reproductive physiology Flashcards
what is the location of implantation
uterus
What are the two parts of the uterus
uterine body and cervix
Describe the structure of an ovary
Surface - connective tissue capsule covered with a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium
Cortex - the peripheral part, connective tissue containing ovarian follicles
Medulla - central part - connective tissue with blood vessels
what is the function of the ovaries
Production of Oocytes (1 mature egg per menstrual cycle)
Steroid hormone production - Estrogen and progesterone
what is amenorrhoea
No periods
What could cause amenorrhoea
Problem with regulating hormones
Problem with ovary
Problem with uterus or outflow tract
What is the function of estrogen
Causes secondary sexual characteristics to develop
What is the function of progesterone
Prepares the endometrium for implantation
Describe the endocrine control of femal reproductive axis
The hypothalamus releases GnRH which travels to the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the release of FSH and LH which travel to the ovary and stimulate the secretion of estrogen and progesterone
What rise in hormone causes ovulation and what causes the surge
The surge in LH causes ovulation - when estrogen reaches its peak, it causes the surge in LH
What does the corpus luteum release to prepare the endometrial lining for pregnancy
Progesterone
What happens if a pregnancy does not occur
The corpus luteum dies and the estrogen and progesterone levels drop which signals the start of a new cycle
What is the function of the epididymis
Stores and matures sperm
Describe the follicular phase of ovarian cycle
FSH causes follicle to mature and produce estrogen which prevents the development of other follicles
Describe the ovulation stage of the ovarian cycle
LH surge causes ovulation - follicle ruptures and secondary oocyte is released
Describe the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle
Ruptured follicle forms a corpus luteum and secretes progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation
Describe menstruation phase of the ovarian cycle
Corpus luteum degenerates and a new ovarian cycle begins
What day of the ovarian cycle is the endometrium the most thick
Day 28 of the ovarian cycle
Describe the pathway of sperm and how it leaves the penis
The sperm leaves the testes into the epididymis where it is stored and matured - it then travels to the vas deferens which curls arounds the bladder - secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicles then all join together to form the ejaculation duct which goes to the penile urethra which then leaves the penis
What do germ cells do
Produce sperm
What do sertoli cells do
Support germ cells in producing sperm
What is the function of leydig cells
Produce testosterone
What is the function of inhibin
Negative feedback on the pituitary from sertoli cells
