Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
Testes function
sperm & hormone production
Epididymis function
sperm maturation and storage
Urethra
common exit for reproductive & urinary system
Vas deferens
sperm transport
Seminal Vesicle/prostate gland/bulbourethral gland
nutrients/bicarbonate/lubrication for the sperm
Erectile Tissue Types
- Corpus spongiosum - blood filling
- Corpora cavernosa
Sperm production inside the testes
produced in the seminiferous tubules
Spermatogenesis
- at birth contain immature germ cells
- at puberty meiosis begins, producing 4 spermatids per round
Andropause
testicular mass decrease, erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm count
all occur with age
Ovary function
egg maturation/release
Fallopian tube function
pathway from ovary & where fertilization occurs
Uterus function
muscular structure for growing fetus, shed if not pregnant (period)
Cervix function
ring of smooth muscle, sperm & baby must pass
Vagina
birth canal
Clitoris function
purely a pleasure centre
Oogenesis
- at birth 500k oocytes present
- at puberty each cycle gives rise to one ovum
- 420 ova released per ovulation
Ovarian cyle
maturation/release of ovum
Uterine cycle
building up and shedding uterine lining
Tropic Hormonal control
anterior pituitary gland
- GnRH release from hypothalamus triggers the release of FSH/LH
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- acts on the gonads
- promotes the release of sex hormones
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- act on the gonads
- promotes gamate production/maturation
Parturition
cervical stretch causing oxytocin release (+ feedback loop), causing more cervicle stretch/dilation and more oxytocin release
