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Reproductive physiology Flashcards

1
Q

What ligaments hold the ovaries in place?

A

Broad ligament, Suspensory ligament, Ovarian ligament, messenteries

These ligaments support the ovaries and maintain their position.

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2
Q

How many primary oocytes are present at birth?

A

700,000

This number decreases over time, with around 400 maturing over a woman’s lifetime.

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3
Q

What hormones do the ovaries produce?

A

Estrogen, Progesterone

These hormones are crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive functions..

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4
Q

Which cells produce hormones in the ovaries?

A
  • Follicular cells
  • Corpus luteum
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5
Q

What triggers the conversion of androgens to estrogen in the ovaries?

A

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

FSH stimulates granulosa cells to convert androgens to estrogen.

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6
Q

What stimulates the Theca cells to make adrogens?

A

Luteal hormone

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7
Q

What is the primary difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis?

A

Quality vs Quantity

Spermatogenesis produces many sperm, while oogenesis produces fewer, higher-quality ova. Spermatogensis is also accomplished within two months while oogenesis can take anywhere from 12 to 50 years to complete.

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8
Q

How does follicle development start?

A
  • Primary oocyte and primary follicles develop
  • Follicle matures in ovary, becomes the secondary follicle

-The primary oocyte is surrounded by single layer of granulosa cells
-Several primordial follicles start to develop, and one becomes the primary follicle

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9
Q

What occurs to the secondary follicle at ovulation?

A

Pushes out of the ovary wall

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10
Q

Ovarian tubes

A

-Site of fertilization
-Contain fimbrae, cilia, and smooth muscle

10 cm long
Cilia and smooth muscle help move the ovum towards the uterus

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11
Q

What is the function of the fimbriae in the female reproductive system?

A

Draws ovum into the Fallopian tubes

Fimbriae help guide the ovum into the uterine tube after ovulation.

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12
Q

What is the role of the corpus luteum?

A

Secretes estrogen and progesterone

The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and is vital for maintaining the uterine lining.

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13
Q

Uterus

A

-Muscular wall
-Endometrium
* Site of implantation
* Basal layer (constantly dividing)
* Functional layer (shed each month)

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14
Q

Cervix

A
  • Neck of uterus
  • Dilates to 10 cm and effaces in labour
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15
Q

Vagina

A
  • Birth canal
  • Site of sperm deposition
  • Mucous and acid secretion (protective, mucous aids sperm survival)
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16
Q

What is the Billing’s Method?

A

-Tracking changes in cervical mucous to identify periods of fertility and infertility
-Study showed that 32% of couples who were sub-fertile achieve pregnancy with Billing’s

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17
Q

Purpose of the ovarian cycle

A

Prepares Ova for release and fertilization

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18
Q

Purpose of uterine cycle

A

Prepares endometrium for implantation

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19
Q

Both the ovarian and uterine cycles are controlled by:

A

Hormones

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20
Q

What are the phases of the ovarian cycle?

A

Follicular phase, Ovulation, Luteal phase

The ovarian cycle lasts approximately 28 days.

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21
Q

Follicular phase of ovarian cycle

A
  • Day 1-14
  • Maturing follicles
  • Higher follicle-stimulating hormone
  • Secrete estrogen
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22
Q

Ovulation phase of ovarian cycle

A
  • Day 14
  • Occurs due to spike in FSH and LH
  • Egg released
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23
Q

Luteal phase of ovarian cycle

A
  • Corpus luteum forms (remaining follicular cells), secretes estrogen and progesterone to thicken the uterine lining for implantation
  • If implantation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and menstruation occurs
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24
Q

