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eBMS2011 > REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM > Flashcards

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Flashcards

1
Q

What is the function of the uterus

A

to nurture the ovum as it develops into a fetus

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2
Q

What is the function of the ovaries

A

produce reproductive hormones an oocytes

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3
Q

What is the function of the cervix

A

allow flow of blood from uterus, directs sperm into uterus

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4
Q

What is the function of the prostate

A

create prostate fluid for semen, muscle propel sperm in ejaculation

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5
Q

What is the function of the corpus spongiosum

A

contains spongy erectile tissue for erection

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6
Q

What is the function of the testes

A

produce sperm and reproductive hormones

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7
Q

What is the function of the ejaculatory duct

A

connects ductus deferent to the urethra as a passage for semen ejaculation

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8
Q

What is the function of the corpus cavernosum

A

prevents urethra from pinching shut during an erection

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9
Q

Explain the transport of sperm through the testes and epididymis

A

Within testes are seminiferous tubules packed into tunic albuginea. Spermatogenesis occurs here

Sperm collected by rete testis and efferent ducts carry to epididymis

Epididymis stores sperm and is where motility is acquired

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10
Q

What are the reasons behind the testes being outside of the body

A

Optimal temperature for spermatogenesis is 34ºC. Being outside of body lower temperature from body 37ºC.

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11
Q

How is the testes thermogenesis controlled

A

Cremaster muscle: raises/lowers testes in sex or fear for thermoregulation and protection from damage

Dartos muscle: contracts and relaxes the wrinkled scrotal surface for thermoregulation.

Pampiniform plexus: Countercurrent blood heat exchange in testes.

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12
Q

What is the spermatic cord

A

Thick walled tube from epididymis passing through abdominal body wall (inguinal canal).

Contains muscle and fascial layers, testicular artery and vein and ductus deferens.

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13
Q

What are the accessory organs of the male reproductive system

A

Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands
Urethra

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14
Q

Explain the seminal vesicles and prostate gland

A

Seminal vesicles: Behind bladder, join d. deferens to form ejaculatory duct. Secrete fructose and prostoglandins for sperm and dilation of cervix.

Prostate gland: Inferior to bladder, secretes citric acid (nutrients), seminal plasmin (antibiotic of UTI) and PSA (liquifies semen)

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15
Q

Explain the bulbourethral glands and the urethra

A

Bulbourethral (Cowper’s glands: each side of membranous urethra. Secretes viscous mucin to protect urethra, lubricant in sex.

Urethra: Transports semen and urine. Pre-prostatic prostatic, membranous and spongy

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16
Q

What is the penis

A

3 primary erectile tissue bodies (spongy masses of potential vascular space).

Corpus cavernosum (clitoris) paired masses on anterior side of penis

Corpus spongiosum single mass on posterior side of penis

Glans is the expanded distal end with the external urethral orifice

17
Q

What are the sexual functions of the Penis

A

Erection: parasympathetic cause dilation

Emission: Secretion of accessory glands an spermatozoa into urethra

Ejaculation: Release of semen by contraction of bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles around the corpus.

18
Q

What are the functions of Sertoli cells

A

Sex determination by expressing SRY (drives development)

Development by secreting AMH, regression of female characteristics in foetal life

Hormonal regulations

Stem cell regulation by GDNF ensuring self-renewal

Form blood-testis barrier

19
Q

What is the syncytium

A

Cytoplasmic bridge between sperm to share products of X and Y genes

20
Q

How does a prostate cancer test work

A

Pca is a substance produced in the prostate. If a tumour occurs pca is found in the bloodstream

21
Q

Outline the steps of spermatogenesis

A

Spermatogonium
Primary spermatocyte

FIRST MEIOTIC DIVISION

Two secondary spermatocytes

SECOND MEIOTIC DIVISION

4 spermatids

SPERMIOGENESIS

4 spermatozoa

22
Q

Outline female external genitalia

A

Collectively called the vulva

Mons pubis: skin and tissue anterior to pubic bone

Labia majora and minora: paired folds of skin. minora vascularised, sebaceous glands

Clitoris: erectile body anterior to l. minora

Prepuce: Fold of l. minora covering clitoris

Vestibule: Space between l. minora. Urethral opening, vaginal orifice.

23
Q

Outline the female internal accessory organs

A

Fallopian tubes: Project from uterus with infundibulum at distal end.

Uterus: Muscular organ. Fundus = body, Cervix = opening

Linings: Perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium

24
Q

What are the body targets of estrogen

A

Brain: maintanence of body temp and memory

Heart/liver: cholesterol production

Bone: Preserves bone density

Breast/uterus/ovaries: Stimulates maturation and menstrual cycle

25
Q

Outline the steps of oogenesis

A

Before birth, primordial follicle forms and meiosis starts and halts.

In puberty, FSH increases follicle growth and oocyte size.

Each month, multiple follicles mature, one will dominant and become FSH-independent.

Dominant follicle secretes inhibin to stop FSH production causing other follicles to degrade

26
Q

What are the similarities between spermatogenesis and oogenesis

A

surrounded by support cells (sertoli/granulosa) & hormone producing cells (leydig/theca)

undergo maturation and meiosis

Produce haploid germ cells

27
Q

What are the 3 principles sexual reproduction is governed by

A

Behavioural: Social structures, seduction/dominance pre and post copulation

Physical: external physical attributes as reproductive signals

Morphological: shape of penis, copulatory movement

28
Q

Explain the reasoning behind having many sexual mates

A

Gender that contributes most to infant care has lower gamete numbers and benefits by minimal mating with best mate

Opposite gender benefits by additional mating to maximise fertilisation

29
Q

What are 3 types of competition tactics seen in animals

A

Sperm speed: important when multiple mates

Sperm bundling: Sperm form cooperative groups to reach egg together

Terminating previous fertilisation: Could physically block transfer of sperm of later mating, or release anti-aphrodisiac and enzymes that destroy previous sperm.

30
Q

When is sperm count high

A

In species where females copulate with multiple males

31
Q

What germ layer gives rise to the gonads, kidneys, reproductive and renal development

A

Mesoderm

32
Q

Explain the bipotential reproductive system

A

SRY gene carried on the Y chromosome causes production of testis if turned on.

33
Q

What are some of the syndrome due to issues with sex determination

A

Swyer syndrome: phenotypically female but XY. Issue with SRY gene. Ovaries non functional, no post-pubertal development of secondary sex characteristics, may become pregnant with donated egg

Androgen insensitivity syndrome: Testosterone receptor issue, more female characteristics observed.

34
Q

What are the mullerian and wolffian tracts

A

Indeterminate genital ridge accompanied by twin set of ducts. Mullerian ducts = female, wolffian ducts = male.

Mullerian ducts become fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina

Wolffian ducts become d. deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles

Opposite ducts degenerate

35
Q

Explain the steps of the primordial germ cell journey in mice

A

Specification: 6 cells in embryo express Blimp1

Commitment: After proliferation, some Blimp1+ cells express Stella and commit to germline

Migration: PGCs migrate to gonads and proliferation occurs

Colonisation: PGCs colonise gonad and undergo sex determination

36
Q

Explain the steps of the primordial germ cell journey in humans

A

Specification and commitment: Little is known

Migration: 4th week of gestation, PGCs migrate from yolk sac into developing embryo, proliferation occurs

Colonisation: PGCs enter gonads at 6-8 weeks of gestation

eBMS2011 (14 decks)

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