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Anatomy and Physiology > Reproductive System > Flashcards

Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

Reproductive System

A

Gonads
- Primary sex organs
▪ Testes in males (testicles)
▪ Ovaries in females

Gonads produce gametes (sex cells) and secrete hormones
▪ Sperm — male gametes, male haploid cells that can fertilise an egg to make a zygote
▪ Ova (eggs) — female gametes

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2
Q

Testes

A

▪ Each testis is connected to the trunk via the spermatic cord, which houses: Blood vessels
▪ Nerves
▪ Ductus deferens

Two primary reproductive organs found inside the scrotum

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3
Q

Coverings of the Testes

A

▪ Tunica albuginea—capsule that surrounds each testis ▪ Septa—extensions of the capsule that extend into the testis and divide it into lobules

Each lobule contains one to four seminiferous tubules
▪ Tightly coiled structures
▪ Function as sperm-forming factories
▪ Empty sperm into the rete testis

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4
Q

Travel of the Sperm

A

▪ Sperm travels from the rete testis to the epididymis which has the external surface of the testies

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5
Q

Interstitial Cells in the Seminiferous Tubules

A

▪ Produce androgens such as testosterone

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6
Q

Male Reproductive System: Duct System

A

Transports sperm from the body and includes:

  1. Epididymis
  2. Ductus deferens
  3. Urethra
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7
Q

Epididymis

A

▪ Highly convoluted tube 6 m (20 ft) long
▪ Found along the posterior lateral side of the testis
▪ First part of the male duct system
▪ Temporary storage site for immature sperm
▪ Sperm mature as they journey through the epididymis
▪ During ejaculation, sperm are propelled to the ductus deferens

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8
Q

Ductus (vas) deferens

A

▪ Runs from the epididymis via the spermatic cord through the inguinal canal and arches over the urinary bladder
▪ Ampulla—end of the ductus deferens, which empties into the ejaculatory duct
▪ Ejaculatory duct—passes through the prostate to merge with the urethra
▪ Moves sperm by peristalsis into the urethra
▪ Ejaculation—smooth muscle in the walls of the ductus deferens create peristaltic waves to squeeze sperm forward
▪ Vasectomy—cutting of the ductus deferens at the level of the testes prevents transportation of sperm (form of birth control)

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9
Q

Male Reproductive System: Urethra

A

▪ Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis
▪ Carries both urine and sperm
▪ Sperm enters from the ejaculatory duct

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10
Q

Accessory Glands and Semen

A

▪ Seminal vesicles
▪ Prostate
▪ Bulbourethral glands

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11
Q

Male Reproductive System: Seminal Vesicles

A

▪ Located at the base of the bladder

▪ Produce a thick, yellowish secretion (60% of semen) that contains:
▪ Fructose (sugar)
▪ Vitamin C
▪ Prostaglandins
▪ Other substances that nourish and activate sperm

Duct of each seminal vesicle joins that of the ductus deferens on each side to form the ejaculatory duct

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12
Q

Male Reproductive System: Prostate

A

▪ Encircles the upper (prostatic) part of the urethra, inferior to urinary bladder

Secretes a milky fluid
▪ Helps to activate sperm
▪ Fluid enters the urethra through several small ducts

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13
Q

Bulbourethral glands

A

▪ Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate

Produce a thick, clear mucus
▪ Mucus cleanses the spongy (penile) urethra of acidic urine prior to ejaculation
▪ Mucus serves as a lubricant during sexual intercourse

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14
Q

Semen

A

Milky white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions

▪ Components of accessory gland secretions
▪ Liquid portion acts as a transport medium to dilute sperm
▪ Sperm are streamlined cellular “tadpoles”
▪ Fructose provides energy for sperm cells
▪ Alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidic environment of vagina
▪ Semen inhibits bacteria

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15
Q

Scrotum

A

▪ Divided sac of skin outside the abdomen that houses the testes, hangs loosely between the legs
▪ Viable sperm cannot be produced at normal body temperature
▪ Maintains testes at 3°C lower than normal body temperature
▪ This is necessary for production of healthy sperm. If it is too cold, it is pushed closer to the body wall.

