Week 10 Flashcards
what is the Reproductive System?
The system that is designed to create new life
what are the Primary sex organs (gonads)?
testes and ovaries
function of primary sex organs?
– produce reproductive cells
(gametes; sperm and ova)
– secrete steroid sex hormones:
androgens (males) and oestrogens
and progesterone (females)
- sex hormones play roles in:
– development and function of the reproductive organs
– sexual behaviour and drive
– growth and development of many other organs and tissues such as muscle
what are the Accessory reproductive organs?
ducts, glands, and
external genitalia
The reproductive system relies on the ……
hypothalamic–
pituitary–gonadal axis (also HPG axis)
what is the e hypothalamic–
pituitary–gonadal axis (also HPG axis)?
communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland
and the gonads.
hypothalamic–
pituitary–gonadal axis (also HPG axis) processes.
- Hypothalamus releases Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
2.Pituitary gland releases Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Stimulates the ovaries and testes to produce their hormones, which communicate with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Ovaries - female gonads function
– Produce female gametes
(ova)
– Secrete female sex
hormones, oestrogens
(estradiol, estrone, estriol)
and progesterone
Female Reproductive System Accessory organs include:
- Uterine (fallopian) tubes
– Uterus
– Vagina
– Greater vestibular glands
– Mammary glands
where is the Internal female genitalia and its contents?
- Internal genitalia - in pelvic cavity
–Ovaries
– Uterine tubes
– Uterus
–Vagina
what is the External genitalia
and its contents?
known as the vulva contains external sex organs
what are mammary glands?
Modified sweat glands consisting of 15–25 lobes
what do Lobules within lobes contain …
glandular alveoli that produce milk
Flow of milk in mammary glands
Milk —> lactiferous ducts –> lactiferous sinuses –> open to
the outside at nipple
what is the Areola?
pigmented skin surrounding nipple (covering areolar
glands)
diagram of mammary glands
what does External Genitalia (Vulva) contain?
- mons pubis
- labia majora
- labia minora
- clitoris
- perineum
what is the mons pubis?
Mons pubis - fatty area overlying pubic symphysis
what is the labia majora?
Labia majora (counterpart of male scrotum) - hair-covered,
fatty skin folds
what is Labia minora?
Labia minora - skin folds rich sebaceous glands lying within
labia majora
– Vestibule: recess within labia minora
what is the clitoris?
- Clitoris (counterpart to penis)
– Glans of the clitoris:
exposed portion
– Prepuce of the clitoris:
covers the glans like a hood
what is the perineum?
– Diamond-shaped region
between pubic arch and
coccyx
– Bordered by ischial
tuberosities laterally
External Genitalia (Vulva) diagram
External Genitalia (Vulva)
SKIN REMOVED diagram
Clitoris location and skin deep anatomy
– anterior to
vestibule
– Glans of the clitoris -
exposed portion
– Body of the clitoris
– Crus of the clitoris
– Bulb of the vestibule
* erectile tissue
role of Greater vestibular
glands?
– Release mucus into
vestibule for lubrication
what is the Vagina?
- Thin-walled tube 8-10 cm in length
- Birth canal and organ of copulation
vagina location
- Located between bladder and rectum
- Extends from cervix (part of uterus) to vulva
- Urethra parallels course
anteriorly
what supplies blood to vagina?
Blood supply: Vaginal
artery from Internal Iliac A.
where is venous drainage in vagina?
Venous drainage: vaginal
venous plexus
what are the Layers of vaginal wall
Layers of vaginal wall
– Outermost: Fibroelastic adventitia
– Middle: Smooth muscle
– Innermost: Stratified squamous mucosa
with rugae
what is vaginal
fornix?
Upper end of vagina surrounding
the cervix is called the vaginal
fornix
what is the hymen?
Lower end of vagina (near
vaginal orifice) - mucosa forms
incomplete partition called
hymen – ruptures with
intercourse (can rupture earlier
from bicycle ride, horse ride, etc)
what is Uterus?
- Hollow, thick-walled, muscular orga
function of uterus?
Receive, retain and nourish fertilized ovum
anatomy of uterus diagram
what are the parts of the uterus?
Fundus - rounded superior region
* Body - major portion
* Isthmus - narrowed inferior region
* Cervix - narrow neck, or outlet; projects into vagina
Cervical canal communicates with:
- Uterine body via internal os
- Vagina via external os
what are the Walls of uterus?
– Endometrium (sheds during menses)
* simple columnar epithelium
on top of stroma (CT) layer
* Stroma layer varies in thickness
depending on hormonal influences
– Myometrium
* muscular layer important for uterine
contractions during menses and childbirth
– Perimetrium
* outer serosa layer of uterus
diagram of uterus anatomy
Uterus Blood supply:
uterine artery from internal
iliac artery and ovarian artery from abdominal aorta
uterus Venous drainage
uterine veins
what are the Supportive ligaments of the uterus?
