Repro 3 Flashcards
What stimulates GnRH neurons to release GnRH
Pulsatile activity in kisspeptin neurons
LH and FSH act on
Gonads to stimulate hormone secretion and facilitate gamete production
What is the least understood influence on reproductive hormones
Environmental
What can be studied for environmental influences
Nutritional status, PA, change of day/light cycle, travelling, night shifts
Environmental estrogens
Can bind and activate estrogen receptors
- some are anti estrogens
- may influence developing embryo or fetus
Anti estrogens
Interfere with second messenger pathways
Examples of environmental estrogens
Pesticides, phytoestrogens, processed foods
Testes
Produce hormones and gametes
Male External genitalia
Penis, urethra, corpus spongiosum, corpora cavernosa, glans, prepuce (foreskin), scrotum
What are 2 erectile tissue
Corpus spongiosum, corpora cavernosa
Why is prepuce removed
Hygiene, cancer, STI, UTI, HIV
What is primary erectile tissue
Corpora cavernosa
What keeps urethra open
Corpus spongiosum
3 accessory glands
Seminal vesicle (pair)
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral gland
What connects testes to urethra
Vas deferens and epididymis
When do testes migrate to scrotum
By 8 months of fetal development
What temp does sperm development require
2-3 F lower
What is failure to descend
Cryptprchidism (usually resolves itself in year)
- if not moved with testosterone treatment or surgically
- unable to produce sperm but still produce androgens
What is problem in many men over 50
Benign prostatic hypertrophy
What is involved in prostate development
DHT
What shrinks hypertrophied prostate
Administration of 5a-reductase inhibitor (finasteride) blocks DHT production
What do testes produce
Sperm and hormones