Repro Flashcards
Through which tube does sperm cells leave the testes?
Ductus deferens
What are the 3 areas of the epididymis?
Head
Body
Tail
What is the structure that connects the epididymis to the seminiferous tubule?
Rete testis in mediastinum testis
What is the structure that produces the sperm cells?
Seminiferous tubule
What is the function of the seminiferous tubule?
Germination, maturation and transportation of sperm cells
What is the serous membrane called that covers the testes?
Tunica vaginalis
What is the structure that covers the seminiferous tubules called?
Tunica albuginea
What is the basic function of the epididymis?
Absorption of fluid and concentration of the sperm cells
What is the structure that connects the tunica vaginalis to the peritoneum?
Ligamentous remnant of processus vaginalis
In what structure of the testis does a hydrocele develop?
Within the tunica vaginalis serous membrane - between the parietal layer and the visceral layer
What is the reason a hydrocele forms in the testis?
Excess fluid secreted from the tunica vaginalis that doesn’t drain correctly
What are the two main cells of the testis?
Sertoli and leydig cells
What is the function of the sertoli cells and what hormone activates it?
“Nurse” cell that is part of a seminiferous tubule and helps in the process of spermatogenesis
It is activated by follicle-stimulating hormone
What is the stem cell for producing sperm?
Spermatogonia
What is the function of the leydig cells?
Synthesis of sex steroid hormones e.g. testosterone,
in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH)
What is the blood supply to and from the testis?
Right testis - testicular artery and vein direct to and from the abdominal aorta and IVC.
Left testis - testicular vein -> left renal vein -> IVC
Cremasteric artery also supplies the testes.
What is the pampiniform plexus?
The testicular vein wrapping around the testicular artery on its ascent to the IVC
It acts as a heat exchanger for the cooled venous blood to cool the arterial blood
What nodes do the R+L testes drain into?
Right testis -> lumbar nodes -> para-aortic nodes
Left testis -> lumbar nodes -> para-aortic nodes
What is the term used to describe a twisted testicle?
Torsion
What is the potential problem of testicular torsion and why?
Compression of the spermatic cord
Venous drainage gets occluded therefore increase capillary pressure and then the arteries get occluded too
Immune privilege can be compromised and then the other non-torted testicle can be attacked too
What nodes do the lymphatic drain into from the scrotum?
Right testis -> superficial inguinal lymph nodes -> deep inguinal lymph nodes -> external iliac lymph nodes -> common iliac lymph nodes
Left testis -> Internal iliac lymph nodes -> sacral lymph nodes ->
What is the structure that pulls the testes from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum?
Gubernaculum
What are the peritoneal layers that make the spermatic cord?
In -> out
Transversalis fascia -> internal oblique muscle -> External oblique aponeurosis
What are the spermatic cord layers?
External spermatic fascia
Cremasteric fascia
Internal spermatic fascia
In what layer of the scrotum is the muscle that pulls the testis up towards the body?
Muscle fibres from the cremaster muscle
In what layer(s) of the spermatic cord is the nervous supply?
Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve lumbar plexus -> between the cremasteric and internal spermatic fascia
Ilioinguinal nerve - sympathetics -> vas deferens
What are the layers of the prostate?
Anterior region -> Transitional zone -> Peripheral zone -> Central zone is within the peripheral zone
Through which structures of the prostate does the ejaculatory duct pass through?
Central zone
Through which structures of the prostate does the urethera pass through?
Transitional zone
Convergence of what structures becomes the ejaculatory duct?
Seminal vesicle and ampulla of the ductus deferens
Which part of the prostate does BPH tend to affect?
Transitional zone
Which part of the prostate does prostate cancers affect?
Peripheral zone
Of the total volume of semen which parts of the ejaculatory system contributes to its production and in which approximate quantities?
Epididymis/ testicle ~ 5% Seminal vesicle ~ 70% Prostate gland ~ 25% Bulbourethral gland ~ 1% Periurethral glands ~ 1%
What is the function of the penis?
Expulsion of urine via urethra
Deposition of sperm in female genital tract
Removal of competitor’s sperm
Attraction of mates
What causes an erection in terms of blood?
Sinusoidal relaxation
Vasodilation of penile arterioles
Compression of veins
What ANS subcategory is responsible for erection?
PNS
What ANS subcategory is responsible for ejaculation?
SNS
What are the two tissues which engorge due to blood entry of the penis?
Corpus cavernosum
Corpus spongiosum
What is the urogenital triangle?
Attachment of the penis to the pelvic bone anterior to the perineal membrane
What is the fibrous sheath encases the corpus cavernosum and spongiosum?
Tunica albuginea
In what direction do the collagen fibres run in the tunica albuginea?
Circumferential
Parallel along axis
What is the blood supply to the penis?
Perineal arteries -> Dorsal arteries (run above the penis)
Cavernous artery -> runs inside the corpus cavernosum
Bulbouretheral artery -> runs inside the corpus spongiosum
What is the follicular development of an ovarian follicle from beginning to end if unfertilised?
1 - primordial follicles 2 - early primary follicle 3 - late primary follicle 4 - secondary (antral) follicle 5 - tertiary (Graafian follicle) 6 - ruptured follicle -> oocyte at ovulation leaves 7 - active corpus leuteum 8 - regressing corpus leuteum 9 - corpus albicans
During ovulation what is the reason for pain?
Rupturing of ovarian follicle
In which layer of the ovary are gametes formed?
Ovarian surface - germinal epithelium
What is an atretic follicle?
Follicular atresia
Breakdown of a follicle
Natural process - removal of old oocytes that would not be suitable for fertilisation
What is the superior part of the uterus?
Fundus
What is the structure of the uterus that leads out into the peritoneum?
Fimbriae
What is the suspensory ligament of the ovary and what is its function?
A fold of peritoneum that covers the ovarian artery, vein, ovarian nerve plexus and lymphatics
What is the round ligament?
Remnant of the gubernaculum
Originates at the uterine horns -> and attaches to the labia majora, passing through the inguinal canal
Keeps the uterus in the anteverted position
What are the two pouches found in the female?
Vesicouterine pouch
Rectouterine pouch
What is the term for the external hole of the cervix?
External OS
What is the gap between the cervix and the uterus called?
Fornices
What ligament stretches and potentially causes pain in the female reproductive tract?
Round ligament
Stretches from the uterine horns to the labia majora
Why during pregnancy does the woman suffer from urinary incontinence and urgency?
The gravid uterus pushes down on the bladder decreasing its volume
Why during pregnancy does the woman suffer from constipation?
The gravid uterus pushes against the rectum reducing its size
What is the term used to describe the oviduct portion that connects the isthmus and the infundibulum?
Ampulla
What is the infundibulum of the oviduct?
The distance between the opening of the uterine tube and the fimbriae
What is the first part of the fallopian tube called?
Isthmus
What is the ligament that connects the ovary to the uterus?
Ovarian ligament
What is the broad ligament made up of?
Round ligament + Ovarian ligament + Fallopian tube
What part of the female reproductive tract is intraperitoneal?
Ovary + fallopian tube (ampulla + infundibulum + fimbriae)
What are the remnants of the Gubernaculum in women?
Round ligament and the ligament of the ovary
What is the mesosalpinx?
Mesentery of fallopian tube
Wha is the mesovarian?
Mesentery of the ovary from peritoneum
What is the blood supply to the uterus?
Internal iliac artery -> uterine artery
What is the positioning of the uterus?
Anteverted and anteflexed
What is the histological appearance of the vagina?
Thick stratified squamous epithelium with lots of granules of glycogen
Why does the vaginal cells have lots of glycogen?
Lactobacilli convert the glycogen into lactic acid which helps keep other bacteria unable to survive in the area
What are the 3 germ layers?
Mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm
In embryology what does the hindgut end in?
A dilated structure - the cloaca
What is the urogenital ridge?
An area in the embryonic body that contains the mesonephric duct + gonad + mesonephros
What part of the embryo gives rise to both the embryonic kidney and the gonad?
Intermediate mesoderm
What cells is the gonad derived from in embryology?
Intermediate mesoderm plus primordial germ cells
What duct is known as the paramesonephric duct?
Mullerian duct
What duct is known as the mesonephric duct?
Wolffian duct
Which duct leads to the developing gonad in the embryo?
Mesonephric duct
Which duct leads to the developing kidney in the embryo?
Wolffian duct
Where do the paramesonephric and mesonephric duct end?