Phases of the uterine (or menstrual) cycle

A
  • Menstrual phase
  • Proliferative phase
  • Secretory or progestational phase
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25
How many days does it take for the uterine and ovarian cycles?
28 days
26
Menstrual phase of uterine cycle
* Day 1-7 * Shedding of functional layer * Triggered by drop in estrogen and progesterone
27
Proliferative phase of uterine cycle
* Day 7-14 * Higher estrogen * Repairs uterine wall
28
Secretory phase of uterine cycle
* High estrogen and progesterone * Endometrium thickens in readiness for implantation
29
If an egg is not fertilized..
* Corpus luteum degenerates * Estrogen and progesterone drop * Menses
30
If egg is fertilized...
* Secretes HCG (pregnancy hormone) * Causes corpus luteum to be maintained * Estrogen and progesterone stay high * Endometrium kept (no menses)
31
Causes of female infertility
* Abnormal production of FSH and/or LH * Endometrium is not ready (endometriosis) * Vagina too acidic * Pelvic inflammatory disease (scarred, blocked, oviducts) * Mucous too thick so sperm can't penetrate * Aging * Blocked tubules
32
Methods of enhancing fertility
* Fertility-enhancing drugs * Artificial insemination * In vitro fertilization (in test tube, then embryo inserted into uterus via the vagina) * GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) where unfertilized eggs and sperm placed in oviduct * ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer) where fertilized egg is placed in oviduct
33
True or False: The secretory phase of the uterine cycle corresponds to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.
True ## Footnote Both phases occur after ovulation and involve preparation for embryo implantation.
34
What condition is characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue?
Endometriosis ## Footnote This condition can cause pain and other reproductive health issues.
35
What is the average age range for the onset of menopause?
45 - 55 years ## Footnote Menopause is marked by the cessation of menstruation and hormonal changes.
36
What is menopause?
* Cessation of woman's menstrual cycle * Triggered by hypothalamic change * Preceded by period of pregressive ovarian failure (peri-menopause) which are incresingly irregular cycles, dwindling estrogen levels * Transition is called climacteric
37
What hormone is responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum if the egg is fertilized?
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) ## Footnote HCG is secreted by the developing embryo to signal the corpus luteum to continue hormone production.
38
What are viral STDs?
* HIV * Hepatitis B
39
What is HIV?
One of the most dangerous STDs that destroys the immune system.
40
What is the treatment for HIV?
May achieve remission but no cure.
41
What is Hepatitis B?
A viral infection that affects the liver. ## Footnote Vaccine available
42
What is a key feature of Hepatitis B compared to HIV?
More contagious than HIV, but not as deadly.
43
What is genital herpes?
Infection caused by herpes simplex virus leading to painful blisters.
44
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
Virus that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
45
What are common symptoms of yeast infections (Candida)?
* Pain * Inflammation * Discharge
46
What are symptoms of trichomoniasis? ## Footnote A protozoan
* Inflammation * Foul discharge
47
What are the symptoms of pubic lice (crabs)?
* Intense itching * Skin irritation
48
What is the primary function of the scrotum?
To keep the testes at a temperature 3˚ cooler than body temperature ## Footnote This temperature is critical for sperm survival.
49
What is the type of muscle in the scrotum?
Smooth muscle that contracts and pulls testes close when cold, relaxes when warm
50
What are Leydig cells responsible for?
Producing testosterone, triggered by LH. This is important for sperm production. ## Footnote Leydig cells are located in the testes.
51
What do the testes contain?
* ~800 feet of seminiferous tubules * These are contained by lobules (1 - 4 each)
52
What is the average sperm production rate in the testes?
~200 million sperm per day 20% of this are rejects ## Footnote Sperm production requires **proper temperature and pH.**
53
How many days does it take spermatogenesis to occur?
64-74 days
54
Which cells are in the seminiferous tubules?
* Germ cells * Sustentacular cells - Sertoli cells
55
