Reproduction Flashcards
What is the pelvis made up of
Hip bones, sacrum and coccyx
Is the pelvic inlet or outlet bigger
Inlet
What is the false/greater pelvis
Superior region, above pelvic inlet, contains parts of the GI tract
What is the true/lesser pelvis
Inferior region, between inlet and outlet, contains internal reproductive organs
What are the features of the female pelvis compared to the male pelvis
Female: broader subpubic angle, oval inlet, straighter coccyx
Male: narrower subpubic angle, heart shaped inlet, curved coccyx
What two muscles make up the pelvic floor (diaphragm)
Levator ani, coccygeus
What is the urogenital triangle comprised of
Urethral opening, external genitalia
What is the anal triangle comprised of
Anal canal and fat
What is a gonad
Reproductive organ where gametes are made
What is the path sperm takes in the male reproductive system
Testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, ampulla, urethra
What is a spermatic cord comprised of
Testicular artery, testicular vein (pampiniform plexus), nerve, ductus deferens, lymphatics
What is the path sperm takes in the testis
Seminiferous tubules, rete testis, efferent ductule
What dense fibrous capsule surrounds the testes and separates them into lobules
Tunica albuginea
What do interstitial endocrine cells produce
Testosterone
What do nurse cells produce
Inhibin
Where are interstitial endocrine cells located
Surrounding seminiferous tubules
Where are nurse cells located
Near the wall of the seminiferous tubules
What is the site of sperm maturation
Epididymis
What is the inguinal canal
Gap in the abdominal cavity which ductus deferens runs through
How does the ductus deferens start
In the spermatic cord
What are the ejaculatory ducts
The union of the duct from the seminal vesicle and the ampulla
Where does the ejaculatory duct open
Prostatic urethra
How does the epithelium change down the male urethra
Transitional, columnar, stratified squamous
What are the three sections of the male urethra
Prostatic, membranous, penile/spongy
Where is the external urethral sphincter in males
Pelvic floor (membranous urethra level)
Where is the internal urethral sphincter in males
Opening of the bladder (extension of detrusor muscle)
What is retrograde ejaculation
Internal sphincter fails to close resulting in sperm ending up in the bladder
What are three regions of the epididymis
Head, body, tail
What does the scrotum contain
Two testes, two epididymides, two spermatic cords
What is the scrotum
A sack of skin lined with fascia (connective tissue)
What temperature should the testes be kept at
34 C
What muscle is the scrotum lined with
Dartos: contracts to reduce surface area for heat exchange
What muscle contracts to bring the testes up into the body
Cremaster
What is the purpose of the venous plexus in the spermatic cord
Increases surface area for heat exchange between artery and veins
What are the features of the penis
Root (bulb), body, glans covered by prepuce/foreskin
What is the dorsal side of the penis
Side with corpora cavernosa (based on when erect)
What is the ventral side of the penis
Side with corpus spongiosum (based on when erect)
What are the three erectile tissues of the penis
2 corpora cavernosa, 1 corpus spongiosum
What should be noted about the corpus spongiosum
Contains urethra, forms bulb and glans
Where do veins, arteries, nerves run in the penis
Dorsal side
What is the purpose of seminal fluid
Protection from acidic vagina, energy for sperm, fluid medium, activates motility of sperm
What is seminal fluid produced by
Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands
Where are the seminal vesicles located
Posterior to bladder, lateral to ampulla
What do seminal vesicles secrete
60% of semen, alkaline pH to protect against acidic environment in urethra and vagina
What does the prostate gland secrete
30% of semen, slightly acidic, milky fluid. Contains PSA (prostate specific antigen). Contributes to sperm activation, viability and motility
Where is the prostate gland located
Inferior to bladder and ejaculatory ducts, wraps around prostatic urethra
What do the bulbourethral glands secrete
5% seminal fluid volume, secretions lubricate and neutralise acidity in urethra prior to ejaculation
What is a vasectomy
Sterilisation of males by cutting and tying or cauterising ductus deferens
What is spermatogenesis 1
Spermatogonia divide by mitosis, type A stays at seminiferous tubule basement membrane, type B goes on
What is spermatogenesis 2
Type B differentiates into a primary spermatocyte, which undergoes meiosis I to form 2 secondary spermatocytes (haploid)
What is spermatogenesis 3
Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to form spermatids
What is spermiogenesis
Spermatids differentiate into spermatozoa with a head, body and tail
What is the singular of spermatozoa
Spermatozoon
Where do spermatozoa mature to become motile
Epididymis
Where is GnRH released from
Hypothalamus
