Reproductive System Flashcards
1
Q
external male genitalia
A
scrotum and penis
2
Q
accessory glands of male reproductive system
A
epididymis ductus deferens ejaculatory duct urethra seminal vesicles prostate gland bulbourethral glands
3
Q
main function of testes
A
sperm production
4
Q
components of testes
A
lobules seminiferous tubules tubules rectus rete testis efferent ducts epididymis
5
Q
main function of scrotum
A
house testes and maintain optimal temperature
6
Q
main function of penis
A
copulatory organ for internal fertilization
7
Q
main function of epididymis
A
accepts and stores immature sperm from testis
continues their maturation
8
Q
main function of ductus deferens
A
propels sperm out of testis
9
Q
main function of urethra
A
carries urine and semen to the outside of body
10
Q
function of seminal vesicles
A
produce alkaline solution to protect sperm from dying in acidic vagina
11
Q
function of prostate gland
A
produce energy to propel sperm
12
Q
function of bulbourethral glands
A
produce mucus-like secretion to clear out urethra and act as a lube
13
Q
Components of testes
A
Lobules Seminiferous tubules Tubules rectus Rete testis Efferent ducts Epididymis
14
Q
Lobules of testes
A
Segments of testes
15
Q
Seminiferous tubules
A
Actual site of sperm production
Tube system within testis
Produce immature sperm
16
Q
Tubules rectus
A
“Subway system” of testes
Send immature sperm from seminiferous tubules to rete testis
17
Q
Rete testis
A
“Grand central station” of testis
Where all tubules rectus lead to
Gather immature sperm from all seminiferous tubules; send through efferent ducts
18
Q
Efferent ducts
A
“Outgoing trains” of testes
Send immature sperm from rete testis to epididymis
19
Q
Epididymis
A
Where sperm are stored and mature
Most spend their whole life here
20
Q
Sperm at “tail” of this structure are expelled during sex
A
Epididymis
21
Q
Histological composition of testes
A
Seminiferous tubules
Interstitial cells
22
Q
Interstitial cells of testes
A
Aka lidig cells
Found between tubules; produce testosterone
23
Q
Testicular bloodflow
A
Blood is supplied to testes by testicular arteries
Blood passes through pampiniform vessels
Here, heat from warm blood is transferred to outgoing veins
This heat transfer cools blood going to testis
Blood is drained out of testes by testicular veins
24
Q
Why is heat transfer from testicular arteries to testicular veins a good thing?
A
To produce viable sperm, testes must be 3° C cooler than body temp
This cool blood helps keep testes at correct temp
25
Scrotum
Saclike structure made of skin and superficial fascia
| Separates testes into compartments
26
How does scrotum aid in temperature regulation of testes?
Scrotum contains dartos and cremaster muscles to contract and relax, bringing testes closer to or further from body
27
If it is too cold, what is the action of dartos and cremaster muscles?
Muscles contract, testes rise closer to body
28
If it is warm/too warm, what is the action of dartos and cremaster muscles?
Muscles relax, testes descend
29
3 components of penis
Root
Shaft
Glans penis
30
Prepuce covers which portion of penis
Glans penis (tip)
31
Types of erectile tissue
```
Corpus spongiosum(1)
Corpora cavernosa(2)
```
32
Erectile tissue
Spongy networks of CT, Smooth muscle, and vascular space
| Fill with blood at arousal (getting hard)
33
Function of corpus cavernosa
Surround urethra to keep it open when penis is erect
34
About how many days does it take for sperm to mature?
20
35
Sperm can be stored in epididymis for how long?
Several months
36
What happens to unused sperm in epididymis after several months?
Body resorbs and destroys them
37
T/F men have one ductus deferens
False! There are 2 ductus deferens (1 per testis)
38
Where do ductus deferens merge?
Ejaculatory duct
39
Which part of reproductive system is cut in vasectomy? What does this do?
Ductus deferens; makes it so men can still have sex normally, but their semen just does not contain sperm (so fertilization does not occur!)
40
T/F men who have had vasectomies do not ejaculate during sex
False! Men still ejaculate, but the secretion does not contain sperm
41
As age increases, the size of which male reproductive organ increases? What causes this?
