Reproductive system Flashcards
Name the 3 layers of the uterus
Perimetrium, Myometrium, Endometrium
- Describe specifically the structure and function of the endometrium.
- Name ONE uterus tissue layer that contains smooth muscle.
- Endometrium: highly vascular inner layer that is divided into : stratum functionalis’ (shade off during menstruation) &‘stratum basalis’, implantation of fertilized egg and zygote embedded to it
- Myometrium
- Describe the difference between an ‘embryo’ and a ‘foetus’.
- Name the hormone to maintain endometrium
- Name the hormone that build the endometrium
- In the first 8 weeks, zygote is an embryo. After 8 weeks, it becomes a foetus.
- Progesterone
- Estrogen
Function of Progesterone
- Maintains endometrial liningto sustain and nourish the foetus.
- Produced by corpus luteum until 8 weeks.
Function of Oestrogen
- Promotes growth of breast tissueand myometrium.
- Produced by corpus luteumuntil 8 weeks.
Function of human Chorionic Gonadotrpin (hCG)
- Only produced during pregnancy (test!) increases transfer of nutrients to foetus.
- Maintains corpus luteum for 8 weeks
- Related to morning sickness.
Describe in detail the first half of a typical menstrual cycle (Day 1‒13).
- Menstrual phase (day 1-5) : In the Uterus: Endometrium is being shed due to sudden drop in progesterone / IN OVARIES: Follicles are developing under the influence of FSH.
- Pre-ovulatory phase (day 6-13): OVARIES: Follicle starts to mature& secretes oestrogen. Follicles secrete inhibin which decreases the secretion of FSH: stop other follicles to develop
Describe in detail the second half of a typical menstrual cycle (Day 14‒28).
- Ovulations phase (Day 14): Ovulation= expulsion of the egg because of High oestrogen stimulating LH secretion = rupture of the mature follicle
-
Post Ovulatory phase (Days 15-28): Corpus luteum forms from the follicle wall in post-ovulation phase & produces progesterone and some oestrogen.
These maintain endometrium in preparation for pregnancy.
1. Define the ‘menopause’.
- State the normal age range for menopause.
- Describe how the normal menopause develops (HINT — hormones).
- The menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.
- Naturally occurs at 45 –55 years of age.
- ‘ovarian aging’, Declined oestrogen & progesterone levels affects negative feed back leading to high FSH & LH levels.
• Menopause can be surgically induced following hysterectomy.
List THREE signs / symptoms of menopause
- Hot flushes & increased sweating.
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy of mucosal lining leads to painful intercourse.
- Increased risk of UTIs due to urogenital atrophy. (urinary tract infections)
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety.
- Decreased libido & sleep disturbances.
- Breast shrinkage. Sparse pubic & axillary hair.
- Osteoporosis (loss of oestrogen = decrease in osteoblasts).
List TWO key functions of the testes and by which hormones are regulated
- site of spermatogenesis, regulated by FSH
- site of testosterone production & secretion, regulated by LH.
- where the sperm is formed?
- Describe the role of the epididymis.
- State the ideal body temperature for spermatogenesis.
- Seminiferous tubules (70 days)
- where spermatozoa is stored and matured
- 3 degrees below body temperature
- Draw and label a sperm:
Labels
a. Head
b. Acrosome
c. Mitochondria
d. Flagellum (tail)
2. Describe the role of the acrosome.
- vesicle on the head of the sperm that contains enzymes to penetrate the egg.
- Describe the main role of the following in relation to seminal fluid:
a. Seminal vesicles
b. Prostate gland - Explain why seminal fluid is alkaline.
a. Seminal vesicles 60% of sperm: secrete alkaline seminal fluid & nutrients (glucose) for sperm
b. Prostate gland 30% of sperm: nutrients for ATP product + anticoagulants (Enzyme PSA protaste sepcific antigen) to increase fluidity of sperm.
2. to protect sperm from urethral & vaginal acidity