Where is LH and FSH released from
Anterior pituitary
What do nurse cells secrete
Inhibin
What do interstitial endocrine cells secrete
Testosterone
What is testosterone responsible for
Primary (sex organs) and secondary (deep voice, facial hair, etc) male characteristics
What stimulates production of testosterone
LH
What hormones control spermatogenesis
FSH and testosterone
What stimulates production of inhibin
FSH
What does inhibin negatively feed back on
FSH
What does testosterone negatively feed back on
LH and GnRH
Why is testosterone important in the homeostasis of production of spermatozoa
Because it suppresses GnRH
What is the perineum
Region inferior to the pelvic floor and between upper region of the thighs
Where is the mons pubis
In front of the pubic symphysis
What are the two labia
Labia majora (larger and more lateral) and labia minora (smaller and more medial)
Where are the vestibular glands
Deep to the labia
What is the purpose of the vestibular glands
Lubricate vaginal orifice
What are the parts of the clitoris
Glans, body, crura (x2), bulbs (x2)
Which part of the clitoris has corpora cavernosa
Body
What are the structures of the female reproductive tract
Ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina
What are the parts of the uterine tube
isthmus, ampulla, infundibulum
What is the name of finger like projections of the uterine tube
Fimbriae
What are the parts of the uterus
Body, uterus, fundus
What are the layers of the uterine wall
Endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium
What is the endometrium made of
Columnar epithelium, uterine glands, arteries
What is the perimetrium made of
Connective tissue
What are the blood vessels in the endometrium
Venous sinusoids, spiral arteries, straight arteries
What are the parts of the cervix
Anterior and posterior fornix, external os, cervical canal, internal os
What is the purpose of the cervix
Produce cervical mucus, regulate sperm transport
How can the vagina be described
Fibromuscular, distensible copulatory organ
What are the ovaries’ blood supply
Ovarian arteries
What is the uterus’ blood supply
Uterine artery
What does the ovarian artery originate from
Abdominal aorta
What does the uterine artery originate from
Internal iliac artery
What is the vagina’s blood supply
Vaginal artery
Where does the vaginal artery originate
Internal iliac artery
What is the main source of blood loss during mestruation
Spiral (coiled) arteries
What is the function of the spiral arteries
Supply functional layer of endometrium
What is the function of the straight arteries
Supply basal layer of endometrium
Which arteries travel around the circumference of the uterus in the myometrium
Arcuate arteries
Which arteries travel from the myometrium into the endometrium
Radial arteries
Where do the arcuate arteries originate
Uterine artery
Where do oocytes develop
In follicles in the cortex of the ovary
What is the inner medulla of the ovary made of
Connective tissue, blood/lymphatic vessels, nerves
What are follicles that haven’t started developing yet called
Primordial
What are the three types of follicles as the oocyte develops
Primary, secondary, tertiary
What is released during ovulation
Secondary oocyte and corona radiata
What does the follicle become after ovulation
Corpus luteum
What does the corpus luteum become
Corpus albicans
Where does the development of an oocyte and follicle occur
At one site in the medulla of the ovary
What is the ligament that covers the whole uterus down to the cervix
Broad ligament
What is the broad ligament made of
Peritoneum
What is the part of the broad ligament that presses together near the uterus
Mesometrium
What is the part of the broad ligament that presses together near the uterine tube
Mesosalpinx
What is the part of the broad ligament that presses together near the ovary
Mesovarium
What is the Ovarian ligament
Attaches ovary to uterus
What is the suspensory ligament
Attaches ovary to body wall
What is the round ligament
Connects uterus to labia majora (similar path to ductus deferens (inguinal canal), holds uterus in flexed position)
What is the fold of visceral broad ligament between the bladder and uterus
Vesicouterine pouch
What is the fold of visceral broad ligament between the uterus and rectum
Rectouterine pouch
What muscle do the breasts lie on
Pectoralis major
What hormones stimulate development of breast tissue
Estradiol and progesterone
When are the breasts fully mature
Pregnancy
What are the smaller structures of the lobes in the breast
Lobules, alveoli
What is the name of the gland that is the breast
Mammary
What ducts drain the alveoli
Lactiferous ducts
What do the lactiferous ducts drain into
Lactiferous sinuses
What ligaments support the glands of the breast
Suspensory
What is the skin surrounding the nipple called
Areola
Which ligament does the ovarian artery run through
Suspensory ligament
What is oogenesis
Formation and development of oocytes from oogonia
When does oogenesis begin