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16
Q

Penis

A

▪ Male organ of copulation that delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract
▪ Internally there are three areas of spongy erectile tissue around the urethra
▪ Erections occur when this erectile tissue fills with blood during sexual excitement

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17
Q

Regions of the Penis

A 
▪ Shaft
▪ Glans penis (enlarged tip) 
▪ Prepuce (foreskin) 
▪ Folded cuff of skin around proximal end 
▪ Often removed by circumcision
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18
Q

Spermatogensis

A

▪ Sperm production - Begins at puberty and continues throughout life
▪ Millions of sperm are made every day
▪ Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules of the testis

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19
Q

Spermatogonia

A

Spermatogonia (primitive stem cells) begin the process by dividing (mitotic division) rapidly to build up stem cell line
▪ During puberty, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is secreted in increasing amount by the anterior pituitary gland

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20
Q

Divisions of Spermatogonia

A

▪ Type A daughter cell

  • A stem cell that continues the stem cell population
  • Remains in seminephorous tubules

▪ Type B daughter cell

  • Pushed towards tubule lumen and which becomes a primary spermatocyte
  • Destined to undergo meiosis and form four sperm
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21
Q

Meiosis

A

▪ Special type of nuclear division that differs from mitosis
▪ Occurs in the gonads
▪ Includes two successive divisions of the nucleus (meiosis I and II)
▪ Results in four daughter cells (gametes)

▪ Union of a sperm (23 chromosomes, n) with an egg (23 chromosomes, n) creates a zygote (2n, or 46 chromosomes)

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22
Q

Gametes

A
  • Are spermatids with 23 chromosomes
    ▪ 23 chromosomes are half the usual 46 found in other body cells
    ▪ 23 is known as the haploid number (n)—half the genetic material as other body cells
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23
Q

Spermiogenesis

A

▪ Spermatids are nonmotile and not functional as sperm
Only half as much genetic materials than other body cells (23 chromosomes)
▪ A streamlining process is needed to strip excess cytoplasm from a spermatid and modify it into a sperm
▪ A sperm has three regions: head, midpiece, tail
▪ Acrosome sits anterior to the sperm head (nucleus)
▪ The entire process of spermatogenesis, including spermiogenesis, takes 64 to 72 days

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24
Q

Testosterone Production

A
  1. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
  2. GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to release gonadotropins —FSH and LH.
  3. FSH stimulates spermatogonia to produce sperm.
  4. LH stimulates the interstitial cells to release testosterone, which serves as the final trigger for spermatogenesis. Testosterone then enhances spermatogenesis.
  5. The rising level of testosterone exerts negative feedback control on the hypothalamus and pituitary
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25
Q

Testosterone

A

▪ Most important hormonal product of the testes
▪ Stimulates reproductive organ development
▪ Underlies sex drive
Causes secondary sex characteristics (non-reproductive organs):
▪ Deepening of voice
▪ Increased hair growth, in the axillary, pubic and facial region
▪ Enlargement of skeletal muscles
▪ Increased bone growth and density

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26
Q

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

A 
▪ Ovaries 
▪ Duct system 
▪ Uterine (fallopian) tubes
▪ Uterus
▪ Vagina 
▪ External genitalia
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27
Q

Ovaries

A

▪ Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone)
▪ Does not contain ducts

Each ovary houses ovarian follicles consisting of:
▪ Oocyte (immature egg)
▪ Follicle cells—layers of different cells that surround the oocyte

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28
Q

Ovarian follicles

A

Primorteal follicles

  • Most plentiful and least mature
  • Single layer of cells surrounding the oocyte

Primary follicle

  • Contains an immature oocyte
  • Slightly larger than primorteal follicles

Vesicular/ secondary (Graafian) follicle
- Growing follicle with a maturing oocyte.

Ovulation

  • The follicle ruptures when the egg is mature and ready to be ejected from the ovary; occurs about every 28 days
  • The ruptured follicle is transformed into a corpus luteum, which eventually degenerates
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29
Q

Ovary Support

A

▪ Suspensory ligaments secure the ovaries to the lateral walls of the pelvis
▪ Ovarian ligaments anchor ovaries to the uterus medially
▪ Broad ligaments, a fold of peritoneum, enclose and hold the ovaries in place

30
Q

Duct System

A

▪ Uterine (fallopian) tubes
▪ Uterus
▪ Vagina

31
Q

Uterine Fallopian tubes

A

▪ Form the initial part of the duct system
▪ Receive the ovulated oocyte from the ovaries
▪ Provide a site for fertilization
▪ Empty into the uterus
▪ Little or no contact between ovaries and uterine tubes
▪ Supported and enclosed by the broad ligament

32
Q

Structure of Duct System

A
  • Infundibulum
  • Distal, funnel-shaped end

Fimbriae
▪ Fingerlike projections of the infundibulum
▪ Receive the oocyte from the ovary
▪ Cilia located inside the uterine tube transport the oocyte

After ovulation, peristaltic contractions of the uterine tube move the egg toward the uterus.
▪ From there the gg is propelled by the motion of the cilia.
▪ Takes about 4 days.

