Reproductive System Flashcards
What are the testis surrounded by?
The tunica vaginalis and are suspended in the scrotum to keep cool
Describe the skin and structure of the scrotum?
It is rugose ( wrinkled) and contains dartos (smooth) muscle. It has a midline raphe and is divided by a septum.
What allows for the ovum to be taken up?
The frimbriated end of the uterine tube (fallopian tube)
Describe the basic shape and function of the uterus
It is a pear-shaped, central pelvic organ that is the site for implantation of a fertilised ovum and growth of foetus
Describe the structure and function of fascial thickenings on the pelvic floor.
They pass from the uterus and cervix to the sacrum, pubis and lateral pelvic walls. These are important, supportive uterine ligaments.
What do the female and male gonads produce?
Female gonads produce oocytes (eggs) by oogenesis
Male gonads produce sperm by spermatogenesis
What are the Gonadal hormones involved in?
Gamete production, supporting conception, pregnancy, lactation, affects bones, muscle and blood vessels
What are the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis?
Hypothalamic - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Pituitary - Luteinising hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
What are the differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis in males and females?
The signalling molecules are exactly the same, the only difference is the target tissues.
What do female gonads produce?
They secrete oestrogens and progestins
What allows for the precise regulation of function of the ovaries?
Ovaries are subjected to multi-tiered endocrine axis feedback.
What are the main hypothalamic areas involved in both ovarian and testis control?
The Preoptic nucleus (secrets GnRH that targets gonadotropes) and the Supraoptic nucleus (neurons secrete GnRH)
Describe some of the features of GnRH
It stands for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
It is a peptide hormones which is produced as a prohormone, it is then modified to active form and secreted into the hypophyseal portal system.
Describe some of the features of GnRH release
The release is pulsatile (meaning pulsation), it requires less energy and does not desensitise target tissue receptors. Stress and other inputs can influence secretion.
How and where is gonadotropin releasing hormone delivered?
It is delivered via the hpophyseal portal system to anterior pituitary gonadotrobes