Before birth, paused until puberty
What occurs in mitosis of oogenesis
Oogonium divides into another oogonia and a primary oocyte
What occurs in meiosis I of oogenesis
Primary oocyte divides into a polar body and a secondary oocyte
Where does meiosis I halt
Prophase I
What happens to the first polar body
Atresia, or meiosis II
What happens in meiosis II
Secondary oocyte produces ovum and second polar body
What enables meiosis II to finish
Fertilisation
Where does meiosis II pause
Metaphase II, until fertilisation
What are primary oocytes encased in
Primordial follicle
How many follicles are recruited each ovarian cycle (due to GnRH)
A handful
Out of the follicles recruited, how many will complete development and ovulate
1: dominant follicle
What happens if the ova is not fertilised
Atresia, never completes meiosis
What cells surround the oocyte in a follicle
Granulosa
What cells surround a follicle
Theca
What do granulosa cells produce
Estradiol and inhibin
What is released in ovulation
Oocyte and corona radiata
What is the corona radiata
Granulosa cells surrounding oocyte
What hormone does the hypothalamus secrete
GnRH
What hormones do the anterior pituitary secrete
LH and FSH
What hormones do the follicles produce
Estradiol and inhibin
What hormones do the corpus luteum produce
Inhibin and progesterone
What does GnRH result in
Release of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary
What does FSH result in
Stimulation of the growth of ovarian follicles
What does LH result in
Surge of LH results in ovulation, formation of corpus luteum
What does estradiol from the developing follicles result in
Follicular growth, bone and muscle growth, endometrial growth, secondary sex characteristics, feedback to anterior pituitary
What does inhibin from the granulosa cells result in
Negative feedback to anterior pituitary to suppress FSH
What does progesterone from the corpus luteum result in
Negative feedback to suppress GnRH (hence LH and FSH), endometrial maturation, maintains pregnant state
What are the two phases of the ovarian cycle
Follicular and luteal
What are the three phases of the endometrial cycle
Menstrual, proliferative, secretory
What hormone stimulates the beginning of the follicular phase
FSH
What does inhibin from the developing follicle negatively feed back on, and why
FSH, so that not all follicles are stimulated
What does estradiol from the developing follicle stimulate
Switches from negative to positive feedback on LH which triggers ovulation
What does the corpus luteum secrete and what do these inhibit
Estradiol, inhibin, progesterone (most), inhibit FSH and LH
What hormone enables growth of the endometrium
Estradiol
What hormone sustains the endometrium
Progesterone
What hormonal changes does the corpus albicans cause
Reduction in progesterone, estradiol, inhibin
What hormonal change results in the destruction of the functional layer of the endometrium
Decrease in progesterone (and estradiol and inhibin)
What is day 1 of the endometrial cycle
Menstruation
When does ovulation occur in the ovarian cycle (day)
Day 14
When is the first menstrual period
Menarche: orchestrated by increase in estrogens by the gonads
What is the cessation of menstruation called
Menopause, caused by reduction in estradiol and progesterone due to absence or lack of response by follicles resulting in no anterior pituitary feedback and high levels of FSH and LH
What happens to the growing follicles during the follicular phase, except for the dominant follicle
Atresia
Where does the oocyte enter before being collected by the uterine tube
Peritoneal space
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation and implantation don’t occur
Involutes (luteolysis) resulting in a fall in progesterone and estradiol which removes negative feedback on FSH and LH
What is the change in estradiol action leading up to ovulation
Changes from negative to positive feedback on hypothalamus
What specifically grows in the endometrium during/prior to secretory phase
Glands become secretory, spiral arterioles grow and coil
What happens to the endometrium resulting in menstruation (why is there blood)
Endometrial tissue breaks down, spiral arteries contract
What is intromission
Erect penis inserted into vagina
What type of innervation causes erection
Parasympathetic (think relaxed)
What arteries dilate in an erection
Deep arteries to fill lacunae with blood
What are the two phases of ejaculation
Emission and expulsion
What type of innervation causes emission
Sympathetic
What type of innervation causes expulsion
Sympathetic (urethra) and somatic (pelvic floor)
What type of innervation causes resolution
Sympathetic
What happens in the erection phase
Deep arteries dilate (and dorsal arteries), bulbourethral glands secrete
What happens in the emission phase
Sperm move into ampulla by ductus deferens peristalsis. Seminal vesicle and prostate gland secretions
What happens in the expulsion phase
