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BNNS2 exam 2 > Reproductive systems (Male and Female) > Flashcards

Reproductive systems (Male and Female) Flashcards

1
Q

Describe two age related changes that occur in older men (male)

A
  • about age 55 a decline in testosterone levels result in decreased muscular strength, fewer viable sperm and decreased sexual desire
  • although abdunants sperms may be present in older age fewer are viable
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia may cause frequent urination, decreased force of stream, bed-wetting and sensation of incomplete emptying
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2
Q

Describe the pathway of sperm from the site of production to the exit from the body (name all the structures that the sperm, semen pass through) (male)

A
  • sperm travels through the seminiferous tubules in the testis to the epididymis where it is stored until the penis becomes erect. if the penis continues to be stimulated sperm migrates to the vas deferens, where it passes the seminal vesicle and its secretions are added.
  • the seminal fluid is then propelled to the prostate gland where a milky fluid is added creating semen before entering the ejaculatory ducts.
  • before ejaculation, a secretion from the bulbourethral gland is added to the semen making it sticky so that it can stick to the vagina …..
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3
Q

Explain why a male does urinate during ejaculation (male)

A

During ejaculation a smooth muscle sphincter at the base of the urinary bladder closes (involuntary/ reflex action), preventing urine from entering the urethra and preventing semen entering the urinary bladder.

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4
Q

Describe the function of male the urethra (male)

A

It carries urine out of the bladder and propels semen along the length of the penis for discharge during ejaculation.

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5
Q

Describe the location and state the function of the Bulbourethral gland in (male)

A
  • Pea-sized gland located inferior to the prostate gland and lateral to the urethra in the urogenital diaphragm.
  • produces a thick, clear into the urethra and lubricates the male urethra during sexual excitement.
  • neutralizes acidic urine.
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6
Q

Describe the location and state the function of the prostate gland (male)

A
  • a golf-ball sized gland that encircles the urethra just inferior to the urinary bladder
  • during ejactulation smooth muscle contracts squeezing glandular secretions into the urethra via several ducts . this fluid activates sperm and accounts for up to 1/3 of the volume of semen.
  • milky. slightly acidic (pH 6.5) includes nutrients and several enzymes e.g. prostate specific enzyme (PSA)
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7
Q

Describe the location and state the function of the ejactulatory ducts (male)

A
  • the ducts (vas) deferens leads to the short ejactulatory duct.
  • the duct runs through the superior aspect of the prostate gland
  • the ejactulatory duct ejects sperm and seminal vescile secretions into the urethra just before ejaculation
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8
Q

Describe the location and state the function of the seminal vesicles (male)

A
  • seminal vesicles are a pair of pouch-like structures positioned below the urinary bladder and lateral to the vas deferens and add an alkaline, viscous fluid to the sperm.
  • contains fructose that sperm can use as ATP
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9
Q

Name the structure located in the spermatic cord (male)

A

the spermatic cord contains all structures passing to and from the testes
- testicular blood vessels
- autonomic nerves
- lymphatic vessels
- ducts (vas) deferens
- cremaster muscle
one spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal on each side

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10
Q

Describe changes that occur to male reproductive system with the onset of puberty (male)

A
  • the onset of puberty -12-14 yrs is marked by pulses of GnRH which triggers production of FSH and LH.
  • development of public and body hair, voice changes, enlargement of body - particularly muscles, bones and male sex organs, increase in libido, spermatogenesis begins.
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11
Q

State the function of the Ducts (vas) deferens (male)

A
  • transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra by peristalsis
  • can store sperm for several months
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12
Q

describe the location of anf 3 functions of the epididymis (male)

A
  • the epididymis curves around the posterior surface of the testis
  • the epididymis contains ~6m coiled duct
    Function
  • site for sperm to mature and gain mobility over 14 days
  • stores sperm
  • propel sperm into the ducts (vas) deferens by peristalsis during sexual arousal
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13
Q

State 3 functions of testosterone (males)

A
  • controls the growth and development, functoning and maintanince of se organs
  • stimulates sperm maturation, bone growth and protein synthesis
  • stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty
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14
Q

Name the hormones involved in spermatogenesis beginning from the hypothalamus (male)

A
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone are the two hormones which initiate and maintain spermatogenesis.
  • from puberty, the hypothalamus increases secretion of GnRH (Gonadotropin- releasing hormone)
  • GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to increase secretion of LH and FSH
  • LH stimulates interstitial (leydig) cells to secrete testosterone.
  • FSH stimulates (along with testosterone) spermatogenesis.
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15
Q