Prostate gland; caused by underuse
42
Effect of enlarged prostate
Constricts urethra, need to pee more
43
Bulbourethral gland is also called
Cowpers gland
44
T/F bulbourethral gland releases its secretion after the other glands
False! Bulbourethral gland produces pre-ejaculatory secretion before all others
(Its precum)
45
Combined function of seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands
Produce semen
| Their secretions are only released at sex
46
Erection process
1. Sexual arousal causes parasympathetic reflex to release nitric oxide at/near penis
2. Nitric oxide causes arteriole dilation (blood goes to penis)
3. Erectile bodies fill with blood (penis hardens)
4. Corpora cavernosa expands, compressing drainage veins (so penis stays hard)
5. Bulbourethral glands are stimulated (precum released)
47
Ejaculation process
1. Continued stimulation provokes massive sympathetic nerve discharge
2. Reproductive ducts and accessoru glands contract, pushing contents to/through urethra
3. Bladder sphincter muscle constricts
4. Muscles of penis underfo rapid series of contractions
5. Semen propelled from penis
48
Is erection a sympathetic or parasympathetic process?
Parasympathetic
| P= point
49
Is ejaculation a sympathetic or parasympathetic process?
Sympathetic
| S= shoot
50
Spermatogenesis process
1. Diploid (2n) spermatogonia undergo mitosis to produce Type A and B daughter cells
2. Type B cells are primary spermatocytes (2n)
3. Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I to become secondary spermatocytes (n; haploid)
4. Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II to become spermatids (n)
51
Spermatogonia
Start sperm production process
52
What happens to Type A daughter cells produced in mitosis of spermatogonia?
They stay and do not continue spermatogenesis process
53
Spermatids
What leave seminiferous tubules and continue to mature
54
Spermiogenesis
Spermatid decreases its cytoplasmic volume and forms a tail
| Finished product is spermatozoon
55
Spermatozoon components
Acrosome
Head
Midpiece
Tail
56
Acrosome of spermatozoon
Contains enzymes to penetrate egg
| As sperm goes thru vagina, acrosome is broken down, leading to easier fertilization of egg
57
Head of spermatozoon
Part where DNA is located (23 chromosomes)
58
Midpiece of spermatozoon
Part where all mitochondria live
| Energize the tail (flagellum) to move
59
it takes _____ days for primary spermatocytes to become immature sperm in epididymis
60-70
60
sustenacular cells are also known as
nurse cells or sertoli cells
61
function of sustenacular cells
```
protect developing spermatocytes from immune system
nourish dividing cells
move cells to lumen
secrete testicular fluid
dispose of eliminated cytoplasm
regulate spermatogenesis
```
62
blood-testis barrier
because sperm are haploid, immune system thinks its a pathogen and wants to kill it
this keeps them separated
63
testicular fluid function
transport medium in lumen
64
phagocytic role of sustenacular cells
dispose of eliminated cytoplasm from sperm formation
65
hormonal regulation of male reproductive system
hypothalamus releases GnRH
| GnRH stimulates release of pituitary gonadotropins (LH and FSH)
66
FSH role on male reproductive system
FSH stimulates sertoli cells to release ABP (androgen binding protein)
ABP sticks to surface of spermatogonia and causes it to accumulate testosterone
67
LH role on male reproductive system
LH causes interstitial cells to secrete testosterone
| and a tiny amt of estrogen
68
Inhibin role on male reproductive system
inhibin produced by sertoli cells when sperm count is high (count is high when sperm are unused)
inhibits release of FSH and GnRH (decreases amount of sperm being made; saving body energy)
69
testosterone role on male reproductive system
stimulates spermatogenesis by binding to ATP
inhibits GnRH
inhibits gonadotropin release
develops and maintains accessory reproductive organs
promotes male secondary sex characteristics
boosts BMR (metabolism)
influences behavior- sex drive and aggression
70
main function of ovaries
site of gamete production
71
where in ovary are female gametes produced?
cortex
72
how do gametes exist in the ovary?
as ovarian follicles
| oocyte+ follicular and/or granulosar cells
73
first layer of cells surrounding oocyte
follicular cells
74
additional surrounding layers of follicular layer
granular cells
75
progression of ovarian follicles
```
primordial follicle
primary follicle
secondary follicle
grafiaan follicle
*ovulation*
corpus luteum
corpus albicans
```
76
primordial follicle
follicles that exist in women before birth
| have 1 layer of follicular cells
77
how many primordial follicles ripen to become primary follicles?
