Reproductive physiology Flashcards
Which neural pathway is dominant in the neuroendocrine control of reward and pleasure?
Mesolimbic dopaminergic
Which neural pathway is dominant in the neuroendocrine control of movement?
nigrostriatal tract
What is the dominant neural region involved in erection?
Limbic system
Recall the sequence of neuroendocrine events that lead to erection
PNS acts on SMCs of pudendal artery
NO increased
cGMP increased
Blood flow in corpus cavernosum increased
Recall the mechanism of action of viagra
Inhibits phosphodiesterase - a de-activator of cGMP
What is the functional equivalent of the penis in females?
Clitoris
Recall the main components of the testes
Seminiferous tubules
Leydig cells
What is the function and location of the epididymis?
One within each scrotal sac
sperm storage prior to ejaculation
Recall the points at which fluid enters the ejaculate along the vas deferens
- Epidydmis (sperm)
- seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
Sperm are released from the testis and stored in epididymis prior to ejaculation. At ejaculation sperm pass through the two Vas Deferens (which are contractile), and are mixed with fluid from the seminal vesicles. The fluid then leaves the ejaculatory duct, and passes into the urethra where it mixes with secretions from the prostate gland.
What cells are found within the seminiferous tubules?
Sertoli cells
What cells are responsible for testosterone production and what is their stimulant?
Leydig cells
LH
What cells are responsible for spermatogenesis and what is their stimulant?
Sertoli cells
FSH
Where is inhibin produced, and upon which hormone does it negatively feedback?
Seminiferous tubules (sertoli cells) GnRH
Why are gonadotropins released in a pulsatile fashion?
Testosterone negatively feeds back on LH, so as one rises the other falls
What is the role of sertoli cells in spermatogenesis?
Provide nutritional and hormonal support
Recall the precursor cells leading to the production of a sperm cell, and at which point they become haploid
Spermatogonium undergoes mitosis Primary spermocyte undergoes 1st meiosis Secondary spermocyte (haploid) 2nd meiosis Spermatid (haploid) differentiates Spermatozoa
At what point in the male lifespan are germ cells present?
Always - sperm production continues throughout life