Reproductive Physiology Flashcards
Methods of regulation of reproduction control
Neural: Transmitters directly to tissue generally via SC
Neuroendocrine: Nerves + hormones generally via SC. Relies on hormones in circulation
Endocrine: Hormones independent from nerves via circulation
Steps of ejactulation
Intromission > Sensory stimulation of glans penis > Suddon and powerful contraction of urethralis, bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernous muscle > expulsion of semen
Methods of GnRH release
Tonic: Slow release throughout reproductive cycle
Surge: High amplitude/ high frequency when stimulated by high oestrogen levels
What does Follicle stimulating hormone do? (FSH)
Produced by hypothalamus
Stimulates follicle growth in females = increases oestrogen
Stimulates sertoli cells = spermatogenesis in males
What does Luteinising hormone do? (LH)
Produced by hypothalamus
Induces ovulation in mature follicles = formation of corpus luteum and progesterone production
Stimulates production of testosterone in males
Describe Hypothalamo-hypophyseal tracts structure and fucntion
A capillary system connecting the hypothalamus with the anterior pituitary
Allows small amount of GnRH to have an immediate effect before being diluted in the blood
Controls steroids: Testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone
This is done via positive and negative feed back of GnRH
Testosterone
Produced by testes/ ovarian follicles
Male aggression
Spermatogenesis
Growth of secondary sex glands
Oestrogen
Produced by overian follicles/placenta/testes
Uterine blood flow
Growth of uterine endometrial glands
Secretory activity of oviduct
mammary growth
Closure of epiphyseal growth plate in bones
Progesterone
Produced by overian CL and placenta Uterine endometrial gland growth Secretory activity of oviduct and endometrial glands Mammary lobuloalveolar gorwth Stops uterus contraction
Describe the oestrus cycles phases
Follicular phase:
Regression of corpus luteum to ovulation
Follicles are present
dominated by oestrogen
Luteal phase: Ovulation to regression of corpus luteum Corpora lutea are present Involves preperation for pregnancy Dominated by progesterone
Follicular cell layers
Theca externa: surrounds and supports the follicle
Theca interna: Surrounds and supports follicle
Granulosa: Responds to FSH to produce oestrogen, inhibin and follicular fluid
Cumulus oophorus: Promotes oocyte maturation and ovulation
Oogensis
( Meiosis 1) primary Oocyte > First polar body/ secondary oocyte > (meiosis 2) second polar body/ Ootid > Ovum
Spermatogenesis
(meiosis 1) Spermatogonium > Primary Spermatocyte > Secodary Spermatocyte (meiosis 2) > Spermatid > Sperm
