Reproductive Physiology (actual) Flashcards
Define biological sex
Gender, chromosomes (XX vs XY)
Define sexual reproduction
Produces offspring that differ genetically from parents
Define sexual intercourse
Sexual activity required for sexual reproduction
Which neurological system is involved in the pleasure and reward pathway
Mesolimbic dopaminergic system
Describe the role of the pleasure and reward pathway in reproduction
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
Describe the regulation of penile erection
Controlled partially by brain
During erection: increased parasympathetic activity to smooth muscle of pudental artery
Same mechanism for the clitoris
Explain how the penile erection is regulated by the brain
- Increased parasympathetic activity to smooth muscle of pudental artery
- Increased NO synthase activity
- Increased NO
- Increased cGMP production
- Dilation of arterial smooth muscle
- increased blood flow also compresses venous outflow of blood
- Leads to increase in size of penis
Explain how viagra works
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.
Label the male reproductive system
Refer to notes
Which cells are found in the testis
Seminiferous tubules
Leydig (interstitial) cells
Sertoli cells
What are the functions of the Leydig cells
Secrete testosterone
LH responsive
Important for sexual differentiation and spermatogenesis
What are the functions of the seminiferous tubules
Produce sperm
What are the functions of the Sertoli cells
FSH responsive
Support spermatogenesis
Regulate the internal environment of the seminiferous tubules
What is the function of the epididymis
Sperm are released from the testis and stored here prior to ejaculation
What occurs in ejaculation
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
Label the female reproductive system
Refer to notes
What are the sections of the fallopian/uterine tube from body of the uterus outwards
Isthmus
Ampulla
Infundibulum
Fimbriae IAIF
What are the roles of the ovaries
Produce mature oocytes monthly
Produces steroids needed for female reproductive function – progesterone and Oestrogens
What is the role of the Fallopian tube
where released oocyte is fertilised, pathway through which fertilised oocyte
(conceptus) reaches uterus
What is the role of the uterus
where conceptus normally implants and is supported throughout pregnancy
draw diagrams of the ovary to illustrate the main stages in the maturation of an oocyte
- oocyte in ovary surrounded by granulosa cells
- As follicle develops, oocyte grows, granulosa cells proliferate
- Theca cells of developing follicles produce oestrogen in first half of the cycle
- Granulosa-luteal cells produce oestrogens and progesterones during second half of the cycle
Primordial follicle
(refer to notes)
explain the significance of the granulosa cells and thecal cells for sex steroid hormone production
FSH -> Granulosa cells -> Oestrogen + Inhibin (+ follicle maturation)
LH -> Theca cells -> Progesterone
What are the cycles of menstruation
Ovarian (follicular, ovulation, luteal)
Endometrial (menstrual, proliferative, secretory)
What occurs in the follicular phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle
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
What occurs in the ovulatory phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle
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
What occurs in the luteal phase of the ovarian menstruation cycle
After ovulation, follicle develops into corpus luteum
Corpus luteum produces progesterone (and some oestrogen)
What occurs in the menstrual phase of the endometrial cycle
Day 1-5 of cycle
Shedding of blood and endometrial lining of uterus
Remaining basal endometrium very thin
What occurs in the proliferative phase of the endometrial cycle
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
What occurs in the secretory phase of the endometrial cycle
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
How are progesterone levels important in pregnancy/no pregnancy
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
draw a diagram to illustrate fluctuations in hormonal levels over the menstrual cycle
Refer to Notes
What occurs in capacitation in fertilisation
mediated by progesterone release from oocyte - increased motility of sperm and chemotaxis
What occurs in acrosome reaction in fertilisation
Digests zona pellucida to allow sperm entry
Hardening of zona pellucida - prevents polyspermy
What occurs during calcium influx in fertilisation
Resumption of meiosis
Release of second polar body