Sperm move out of the urethra, internal urethral sphincter contracts (prevent movement into bladder)
What happens in the resolution phase
Blood flow is reduced, pushed out, penis becomes flaccid. Internal pudendal artery constricts, trabecular muscles contract
What is the vasodilator of deep arteries
Nitric oxide
What fascia surrounds the corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa
Tunica albuginea
What fascia surrounds all the erectile tissue of the penis, and what is its function
Deep fascia, prevent penis from expanding too much
What structure forms the trabeculae around the lacunae of the erectile tissue
Smooth muscle fibres
Where are the lesser vestibular glands of the clitoris
Near the external urinary meatus
What clitoris structure shares developmental origins with the corpora cavernosa of the penis
Crura/body (also corpora cavernosa)
What structures of the clitoris are erectile
Crura, glans, bulbs
What clitoris structure shares developmental origins with the root of the penis
Bulbs of vestibule
What artery feeds the perineum and external genitalia
Pudendal artery
List the branching to form the pudendal artery
Abdominal aorta, common iliac artery, internal iliac artery, internal pudendal artery
What are the branches of the pudendal artery to the penis
Artery to bulb, urethral artery, dorsal artery, deep (cavernosal) artery
What does the pudendal nerve supply
Sensory and somatic motor innervation to perineum and external genitalia, including penis (dorsal nerve)
What is autonomic innervation to the penis derived from
Pelvic plexus (parasympathetic and sympathetic)
Where does parasympathetic innervation to the penis come from
Sacral region
Where does sympathetic innervation to the penis come from
Thoracic/lumbar region
What produces NO (vasodilator)
Deep arteries of penis
What does parasympathetic innervation cause in the penis
Erection: production of NO, dilation of deep arteries
What does sympathetic innervation cause in the penis
Ejaculation: contraction of smooth muscle, reproductive ducts, accessory glands
What does somatic motor innervation cause in the penis
Ejaculation: contraction of skeletal muscle around bulb of penis
What is the name of the period in which another erection cannot occur
Refractory period
What is engorged in the female sexual response
Labia, vagina, clitoris
What happens to the vagina in the female sexual response
Widens and lengthens
What happens to the uterus in the female sexual response
Elevates
Rhythmic contraction of what may occur in the female sexual response
Vaginal, uterine, pelvic floor muscles
Where is lubricating fluid secreted from
Through the vaginal wall, secretion into vestibule by greater vestibular glands
What do the greater vestibular glands share developmental origins with
Bulbourethral glands
What is insemination
Semen released into upper part of vagina
Where is the ideal site for fertilisation
Ampulla
How long does implantation take after fertilisation
About 7 days
What are the natural contraception methods
Rhythm, withdrawal, lactational infertility
What are the artificial contraception methods
Barrier, intrauterine devices, hormonal contraceptives, sterilisation
What are barrier methods
Caps, diaphragms: imperfect barrier so must be used in conjuction with spermicidal foams/jellies/creams/sponges. Must remain 6 hours after intercourse
Condoms
What is the only contraception that reduces risk of STIs
Condoms
What is the non-hormonal intrauterine device (copper IUD)
Causes low grade inflammation, reduces sperm transport, toxic, impairs implantation
What do steroidal contraceptives do
Deliver a progestin (and possibly estrogen). Suppress ovulation by affecting feedback loops. Affect mucus produced by cervix to prevent sperm penetration
What are the changes in cervical mucus as approaching ovulation
More dilute as approaching ovulation, thicker afterward to prevent movement of spermatozoa
What are the types of steroidal contraception for females
Combined oral, progestin only, subdermal implant, hormonal IUDs
What does the progestin only pill do
Affects cervical mucus
What does the subdermal implant do
Disrupts follicular growth and ovulation
What do hormonal IUDs do
Contain progestins which affect cervical mucus, reduce sperm transport, local effects on endometrium, may prevent ovulation
What is tubal ligation/salpingectomy
Cut/cauterising or removal of uterine tubes
What stimuli can trigger an erection
Visual/mental/other from brain, or stimulation of genital region especially glans
What do sympathetic signals trigger in expulsion
Secretion from prostate gland and seminal vesicles, contraction of internal urethral sphincter
What do somatic signals trigger in expulsion
Bulbospongiosus contraction and rhythmic compression of bulb/root of penis, which compresses urethra resulting in expulsion of semen
What results in reduced blood flow to penis in resolution
Constricted internal pudendal artery, contraction of trabecular muscles
