Reproductive system Flashcards
Describe, briefly, the general location, structure and function of the parts of the male reproductive systems?
- Draw
Use diagram!
Ductus deferens;
- also known as the vas deferens
- tiny muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
- There is a 2 of these ducts carrying sperm from each testis to the left and right ejaculatory ducts.
Seminal gland
- The seminal vesicles are two small glands that store and produce the majority of the fluid that makes up semen.
- During ejaculation, the fluid from the seminal vesicles is expelled into the ejaculatory duct where it can then move on to mix with sperm and other reproductive fluids.
- located posteroinferior to the urinary bladder within the pelvis.
Ejaculatory duct
- Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle.
- They pass through the prostate, and open into the urethra at the seminal colliculus.
Urethra
- a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the urinary meatus for the removal of urine from the body of both females and males.
Bulbourethral gland
- Bulbourethral gland, also called Cowper’s Gland, either of two pea-shaped glands in the male, located beneath the prostate gland at the beginning of the internal portion of the penis
- they add fluids to semen during the process of ejaculation
Epididymis
- a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes.
- It appears as a curved structure on the posterior (back) margin of each testis.
Efferent ductules
- The efferent ductules (ductuli efferentes) are a series of parallel thin, delicate tubules that connect the rete testis to a single tube, the epididymis - - The efferent ducts are often referred to as “conduits” because sperm travel so rapidly through these tubules into the epididymis.
Testis – an organ which produces spermatozoa (male reproductive cells).
Describe in overview/outline terms the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axes?
Hypothalamic signalling hormone
(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone - GnRH)
Causes the release of…
Pituitary hormones
(Luteinising hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Which targets the Leydig cells to secrete …
Testosterone
What is function of theca cells?
KEEP
Describe in overview/outline terms the steps involved in spermatogenesis?
KEEP
Describe some key effects of oestrogens?
KEEP
Describe, briefly, the general location, structure and function of the parts of the female reproductive systems?
- Draw
Uterine tube – The uterine tubes, also known as oviducts or fallopian tubes, are the female structures that transport the ova from the ovary to the uterus each month. In the presence of sperm and fertilization, the uterine tubes transport the fertilized egg to the uterus for implantation.
Fundus - The fundus of the uterus is the top portion, opposite from the cervix. Fundal height, measured from the top of the pubic bone, is routinely measured in pregnancy to determine growth rates.
Cervix - The function of the cervix is to allow flow of menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and direct the sperms into the uterus during intercourse. The opening of the cervical canal is normally very narrow.
Vagina - is a muscular canal lined with nerves and mucus membranes. It connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body, allowing for menstruation, intercourse, and childbirth.
Ovary - contains oocytes and is found on the lateral pelvic wall
Describe in overview/outline terms the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian?
Hypothalamic signalling hormone
(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone - GnRH)
Causes the release of…
Pituitary hormones
(Luteinising hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Which targets the ovaries to make …
Progesterone and oestradiol secretions
What is the function of granulosa cells?
KEEP
What is the function of Leydig cells?
KEEP
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
KEEP
Describe in overview/outline terms the steps involved in oogenesis?
KEEP
Describe some key effects of progestin?
KEEP
Describe some key effects of testosterone?
KEEP
What is the testis surrounded by and what does this do?
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica vaginalis
The tunica vaginalis is the pouch of serous membrane that covers the testes. It is derived from the vaginal process of the peritoneum, which in the fetus precedes the descent of the testes from the abdomen into the scrotum.
Why are the testis suspended in the scrotum ?
Each testis is suspended in the scrotum to keep cool.
How does sperm get from the testis to the epididymis and draw a diagram of this?
Sperm passes from the testis into the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis
How is the skin on the scrotum described as?
The skin is rugs and contains dartos (smooth) muscle
What is the midline of the penis and testies called and what is it divided by?
The penis and testies have a midline raphe and are divided by a septum.
How are oocytes transported from the Ovary to the uterus?
During ovulation. the oocytes are moved into the peritoneal cavity, where the ovum is “picked up” by the fimbriated end of the uterine (Fallopian) tube (finger like projections that move and beat and can pick up the ovum, they create a current to sweep the oocyte away).
What happens when the fimbriae don’t manage to get the fertilised oocyte from the ovary to the uterus?
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian/uterine tube)
What is the function of the uterus ?
The uterus is a pear-shaped, central pelvic organ for implantation of the fertilised ovum and growth of the foetus
How is the changed of shape between the cervix and body described as?
Antiflexed
Where are the fascial thickenings in the female reproductive system and what are the roles of them?
There are fascial thickenings on the pelvic floor that pass from the uterus and cervix to the sacrum, pubis and lateral pelvic walls, these are the hugely important, supportive uterine ligaments.
They allow for an increase in size and mass in terms of contents - child
What type of gonads do males and females produce and by what process?
Female gonads produce oocytes (eggs) by oogenesis
Male gonads produce sperm by spermatogenesis
What are the roles of gonadal hormones?
Gamete production;
- supporting conception
- pregnancy
- lactation; affect bone, muscle, blood vessels.
