Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

Gonads (Testes/Ovaries)

A

Produce gametes and hormones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Ducts

A

Transport and store gametes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Accessory Glands

A

Produce secretions that support the gametes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Structure of the Testicular Reproductive System

A
  1. Gonads = testes
  2. Ducts
  3. Penis
  4. Accessory Glands
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Gonads = testes

A
  • Located within the scrotum (skin and connective tissue)
  • Surrounded by 2 layers (tunics):
    • Tunica vaginalis
    • Tunica albuginea
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Tunica vaginalis

A
  • Outer (superficial) layer
  • Serous membrane derived from peritoneum
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Tunica albuginea

A
  • Inner fibrous connective tissue capsule
  • Extends inward to divided testis into lobules (small lobes)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does each lobule contain?

A
  1. Seminiferous tubules
  2. Interstitial endocrine (Leydig) cells
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Seminiferous tubules

A
  • Produce sperm (spermatogenesis)
  • Tubules unite to form rete testis on posterior side of each testis (rete = network)
  • Walls of the tubules are composed of:
    1. Spermatogenic cells
    2. Sustentocytes (nurse) cells
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Spermatogenic cells

A

Germ cells in various stages of development that
will become sperm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Sustentocytes (nurse) cells

A
  • Surround, nourish and protect developing gametes
  • Extend from basement membrane to lumen
  • Are connected to one another by tight junctions that form the blood-testis barrier
    • Protects developing sperm from immune system, toxins and drugs
  • Produce testicular fluid
    • For sperm transport in tubule lumen during
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Interstitial endocrine (Leydig) cells

A
  • In connective tissue between seminiferous tubules
  • Secrete testosterone (hormone)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Ducts

A
  • Sperm formed in the seminiferous tubules enter the rete testis, and then move into a series of
    ducts:
    1. Epididymis
    2. Vas (ductus) deferens
      c) Ejaculatory Duct
       formed by union of vas deferens and duct from seminal vesicle
      d) Urethra
       transports urine and semen out of the body
       3 regions:
      i. prostatic urethra – runs through prostate gland
      ii. intermediate (membranous) urethra – runs through the urogenital
      diaphragm (muscular floor of pelvis)
      iii. spongy (penile) urethra – runs through the corpus spongiosum of the
      penis and ends at an opening at the tip of the glans penis called the
      external urethral orifice
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Epididymis

A
  • Posterior border of testis
  • Site of sperm storage and maturation (develop ability to swim)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Vas (ductus) deferens

A
  • Transports sperm from the epididymis during ejaculation
  • Part of the spermatic cord which carries the vas deferens, nerves, blood supply, lymphatic vessels through the body wall
  • Enters anterior pelvic cavity and loops over posterior wall of bladder
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Ejaculatory Duct

A

Formed by union of vas deferens and duct from seminal vesicle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Urethra

A
  • Transports urine and semen out of the body
  • 3 regions:
    1. Prostatic urethra
      • Runs through prostate gland
    2. Intermediate (membranous) urethra
      • Runs through the urogenital diaphragm (muscular floor of pelvis)
    3. Spongy (penile) urethra
      • Runs through the corpus spongiosum of the
        penis and ends at an opening at the tip of the glans penis called the external urethral orifice
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Penis

A
  • Urinary and copulatory organ
  • Parts:
    1. Root
    2. Body (shaft)
    3. Glans penis (enlarged tip)
  • Has three cylindrical bodies of erectile tissue (blood sinuses bound by connective tissue):
    • 2 corpora cavernosa
      - Dorsal/posterior (in the erect position)
      - Form most of the root and shaft
    • 1 corpus spongiosum
      - Midventral/anterior (in the erect position)
      - Surrounds urethra and forms the glans penis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Accessory Glands

A
  • Contribute secretions during sexual arousal
  • ~95% of semen comes from the following glands, listed in order of highest to lowest
    contribution:
    1. Seminal vesicles (2)
    2. Prostate gland (1)
    3. Bulbourethral glands (2)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Seminal vesicles (2)