Urogenital sinus
What causes the gonad to differentiate into the epididymis or the uterus
Epididymis - Y gene on the SRY chromosome
Uterus - the lack of a Y chromosome and also presence of a X chromosome (in monosomy)
What happens to the Mullerian (paramesonephric) duct and the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct in a normal male with XY?
Testis produce Mullerian Inhibiting Hormone -> suppresses Mullerian (paramesonephric) duct development
Testis also produce androgens -> supporting mesonephric duct development
What happens to the Mullerian (paramesonephric) duct and the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct in a normal female with XX?
No testis -> no production of mullerian inhibiting hormone -> Mullerian duct develops
No testis -> no production of androgens -> no support for development of Wolffian duct -> Wolffian duct degenerates
What happens to the Mullerian (paramesonephric) duct and the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct if there is exogenous androgens in a female?
Support for Wolffian duct -> Wolffian duct develops
No MIH from testis -> development of the paramesonephric duct
What happens to the Mullerian (paramesonephric) duct and the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct in Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome?
Receptors for testosterone don’t work -> Wolffian ducts don’t survive as no response from adrogens
Testis present -> MIH produced -> Paramesonephric duct (Mullerian) duct don’t develop
What duct is the first duct for the embryonic kidney?
Mesonephric duct
What becomes the urinary bladder in the embryo?
Urogenital sinus
What does the mesonephric duct develop into in a normal male?
Androgen production -> in a male the Vas deferens and epididymis are required -> they develop
From what area of the urogenital sinus does the vagina develop from?
Sinovaginal bulbs
What are the basic components of the external genitalia in the embryo?
Genital tubercle
Genital folds
Genital swellings
What does the genital tubercle and folds develop into in males?
Spongy urethra
Specifically what does the genital tubercle develop into?
Glans penis
At what age can the gender of the foetus be differentiated?
At week 12
In females what does the genital tubercle develop into?
Clitoris
In the female embryo what does the genital swelling develop into?
Labia majora
In the female embryo what does the genital fold develop into?
Labia minora
In the female embryo what does the urogenital sinus develop into?
Vaginal orifice
Urethral orifice
At what age of gestation does the genitalia differentiate?
Week 9-12
What prevents further descent of the ovaries into the pelvis?
Growth of the uterus + round ligament of the uterus
Approximately how many sperm cells are made /day?
200 million
How many daughter cells are produced after meiosis?
4
What is different in meiosis in females compared to males?
There are polar bodies formed in the females which are essentially useless
Only one develops into a mature oocyte
Males - all sperm cells are created in equal size just the X and Y chromosome will inevitably be different
What are the 3 methods of getting genetic variation in meiosis?
Crossing over - between two homologous chromosomes
Independent assortment - random orientation of each bivalent along he metaphase plate
Random segregation - random distribution of alleles among the four gametes
What forms the blood-testis barrier?
Sertoli cells held tightly together with tight junctions
What is the name of the process that produces sperm cells called?
Spermatogenesis
What is the spermatogenesis process from germ cell to sperm cell?
Sptermatogonium -mitosis-> Primary spermatocyte -meiosis 1-> Secondary spermatocyte -meiosis 2-> Spermatid -spermiogenesis-> Spermatozoa
What are the two types of spermatogonium produced before mitosis?
Ad spermatogonium -> resting: reserve stock
Ap spermatogonium -> active: maintain stock and from puberty onwards produce type B spermatogonia giving rise to primary spermatocytes
What happens in the process of spermiogenesis?
Each primary spermatocyte forms 4 haploid spermatids which differentiate (spermiogenesis) into spermatozoa
Remodelling as passing down seminiferous tubule, through rete testis and ductile efferentes and into the epididymis to finally form spermatozoa
What is the spermatogenic cycle?
Time taken for reappearance of the same stage within a given segment of tubule
~16 days in human
What is the spermatogenic wave?
The distance between the same stage in the seminiferous tubule within the wave of corkscrew
How are spermatids able to move through the seminiferous tubules?
They are non-motile
Transport via sertoli cell secretions
Assisted by peristaltic contraction
Within the sperm cell where are the mitochondria situated?
Within the mid (connecting) piece
Within the sperm cell what connects the head of the sperm and the mid (connecting) piece of the tail together
Centriole
What are the main constituents of the seminal vesicle secretions?
