of GnRH impulses Increased release of LH, FSH, adrenal + gonadal sex steroid hormones
44
What’s the importance of HPG axis in puberty?
Delay in puberty in suppressing HPG activity | Precocious puberty if HPG axis stimulated prematurely
45
Abnormalities in sex chromosomes + differentiation | Klinefelter’s syndrome
XXY karyotype Impaired testicular development Infertile
46
Abnormalities in sex chromosomes + differentiation | Turner’s syndrome
XO karyotype Impaired ovarian development Infertile
47
Pathological factors impacting fertility
``` Obstructive diseases Chlamydia Thyroid hormone disorders Autoimmune disease Smoking (toxins - pesticides) Diabetes Spinal injury Cryptorchidism - testes fail to descend Varicoceles - enlarged vein in testes ```
48
Physiological factors impacting fertility
``` Pregnancy = inhibitory effects of progesterone on HPG axis Lactation = inhibitory neuroendocrine reflex ```
49
Pharmacological factors impacting fertility
Manipulating menstrual cycle: Steroidal contraceptives (high dose progesterone / low dose oestrogen) Inhibit ovulation = negative feedback Viscosity of cervical + uterine secretions

Human Structure & Function (3 decks)

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