A
  • Posterior to bladder
  • Secrete a fluid that provides sperm with a source of nutrients
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Prostate gland (1)

A
  • Inferior to bladder and encircles prostatic urethra
  • Secretes a fluid that nourishes and activates sperm motility
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Bulbourethral glands (2)

A
  • Below prostate in urogenital diaphragm (in contact with external urethral sphincter)
  • Secretes thick mucus that helps lubricate the urethra and the glans penis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Spermatogenesis

A

Spermatogenesis refers to sperm production within the seminiferous tubules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Spermatogenesis Flow

A

Type A Spermatogonia (2n)
↓ (Mitosis)
Type B Spermatogonia (2n)
↓ (Mitosis + growth)
2 Primary Spermatocytes (2n)
↓ (Meiosis I)
4 Secondary Spermatocytes (n)
↓ (Meiosis II)
8 Spermatids (n)
↓ (Spermiogenesis)
8 Spermatozoa (n)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Spermiogenesis

A
  • A part of spermatogenesis
  • Is the differentiation of the spermatids into sperm:
    • Develop flagella and acrosomes
    • Lose most cytoplasm
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Structure of Spermatozoa

A
  1. Head
  2. Body
  3. Tail = flagellum
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Head (Spermatozoa)

A
  • Nucleus (23 chromosomes (n))
  • Top of nucleus is covered by the acrosome
    • A modified lysosome
    • Contains enzymes required to penetrate secondary oocyte
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Body (Spermatozoa)

A

Contains a large number of mitochondria that produce the ATP required for movement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Tail = Flagellum (Spermatozoa)

A
  • Propel sperm
  • Made of microtubules
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Semen

A
  • Sperm and testicular fluid (5%), and accessory gland secretions (95%)
  • 2-5mL released during ejaculation
    • Contains 20-150 million sperm/ml
  • pH is slightly alkaline = 7.2 – 7.6
  • Provides sperm with transportation medium, nutrients, and protection
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Structures of the Ovarian Reproductive System

A
  1. Gonads = ovaries
  2. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes
  3. Uterus (“womb”)
  4. Vagina (birth canal)
  5. Vulva
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Gonads = Ovaries

A

Located in pelvic cavity on lateral sides of uterus and connected to body wall by ligaments that are continuous with the peritoneum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Histology (Gonads = Ovaries)

A
  • 4 layers (from superficial to deep):
    1. Surface (germinal) epithelium
      • Layer of cuboidal epithelial cells (modified
        visceral peritoneum lacking connective tissue)
    2. Tunica albuginea
      • Dense connective tissue
    3. Ovarian cortex
      • Contains ovarian follicles and connective tissue
        • follicle = layer(s) of cells surrounding each developing oocyte that supports and protects it through its development
    4. Ovarian medulla
      • Contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and connective tissue
34
Q

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes

A
  • 3 sections:
    1. Infundibulum
    2. Ampulla = middle
    3. Isthmus
35
Q

Infundibulum

A
  • Suspended over each ovary
  • Opening of uterine tube into peritoneal cavity
  • Has finger-like projections called fimbriae that cover the ovary during ovulation. They help capture and move the oocyte into the uterine tube.
36
Q

Ampulla = Middle

A

Site where fertilization usually occurs

37
Q

Isthmus

A

Connects to uterus

38
Q

Histology (Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes)

A
  1. Mucosa
  2. Muscularis externa
  3. Serosa
39
Q

Mucosa

A
  • Simple columnar epithelium
    1. Ciliated cells
      • Help move oocyte/zygote/morula along the tube
    2. Non-ciliated secretory cells with microvilli
      • Secretes fluid that provides nutrients to oocyte/cell mass
40
Q

Muscularis externa

A

Smooth muscle
- Contraction helps move oocyte/cell mass along the tube

41
Q

Serosa

A

Visceral peritoneum

42
Q

Uterus (“womb”)