Describe the specific functions of acrosome, mitochondria, midpiece and tail of the sperm cells (male)

A
  • the Acrosome is a cap-like vesicle containing enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the secondary oocyte for fertilization
  • the flattened pointed head of the sperm contains a nucleus with 23 chromosomes
  • the midpiece contains mitochondria which provide energy so that the tail can propel the sperm through the female reproductive tract
  • the tail propels the sperm.
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16
Q

State 3 functions of the sustentacular (sertoli) cells (male)

A
  • support and provides nutrients for ~70 days while the cells undergo meiosis and develop into sperm
  • produce testicular fluid for transport of sperm
  • control release of sperm into lumen of the seminiferous tubule.
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17
Q

Define spermatogenesis (include specific cells) (male)

A
  • spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm by meiosis

- occurs in the seminiferous tubules within the testes

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18
Q

State the specific function of the cremaster and dartos muscles

A

both regulate the temperature of the testis

  • cremaster muscle pulls the testes closer to the pelvic floor and the warmth of the body in colder conditions and lets them hang loose in warmer conditions
  • the dartos muscle is a layer of smooth muscle fibres in the subcutaneous tissue of the scrotum (surrounding the scrotum) this muscle is responsible for wrinkling up the scrotum, in conditions of colder weather, in order to maintain the correct temperature for spermatogenesis. contraction reduces the surface area available for heat loss, thus reducing heat loss and warming the testicles
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19
Q

Describe the location and function of the scrotum (male)

A
  • a hairy sac of skin and connective tissue that hangs outside the pelvic cavity at the root of the penis
  • a midline septum divides the scrotum providing a compartment for each testis
  • the scrotum has a protective function and houses the testes
  • the scrotum also helps regulate the temperature of the testes
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20
Q

Describe the age related changes that occurs during menopause (female)

A
  • peak of reproductive abilities in late 20’s
  • after this ovaries become less responsive to hormonal stimulation and ovarian function gradually decline
  • ovulation and menstruation cease (completely aged 46-64 menopause)
  • the ovaries continue to produce oestrogen for a while after menopause but then stop hormone production
  • without sufficient oestrogen the reproductive organs and breasts atrophy, the vagina becomes dry, weight gain, loss of bone mass, raising total blood cholesterol, but decrease in HDL levels, hot flushes and sweating, some women experience irritability and depression
  • sexual desire (libido) is usually maintained by adrenal sex steroids)
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21
Q

Describe the changes that occurs during puberty (female)

A

development of breasts and changed to the uterus and ovaries that result in the commencement of ovulation (sporadic for the first couple of years) and menstruation, development of public hair, mood changes, increase in libido, weight gain and redistribution of adipose tissue.

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22
Q

Describe the difference between the corpus luteum and the corpus albicans (female)

A
  • in the ovary the corpus luteum secretes large quantities of progesterone and some oestrogen
  • if the ovum is not fertilized the corpus luteum becomes non-functional corpus albicans
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23
Q

What are the 4 signs of ovulation (female)

A
  1. increase in basal body temperature
  2. cervical mucus thins and forms channels to allow sperm to pass through it (caused by rising oestrogen levels)
  3. cervix softens
  4. discomfort/pain
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24
Q

Name the hormones that are involved during the postovulatory phase (female)

A

increase in progesterone and oestrogen

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25
Q

Name the hormones that are involved during ovulation (female)

A

surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

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26
Q

Name the hormones that are involved during the preovulatory phase (female)

A

increase in oestrogen

27
Q

Name the hormones that are involved during the menstruation phase (female)

A

Decrease in progesterone

28
Q

Describe the changes that occur in both the ovaries and the uterus during the postovulatory phase (female)

A
  • In ovary the corpus luteum secretes large quantities of: progesterone and some oestrogen
  • if the ovum is not fertilized the corpus luteum becomes a non-functional corpus albicans
  • In the uterus progesterone and oestrogen from corpus luteum promote thickening (to 12-18 mm) of endometrium
  • the thickened functional layer becomes increasingly: vascular – ready for development of the placenta
  • glandular – secretes glycogen (energy source for embryo)
  • if no fertilization occurs, menstrual phase will begin
29
Q

Describe the changes that occur in both the ovaries and the uterus during ovulation (female)

A
  • A surge in the level of LH causes ovulation.
  • Ovulation is the rupture of the mature (Graafian) follicle & release of the secondary oocyte into the abdominopelvic cavity
  • following ovulation:
    the ovarian follicle collapses
    the follicular cells slowly begin to:
    enlarge & change character
    form the corpus luteum (under the influence of LH)
  • the corpus luteum then secretes progesterone & oestrogen
30
Q

Describe the changes that occur in both the ovaries and the uterus during the preovulatory phase (female)

A
  • In the ovary, a dominant follicle develops into a mature follicle
  • by day 14 the mature follicle has enlarged & bulges at the surface of the ovary
  • the follicular cells surrounding the oocyte secrete oestrogen & release it into the blood
  • oestrogen produced by the growing follicle causes a new functional layer 4-10 mm thick to develop in the endometrium
  • As this layer proliferates & thickens endometrial glands develop & spiral arterioles grow into it.
31
Q

Describe the changes that occur in both the ovaries and the uterus during the menstruation phase (female)

A
  • Low levels of progesterone causes the spiral arterioles to constrict & the functional layer of the endometrium dies.
  • the dead functional layer detaches from the uterine wall causing 3 - 5 days of bleeding
  • 50 to 150 ml of blood, tissue fluid, mucus & epithelial cells is shed from the endometrium.
32
Q

What day does the postovulatory phase occur? (female)

A

days 15-28

33
Q

What day does ovulation occur? (female)

A

day 14

34
Q

What day does the preovulatory phase occur? (female)

A

days 6-13

35
Q

What day does the menstrual phase occur? (female)

A

days 1-5

36
Q

What are the four phases of the female reproductive cycle (female)

A
  1. the menstrual phase (menstruation)
  2. pre-ovulatory phase
  3. ovulation
  4. post-ovulatory phase
37
Q

Describe the effects of (functions of) luteinising hormone (female)

A
  • stimulates ovulation &

- promotes formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone & (some) oestrogen

38
Q

Describe the effects of (functions of) follicle stimulating hormone (female)

A
  • initiates growth of follicles including:
  • nurture of the developing oocyte
  • secrete oestrogen from the cells lining the follicle
39
Q

Name the gland where follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) are made and secreted from (female)

A

anterior pituitary gland

40
Q

State the stimulus for the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) (female)

A

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) & luteinizing hormone (LH)

41
Q

State the stimulus for production of oxytocin hormone and the type of feedback involved for each hormone (female)

A

The suckling action of an infant produces prolactin, which leads to milk production; more suckling leads to more prolactin, which in turn leads to more lactation.

  • This is a positive feedback system as the product (milk) produces more suckling and more hormone
  • When the baby sucks at the mother’s breast, oxytocin secretion causes the milk to release so the baby can feed. At the same time, oxytocin is released into the brain to stimulate further oxytocin production.
  • Oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism where release of the hormone causes an action that stimulates more of its own release. When contraction of the uterus starts, for example, oxytocin is released, which stimulates more contractions and more oxytocin to be released.
42
Q

Name the two hormones involved in milk production and secretion (female)

A

Prolactin
-Initiates & maintains milk production
- Levels rise dramatically towards the end of pregnancy
Oxytocin
- When a baby breast-feeds it stimulates positive feedback causing the secretion of more oxytocin to stimulate more milk production
- Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and is released from the axon terminals in the posterior pituitary and travels to the breast
Stimulates the release of milk from the ducts of the breast.

43
Q

State the functions of the Mammary glands (breasts) (female)

A
  • Description: Modified sweat glands which are part of the skin.
  • Function: synthesis, secretion & ejection of milk (lactation)
  • Structure: Size of breast is determined by the amount of adipose tissue
  • Milk-secreting alveoli are clustered within the breasts.
44
Q

Name the structures of the vulva (female)

A

Vulva consists of:

  • mons pubis - fat pad that cushions the symphysis pubis
  • labia majora - outer folds
  • clitoris - small mass of erectile tissue which has a role in sexual excitement
  • labia minora - inner folds encircle the vestibule
  • vestibule (area between the labia minora)
45
Q

Describe the location and function of the vagina (female)

A

10 cm long fibro-muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body
-vaginal orifice (opening) – initially covered by a thin membrane called the hymen
- lies between urinary bladder and rectum
Function
- receptacle for penis
- outlet for menstrual flow
- passageway for childbirth

46
Q

Explain how cervical cancer can be prevented (female)

A

cervical cancer starts in the epithelial cells covering the tip of the cervix.

  • Often these cells have been previously damaged by the human papilloma virus (HPV), or other STI’s.
  • HPV causes genital warts
  • Gardasil, a three-dose vaccine, protects against HPV-induced cancer.
  • condoms
47
Q

Name the hormone that causes the cervical mucus to become thinner and explain why this happens. (female)

A

oestrogen - Just before ovulation occurs, the hormone estrogen leads to increased cervical mucus and changes it into a stretchy, viscous-like substance. This helps sperm survive and swim

48
Q

Name the hormone that causes the thickening of cervical mucus and explain why the mucus becomes thick. (female)

A

progesterone
Glands in the mucosa of the cervical canal produce cervical mucus
–when thick it forms a cervical plug that physically impedes sperm penetration

49
Q

Describe three functions of the cervix. (female)

A

blocks the entry of microorganisms from the vagina
–contains proteins, lipids, enzymes
–mucus supplements the energy needs of the sperm

Role of cervix in pregnancy: Firmly closed for most of pregnancy (holds fetus in uterus)
- Softens, thins, and becomes stretchy at end of pregnancy to allow delivery of baby

50
Q

Describe the location of the cervix. (female)

A

is the narrow neck of the uterus - tubular portion of the uterus that extends downward into the upper part of the vagina

51
Q

Explain how the functional layer of the endometrium regenerates, describe what happens to this layer during menstruation, and name the hormone responsible for these changes (hint: it is a decrease in this hormone that causes the changes). (female)

A

Low levels of progesterone stimulate spiral arterioles in the functional endometrial layer to constrict and then die, it then sheds this layer along with mucus, tissue and blood- menstruation.

The basal layer then becomes the new functional layer and spiral arterioles re- establish along with nerves and Lymphatic (similar to how epithelial tissue replaces itself). This is Initiated by oestrogen.

52
Q

Name the three layers of the uterus and describe the function of each layer (state which layer is shed during menstruation and which layer contracts during labour and delivery). (female)

A

Endometrium
- Innermost functional layer is shed during menstruation
- basal layer replaces functional layer each month
Myometrium
- 3 layers of smooth
- muscle which expel
- the fetus during labour.
Perimetrium
- External layer that forms part of the visceral peritoneum

53
Q

State three functions of the uterus. (female)

A
  • route for transport of sperm
  • receives, retains & nourishes the fertilized ovum (now called a blastocyst).
  • muscular wall contracts during labour to expel the fetus
54
Q

Describe two factors that may impede the movement of the oocyte (or ovum if fertilised) in the uterine tubes. (female)

A

narrow or blocked fallopian tubes - chlamydia

decreased movement of Cilla causes potential ectopic pregnancy - smoking

55
Q

State the usual location in the uterine tubes where fertilisation occurs (female)

A

ampulla

56
Q

Explain how the oocyte moves from the ovaries into the uterine tubes and how the oocyte is transported in the tubes (female)

A

–At the time of ovulation, the uterine tube bends to drape over the ovary

–Fimbriae stiffen & sweep the ovarian surface

–Fimbria has cilia which create currents in the peritoneal fluid to carry the ovum into the tube.

When inside the uterine tube, the egg is transported toward the uterus, by cilia and peristalsis created by smooth muscle in walls of uterine tubes

57
Q

Describe the function of the uterine tubes. (female)

A
  • Site of fertilization (ampulla)
  • The primary function of the uterine tubes is to transport sperm toward the egg, which is released by the ovary, and to then allow passage of the fertilized egg back to the uterus for implantation.
58
Q

Name the three sections of the uterine (fallopian) tubes. (female)

A

infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus

59
Q

Name the hormone secreted from the follicles of the ovaries. (female)

A

progesterone (and some oestrogen)

60
Q

Name the structures located in the ovarian cortex and the ovarian medulla. (female)

A

ovarian cortex - contains ovarian follicles/oocytes

ovarian medulla - contains blood vessels, lymphatics, & nerves

61
Q

State two functions of the ovaries. (female)

A
  1. produce oestrogen & progesterone

2. produce the secondary oocyte & expel it into abdominopelvic cavity (ovulation)

62
Q

Describe the anatomical position of the ovaries in relation to the uterus. (female)

A

pelvic cavity
lateral to the uterus
kept in position by several ligaments

63
Q

Describe the pathway sperm would take to reach the oocyte for fertilisation. (female)

A

vagina, cervix, body of the uterus, isthmus of the fallopian tube, ampulla of fallopian tube

64
Q

Describe the pathway of an oocyte from the ovary to the vagina (assuming it is not fertilised). (female)

A

mature follicle in the ovary, pelvic cavity, fimbriae -sweep it into the infundibulum of the fallopian tube, ampulla of the fallopian tube - if it isn’t fertilised it disintegrates within the tube and leave via the isthmus of fallopian tube, uterus, cervix and vagina during menstruation

BNNS2 exam 2 (7 decks)

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