33
Q

Uterus

A

▪ Situated between the urinary bladder and rectum
▪ Size and shape of a pear, in a woman who has never been pregnant
▪ Receives, retains, nourishes a fertilized egg
▪ Expel foetus by forceful muscular contractions

34
Q

Layers and Walls of the Uterus

A

Endometrium
▪ Inner layer (epithelial cells, connective tissue and mucosa)
▪ Site of implantation of a fertilized egg
▪ Sloughs off if no pregnancy occurs (menstruation or menses) every 28 days - menstruation

Myometrium
▪ Is the middle layer of smooth muscle that contracts during labour, thick

Perimetrium (visceral peritoneum)
▪ Is the outermost serous layer of the uterus, flexible

35
Q

Regions of the Uterus

A

▪ Body—main portion, holds foetus
▪ Fundus—superior rounded region above where uterine tube enters
▪ Cervix—narrow outlet that protrudes into the vagina

36
Q

Vagina

A

▪ Passageway that extends from cervix to exterior of body and is located between urinary bladder and rectum
▪ Serves as the canal that allows a baby or menstrual flow to leave the body
▪ Female organ of copulation
▪ Receives the penis during sexual intercourse
▪ Hymen—partially closes the vagina until it is ruptured

37
Q

External Genitalia and Female Perineum

A 
The female external genitalia, or vulva, includes: 
▪ Mons pubis 
▪ Labia 
▪ Clitoris 
▪ Urethral orifice 
▪ Vaginal orifice 
▪ Greater vestibular glands
38
Q

Mons Pubis

A

▪ Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis

▪ Covered with pubic hair after puberty

39
Q

Labia – skin folds

A

Labia majora
▪ Hair-covered skin folds
▪ Enclose the labia minora
▪ Also encloses the vestibule

Labia minora
▪ Delicate, hair-free folds of skin

40
Q

Female Reproductive System: Vestibule

A

▪ Enclosed by labia majora

▪ Contains external openings of the urethra and vagina

41
Q

Female Reproductive System: Greater Vestibular Glands

A

▪ One is found on each side of the vagina

▪ Secretions lubricate vagina during intercourse

42
Q

Clitoris

A

▪ Contains erectile tissue
▪ Corresponds to the male penis

The clitoris is similar to the penis in that it is:
▪ Hooded by a prepuce
▪ Composed of sensitive erectile tissue
▪ Swollen with blood during sexual excitement

▪ The clitoris lacks a reproductive duct

43
Q

Female Reproductive System: Perineum

A

▪ Diamond-shaped region between the anterior ends of the labial folds, anus posteriorly, and ischial tuberosities laterally

44
Q

Female Reproductive Functions and Cycles

A

▪ The total supply of eggs is determined by the time a female is born
▪ Ability to release eggs begins at puberty with the onset of the menstrual cycle
▪ Reproductive ability ends at menopause (in female’s fifties)

45
Q

Oogenesis and the Ovarian Cycle

A

Oogenesis is the process of producing ova (eggs) in a female
▪ Oogonia are female stem cells found in a developing fetus
▪ Oogonia undergo mitosis to produce primary oocytes that are surrounded by cells that form primary follicles in the ovary
▪ Primary oocytes are inactive until puberty
▪ Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes some primary follicles to mature each month
▪ Cyclic monthly changes constitute the ovarian cycle

46
Q

Meiosis starts inside Maturing Follicles

A

▪ First meiotic division produces a larger secondary oocyte and a smaller first polar body
▪ A vesicular follicle contains a secondary oocyte (maturation from a primary follicle takes about 14 days)
▪ Ovulation of a secondary oocyte occurs with the release of luteinizing hormone (LH)
▪ Secondary oocyte is released and surrounded by a corona radiata

▪ Meiosis is completed after ovulation only if sperm penetrates the oocyte
▪ Ovum is produced
▪ Two additional polar bodies are produced

▪ Once ovum is formed, the 23 chromosomes can be combined with the 23 chromosomes of the sperm to form the fertilized egg (zygote)
▪ If the secondary oocyte is not penetrated by a sperm, it dies and does not complete meiosis to form an ovum

47
Q

Meiosis: Males and Females

A

▪ Males—produces four functional sperm

▪ Females—produces one functional ovum and three tiny polar bodies

48
Q

Sex cell size and structure

A

▪ Sperm are tiny, motile, and equipped with nutrients in seminal fluid
▪ Egg is large, is nonmotile, and has nutrient reserves to nourish the embryo until implantation

49
Q

Hormone production by the ovaries: Oestrogen

A

▪ Estrogens are produced by follicle cells

Cause secondary sex characteristics:
▪ Enlargement of accessory organs of the female reproductive system
▪ Development of breasts
▪ Appearance of axillary and pubic hair
▪ Increase in fat beneath the skin, particularly in hips and breasts
▪ Widening and lightening of the pelvis
▪ Onset of menses (menstrual cycle)

50
Q

Hormone production by the ovaries: Progesteron

A

▪ Production continues until LH diminishes in the blood
▪ Does not contribute to the appearance of secondary sex characteristics

Other major effects:
▪ Helps maintain pregnancy
▪ Prepares the breasts for milk production

51
Q

Uterine Menstrual Cycle

A

▪ Cyclic changes of the endometrium, about 28 days in length
▪ Regulated by cyclic production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries
▪ FSH and LH, from the anterior pituitary, regulate the production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries
▪ Ovulation typically occurs about midway through cycle, on day 14

52
Q

Stages of the menstrual cycle

A

▪ Menstrual phase
▪ Proliferative stage
▪ Secretory stage

53
Q

Day 1-5: menstrual phase

A

▪ Functional layer of the endometrium is sloughed
▪ Bleeding occurs for 3 to 5 days
▪ Ovarian hormones are at their lowest levels
▪ By day 5, growing ovarian follicles are producing more estrogen

54
Q

Day 6-14: proliferative stage

A

▪ Regeneration of functional layer of the endometrium
▪ Endometrium is repaired, thickens, and becomes well vascularized
▪ Estrogen levels rise
▪ Ovulation occurs in the ovary at the end of this stage

55
Q

Day 15-28: Secretory phase

A

Levels of progesterone rise and increase the blood supply to the endometrium, which becomes more vascular
▪ Endometrium increases in size and readies for implantation

If fertilization does occur:
▪ Embryo produces a hormone that causes the corpus luteum to continue producing its hormones

If fertilization does NOT occur:
▪ Corpus luteum degenerates as LH blood levels decline
▪ The phases are repeated about every 28 days

56
Q

Mammary Glands

A

▪ Present in both sexes, but function only in females
▪ Modified sweat glands
▪ Function is to produce milk to nourish a newborn
▪ Stimulated by sex hormones (mostly estrogens) to increase in size

57
Q

Parts of the Mammary Gland

A

▪ Areola—central pigmented area, surrounds nipple
▪ Nipple—protruding central area of areola
▪ Lobes—internal structures that radiate around nipple
▪ Lobules—located within each lobe and contain clusters of alveolar glands
▪ Alveolar glands—produce milk when a woman is lactating (producing milk)
▪ Lactiferous ducts—connect alveolar glands to nipple
▪ Lactiferous sinus—dilated portion where milk accumulates

58
Q

Pregnancy and Embryonic Development

A

▪ Pregnancy—time from fertilization until infant is born
▪ Conceptus—developing offspring
▪ Embryo—period of time from fertilization until week 8
▪ Fetus—week 9 until birth
▪ Gestation period—from date of last period until birth (approximately 280 days)

59
Q

Accomplishing Fertilisation

A

▪ An oocyte is viable up to 24 hours after ovulation
▪ Sperm are viable up to 48 hours after ejaculation
▪ For fertilization to occur, sexual intercourse must occur no more than 2 days before ovulation and no later than 24 hours after
▪ Sperm cells must make their way to the uterine tube for fertilization to be possible
▪ Sperm cells are attracted to the oocyte by chemicals

60
Q

When Sperm Reach the Oocyte:

A

▪ Enzymes break down the follicle cells of the corona radiata around the oocyte
▪ Sperm undergo an acrosomal reaction
▪ Membrane receptors on the oocyte pull in the head of the first sperm cell to make contact
▪ Oocyte undergoes second meiotic division to produce an ovum and a polar body
▪ Fertilization occurs when the genetic material of a sperm combines with that of an oocyte
▪ Zygote is the first cell of the new individual

61
Q

Disorders and Diseases of the Reproductive System: Infertility

A
  • The inability to get pregnant
62
Q

Male infertility:

A
  1. Insufficient healthy sperm

2. Inability of sperm to be released

63
Q

Female infertility:

A
  1. Failure to ovulate
  2. Inability of egg to reach uterine tube and travel to uterus
  3. Unsuccessful implantation
64
Q

Treatment

A
  1. Lifestyle changes – consuming less alcohol and tobacco, drugs
  2. Reducing stress
  3. Drugs to induce ovulation
  4. Surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities
65
Q

Sexually transmitted disease: HIV

A

HIV

66
Q

STD: Aids

A
  • The deadliest, acquired immune deficiency syndrome caused by human immune deficiency virus
67
Q

STD: Gonorrhea

A
  • Pain during urination, unusual discharge of fluid from penis or vagina or no symptom
68
Q

STD: Chlamydia

A

– no symptom, infertility, bacterial infection, aptopic pregnancy

69
Q

STD: Genital Herpes

A

– herpes symplex virus.

  • may cause blisters or sores around mouth or genital.
  • No cure and condition is manageable with anti viral drugs
70
Q

Cancers of the reproductive system

A

– one of the most common and deadly. If detected early, they can be treated.

  • Common Cancers: – prostate, breast, uterine, ovarian, cervical

Anatomy and Physiology (14 decks)

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