Reproduction in Humans I Flashcards
male reproductive system female reproductive system gametogenesis menstrual cycle journey of sperm in female reproductive tract
Seminiferous tubules: location + function
Location: Seminiferous tubules are tightly coiled tubules present within the testes
Function:
1. Produces sperm (development of sperm is called spermatogenesis)
2. FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) from anterior pituitary gland promotes spermatogenesis
Leydig cells/Interstitial cells
Location + function
Location: Leydig cells/interstitial cells are present between the seminiferous tubules in the testes
Function:
1. They produce testosterone (Male sex hormone)
2. Testosterone promotes sperm development
3. Luteinizing hormone (LH) from anterior pituitary gland promotes production of testosterone by interstitial cells
What can lead to reduced quality and number of sperms produced?
Consumption of alcohol, body building steroids and smoking decreases levels of testosterone leading to reduced quality and number of sperms.
Sertoli cells/Nurse cells
- Provide nutrition to developing spermatids
- Sertoli cells form blood testis barrier
Acrosome of sperm
- It is the cap on the head of the sperm
- Contains Hyaluronidase enzyme for penetration of the egg
Head of sperm
Contains 23 chromosomes from the father
Mid-piece of sperm
- Contains mitochondrion
- produces ATP (energy) for swimming/motility
Tail of sperm
- Flagellum used for swimming/motility
- Whiplash movement
Spermatogenesis
The formation of male gametes (Spermatozoa) in the testis is called spermatogenesis
Spermiogenesis
The transformation of non-motile, circular spermatids to motile, elongated sperms is called spermiogenesis
Spermiation
The sperm heads embedded in the Sertoli cells get finally released from the seminiferous tubule. This release is called Spermiation.
Hormones required for spermatogenesis
GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone):
secreted by: Hypothalamus
stimulates:
* anterior pituitary gland
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone):
secreted by: pituitary gland
stimulates: process of spermatogenesis
LH (Luteinizing Hormone):
secreted by: pituitary gland
stimulates: secretion of Testosterone by Leydig cells which stimulates Spermatogenesis
GnRH—> FSH—> ( ) and LH —> (Testosterone) ===> SPERMATOGENESIS
GRW the testes hang in the scrotal cavity
The temperature in the scrotal cavity is comparatively lower than the abdomen (2-3 degrees Celsius lower) which provides a conducive environment for the production of sperm
Spermatogenesis- order + ploidy
- Primary germ cell (2n)
- Spermatogonia (2n)
- Spermatocyte - Primary spermatocyte (2n) and Secondary spermatocyte (n)
- Spermatid (n)
- Spermatozoa/Sperm (n)
Ovaries
- Produce eggs (ova)
- Produce hormones- estrogen and progesterone (female sex hormones)
Endometrium- functions + location
Location: The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium
Functions:
* It is the vascular site for the implantation of the embryo
* It helps form the placenta
* Endometrium lining is shed during menstrual cycle
Cervix: location and function
Location: Opening between uterus and vagina
Function: Produces mucus to help guide sperm towards the uterus
Oogenesis
The formation of ova in the ovary from primordial germinal cells is said to be oogenesis
Ovulation
Release of egg/ovum (usually once a month) is called ovulation
Menarche
The onset of the first menstrual cycle in a girl (avg age- 11-14 years) is called menarche