4-5 every 28 days
78
primary follicle
primordial cells that have ripened due to proper hormonal stimulation
have 2 layers of surrounding cells
79
how many primary follicles ripen to become secondary follicles
1 to 2
80
secondary follicles
primary cells that have ripened due to proper hormonal situation
include antrum and liquor folliculi
81
defining feature of secondary follicle
antrum- a fluid filled space
82
liquid in antrum
liquor folliculi
83
grafiaan follicle
aka vesicular follicle
enlarged and bulges on surface of ovary
holds secondary oocyte on a stalk
84
corpus luteum
degenerated grafiaan follicle; made after oocyte is released
| glandular; secretes hormones
85
how long does corpus luteum exist if egg is fertilized
3 months, releasing hormone
86
how long does corpus luteum exist if egg is not fertilized
around 14 days
87
main function of oviducts
transport oocyte from ovary to uterus
88
ectopic pregnancy
implantation of embryo anywhere other than uterus
89
process of transport through oviduct
1. ovulated oocyte released into peritoneal cavity
2. ciliated fimbriae sweep oocyte from peritoneal cavity into infundibulum of oviduct
3. peristaltic contractions propel oocyte through infundibulum to ampulla to isthmus
4. oocyte travels from isthmus into ovary
90
peritoneal cavity
space between ovary and oviduct
91
infundibulum of oviduct
first part of oviduct oocyte reaches once ovulated
| contains fimbriae that sweep oocyte in
92
in which part of the reproductive system does fertilization typically occur?
ampulla of oviduct
93
which part of oviduct connects to the uterus?
isthmus
94
main function of uterus
receive, retain, and nourish fertilized ovum
95
components of uterus
```
body
fundus
cervix
internal Os
external Os
```
96
body of uterus
part to the sides of the uterine cavity
97
funds of uterus
part above uterine cavity
98
cervix
opening below uterus; "neck"
99
diameter of cervix normally
width of one human hair
100
in pregnancy, what forms in the cervix? why
cervical mucus plus forms in cervical canal to protect fetus
101
internal Os
cervical canal opening on top of cervix (toward uterus)
102
external Os
cervical canal opening below cervix (to vagina)
103
uterine wall layers
perimetrium (outer)
myometrium (thick, muscular uterine wall)
endometrium (inside lining)
104
which uterine wall layer goes through cyclic changes and is shed?
endometrium
105
endometrium strata
stratum functionalis
| stratum basalis
106
stratum functionalis of endometrium
part that goes through cyclic changes
if no fertilization: is shed
if fertilization: fertilized egg implants here
107
stratum basalts of endometrium
part that is maintained and rebuilds stratum functionalis in each cycle
108
main function of vagina
organ of copulation
| birth and menses canal
109
why is the vagina acidic
to kill pathogens
110
hymen
thin membrane of tissue that extends across vaginal orifice
| can be broken in ways other than sex!
111
components of vulva
```
mons pubis
labia majora
labia minora
greater vestibular glands
clitoris
perineum
```
112
mons pubis
fatty tissue atop pubic symphysis
cushions, decreases chafing, and acts as filter
has hair
113
labia majora
external folds
cover vaginal orifice
has hair
114
labia minora
internal folds
no hair
covers vagina orifice and clitoris
115
greater vestibular glands
secretes mucus-like secretion on sexual arousal for lubricant
feminine version of bulbourethral glands
116
female version of bulbourethral glands
greater vestibular glands
117
clitoris
has lots of nerve endings
made of spongy epithelium
has a bigger internal part (reason for G spot)
118
perineum
part between anus and vulva
made of fatty tissue
tears in birth
119
episiotomy
procedure Drs do to cut a line in perineum where they think will minimize scarring for mom when baby comes out
120
T/F males do not have mammary glands
false; both sexes have them, just not functional in men
121
mammary glands are modified _____
sweat glands
122
main function of mammary glands
produce milk to nourish newborn
123
components of mammary glands
```
lobes
lobules
alveoli
lactiferous ducts
lactiferous sinus
nipple
areola
```
124
lobes of mammary glands
small mammary gland segments
125
lobules of mammary glands
smaller segments of mammary glansd
126
alveoli of mammary glands
actual site of milk production
| little sacs
127
lactiferous ducts
duct that carries milk from alveoli to nipple
128
lactiferous cavity
where milk collects inside nipple
129
nipple
spice that baby attaches to
| where milk leaves
130
areola
pigmented tissue surrounding nipple
131
oogenesis process pre-puberty
1. diploid oogonia undergo mitosis to produce 2 primary oocytes
2. surround primary oocyte with follicular cells to become primordial follicles
3. primary oocytes start, but do not finish, meiosis I (arrested at prophase I)
132
oogenesis process post-puberty
1. meiosis I completes and produces the first polar body and a secondary oocyte
2. first polar body undergoes and finishes meiosis II and produces 2 polar bodies
3. secondary oocyte begins meiosis II, but stops at metaphase II
4. secondary oocyte is ovulated
133
oogenesis process post-ovulation if fertilized
1. secondary oocyte completes meiosis II
| 2. produces ovum and polar body
134
oogenesis process post-ovulation if not fertilized
secondary oocyte degenerates
135
about how many primary oocytes do women have at birth
2 million
136
process of oogenesis that leads up to primary oocytes starting but not finishing meiosis I happens when?
