Reproductive Systems Flashcards

1
Q

The main function of the hypothalamus:

A

Acts as a homeostatic regulator for reproduction, stress, body temperature, hunger, and sleep.

Called a neuroendocrine organ, as it processes both neural and hormonal information

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2
Q

Posterior pituitary function:

A

releases hormones

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3
Q

Name the two neurosecretory peptide hormones released by the posterior pituitary:

A

Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH or vassopression)

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4
Q

What does oxytocin aid in the female body?

A

Milk ejection and childbirth

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5
Q

Anterior pituitary function:

A

Neurosecretory neurons synthesize releasing and inhibiting hormones

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6
Q

Name the two gonadotrophs produced by the anterior pituitary:

A
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

- Luteinising hormone (LH)

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7
Q

In the reproductive system, the hypophyseal portal system is a _____ arrangement, in which blood flows from on capillary bed in the _______ to another capillary bed in the ______ pituitary without growing through the heart in its journey

A

vascular
hypothalamus
anterior

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8
Q

The two neurosecretory hormones are _____ and _____. They are synthesized in the _________ and transported to the ______ pituitary, where they are stored and released.

A

Oxytocin
Antidiuretic hormone
hypothalamus
posterior

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9
Q

The gonadotrophs are located in the _____ pituitary

A

anterior

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10
Q

The two gonadotrophins produced are:

A
  • follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

- Luteinising hormone (LH)

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11
Q

The female endocrine gland where gonadotrophins act is the _____ and in men the _____.

A

Ovaries

testes

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12
Q

FSH: function

A

Acts on ovaries and testes to stimulate the production of gametes

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13
Q

LH: function

A
  • Acts on ovaries to trigger ovulation and promote the synthesis and release of ovarian hormones
  • Acts on testes to promote the synthesis of testosterone
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14
Q

What determines whether the bipotential gonad develops into an ovary of testis?

A

the SRY gene

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15
Q

Men: what do Sertoli cells do?

A

Secrete anti-mullerian hormone leads to Mullerian duct regression

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16
Q

Men: what do Leydig cells do?

A

Produce testosterone -> wolffian duct development -> internal male genetals

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17
Q

The criteria for staging the development of secondary sexual characteristics is known as what?

A

Tanner stages

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18
Q

Puberty sequence: girls

A
  • Breast budding
  • Pubic hair development
  • achievement of peak height growth spurt
  • menarche
  • ovulation
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19
Q

Puberty sequence: boys

A
  • testes enlarge
  • penile enlargement
  • pubic hair development
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20
Q

In boys, during puberty, the first sign of secondary sexual development is ____ enlargement. ____ cells enlarge and secrete _______, giving rise to testicular size.
Elongation and enlargement of the ____ begins within a year of ______ ________.

A

testes
Leydig
testosterone
penis

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21
Q

In girls, first ovulation does not take place until 6-9 months after ______. This delay is because the positive feedback mechanisms involving the hormone _____ have not developed.

A

menarche

estrogen

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22
Q

At puberty in response to ________ hormone (___) produced by the hypothalamus, the two gonadotropin hormones ___ and __ are secreted from the ______ pituitary gland.

A

Gonadotropin-stimulating
GnRH
FSH and LH
anterior

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23
Q

These hormones travel via the blood to the testes where LH binds to receptors on the ____ cells inducing the production of _______.

A

Leydig

testosterone

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24
Q

By approximately one year after menopause, the ovary has essentially ceased producing hormones (ovarian senescence)

Estrogen production reduces to approximately __% of previous levels.

The estrogen which is now produced is _____, which is a weak estrogen that arises mainly from the _____ cells of _____ tissue.

A

10
stromal
adipose

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25
Q

Vagina: three main functions

A
  • Passageway for the elimination of menstrual fluids
  • receives penis for intercourse, holds spermatozoa before they pass into the uterus
  • forms lower portion of the birth canal
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26
Q

Where does fertilization occur?

A

Ampulla of the uterine tube

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27
Q

Uterine (fallopian) tubes: function

A
  • Fertilisation -> provides a rich nutritive environment containing lips and glycogen for spermatozoa, oocytes, and the developing embryo
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28
Q

The ______ lining of the uterine tube has both ciliated and non-ciliated ______ ______ cells.