– mesometrium: lateral support;
portion of the broad ligament
– lateral cervical ligaments:
from the cervix and superior
part of the vagina to the walls
of the pelvis
– uterosacral ligaments secure
uterus to the sacrum
– round ligaments bind to the
anterior wall and also sends
attaching fibres to the vulva
uterine (fallopian) tubes location and size
Uterine (fallopian) tubes are narrow, 10 cm long tubes extending from
ovaries to uterus
what are Uterine (fallopian) tubes composed of?
composed of isthmus (narrow segment), ampulla (wide
section) and infundibulum (open, funnel-shaped portion near the ovary that
contains fimbriae - finger-like processes that serve to sweep oocyte into the tube)
where does fertilisation occur?
Normally sperm cells reach ovum in the ampulla ~ where fertilisation occurs
what is a zygote and where does it get moved to?
Zygote (product of conception) is moved towards the uterus via activity of ciliated
epithelium lining the tubes; implantation in uterus normally occurs after 6 days
what is the uterine tube held in place by?
Held in place by the mesosalpinx (mesentery of the Fallopian tube) of
the broad ligament
diagram of Uterine Tubes
what are the Ovaries?
Paired organs, size of unshelled almond found in
upper pelvic region
where do the ovaries get blood from?
Blood supply: ovarian artery from abdominal aorta
where is venous drainage in the ovaries?
Venous drainage: ovarian veins –> IVC
what ligaments are the ovaries held in place by?
Held in place by several ligaments
– ovarian ligament: anchors ovary
medially to the uterus
– suspensory ligament: anchors
ovary laterally to pelvic wall
– mesovarium: fold of peritoneum
that suspends the ovary (part of
the broad ligament) *does not
actually cover the ovaries
what are the Ovarian anatomy parts?
– germinal epithelium is the
simple epithelial covering over the
ovary –visceral peritoneum (not
pictured)
– tunica albuginea is capsule of
dense connective tissue
– cortex is the region just deep to
tunica, contains structures called
follicles (follicles contain oocytes
in various stages of development,
surrounded by supporting cells)
– medulla is the deeper region
composed of connective tissue,
blood vessels and lymphatics
what are the Follicular Stages? (diagram)
phases of Oogenesis (diagram)
Oogenesis diagram #2
what is the Female Sexual Response?
Tactile and psychological stimuli mediated by autonomic
pathways promote sexual excitement.
* During sexual excitement
– vaginal mucosa, vestibule, and breasts become engorged with
blood
– clitoris and nipples become erect and increased activity of
vaginal mucosa and vestibular glands lubricates vestibule
what is an orgasm?
Orgasm refers to period during which women experience
intense feelings of pleasure without ejaculation
– Uterus experiences peristaltic waves of contraction, and cervix
pushes into vagina
* These activities may draw semen further into reproductive tract
* Unlike males, there is no refractory period (multiple orgasms can occur)
and conception is not dependent on orgasm
what are Testes
male gonads. Paired organs located in
the scrotum
where are testes located?
in scrotum
what are the functions of testes?
– produce male gametes (sperm)
– secrete male sex hormone:
testosterone
Accessory organs of male reproductive system include:
– Epididymis
– Vas (Ductus) deferens
– Seminal glands
– Prostate gland
– Bulbourethral glands
Male Reproductive System; external and internal genitalia.
- External genitalia: penis and scrotum
- Internal genitalia: everything else
what is the The Scrotum?
- Sac of skin and superficial fascia
– Hangs outside abdominopelvic cavity
– Contains paired testes - 3C lower than core body temperature
– Lower temperature necessary for sperm production
how is temperature of scrotum kept constant?
Temperature kept constant
by two sets of muscles
– Dartos muscle –
smooth muscle; wrinkles
scrotal skin; pulls scrotum
close to body
– Cremaster muscles –
bands of skeletal muscle
that elevate testes
where do the testes get blood from?
Blood supply: Testicular
arteries from abdominal
aorta
testes venous drainage
Venous Drainage:
Testicular veins drain
into pampiniform
venous plexus
surrounding each
testicular artery
– Cooler; absorb heat from
testicular arteries
– Keep testes cool
what are the testes surrounded by?
Each surrounded by 2 tunics:
Tunica vaginalis – outer
layer derived from peritoneum
– Tunica albuginea – inner
layer; fibrous capsule
what divides testes, it it also site of ….. production?
- Septa divide testis into ~250
lobules, each containing 1–4
seminiferous tubules
– site of sperm production
Straight tubules function
collect
sperm from seminiferous
tubules
Rete testis function
collect sperm from straight tubules
Efferent ductules function
connect rete testis to the epididymis
Seminiferous Tubules
- Site of sperm production
- Thick, stratified epithelium
surrounding central fluidcontaining lumen
what cells are included in the Seminiferous Tubules?
Myoid cells, Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells, Interstitial (Leydig) cells
Myoid cells function and location
Myoid cells surround each tubule
* Squeeze sperm, testicular
fluids out of testes
Sustentacular (Sertoli) cells function
- Involved in spermatogenesis
- Secrete androgen-binding
protein (ABP
Interstitial (Leydig) cells function and location
Interstitial (Leydig) cells
in soft tissue surrounding
seminiferous tubules
* Produce testosterone and other
androgens
Spermatogenesis process diagram
Spermatogenesis flowchart
what is Epididymis?
- Storehouse for sperm
- 3 parts: head, body and tail
Duct of the epididymis length
6m in length
what absorbs testicular fluid?
– Microvilli (stereocilia) absorb
testicular fluid and pass
nutrients to stored sperm
processes that occur in Epididymis
- Non-motile sperm enter,
become motile in couple of
weeks; can be stored for
several months - During ejaculation, epididymis
contracts, expelling sperm into
Ductus/Vas deferens
what is Ductus/Vas Deferens?
- Tube that transmits sperm to the urinary tract ~ 45 cm long for men
location of Ductus/Vas Deferens
- Leaves epididymis through the spermatic cord which passes
through inguinal canal to pelvic cavity - Expands to form ampulla; joins duct of seminal vesicle to form
ejaculatory duct (inside prostate)
what are the Accessory male Glands
- Seminal Vesicle/Glands
- Prostate
- Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands)
where are the Seminal Vesicle/Glands?
male, On posterior bladder surface; smooth muscle contracts during ejaculation
what does Seminal Vesicle/Gland produce
Produces viscous alkaline seminal fluid (~60-70% volume of semen)
* Fructose, citric acid, coagulating enzyme (vesiculase), and prostaglandins
* Yellow pigment fluoresces with UV light
what joins to form ejaculatory duct?
– Duct of seminal gland joins ductus deferens to form ejaculatory duct.
what is Prostate?
Encircles urethra inferior to bladder; size of peach
pit; smooth muscle contracts during ejaculation
what does the prostate gland secrete?
Secretes milky, slightly acidic fluid (~1/3 semen
volume)
* citrate, enzymes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
* Role in sperm activation
* Enters prostatic urethra during ejaculation
what is Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands)?
Pea-sized glands inferior to prostate
what does Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands) produce?
– Produce thick, clear mucus during sexual arousal
* Lubricate glans penis
* Neutralize traces of acidic urine in urethra
what does the penis consist of?
- glans (head of) penis
- body (shaft)
- root
what is Glans (head of) penis?
- External urethral orifice
- Covered in Prepuce, or foreskin - cuff of loose skin
what is Body (shaft) of penis?
- Contains spongy urethra and three cylindrical bodies
of erectile tissue (spongy network of connective
tissue and smooth muscle with vascular spaces) - Corpus spongiosum - surrounds urethra and
expands to form glans and bulb - Corpus cavernosum - paired dorsal erectile bodies
what is the Root of the penis?
- Crura - Proximal ends of corpus cavernosum
surrounded by ischiocavernosus muscle; anchors
penis to pubic arch - Bulb – Proximal end of the corpus spongiosum
what is an erection?
erectile tissue fills with blood
blocking off veins causing penis to enlarge
and become rigid
what is the purpose of Male Sexual Response?
To reproduce, sperm cells must travel deep into female
reproductive tract; sexual intercourse (copulation, or
coitus) is mechanism that optimizes chances of
fertilization
what does male sexual response involve?
to be able to fertilise an egg sperm must travel deep into body.
* During sexual arousal, a parasympathetic reflex triggers
release of nitric oxide (NO) from blood vessel endothelial
cells; relaxes arteriole walls
– Arterioles dilate in blood sinuses in erectile tissue; allows for a large
volume of blood to enter tissue
– Increased blood flow and widening blood sinuses causes an erection
- Ejaculation – process to expel semen from penis; under
sympathetic nervous system control that occurs in two stages:
– Emission – movement of sperm, testicular fluid, and prostate and
seminal vesicle secretions into urethra
– Expulsion – occurs as semen, sperm, and fluids from other regions of
reproductive system accumulate in urethra - Generates sensory impulses that are processed in sacral portion of spinal
cord - Motor neurons from spinal cord stimulate rhythmic contraction of skeletal
muscles at base of penis; elicits expulsion of semen from urethra - Orgasm – time period during which feelings of pleasure are
experienced; coincides with ejaculation
– Resolution, or relaxation, follows orgasm and ejaculation; blood vessels
in erectile tissue and blood sinuses constrict, forcing blood out of penis
– A refractory period, or latent period, occurs after ejaculation that varies
in duration, where a man cannot achieve another orgasm
what is Semen?
Milky-white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions
– 2 - 5 ml semen ejaculated, contains 20 - 150 million sperm/mL
what does semen contain?
Contains fructose for ATP production; protects and activates
sperm; facilitates sperm movement
is semen acidic or alkaline?
Alkaline –> neutralizes acidity of male urethra and female
vagina –> enhanced motility
biological and hormonal effect of semen ?
- Prostaglandins decrease viscosity of mucus in cervix; stimulate
reverse peristalsis in uterus - Hormone relaxin, enzymes sperm motility
- Contains ATP for energy
- Suppresses female immune response
- Antibacterial action
- Clotting factors coagulate semen initially to prevent draining
out; then liquefied by fibrinolysin sperm begin journey
what is Sexually transmitted infections (STI) or sexually transmitted diseases (STD) (venereal disease)?
- group of infections
caused by a number of different bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are spread through sexual contact. - Most common cause of reproductive
disorders - Often cause infertility in adults and
deformities or possibly death of foetuses
what are Bacterial STIs caused by?
Bacterial are caused by pathogenic bacteria;
invade tissues and cause an inflammatory
reaction
what is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia – caused by bacterium Chlamydia
trachomatis; typically asymptomatic
* painful urination, pain in pelvic region and testes, and
vaginal or penile discharge
* blindness in newborns
* can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); can
lead to infertility
what is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea (“the clap”) – caused by bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
* painful urination and penile discharge
* women may experience painful urination and vaginal
bleeding
* If left untreated in women, gonorrhea can lead to PID and
blindness in newborns
what is Syphilis?
- Syphilis – caused by bacterium Treponema pallidum
– causes a small painless lesion called a chancre
– pink rash all over body; fever and joint pain
– Symptoms can come and go for years
– can produce destructive brain lesions and damages
cardiovascular organs, bones, and joints; may be fatal
what are Viral STIs?
Viral infections – caused by small nonliving viruses
that take over cellular organelles responsible for protein
synthesis; generate new copies of themselves that can
be released to infect new cells:
what is genital warts?
Genital warts: human papillomavirus (HPV) – genital
warts are caused by over 40 different
types of HPV
– Warts appear on penis, perineum,
or anus in males and on cervix,
vaginal wall, perineum, or anus in
females
– Several strains of HPV increase risk
of developing cervical cancer in women
what is genital herpes?
- Genital herpes – usually caused by herpes
simplex virus type 2
– Many individuals infected with herpes are
asymptomatic while individuals of both genders
suffer with extremely painful blisters on external
genitalia, thighs, and buttocks
– Disease is easily
transmissible when
these blisters are
present (as virus is
actively shedding) if
there is direct
skin-to-skin contact
Which of the following statements about myoid cells is true?
They surround the seminiferous tubules and contract rhythmically to squeeze sperm and testicular fluid through the tubules out of the testes.
Which cell type is actually ovulated from the ovary?
Secondary oocytes are ovulated from the ovary ~ every 28 days.
The usual site of fertilisation is the __________.
uterine tube
The reason why the testes are suspended in the scrotum is __________.
.
to provide for a cooler temperature (3°C lower than core body temperature) which is necessary for optimal sperm production.
The basic difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis is that __________.
One mature ovum is produced in oogenesis, and four mature sperm are produced in spermatogenesis.
The surge in Luteinising Hormone (LH) that occurs during the middle of the ovarian cycle triggers __________.
ovulation
The organ that makes oestrogen and progesterone is the __________.
ovary
Within the ovary, progesterone is produced by the __________.
corpus luteum
Sperm are produced in the __________.
seminiferous tubules
Which represents the correct cascade of reproductive hormones in males?
GnRH, LH/FSH, testosterone, inhibin
a: Fallopian/uterine tube
b: labia minora
c: labia majora
d: fimbriae
e: ovary
f: uterus
g: vagina
Which is the most correct sequence of sperm flow in the male duct system?
seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, ampulla, ejaculatory duct, urethra
The muscular wall of the uterus is called the __________.
myometrium
a: Vas deferens/Ductus Deferens
b: Testicular artery
c: Pampiniform plexus
d: Epididymis
e: Testis
f: Seminal vesicle
g: Prostate gland
h: Scrotum
Which of the following structures passes through the inguinal canal?
the spermatic cord
a: myometrium
b: clitoris
c: endometrium
d: cervix
e: vagina
The primary sex organs of the female are/is __________.
the ovaries
The primary sex organ of the male is the __________.
testes
Which male structure is homologous to the female’s clitoris?
penis
a: prostate gland
b: corpus cavernosum
c: ejaculatory duct
d: corpus spongisosum