before birth
137
______ oocytes finish meiosis I and begin oogenesis up to meiosis II per cycle
4 to 5
138
how many gametes produced per each diploid oogonia?
1
139
phases of ovarian cycle
follicular phase
ovulation
luteal phase
140
length of ovarian cycle
~28d
| 21-40 day average
141
"everything before ovulation" is which phase of the ovarian cycle? how long is it?
follicular phase; amount of time varies
142
"everything after ovulation" is which phase of the ovarian cycle? how long is it?
luteal phase; 14 days
143
follicular phase of ovarian cycle (process)
1. primordial follicle becomes primary follicle
2. primary follicle becomes secondary follicle
3. theca folliculi forms
4. theca and granulosa cells produce estrogens (which stimulate follicles to continue developing)
5. zona pellucida forms
6. antrum forms
7. secondary follicle becomes graafian follicle
8. corona radiata forms
144
theca folliculi
layer of connective tissue around antrum
| formed in follicular phase of ovarian cycle
145
zona pellucida
transparent ring layer of glycoproteins surrounding oocyte
| formed in follicular phase
146
corona radiata
stalk putting secondary oocyte more toward middle of follicle in graafian follicle
147
ovulation "phase" of ovarian cycle
ovary wall ruptures
| expels secondary oocyte + corona radiate into peritoneal cavity
148
luteal phase of ovarian cycle (process)
1. corpora hemorrhagicum forms
2. corpora hemorrhagicum resorbs, but granulosa and theca cells produce corpus lute
3. corpus lute secretes estrogen and progesterone (mostly progesterone)
if fertilization --> corpus luteum continues secreting hormones until placenta forms (~3 mo), then becomes corpus albicans
if no fertilization --> corpus luteum becomes corpus albicans
149
hormonal regulation of female reproductive system
pre-puberty, ovaries secrete a little estrogen, and hypothalamus is shut off
at puberty, sensitivity for estrogen changes --> so hypothalamus secretes GnRH
(release of GnRH is rhythmic in women)
GnRH promotes FSH and LH production by anterior pituitary
150
menarche
first period
151
how long does it take before cycles become regular after menarche?
2-3 years on average
152
role of FSH in female reproductive system
stimulates follicle cells, causing growth and maturation of follicle
matures 4-5 at a time (not all at once)
153
role of progesterone and inhibin in female reproductive system
inhibits FSH and LH production
| this stops any further follicle development
154
Role of LH in early cycle in females
1. LH causes theca cells to produce androgens
| 2. androgens are converted to estrogen by granulosa cells
155
Role of LH mid cycle in females
1. LH surge stimulates completion of meiosis I by dominant (most developed) primary follicle
(primary oocyte becomes secondary oocyte)
2. stimulates ovulation; inhibiting estrogen production
3. transforms ruptured follicle into corpus luteum; stimulating progesterone and estrogen production
156
role of estrogen in female reproductive system (cyclic)
initial spike in estrogen level inhibits release of FSH an LH (so they build up)
stimulates follicle development; increasing estrogen production
increased estrogen level causes LH Surge
157
non-cyclic role of estrogen in female repro system
maturation and development of female sex organs (anabolic effect)
supports short-term growth spurt of girls at puberty
promotes female secondary sex characteristics
158
t/f uterine cycle and ovarian cycle phases align directly
false-
menstrual + proliferative= follicular
secretory = luteal
159
uterine cycle is also known as
menstrual cycle
160
menstrual phase of menstrual cycle is which days? which are the bleeding days?
days 1-5; bleed 3-5
161
menstrual phase of menstrual cycle
```
starts at point when ovarian hormones are at lowest level
functional layer of endometrium detaches (sheds)
menstruation occurs (bleeding, muscle contractions, etc)
```
162
proliferative phase of menstrual cycle is which days?