A
  • Hollow, muscular organ located superior to bladder
  • 3 parts:
    1. Fundus
    2. Body
    3. Cervix
43
Q

Fundus

A

Superior to isthmus of uterine tubes

44
Q

Body

A
  • Main portion
  • Space within
    • Uterine cavity
  • Site where most embryo implantation and growth occur
45
Q

Cervix

A

Inferior, narrow passageway that opens into vagina

46
Q

Histology (Uterus (“womb”))

A
  • 3 layers
    1. Endometrium
    2. Myometrium
    3. Perimetrium
47
Q

Endometrium

A
  • Mucous membrane composed of a simple columnar epithelium that
    lines the inner surface of the uterus and a specialized lamina propria that consists of 2 highly vascularized layers:
    1. Functional layer (stratum functionalis)
    2. Basal layer (stratum basalis)
48
Q

Functional layer (stratum functionalis)

A
  • Superficial layer
  • Develops at puberty and is shed monthly (menstruation) along with the simple columnar epithelium
  • Contains endometrial glands (epithelial tissue) that
    secrete a nutritive fluid for the embryo prior to formation of the umbilical cord
49
Q

Basal layer (stratum basalis)

A
  • Permanent layer attached to myometrium
  • Undergoes mitosis to replace the stratum functionalis and the simple columnar epithelium
50
Q

Myometrium (muscularis externa)

A

Smooth muscle

51
Q

Perimetrium (serosa)

A
  • Outer layer
  • Visceral peritoneum
52
Q

Vagina (birth canal)

A
  • Connects uterus to external genitalia
  • Female organ of copulation
53
Q

Histology (Vagina (Birth canal))

A
  1. Mucosa
    • Thick stratified Squamous Epithelium
    • Has Rugae
  2. Muscularis externa
    • Smooth muscle
  3. Adventitia
    • Fibroelastic connective tissue
54
Q

Vulva

A
  • Reproductive structures that lie external to the vagina
    1. Mons pubis
    2. Labia majora/minora
    3. Vestibule, containing:
    4. Greater vestibular glands
    5. Clitoris
55
Q

Mons pubis

A

Adipose tissue that overlies and cushions pubic symphysis

56
Q

Labia majora/minora

A
  • The labia majora are two large skin folds that surround the labia minora
  • The labia minora are small inner folds of skin that surround the vestibule
57
Q

Vestibule, containing:

A
  1. Vaginal opening
  2. External urethral orifice
    • Anterior to vaginal opening in anatomical position
58
Q

Greater vestibular glands

A

Secrete mucus to lubricate the vestibule

59
Q

Clitoris

A
  • Mainly internal, with small external portion at anterior junction of labia minora
  • Contains erectile tissue
  • Derived from the same embryonic tissue as the penis
60
Q

Oogenesis (Before Birth)

A

oogonia (2n)
↓ (Mitosis)
Many oogonia
↓ (Cells differentiate)
1 oocyte (2n)
↓ (Meiosis I)
2 oocyte or 1 polar body (n)

61
Q

Oogenesis (After Puberty)

A

2 Oocyte (n)
↓ (Meiosis II)
Ovum (n) or 2 polar body (n)

62
Q

Oogenesis

A
  • 1 primary (1° ) oocyte forms 1 ovum and 2 or 3 polar bodies
  • Polar bodies are discarded nuclear materia
63
Q

Oogonia

A
  • Diploid stem cells that multiply by mitosis during fetal development.
    • Differentiate into primary oocytes
64
Q

primary oocytes (2n)

A
  • ~ 1 million in ovaries at birth
  • Enter meiosis I before birth, but arrested in prophase I
  • At puberty less than half of oocytes remain
65
Q

secondary (2°) oocyte (n)

A
  • Begins meiosis II and arrests in metaphase II
  • This is ovulated (usually 1/month)
  • ~ 500 ovulated from puberty to menopause
66
Q