What is the role of Sertoli cells in the male reproductive system?
* Form the blood-testis barrier * Assist sperm production with differentiation and phagocytizes defective sperm * Secretes seminiferous fluid * Aids Leydig cells to secrete test * Secretes inhibin (inhibits FSH)
56
What is the role of the germ cells in the male reproductive system?
Sperm-forming cells
57
What is the function of the acrosome in a spermatozoan?
Contains digestive enzymes to break down the egg wall ## Footnote This is crucial for fertilization.
58
Anatomy of a spermatozoan
* Tail for motility * DNA head * Acrosome (covers head) * Mitochondria (energy)
59
What is the journey time for sperm maturation in the epididymis?
Approximately 20 days ## Footnote The epididymis is about 6m long when uncoiled.
60
What is the role of the epididymis?
Site of sperm maturation
61
Function of ductus deferens
* Stores and transports sperm * Stored for up to 2 months then resorbed
62
Where do the secretions of the male reproductive system come from (accessory glands)?
* Seminal vesicles * Prostate gland * Bulbo-urethral gland (cowper's gland)
63
What is the primary function of seminal vesicles?
* Produce ~60% of semen volume * providing fructose for sperm nourishment * Alkali to neutralize vaginal acid * Contain prostaglandins to trigger vaginal contractions * Clotting factors
64
What is the primary function of the prostate gland?
* Encircles urethra * Produces 25-30% of seminal fluid * Alkali * Prostaglandins (enhances sperm motility) * Enzymes that clot then liquefy semen to keep sperm in vagina after penis withdrawal
65
What are the primary functions of the bulbourethral glands?
* Pea-sized * Inferior to prostate * Produce mucous to enter spongy erethra, neutralizes traces of acidic urine and lubricates the urethra
66
Which male structures are paired vs unpaired?
Paired: testis, epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicle, bulbourethral gland Unpaired: prostate gland
67
What is the ejaculate volume during ejaculation?
4-7 mL ## Footnote This volume contains approximately 400 million sperm.
68
Ejaculation
* Vasodilation to penis * Erection (parasympathetic) * Ejaculation (sympathetic)
69
Male fertility problem causes
* Blocked tubules * Decreased sperm count or quality (hormonal, less than 60 million/ejaculation) * Decreased sperm motility (hormonal) * Decreased accessory gland secretion
70
What is the significance of human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy?
Maintains the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over at 3 months ## Footnote It is essential for sustaining early pregnancy.
71
Fill in the blank: Fertilization is followed by cell ________.
cleavage ## Footnote This results in smaller cells called **blastomeres.**
72
Where do: ovulation, fertilization, cell division, implantation occur?
Ovulation: ovary Fertilization: fallopian tube Cell division: fallopian tube Implantation: uterus
73
What is the average gestation period for humans?
About 38 weeks ## Footnote This includes both embryonic and fetal development stages.
74
What happens during weeks 1-8?
* Development of all organ systems * Most susceptible to conditions
75
What is forming at 4 weeks gestation?
* Somites (important for skeleton) * Spinal cord * Ear and eye
76
5 weeks gestation
* Heart and placenta are operational * Mouth/liver/kidney/digestive systems * Arm and leg buds
77
What happens to the uterus during pregnancy?
* Increases from 50g to 1100g * Increases volume from <10ml to 5L * Increases blood supply from 1.5% to 20-25% of CO
78
What is the function of the placenta?
* Hormone factory (HCG, cytokines) * Receives up to 20% of CO * Uses as much 02 as fetus * Umbilical cord
79
Stages of parturition (labour)
* Cervical dilation (higher oxytocin): longest stage, 2-24 hours * Delivery of baby: cervical dilation and effacement is complete, 30-90 minutes * Delivery of placenta: uterine contractions separates placenta from wall, 15-30 minutes after baby born * Uterus shrinks to pregestational size (involution)
80
Male sperm (Y)
* Lighter * Faster * Fragile * Die in ~24 hours * Conceived if "deposit" is close to ovulation (day 14)
81
Female sperm (X)
* Heavier * Slower * Hardier * Live 2-3 days * Conceived if "deposit" is early in cycle (day 11-13)
82
What % of sperm survive to cercix, uterus and oviducts?
Cervix: 3% Uterus: .1% Oviducts: .001%

KNES260 (13 decks)

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