Alkaline fluid Amino acids Citrate Fructose Prostaglandins Clotting factors - semenogelin
What are the main constituents of the secretions of the prostate?
Milky, slightly acidic fluidProteolytic enzymes, zinc
Citric acid
Acid phosphatase
What are the main constituents of the secretions of the bulbourethral glands (Cowper gland)?
Alkaline fluid
Mucoproteins
Lubricate and neutralise acidic urine in distal urethra
What is sperm capacitation?
Final maturation step in female genital tract prior to becoming fertile - 6-8hours long
Removal of glycoproteins and cholesterol from sperm membrane
Tail moves from beat to whip like
Activation of sperm signalling pathways (atypical soluble adenylyl cyclase and PKA involved)
Allows sperm to bind to zona pellucida of oocyte and initiate acrosome reaction
At how many months gestation are the oocytes ready?
4 months gestation
During development of the oogonia to primary oocytes what stage of meiosis do they stop in?
Prophase of meiosis 1
When does the maturation of the oocytes begin?
Before birth at approx month 7 majority of oogonia have degenerated
All surviving primary oocytes have entered meiosis 1
What is the structure called where the matured oocytes are formed and surrounded by a layer of cells?
Primordial follicle
Surrounded by follicular cells
What are the 3 stages of maturation of oocytes from puberty onwards?
Preantral
Antra
Preovulatory
What happens in the preantral stage?
Primordial follicles begin to grow -> follicular cells change from flat -> cuboidal -> proliferate to produce stratified epithelium of granulosa cells
What do the granulosa cells do in the preantral stage?
Secrete a layer of glycoprotein on oocyte forming the zona pellucida
What happens in the antral stage of oocyte development?
Development of the granulosa cells furthers -> fluid filled spaces coalesce = Antrum -> Secondary follicle
What are the theca cells?
Two types Theca interna and Theca externa
As the oocyte grows during 4 to 7 months of gestation what do the flat epithelial cells become?
Follicular cells
During ovulation what is the name of the cells also being released at the same surrounding the oocyte?
Granulosa cells -> Cumulus oophorus
What stimulates theca interna cells?
Leutenising hormone
What do theca interna cells release?
Androstenedione
What does androstenedione act on during follicular development?
Granulosa cells
How do granulosa cells respond to androstenedione?
By the action of aromatase they convert androstenedione into estradiol
What occurs in the preovulatory stage of follicular development?
LH surge -> induces preovulatory growth phase
Meiosis 1 complete -> 2 haploid cells produced -> meiosis 2 -> arrest in metaphase -> 3hours prior to ovulation
When does meiosis 2 complete?
If the oocyte becomes fertilised then the cell will complete Meiosis 2 otherwise cell degenerates 24hrs after ovulation
What occurs during ovulation in terms of LH and FSH and the follicle?
LH and FSH stimulate rapid follicular growth 2-4days prior to ovulation
What is the term used to describe a mature follicle?
Graafian follicle
What is a corpus luteum?
Post ovulation remaining granulosa and theca interna cells becomes vascularised -> develop a yellowish pigment and change into lutein cells -> corpus luteum
How does the corpus luteum function help the oocyte/ fertilisation?
Secretes oestrogenen and prosterone
Stimulates uterine mucosa to enter secretory stage in prep for embryo implantation
Dies after 14 days if no fertilisation occurs
How is an oocyte transported once secreted?
Fimbriae sweep over ovary -> uterine tube contracts rhythmically -> oocyte carried into tube by fimbriae and motion of cilia on epithelial lining
Oocyte propelled by peristaltic muscular contractions of the tube and by cilia in mucosa
If fertilised then reaches uterine lumen in 3-4 days
What is the corpus albicans?
If no fertilisation of occyte -> corpus luteum degenerates
Forms fibrous scar -> corpus albicans
Progesterone production decreases
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation occurs?
Corpus luteum degeneration is prevented by human chorionic gonadotropin secreted by the developing embryo
Corpus luteum contines to grow and forms the corpus luteum of pregnancy
Progesterone secreted until 4th month
Secretion of placenta then becomes adequate - corpus luteum then dies
What is the latin name for the corpus luteum of pregnancy?
Corpus luteum graviditatis
What is the difference between when spermatogenesis and oogenesis start?
spermatogenesis - puberty
oogenesis - when a foetus
What is the difference between when spermatogenesis and oogenesis are complete?
