Reproductive Physiology (actual) Flashcards

1
Q

Define biological sex

A

Gender, chromosomes (XX vs XY)

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2
Q

Define sexual reproduction

A

Produces offspring that differ genetically from parents

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3
Q

Define sexual intercourse

A

Sexual activity required for sexual reproduction

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4
Q

Which neurological system is involved in the pleasure and reward pathway

A

Mesolimbic dopaminergic system

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5
Q

Describe the role of the pleasure and reward pathway in reproduction

A

Pleasure, reward, fertility, reproduction and parenting pathways are all linked
Therefore pleasure pathway has a role in human bonding and parental behaviours
Activation of the pleasure pathway encourages intercourse → survival of the human race

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6
Q

Describe the regulation of penile erection

A

Controlled partially by brain
During erection: increased parasympathetic activity to smooth muscle of pudental artery
Same mechanism for the clitoris

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7
Q

Explain how the penile erection is regulated by the brain

A
  1. Increased parasympathetic activity to smooth muscle of pudental artery
  2. Increased NO synthase activity
  3. Increased NO
  4. Increased cGMP production
  5. Dilation of arterial smooth muscle
  6. increased blood flow also compresses venous outflow of blood
  7. Leads to increase in size of penis
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8
Q

Explain how viagra works

A

Cyclic GMP is normally de-activated by a phosphodiesterase enzyme, and this will reverse the changes leading to penile erection.
Viagra inhibits the phosphodiesterase, thus potentiating the effects of cyclic GMP.

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9
Q

Label the male reproductive system

A

Refer to notes

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10
Q

Which cells are found in the testis

A

Seminiferous tubules
Leydig (interstitial) cells
Sertoli cells

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11
Q

What are the functions of the Leydig cells

A

Secrete testosterone
LH responsive
Important for sexual differentiation and spermatogenesis

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12
Q

What are the functions of the seminiferous tubules

A

Produce sperm

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13
Q

What are the functions of the Sertoli cells

A

FSH responsive
Support spermatogenesis
Regulate the internal environment of the seminiferous tubules

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14
Q

What is the function of the epididymis

A

Sperm are released from the testis and stored here prior to ejaculation

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15
Q

What occurs in ejaculation

A

At ejaculation, sperm are released into the contractile Vas Deferens then pass through urethra.
During ejaculation sperm are mixed with fluid from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland

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16
Q

Label the female reproductive system

A

Refer to notes

17
Q

What are the sections of the fallopian/uterine tube from body of the uterus outwards

A

Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
Fimbriae IAIF

18
Q

What are the roles of the ovaries

A

Produce mature oocytes monthly

Produces steroids needed for female reproductive function – progesterone and Oestrogens

19
Q

What is the role of the Fallopian tube

A

where released oocyte is fertilised, pathway through which fertilised oocyte
(conceptus) reaches uterus

20
Q

What is the role of the uterus

A

where conceptus normally implants and is supported throughout pregnancy

21
Q

draw diagrams of the ovary to illustrate the main stages in the maturation of an oocyte

A
  1. oocyte in ovary surrounded by granulosa cells
  2. As follicle develops, oocyte grows, granulosa cells proliferate
  3. Theca cells of developing follicles produce oestrogen in first half of the cycle
  4. Granulosa-luteal cells produce oestrogens and progesterones during second half of the cycle
    Primordial follicle
    (refer to notes)
22
Q

explain the significance of the granulosa cells and thecal cells for sex steroid hormone production

A

FSH -> Granulosa cells -> Oestrogen + Inhibin (+ follicle maturation)

LH -> Theca cells -> Progesterone

23
Q

What are the cycles of menstruation

A

Ovarian (follicular, ovulation, luteal)

Endometrial (menstrual, proliferative, secretory)

24
Q

What occurs in the follicular phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle

A

Development and growth of several follicles (although only one is selected to ovulate)
Stimulated by FSH
Leads to increased production of oestrogen which inhibits FSH and LH secretion

25
Q

What occurs in the ovulatory phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle

A

Follicle continue to grow, producing more oestrogen.
Dominant follicle is selected for ovulation
Oestrogen begins to stimulate secretion of LH and FSH of pituitary leading to LH surge in ovulation

26
Q

What occurs in the luteal phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle

A

After ovulation, follicle develops into corpus luteum

Corpus luteum produces progesterone (and some oestrogen)

27
Q

What occurs in the menstrual phase of the endometrial cycle

A

Day 1-5 of cycle
Shedding of blood and endometrial lining of uterus
Remaining basal endometrium very thin

28
Q

What occurs in the proliferative phase of the endometrial cycle

A

Day 5-14 of cycle
Stimulation of endometrial cell proliferation, increase in thickness, increase in number and length of glands, increased in length of arteries

29
Q

What occurs in the secretory phase of the endometrial cycle

A

Day 15-28 of cycle
Production of nutrients and other factors
Epithelial glands widen, endometrium thickens, increased coiling of spiral arteries
Endometrial lining maintained by progesterone

30
Q

How are progesterone levels important in pregnancy/no pregnancy

A

If there is no pregnancy, progesterone falls and endometrium sheds →

If there is a pregnancy, corpus luteum will continue to maintain progesterone levels → no menses

31
Q

draw a diagram to illustrate fluctuations in hormonal levels over the menstrual cycle

A

Refer to Notes

32
Q

What occurs in capacitation in fertilisation

A

mediated by progesterone release from oocyte - increased motility of sperm and chemotaxis

33
Q

What occurs in acrosome reaction in fertilisation

A

Digests zona pellucida to allow sperm entry

Hardening of zona pellucida - prevents polyspermy

34
Q

What occurs during calcium influx in fertilisation

A

Resumption of meiosis

Release of second polar body