A

epithelium

secretory columnar

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29
Q

In the uterine tube: the mucosa is surrounded by _____ layers of _____ _____.

A

concentric

smooth muscle

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30
Q

Just above the ovary extending from the tube are ____, finger-like structures, this area is called the _____

A

fimbriae

infundibulum

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31
Q

The ovary is covered in ____. Following ovulation, the oocyte is drawn into the uterine tubes by the ____ then down to the uterus.

A

fimbriae

fimbriae

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32
Q

Ovary: has three distinct regions

A
  • Outer ovarian cortex (containing the ovarian follicles
  • Central ovarian medulla (consisting of ovarian stroma and steroid producing cells)
  • Inner hilus (entry point for nerves and vessels)
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33
Q

Ectopic pregnancy

A
  • When the fertilized embryo is implanted in any other tissue than the uterus wall
  • most occur in the uterine tube (tubal pregnancy)
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34
Q

About __% of women have a _____ uterus (instead of the regular ____ uterus), which could cause some pain during menstruation or intercourse

A

20
retroflexed
anteflexed

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35
Q

Histology of the ovary:

A
  • Primordial follicle
  • primary follicle
  • secondary follicle
  • mature (Graafian or pre-ovulatory) follicle
  • ovulation
  • corpus luteum
  • fertilization
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36
Q

Primordial follicle:

A
  • the oocyte is surrounded by a single layer of flat follicular cells (which develop into granulosa cells), form the primordial follicle
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37
Q

Primary follicle:

A
  • as the follicles grow, they are called primary or pre-antral follicles
  • immature primary follicles consist of only one layer of granulosa cells
  • In response to FSH, some follicles get larger producing many layers of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte
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38
Q

Primary follicle: more detail

The oocyte secretes _____, which form a translucent cellular layer (___ ______)
Condensation of ovarian ____ cells, known as ___ cells, start to form around the follicle

A

glycoproteins
zona pellucida
stromal
thecal

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39
Q

Secondary follicle:

A
  • as granulosa cells proliferate they produce a viscous follicular fluid that coalesces to form a single follicular antrum
  • these are called secondary or antrum follicles
  • the theca develops to become inner glandular, highly vascular theca internal, and the surrounding fibrous capsule, the theca externa
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40
Q

Mature follicle:

A
  • As follicular antrum grows, the oocyte becomes suspended in fluid
    = it is connected to the rim of peripheral granulosa cells by a thin stalk of cells
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41
Q

Ovulation:

A
  • increasing size plus position in the cortex of ovarian stroma = bulge out from ovarian surface then follicle ruptures, carrying with it the oocyte and surrounding mass of cumulus cells
  • oocyte collected by the cilia on the fimbria -> taken into the fallopian tube
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42
Q

Corpus luteum:

A
  • Antrum breaks down
    BM between granulosa and thecal layers breaks down and blood vessels invade
  • yellow pigment cells form
  • transformation called luteinization -> associated with increased secretion of progestagens
  • whitish scar tissue remains, the corpus Albicans (white body) is absorbed back into the stromal tissue
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43
Q

Fertilization:

A
  • if oocyte is fertilized and begins to divide -? corpus luteum persists past its normal 2-week lifespan
  • it is reduced from degeneration by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  • this hormone is produced by the chorion of the embryo beginning about 9 days after fertilization
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44
Q

When does mitogenesis start in men?

A

around puberty

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45
Q

Men produce around ___ sperm per second

A

20,000

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46
Q

What is contained in the structural part of the sperm cell?

A

Mitochondria

- provides energy (ATP) for sperm to move

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47
Q

Three phases of spermatogenesis:

A
  • mitotic division
  • meiotic division
  • cytodifferentiation
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48
Q

Spermatogenesis: These mitotic divisions occur in the ____ compartment of the ______ ______

A

basal

seminiferous tubules

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49
Q

Spermatogenesis: when mitotic division is complete, the spermatogonia move between adjacent ____ cells to the ______ compartment of the _____ tubules.

A

Sertoli
adluminal
seminiferous

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50
Q

Spermatogenesis: in the _____ compartment they are renamed ____ spermocytes, then undergo ____

A

adluminal
primary
meiosis

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51
Q

Spermiogenesis:

A

where round spermatids differentiate their shapes -> undergo elongation to become sperm

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52
Q

Hormonal control of spermatogenesis:
The _____ releases gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that travels via the _____ _____ system to the _____ pituitary and stimulates the release of two gonadotrophins ___ and __.

A

hypothalamus
hypophyseal portal
anterior
FSH and LH

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53
Q

LH is a protein hormone, travels from the _____ pituitary to the ____ where LH binds to receptors on the outside of ___ cells (which sit in the _____ ____ between the ____ tubules)

The response of the ____ cells is to produce _____ (an androgen)

A
anterior
testes
Leydig 
interstitial space
seminiferous 
Leydig
Testosterone (important for secondary sexual characteristics)
54
Q

Receptors on the surface of ____ cells receive stimulus that then initiates the release of the lipid-soluble male androgen ______.

A

Leydig

testosterone

55
Q

High levels of testosterone are maintained by its binding to and androgen binding protein (I) produced by the _____ cells.

A

Sertoli

56
Q

Independently these cells produce another hormone that helps regulate the process through feedback - this hormone is called _____.

A

Inhibin

57
Q

Testosterone is also converted to a very potent androgen called __ _______, responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

A

5a dihydrotestosterone

58
Q

Three major components of ejaculated semen

A
  • seminal fluid
  • sperm
  • prostatic secretion
59
Q

Seminal fluid

A
  • Approximately 60% of ejaculate volume
  • alkaline
  • contains fructose
  • contains clotting proteins
60
Q

Sperm

A
  • approximately 10% of ejaculate volume

- contains genetic information

61
Q

Prostatic secretions

A
  • approximately 30% of ejaculate volume
  • acidic
  • contains PSA
62
Q

PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

A

A protein produces by cells in the prostate gland, which makes the fluid that carries sperm

63
Q

Oligospermia

A

less sperm than the usual amount

64
Q

azoospermia

A

no sperm at all

65
Q

Infertility treatment: IVF

A
  • requires approximately 50,000 sperm
  • requires motile sperm
  • sperm fertilize the oocyte in a petri dish
  • oocytes are harvested and fertilized ex vivo
66
Q

Infertility treatment: intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

A
  • requires only a single sperm, which is injected directly into the oocyte
  • sperm does not need to be motile
  • can use sperm collected by biopsy from testes
67
Q

The penis has three major structures

A
  • Corpora cavernosa
  • The corpus spongiosum
  • Penile urethra
68
Q

Corpora cavernosa

A

The main erectile tissue

69
Q

The corpus spongiosum

A

Surrounds the penile urethra and prevents occlusion during erection

70
Q

Penile urethra

A

conducts semen and urine

71
Q

An erection is initiated and maintained by the ______ branch of the autonomic nervous system

A

parasympathetic

72
Q

In order to establish an erection, human males rely solely on the ______ pressure in the penis.
These chambers are called the _____ ____

A

hydrodynamic

Corpora cavernosa

73
Q

Relaxation of the smooth muscle is dependent upon the intracellular messenger ____, which reduces the intracellular _____.

A

cGMP

calcium

74
Q

The enzyme _________ ___ _ is responsible for the breakdown of this second messenger and is the target of viagra.

A

phosphodiesterase type 5

75
Q

The _____ ____ is a circular erectile structure that surrounds and prevents the occlusion of the penile urethra during an erection

A

corpus spongiosum

76
Q

Once erect, the penis contains approximately _ times more blood than a flaccid penis.

A

8

77
Q

Viagra: relaxation of the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa requires _______, a 2nd messenger which reduces calcium

A

Guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)

78
Q

The enzyme ______ breaks down cGMP, Viagra inhibits this enzyme -> increasing GMP -> replacing the arteries supplying the ______ ______ and erection.

A

phophodiesterase

corpora cavernosa

79
Q

The prostate secretes:

A
  • Phosphate and calcium
  • phosphate specific antigen (PSA) and other enzymes (breaks down post ejaculation coagulum)
  • slightly acidic (pH 6.5)
  • contains citrate (for AMP)
  • a milky colour
80
Q

The pH of semen is approximately __ with prostatic and seminal fluid neutralizing each other.

A

7.5

81
Q

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

A
  • Excess growth of the prostate - occludes the urethra
  • causes difficulty voiding bladder
  • eventual bladder weakness
  • urinary tract infections
  • frequent urination
  • kidney problems
  • sensation of incomplete emptying
82
Q

Treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia

A

Selective 5a-reductase inhibitors (stop prostate from enlarging or shrink it)

  • finasteride
  • dutasteride

Surgery
other

83
Q

Finasteride and dutasteride ____ the enzyme 5a-reductase, prevents production of __________, prostate grows less in response to ______ then it does _________, so it slows it down or reverses growth.

A

inhibit
dihydrotestosterone
dihydrotestosterone
testosterone

84
Q

Treatments for prostate cancer

A
  • watchful waiting
  • androgen depletion
    • inhibitors
    • castration
    • inhibitors of androgen synthesis
  • inhibition of testosterone action, block the androgen receptor
  • surgery: prostatectomy
85
Q

Water-soluble reproductive hormones

A

peptides and proteins. Oxytocin, FSH, LH, GnRH

86
Q

Oestrogens

A
  • Oestradiol (by developing follicles)
  • Oestrone (adipose tissue)
  • Oestriol (in placenta just before labor)
    100 x more in females than males

The main production site is the granulose cells of the developing follicle.

87
Q

Mullerian tubes become

A

uterine tube, uterus, cervix, upper vagina

88
Q

Male external genital development

A
  • Fusion of the urethral folds to enclose the urethral tube, forming a shaft
  • labioscrotal swellings fuse to form the midline of the scrotum
  • glans area expands forming the glans penis
89
Q

Female external sex development

A

urethral folds and labioscrotal swellings remain separate - forming labia minora and Majora.
Glans area forms the clitoris

90
Q

Timing of puberty in girls

A

critical weight must be achieved to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. 47kg - signifies that sufficient storage is available to sustain pregnancy and lactation

91
Q

Precocious puberty

A

signs of puberty before 7 years in girls and 9 in boys. usually due to a GnRH problem

92
Q

Delayed puberty

A

lack of gonadotrophin signals from the pituitary. no signs at 13 years in girls and 14 in boys

93
Q

Premenopause

A

40 ish onwards - regular periods

94
Q

menopausal transition

A

46ish onwards - irregular periods

95
Q

post menopause

A
  • ovaries stop producing hormones

- 1/10 of normal oestrogen levels (primarily oestrone) from the stromal cells in adipose tissue (weaker)

96
Q

Ovarian senescence

A

Cease of ovarian function (54ish)

97
Q

Perimenopause

A

from the start of irregular transition till ovarian sensc

ence

98
Q

Perimenopause symptoms

A
  • Vasomotor - Hot flushes, night sweats
  • genitourinary - vaginal dryness
  • bone metabolism - osteoporosis
  • behavioral changes - depression, tension, anxiety, mental confusion, libido
99
Q

Treatment for perimenopausal symptoms

A

oestrogen replacement therapy

100
Q

LH in spermatogenesis

A

binds to Leydig cells outside the seminiferous tubules, stimulating the secretion of testosterone. this feeds back to the gonadotrophs and the hypothalamus to inhibit the production of GnRH, LH, FSH

101
Q

FSH in spermatogenesis

A

works on the Sertoli cells to stimulate the production of ABP which binds to steroid hormones and makes them water-soluble - hence preventing them from crossing the lipid bilayer. when testosterone levels are high enough Sertoli cells produce inhibin which inhibits the release of FSH from the gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary.

102
Q

vans deferens

A

45cm long. runs from the epididymis and ends in the ampulla.

103
Q

urethra

A

20cm long. from the bladder through the prostate to the end of the penis

104
Q

seminal vesicle

A

secrete mucoid, fructose (an energy source for sperm), prostaglandin (smooth muscle contraction of the female reproductive tract), clotting protein (forms coagulum helps the semen to stick to the female tract). comes in last in the ejaculate

105
Q

erection occurs

A

release of NO and prostaglandin E1 causes the relaxation of the smooth muscle of cc. blood fills it - 8x more blood in erect penis.. venous outflow reduced too. cs keep the penile urethra open too

Sexual stimulation causes an increase in NO and Prostaglandin E1 levels causing the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum to relax allowing dilation of the arteries. Dilation of the arteries allows increased blood flow to the penis which in turn prevents venous return by occluding venous outflow. There is no voluntary control of this process and the penis expands to 8x its flaccid size

106
Q

brief description of the menstrual cycle.

A

after the death of the corpus luteum reduced positive feedback leads to slightly increased LH and FSH levels.

stimulates follicular development. stimulates the production of oestradiol - inhibiting the release of FSH and LH.

around day 12 if oestradiol levels are sustained negative feedback switches to positive feedback. leads to LH surge - leads to ovulation. day 14 corpus luteum formed secretes progestagens and estrogens which represses LH and FSH. corpus luteum dies off and progestagen and oestrogen levels reduce.

107
Q

phases and time frames for uterine cycle

A

proliferative - day 5ish to day 14. secretory - day 14 to day 28. menstruation - 28 - 5

108
Q

phases of the ovarian cycle

A

follicular phase and luteal phase - luteal phase always 14 days. other phase variables so the length of the menstrual cycle varies between women.

109
Q

Sperm structure: acrosome

A

structure in a sperm cell which covers the nucleus with enzymes (proteases and hyaluronidase) that digest the oocyte wall allowing fertilization

110
Q

Sperm structure: Head

A

Region of the sperm cell above neck containing the nucleus and acrosome

111
Q

Sperm structure: Tail

A

Region of the sperm cell from neck and below containing the neck, middle piece, principal piece, and end piece

112
Q

Sperm structure: Neck

A

Area in sperm cell between the nucleus and middle piece

113
Q

Sperm structure: middle piece

A

Structure in sperm below the neck and above the principal piece which contains many mitochondria which can generate sufficient energy to propel the sperm

114
Q

Sperm structure: principal piece

A

The large section of the tail which produce most of the movement of the sperm contains microtubules that allow it to link with the mitochondria

115
Q

end piece

A

the thinner part at the very end of the tail

116
Q

Inhibin

A

the hormone produced by Sertoli cells in the presence of testosterone which reduces the secretion of FSH by the anterior pituitary

117
Q

Androgen Binding Protein

A

The hormone produced by Sertoli cells in the presence of testosterone released by the Leydig cells increases the binding affinity of testosterone keeping levels high in the seminiferous tubule

118
Q

Kisspeptin

A

Neurotransmitter and hormone in the brain which controls the release of GnRH

119
Q

Hormonal control of testicular functions

A

GnRH is released by the hypothalamus which acts on gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary to increase the release of FSH and LH. LH acts on Leydig cells, stimulating the release of testosterone which acts on Sertoli cells and can also be converted into 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone. FSH acts synergistically with LH to stimulate the secretion of ABP. Increased FSH levels provide negative feedback in reducing the secretion of FSH from the pituitary while LH provides negative feedback by reducing the secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary and GnRH from the hypothalamus

120
Q

Basal compartment

A

The area towards the interstitium in seminiferous tubules where mitosis occurs 2-3 times

121
Q

Cryptorchidism

A

A condition where the testes do not descend to the scrotum from the pelvis. Often associated with infertility

122
Q

Ductus (vas) deferens

A

The large duct (45cm) is made of pseudo-stratified epithelium which begins at the end of the epididymis which stores sperm for up to several months. It also has numerous layers of smooth muscle which contract parasitically to move sperm along.

123
Q

Seminal vesicle

A

The accessory sexual gland is located anterior to the ampulla of the vas deferens and secretes into the ejaculatory duct.

Secretes a mucoid substance which alkaline and contains fructose to allow sperm to produce energy for movement, prostaglandins for movement and vitality of sperm, and clotting proteins to coagulate the sperm in the vagina

124
Q

PSA

A

An enzyme that decoagulates sperm to allow it to move through the vagina and into the uterus and so on

125
Q

Inguinal canal

A

The canal which the testes descend through and convey the spermatic cord

126
Q

Bulbourethral gland

A

Small accessory sex gland located next to the deep perineum muscles. Makes a small contribution to the makeup of semen and lubricates the urethra

127
Q

Glans penis

A

Extension of the corpus spongiosum at the tip of the penis

128
Q

Crus of penis

A

The area where the corpora cavernosa connects to the perineal membrane

129
Q

Bulb of penis

A

Connection of the corpus spongiosum to the perineal membrane

130
Q

Prostaglandin E1

A

The hormone which causes relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis