The reproductive system Flashcards
What does seminal fluid consist of?
- Fructose
- Citric acid
- Bicarbonate (used to neutralise the acidic environment of the vagina)
- Fibrinogen
- Fibrinolytic enzymes
Describe the spermatic cord.
Formed at deep inguinal ring
Contains several structures including:
- Testicular artery
- Pampiniform plexus (v)
- Autonomic & GF nerves
- Lymph vessels
- Vas deferens
Describe the penis.
- 2 x Corpora Cavernosa
- 1 x Corpora Spongiosum
- Erection due Parasympathetic stim
- Ejaculation due Sympathetic stim
- Point and Shoot
(see diagram 4/68)
What is the arterial blood supply for the testes?
- testicular arterties from the aorta via the spermatic cord
Which lymph nodes do the tests drain to?
para-aortic lymph nodes
see diagram 5/68
Where are the ovaries?
Ovaries inside peritoneal cavity (remainder outside)
see diagram 6/68
What is the arterial blood supply for the ovaries and uterus/vagina?
ovaries: ovarian arteries (from aorta)
uterus/vagina: uterine arteries (from internal iliac a)
Which nervous system stimulates erection?
para-sympathetic nervous system
Which nervous system stimulates ejaculation?
sympathetic nervous system
Which are the lymphatic drainage systems for the ovaries and the uterus/vagina?
Ovaries: para-aortic LNs
Uterus/Vagina: iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal LNs
What is the gametogenesis?
production of gametes from reproduction
What are the two functions of the gonads?
- gametogenesis
2. reproductive hormone production
When does gametogenesis begin?
at puberty
Describe the Germ cells in males across a lifespan.
- Gametogenesis begins at puberty
- Spermatogonia undergo differentiation and self-renewal -> pool available for subsequent spermatogenic cycles throughout life (continuous fertility)
- Produce ~1,500 mature sperm/second
(see diagram 9/68)
What happens to the germ cells before birth in females?
- Multiplication of Oogonia to ~ 6 million/ovary
- Form 10 Oocytes within ovarian follicles (= primordial follicle) -These begin meiosis (halted in prophase)
- Some primordial follicles degenerate (atresia).
- At birth ~2 million/ovary remain
What happens to the germ cells by puberty in females?
-By puberty <0.5 million/ovary remain (due further atresia)
What is the name for gametogenesis in males?
spermatogenesis
Define spermatogenesis.
production of mature spermatozoa
What is the Vas deferens surrounded by?
muscle (for ejaculation)
Is the vagina sterile or non-sterile?
non-sterile
What do the fallopian tubes have?
• Fallopian tubes have cilia and spiral muscle
Where does fertilisation occur?
• Fertilisation in ampulla (wider part of Fallopian tube)
What is the uterus supported by?
• Uterus supported by tone of pelvic floor (levator ani & coccygeus) and ligaments (broad, round, uterosacral)
When is the endometrium shed?
• Endometrium shed at menses due to vasoconstriction of arterioles