Reproductive System Flashcards
Describe the structures surrounding the testes.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica vaginalis and suspended in the scrotum to keep cool.
What path does sperm take through the male reproductive system?
Seminiferous tubule to epididymis through the ductus deferens, passing by the seminal gland and the prostate and out through the urethra.
Function of the scrotum?
Suspend testes outside the body.
Describe the structure of the scrotum.
The skin is rugose and contains dartos (smooth) muscle. It has a midline raphe and is divided by a septum.
Location of the ovary?
On the lateral pelvic wall.
How do eggs enter the Fallopian tube?
Ovulated into the peritoneal cavity where the ovum is picked up by the fimbriated end of the uterine tube.
Describe the position of the uterus and its function.
Pear-shaped, central pelvic organ for the implantation of the fertilised ovum and growth of the foetus.
Where are the fascial thickenings on the pelvic floor?
They pass from the uterus and cervix to the sacrum, pubis and lateral pelvic walls.
What are the fascial thickenings on the pelvic floor important for?
Hugely important to allow the uterus to support the increasing mass/volume of contents during pregnancy.
What is the function of gonads?
Producing “seed” cells or gametes.
What is the name of the gametes female gonads produce?
They produce oocytes (eggs) by oogenesis.
What is the name of the gametes male gonads produce?
Male gonads produce sperm by spermatogenesis.
What are gonadal hormones involved in?
Gamete production; supporting conception, pregnancy, lactation; affect bone, muscle, blood vessels.
Describe the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis.
Hypothalamic signalling hormone (GnRH) and pituitary hormones (LH + FSH) target either the ovaries or the testes.
What does GnRH stand for?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
What do LH and FSH stand for?
Luteinising hormone and Follicle stimulating hormone.
What happens when ovaries are targeted during the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis?
When ovaries are targeted progesterone and oestradiol is secreted.
What happens when testes are targeted during the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis?
Testosterone released from Leydig cells.
Why are ovaries subject to multi-tiered endocrine axis feedback?
It allows for precise regulation of function.
What are the main hypothalamic areas involved in ovarian control?
Preoptic nucleus and and Supraoptic nucelus.
What are the benefits of GnRH release being pulsatile rather than constant?
- Requires less energy.
- Does not desensitise target tissue receptors.
- Stress + other inputs influence secretion.
How is GnRH secreted?
It is produced as a prohormone, modified into an active form then secreted into the hypophyseal portal system
What kind of hormone is GnRH?
It is a peptide hormone.
What do the gonadotobes in the pituitary gland secrete? (and wewhat do these target?)
-FSH
-LH
These both target the gonads.
How is GnRH delivered to the pituitary gland?
GnRH is delivered via hypophyseal portal circulation to the anterior pituitary gonadotrobes.
What do theca and grunulosa cells do within the ovaries?
They work cooperatively to synthesise and secrete oestradiol.
What are the stages of development of ovarian follicles?
Primordial, Primary, Secondary, tertiary and Graafian follicles.
Which kind of follicles are related to endocrine ovaries?
Latter follicles.