day 5 to ~ day 14
163
proliferative phase of menstrual cycle
estrogen levels increase (starts being secreted at day 5 of uterine cycle)
endometrium rebuilds itself
progesterone receptors develop in endometrial cells
ends with ovulation
164
proliferative phase of menstrual cycle ends when?
when ovulation occurs
165
secretory phase of menstrual cycle is when?
ovulation to the end
166
secretory phase of menstrual cycle
corpus luteum starts producing progesterone
progesterone causes endometrium to prepare for implantation and form cervical plug
low progesterone and LH levels initiate breakdown of endometrium
167
process of female sexual arousal
sexual arousal causes parasympathetic system to release NO
NO causes vasodilation --> blood engorgement of cavernous tissue
vestibular glands are triggered (secrete mucus)
168
female cavernous tissue is found where?
clitoris, breasts, walls of vagina, and nose
169
SRY gene
gene on Y chromosome that promotes development of testes
170
human embryo is sexually indifferent until how long post-conception?
about 2 months
171
when does gonadal development begin?
5 weeks post conception
172
general processes of sexual differentiation
gonadal ridges begin formation about 5 weeks post-conception
mullerian and wlolffian ducts develop
primordial germ cells are deposited within gonadal ridge
genital tubercle develops
173
components of genital tubercle
urethral groove
urethral folds
labioscrotal folds
174
mullerian ducts are maintained in which sex?
females
175
wolffian ducts are maintained in which sex?
male
176
male sexual differentiation
seminiferous tubules form in gonadal ridges and link with wolffian ducts
developing testes secrete AMH, which causes mullerian ducts to degenerate
genital tubercle forms penis
urethral folds fuse to form urethra
labioscrotal folds fuse to form scrotum
testosterone production guides secondary sexual development
testes descend into scrotum from abdominal cavity about 2 months before birth
177
seminiferous tubules origin
seminiferous tubules form in gonadal ridges and link with wolffian ducts
178
what do testes secrete to degenerate mullerian ducts?
AMH
179
penis origin
genital tubercle
180
male urethra origin
urethral folds fusing
181
scrotum origin
labioscrotal folds fusing
182
when do testes descend into scrotum from abdominal cavity?
2 months before birth
183
female sexual differentiation
```
gonadal ridges form ovaries
follicles form in cortex of ovaries
mullerian ducts differentiate
wolffian ducts degenerate
genital tubercle becomes clitoris
urethral groove becomes vestibule
urethral folds stay unfused to form labia minora
labioscrotal folds stay unfused to form labia majora
ovaries descend to pelvic brim
```
184
where do ovaries descend before birth?
to pelvic brim
185
labia majora origin
labioscrotal folds
186
labia minora origin
urethral folds
187
clitoris origin
genital tubercle
188
ovaries origin
gonadal ridges
189
human gestation is how long?
280 days
190
fertilization
sperm fuses with secondary oocyte (nucleus to nucleus)
191
what is formed after fertilization?
a zygote
192
how long are sperm viable? How long are oocytes viable? how long is fertile window?
3 days; 1 day; 4 days
193
barriers to fertilization
loss of sperm from vagina
vaginas acidic environment
consistency of cervical mucus (v thick)
sperm may accidentally "fertilize" phagocytic cells in uterus
194
capacitation
the change undergone by sperm in female so that it can fertilize the egg
sperms are incapable of fertilization immediately after ejaculation
requires 6 to 8 hours
195
capacitation changes that must be made
membrane covering acrosome needs to thin
| flagellum must activate to move sperm toward egg
196
how does egg help sperm find it?
ovulating ovary secretes prostaglandins as signal
197
acrosomal reaction when penetrating egg
sperm binds with zone pellucid (in its prostaglandins)
acrosomal enzymes release to immediate area to dissolve this layer
accomplished by 100s of sperm
198
fast block to polyspermy
membrane depolarization
when sperm combines with plasma membrane of egg, Na channels open --> depolarizes membrane so no more sperm can penetrate
199
slow block to polyspermy
cortical reaction
| sperm that enters egg causes release of Ca stored in ER to release in egg
200
placenta
organ of exchange
mother portion and baby portion
acts as filter for baby
201
implantation
zygote lays against side of uterus, uterus develops around it
occurs 6-7 days after ovulation
202
what hormone maintains corpus luteum until placenta forms?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
203
embryonic membranes
chorion and amnion
204
chorion
outer membrane of embryo, protecting baby
| contains chorionic villi
205
chorionic villi
baby part of placenta
206
amnion
embryonic membrane immediately surrounding baby
| includes amniotic fluid
