Reproductive System Flashcards
Meiosis
Cell division of gametes that results in two daughter cells each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Haploid
23 chromosomes
Diploid
46 chromosomes
Male Reproductive Organs: Scrotum
Contains testes, outside of body to provide a cool enough temperature for optimum sperm production.
Male Reproductive Organs: Testes
Sperm production:
- Seminiferous tubules (“sperm factories”), immature sperm released into epididymis
- Interstitial cells produce testosterone
Male Reproductive Organs: Epididymis
Sperm maturation and storage.
Male Reproductive Organs: Deferent Duct or Vas Deferens
Transports mature sperm to urethra.
Male Reproductive Organs: Urethra
Expelling semen and urine.
Male Reproductive Organs: Seminal Vesicle
Produces fructose, energy for sperm and lubricant to move.
Male Reproductive Organs: Prostate Gland
Provides additional fluid nourishment to sperm, contains clotting enzyme.
Female Reproductive Organs: Ovaries
Where eggs are produced.
Female Reproductive Organs: Uterus
Provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for foetus.
Female Reproductive Organs: Fallopian Tubes/Oviducts/Uterine Tubes
Transport eggs from ovaries to uterus.
Female Reproductive Organs: Cervix
Narrow junction between uterus and vagina, cervical mucus block bacteria from entering vagina.
Female Reproductive Organs: Vagina
Joins cervix to outside of body.
Female Reproductive Organs: Endometrium
Thin inner glandular wall of uterus.
Female Reproductive Organs: Myometrium
Thick outer muscular wall of uterus.
The Reproductive Cycle: Menstruation/Menses
- Days 1-7
- When fertilisation doesn’t occur in luteal phase, uterus lining begins to break down, with a decrease in progesterone and oestrogen levels and endometrium is shed
The Reproductive Cycle: Follicular Phase
- Starts on 1st day of menstruation and ends on ovulation
- Hypothalamus sends GnRH to pituitary to release FSH and LH
- FSH and LH travel to ovaries and cause the maturation of follicles in the ovaries
- Each follicle consists of an egg surrounded by cells that produce oestrogen
- Growth of the follicles stimulates the increase of oestrogen levels which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for a possible pregnancy
The Reproductive Cycle: Ovulation
- Day 14, mid-cycle
- As oestrogen levels increase, the pituitary releases a short-lived surge of LH
- LH tiggers ovulation, dominant follicle bursts and releases egg
- Egg travels down fallopian tube, waiting to be fertilised by a sperm within 24-hours or it dies
The Reproductive Cycle: Luteal Phase
- Day 14-28, end of cycle
- After ovulation, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum which maintains the thick endometrium lining
- The CL also produces relaxin which relaxes the uterus aiding implantation and inhibin which signals the hypothalamus and the pituitary to suppress FSH and LH production, ensuring no more follicles mature
- If no fertilisation occurs, corpus luteum deteriorates and progesterone production stops, causing menstruation again
- If fertilisation occurs, corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, which is then taken over by the placenta and cells at the site of implantation produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), preventing the degeneration of the corpus luteum so elevated progesterone and oestrogen levels are maintained to prevent shedding of the uterine lining
- After 8-12 weeks, the corpus luteum degenerates and the placenta replaces it by producing oestrogen and progesterone
What is the ovarian cycle controlled by?
LH and FSH
What is the uterine cycle controlled by?
Oestrogen and progesterone
Structure and Function of the Female Breast: Areola
Reddish-brown skin around nipple.
Structure and Function of the Female Breast: Lactiferous Ducts
Carry milk from lobules to nipple.
Structure and Function of the Female Breast: Lobules
Where milk is made.
Structure and Function of the Female Breast: Nipple
Opening of breast where milk is released.
Spermatogenesis
The process of sperm cell formation.
Labour: Initiation
- Final weeks = increased oestrogen from placenta due to increased foetal cortisol which induces oxytocin receptors
- Foetal cells release oxytocin, causing placenta to released prostaglandins (initiates muscle contractions in uterus)
- Positive feedback loop
Stages of Labour: Dilation
- 8-24 hours
- Weak uterine contractions force infants head against cervix and baby’s head rotates to allow it to pass through narrow pelvic outlet
- Cervix softens and dilates
- Amnion ruptures releasing amniotic fluid
Stages of Labour: Expulsion
- Strong contractions every 2-3 mins
- Urge to push
- Baby’s neck extends as head exits from perineum
- Umbilical cord cut and clamped
Stages of Labour: Placental
- With 30 mins of birth
- Placenta separates from uterine wall and is expelled
- Uterine contractions continue during this stage and blood vessels constrict to prevent haemorrhage
- Limited bleeding
Primary Infertility
No prior conceptions
Secondary Infertility
One or more previous conceptions
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Sperm injected into uterus artificially
Gamete Intra-Fallopian Tube Transfer (GIFT)
Egg and sperm mixture implanted in fallopian tube
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Fertilisation naturally occurs in test tube then implanted in uterus
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Sperm injected through pipette into egg, fertilised, then transferred to uterus