Ovarian Follicles & Follicular Development

A
  1. Late Embryonic and Fetal period (before birth)
  2. Childhood – ovary is mostly inactive
  3. At puberty – ovarian cycles and reproductive hormone secretion begins
67
Q

Late Embryonic and Fetal period (before birth)

A
  • Germ cells migrate to the developing gonads where they differentiate into oogonia
  • Oogonia begin to proliferate in the embryonic period until several million are formed, at which point proliferation ends
  • Oogonia begin to differentiate into primary oocytes during the early fetal period
    • Meiosis I begins, but stops in prophase I
      - Meiotic arrest continues until puberty
68
Q

Primordial follicle forms

A
  • Primary oocytes become surrounded by a single layer of flat pre-granulosa (follicular) cells
  • Most primordial follicles with primary oocytes begin to degenerate over time, such that there are
    fewer at birth.
69
Q

Childhood – ovary is mostly inactive

A
  • Some of the primordial follicles develop into primary follicles:
    • The single layer of flat pre-granulosa cells becomes cuboidal – now called granulosa cells
  • However, in the absence of reproductive hormones, primordial and primary follicles also continue to degenerate such that there is less than half a million primary oocytes are left at
    puberty
70
Q

At puberty – ovarian cycles and reproductive hormone secretion begins

A

Each month, primary follicles continue to form and reproductive hormones selectively stimulate some of these follicles to continue their development in the ovarian cortex. They pass through one or more of the following stages:
1. Secondary follicle
2. Vesicular (antral) follicle
3. Preovulatory (Graafian) follicle – mature vesicular follicle
4. Corpus luteum
5. Corpus albicans

71
Q

Secondary follicle

A
  • During the transition from primary to secondary follicle, hormone secreting theca cells form from surrounding connective tissue cells
  • Granulosa cells proliferate (become stratified) and start to secrete fluid and estrogen
  • Fluid-filled spaces between granulosa cells start to develop as fluid accumulates
72
Q

Vesicular (antral) follicle

A
  • The fluid filled spaces unite into a single large antrum
  • Granulosa cells that still surround oocyte = corona radiata
  • Usually, only one dominant vesicular follicle will continue development from this point per ovarian cycle
73
Q

Preovulatory (Graafian) follicle – mature vesicular follicle

A
  • The follicle grows significantly in size and protrudes from the surface of ovary
  • Rising hormone levels cause:
    1. Formation of a secondary oocyte
    2. ovulation
74
Q

Formation of a Secondary Oocyte

A

Completion of Meiosis I; enters Meiosis II and arrests in Metaphase II

75
Q

ovulation

A
  • Release of secondary oocyte (surrounded by corona radiata) from follicle into peritoneal cavity (follicle remains in ovary)
    • If fertilization occurs, the acrosome of a single sperm will penetrate the corona radiata
76
Q

Corpus luteum

A
  • Follicle that remains after ovulation
  • Produces high levels of hormones that support fetal development
  • If there is no pregnancy, it degenerates into the corpus albicans
77
Q

Corpus albicans

A
  • Scar-like structure on surface of ovary
  • Does not release any hormones
78
Q

Reproductive System Related Medical Conditions/Procedures

A
  1. Tubal Ligation/Vasectomy – methods of birth control
  2. Ectopic Pregnancy
79
Q

Tubal Ligation/Vasectomy – methods of birth control

A
  • Tubal ligation
    • Surgical procedure on the uterine tube that prevents passage of gametes through
      the uterine tube (does not affect ovarian/menstrual cycles)
  • Vasectomy
    • Relatively minor procedure that prevents sperm passage through the vas deferens (ejaculation still occurs, but the semen does not contain sperm or testicular fluid)
80
Q

Ectopic pregnancy

A
  • Complication of pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside of the body of the uterus (mostly in the uterine tube, and to a lesser extent in the peritoneal cavity, cervix, ovarian surface)
  • In most cases the developing fetus is unable to survive
  • Can lead to rupture of uterine tube (which can be life-threatening) and impaired fertility in future