Spermatogenesis - all stages complete in testis
Oogenesis - last stage of meiosis 2 occurs in oviduct
What are the 6 functions of the pelvic floor in women?
1 - Pelvic organ support 2 - Bladder and bowel control 3 - Passing of urine and faeces 4 - Sexual function 5 - Breathing 6 - Pregnancy and childbirth
What are the mechanisms of the supportive function of the pelvic floor?
Suspension
Attachment
Fusion
To what two bones (ant and post) are the pelvic floor muscles attached to?
Pubic bone - ant
Spine - post
How is the suspension function of the pelvic floor achieved?
Cardinal ligaments - hold cervix and upper vagina in place
Uterosacral ligaments - hold the back of the cervix and upper vaginal laterally
Round ligament - maintain anteverted position of the uterus
How is the attachment function of the pelvic floor possible in women?
Arcus tendinosus fascia pelvis - white line
Endopelvic fascia - stretches like a hammock from white line laterally to the vaginal wall medially
How does increased abdo pressure help maintain urinary continence in women?
Urethra lies anterior and superior to the endopelvic fascia - gets compressed during inc abdo pressure
How is the fusion function of the pelvic floor possible in women?
Urogenital diaphragm and perineal body
Lower half of the vagina is supported by fusion of vaginal endopelvic fascia to the perineal body posteriorly and levator ani laterally and to the urethra anteriorly
What are the 4 components of the pelvic floor in simple terms
Levator ani muscles
Urogenital diaphragm/ perineal membrane
Perineal body
Perineal muscles
What are the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm?
Coccygeus muscle
Levator ani muscles
What are the levator ani muscles?
Iliococcygeus
Pubococcygeus
Puborectalis
What is the area called where the vagina and urethra pass through the internal pelvic floor muscles?
Genital hiatus
What makes up the urogenital diaphragm?
The Levator ani muscles:
Iliococcygeus
Pubococcygeus
Puborectalis
What structures do the levator ani muscles contain?
Urethra
Vagina
Rectum
What is the origin and insertion of the levator ani?
Origin:
Back of the body of the pubic bone, the white line over the obturator internus muscle and medial aspect of the ischial spines
Insertion: Rectum + lower part of coccyx and ano-coccygeal raphe
What are the perineal muscles?
External anal sphincter
Bulbospongiosus aka bulbocavernous
Superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles
What is the urogenital diaphragm?
Spans the anterior half of the pelvic outlet
Arises from the inferior ischiopubic ramus
Attaches medially to the urethra, vagina and perineal body
What is the perineal body?
The centre point of the perineum
Muscular attachment point
What is the blood supply to and from the vagina?
To - internal and external pudendal arteries
From - internal and external pudendal veins
What is the lymphatic drainage from the vagina?
Inguinal lymph nodes
What is the nerve supply to the vagina?
S2-4 -> Branches of the pudendal nerve
What pelvic floor muscles encircle the anus?
Pubococcygeus
External sphincter ani
What is a pelvic organ prolapse?
Loss of support for the uterus, bladder, colon or rectum - leading to prolapse of one or more of these organs into the vagina
What is the term used to describe a prolapsed bladder into the vagina?
Cystocele
What is the term used to describe a prolapsed urethra into the vagina?
Urethrocele
What are the middle compartment prolapses?
Uterine prolapse
What is the term used to describe the whole uterus prolapsing out of the vagina?
Procidentia
What is a vaginal vault prolapse?
Prolapse of the vaginal apex through the vagina post hysterectomy only
What are posterior compartment prolapses?
Rectum prolapse into the vagina
Loops of bowel may prolapse into the rectovaginal space - (Pouch of douglas) -> enterocele
What are the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapses?
Age
Parity
Vaginal delivery - 4x increased risk after 1st child 11x increased risk after ≥4 deliveries
Obesity and causes of chronic raised intra-abdominal pressure
Postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency
Neurological - spina bifida
Genetic connective tissue disorder - Marfan’s, Ehlers’ Danlos
What is an obstetric anal sphincter injury?
Perineal tears involving the anal sphincter complex
Episiotomy performed to reduce risk of occurrence during crowning of baby
What is the main stay of treatment for urinary incontinence?
Pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen
Define FGM
all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs, whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons