Session 5 - Sexual function/ Fertilisation/ Infertility Flashcards
Describe process of erection
Psychogenic or somatogenic stimuli activates parasympathetic NS (s2,3,4 for pelvic nerve) to inhibit the dominant sympathetic vasoconstriction. Vasodilation occurs (via ACh, binds to M3 Rs, NO released, vasodil) of arteries and corpus cavernosum and spongiosum fill with blood. Tunica albuginea is a tough membrane for them to fill against (resists so compresses venous drainage)
Also somatic involvement- ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus contract in final phase of erection to force more blood in
Describe process of ejaculation
Sympathetic mediated. Vas deferens and seminal vesicle and prostate peristaltic contractions. Also internal urethral sphincter contracts to prevent retrograde emission
Rhythmic contraction of striated muscle (pelvic floor, ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus)
What are the 3 nerves involved in ejaculation/erection
Parasympathetic pelvic nerve
Sympathetic hypogastric nerve
Somatic pudendal nerve
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Psychogenic, ruptured tunica albuginea, vascular problems, antidepressants, antihypertensives
How does viagra work
slows rate of cGMP degradation so that action of NO to vasodilate lasts for longer
How do sperm mature in the epididymis
Nuclear condensation, acrosomal shaping, add a glycoprotein coat, flagellum become more rigid with a stronger beat
Give me some facts about sperm
Only 50% motile, 60% morphologically normal, >20mil/ml
Normal ejaculate volume
2-6ml
Semen =
spermatozoa + seminal plasma
Describe cervical mucus changes
With oestrogen only, thin and stretchy
With oestrogen and progesterone, thick, sticky, plug
What is the fern test
What mucus looks like at ovulation
Describe process of capacitation
Final stage of sperm maturation in F genital tract.
Cell membrane changes to allow fusion with oocyte, whiplash beats begin and acrosome reaction now possible
How long does capacitation take
6-8hours
When is the fertile period
Up to 3 days prior to ovulation (sperm can survive 48-72 hours but eggs only 6-24hours)
What is the acrosome reaction
- Sperm pushes through corona radiata (clump of granulosa cells)
- Sperm binds to ZP3 of the zona pellucida
- Acrosome reaction is triggered
- Zona pellucida is digested
Many sperm push through corona radiata, but only one penetrates the zona pellucida
Okay cool
What is the cortical reaction
Blocks polyspermy by egg releasing granules
What happens after an egg penetrates the zona pellucida?
Egg and sperm fuse, calcium waves are activated, egg resumes Meiosis II and forms a pronucleus, joins with sperm pronucleus
Which cell provides the mitochondria and which provides the centriole?
Sperm has centriole, egg has mitochondria