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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the fimbriae in the infundibulum?
What is the primary function of the fimbriae in the infundibulum?
Which area of the fallopian tube is primarily known as the site of fertilization?
Which area of the fallopian tube is primarily known as the site of fertilization?
What does the middle layer of the uterine tube consist of?
What does the middle layer of the uterine tube consist of?
Which layer of the uterine tube is responsible for producing tubular fluid?
Which layer of the uterine tube is responsible for producing tubular fluid?
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How long does the isthmus account for in the total length of the uterine tube?
How long does the isthmus account for in the total length of the uterine tube?
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What is the duration of oogenesis until a mature ovum is produced?
What is the duration of oogenesis until a mature ovum is produced?
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What anatomical feature surrounds each testis?
What anatomical feature surrounds each testis?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules?
Which of the following is NOT a function of Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules?
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What is the primary structure of the epididymis?
What is the primary structure of the epididymis?
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Which statement regarding the ductus deferens is correct?
Which statement regarding the ductus deferens is correct?
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When do the developmental stages of oogenesis primarily begin?
When do the developmental stages of oogenesis primarily begin?
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What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
What is the function of the tunica albuginea in the testis?
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Which of the following structures directly monitors the transition of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules?
Which of the following structures directly monitors the transition of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules?
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What significant structure does the ductus deferens form at its end?
What significant structure does the ductus deferens form at its end?
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What is the approximate progression time for spermatogenesis?
What is the approximate progression time for spermatogenesis?
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Which cell type is crucial for producing seminiferous fluid?
Which cell type is crucial for producing seminiferous fluid?
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Which anatomical component aids in the maturation of sperm cells in the epididymis?
Which anatomical component aids in the maturation of sperm cells in the epididymis?
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What type of tissue primarily composes the ductus deferens?
What type of tissue primarily composes the ductus deferens?
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What is the primary function of the corpora spongiosum during an erection?
What is the primary function of the corpora spongiosum during an erection?
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Which structure is primarily responsible for producing testosterone in males?
Which structure is primarily responsible for producing testosterone in males?
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During which stage of oogenesis do the primary oocytes undergo meiosis I?
During which stage of oogenesis do the primary oocytes undergo meiosis I?
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What is the primary role of the epididymis in the male reproductive system?
What is the primary role of the epididymis in the male reproductive system?
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What anatomical feature helps maintain the temperature of the testes for optimal spermatogenesis?
What anatomical feature helps maintain the temperature of the testes for optimal spermatogenesis?
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What process occurs within the seminiferous tubules?
What process occurs within the seminiferous tubules?
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Which of the following hormones is secreted by the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?
Which of the following hormones is secreted by the corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs?
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What role do the theca cells play in the female reproductive system?
What role do the theca cells play in the female reproductive system?
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What structure does the ductus deferens connect with at its distal end?
What structure does the ductus deferens connect with at its distal end?
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What triggers the degeneration of the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?
What triggers the degeneration of the corpus luteum if pregnancy does not occur?
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Which of the following compartments does the scrotum create?
Which of the following compartments does the scrotum create?
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What type of connective tissue is present in the outer cortex of the ovaries?
What type of connective tissue is present in the outer cortex of the ovaries?
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What does granulosa cells primarily convert in the female reproductive system?
What does granulosa cells primarily convert in the female reproductive system?
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What is the correct order for follicle development in oogenesis?
What is the correct order for follicle development in oogenesis?
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Study Notes
Reproductive System Overview
- The reproductive system is a fundamental characteristic of life, responsible for creating new individuals.
- Sex describes biological characteristics.
- Gender differentiates masculinity and femininity.
- Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm and egg).
Gametogenesis
- Gametogenesis is the production of gametes.
- Females produce ova (eggs) through oogenesis. Oogenesis takes ~300 days and begins around the 5th week of embryonic development.
- Males produce sperm (spermatozoa) through spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis takes ~74 days and begins around the 5th week of embryonic development.
- Primordial germ cells (PGCs) initially migrate to genital ridges and then divide mitotically. These cells will differentiate into either ova or spermatozoa.
Spermatogenesis
- Spermatogenesis is a process that occurs in the seminiferous tubules from puberty onward.
- Begins with spermatogonia.
- Spermatogonia undergo mitosis to maintain stem cell population (Type A) to produce Type B spermatogonia.
- Type B spermatogonia undergo mitosis, duplicating the pool of germ cells entering the next steps.
- Meiosis I and meiosis II occur, leading to the formation of spermatids.
- Spermatids undergo spermiogenesis, a process of organelle and cytoplasm modification.
- The final product is spermatozoa.
- The spermatogenic cycle takes approximately 74 days.
Anatomy of Spermatozoon
- Spermatozoa are self-propelled, swimming cells.
- Components include head (nucleus, acrosome, centrioles), mid-piece (mitochondria), and tail (flagellum).
Oogenesis
- Oogenesis begins during embryogenesis and continues into puberty.
- At birth, 600,000 to 7,000,000 oocytes are present.
- Meiosis begins but arrests during prophase I during embryonic development.
- At puberty, the process is resumed in select oocytes.
- The oocyte will complete meiosis I and II during the release of the oocyte.
Male Reproductive Tract
- Structures include the testes (produce sperm), epididymis (store sperm), ductus deferens (transport sperm), ejaculatory duct (mixes sperm and seminal fluid), and urethra (conducts semen).
Male Reproductive Tract: Testis
- Testes are paired ovoid gonads housed in the scrotum.
- Surrounded by the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea.
- The tunica albuginea divides the testis into ~200 distinct tubules.
Male Reproductive Tract: Seminiferous Tubules
- Formed by interconnected Sertoli cells.
- Sertoli cells nourish and support developing sperm.
- Sertoli cells also scavenge debris and produce fluid.
- They also produce inhibin and androgen-binding protein (ABP).
Male Reproductive Tract: Epididymis
- Epididymis: long, thin, convoluted tube lying against the testis.
- A series of tubes converges into a single duct, coiling down to ~1/2000th of its actual size.
- The tubes maintain tight junctions and transport sperm.
Male Reproductive Tract: Ductus Deferens
- Structural continuation of the epididymis within the spermatic cord.
- Passes through the pelvic cavity to form the ampulla before connecting with the seminal vesicle.
- Has three layers (outer adventitia, middle muscularis, inner mucosa).
Male Reproductive Tract: Ejaculatory Duct and Urethra
- Ejaculatory ducts connect the vas deferens to the urethra.
- The urethra mixes sperm with seminal plasma.
- The male urethra is divided into prostatic, membranous, and spongy segments, collectively conducting semen.
Male Accessory Sex Glands
- Accessory glands include seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.
Male Accessory Sex Glands: Seminal Vesicles
- Each seminal vesicle has an excretory duct.
- The duct joins the vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.
- The lumen consists of convoluted mucosa (increased surface area).
- Surrounded by two smooth muscle layers.
Male Accessory Sex Glands: Prostate Gland
- Largest male accessory sex gland, consisting of many lobules.
- Lobules open into the prostatic urethra.
- Secretes ~30% of seminal fluid (with ingredients such as citric acid, prostate-specific antigen, zinc).
Male Accessory Sex Glands: Bulbourethral Glands
- Two cm-long ducts join the spongy urethra.
- Secretions make up ~5% of ejaculate, typically pre-ejaculate.
- The fluid is clear, alkaline, and contains lubricating proteins and neutralizing mucins.
Male External Genitalia
- Includes the penis and scrotum.
Male External Genitalia: Penis
- Elongates during sexual arousal, with roots attaching to the pelvic girdle, body containing urethra and corpora cavernosa.
- The glans is highly sensitive.
Male External Genitalia: Scrotum
- Maintains testicular temperature at 34°C for spermatogenesis.
- Suspended at the base of the pelvis.
- Bisected at midline into two compartments.
- Monitored by thermoreceptors.
Female Reproductive System
- Includes ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.
Female Reproductive System: Ovaries
- Positioned on either side of the uterus via the mesovarium.
- Ovarian arteries, veins, and nerves pass through the hilum.
- Outer cortex has dense connective tissue with ovarian follicles (developing germ cells).
- Inner medulla has areolar connective tissue (blood vessels, lymphatics).
Female Reproductive System: Folliculogenesis
- The process of ovarian follicle development, including primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles.
- Oogenesis begins during embryogenesis and continues at puberty.
- Theca cells produce androgens, and granulosa cells convert androgens to estrogen.
Female Repro System:Ovarian Follicle
- Tertiary follicle develops, displacing the oocyte to one side of the antrum.
- Specialized granulosa cells form the corona radiata.
- Other granulosa and theca cells form luteal cells.
Female Repro System: Corpus Luteum
- Transient endocrine organ formed from granulosa and thecal cells.
- If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum persists and secretes hormones.
- If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and is replaced by the corpus albicans.
Female Repro System: Uterus
- Structurally divided into fundus, body, isthmus, and cervix.
- Function: support, nurture, and nourish developing embryo.
- Anchored by ligaments.
Female Repro System: Uterine Layers
- Perimetrium: outer serosa layer.
- Myometrium: three layers of smooth muscle.
- Endometrium: inner layer, site of implantation. Basal layer is permanent; functional layer is hormone-responsive.
Female Repro System: Cervix and Vagina
- Cervix: dome-like structure protruding into the vagina.
- Functions include copulation, passageway of menstrual flow, birth canal.
- Vagina: three-layered canal (outer adventitia, middle muscularis, inner mucosa). Natural home to several microorganisms.
Female External Genitalia
- Vulva: Mons pubis, labia majora and minora, pudendal cleft.
- Vestibule: area between labia minora, encompassing clitoris, urethral orifice, and vaginal orifice. Hymen may be present.
- Clitoris: erectile tissue homologous to the male penis.
Hormonal Regulation of Reproduction
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates gametogenesis in both sexes.
- GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.
- Gonadotropins (LH and FSH) stimulate gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in the gonads.
- Steroid hormones (androgens, estrogens, progesterone) regulate reproductive processes (e.g. spermatogenesis, oogenesis, menstrual cycle).
Male Reproductive Endocrinology
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is responsible for the regulation of testicular function.
- This process involves GnRH stimulation of LH and FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary, which act on the testes to regulate spermatogenesis.
- Sertoli cells produce inhibin B and ABP, and Leydig cells secrete testosterone, DHT and estrogens. These hormones support sperm production and development and help regulate secondary sexual characteristics.
Menstrual Cycle
- A complex series of hormonal changes that result in the cyclical preparation of the endometrium (uterine lining) for potential pregnancy.
- The ovarian cycle involves the maturation of ovarian follicles and ovulation.
- The uterine cycle involves changes in the uterine lining. There are phases (follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases) in both cycles.
- Various hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone) influence the ovarian and uterine cycles throughout the phases.
Puberty
- Puberty is the developmental period when reproductive function begins.
- Triggered by increased production of adrenal cortex and gonadal hormones.
- Results in sexual maturation and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males and females.
Reproductive System Aging
- Reduced hormone levels (testosterone in males, and estrogen in females) result in decreased reproductive function over time.
- Termination of reproductive years is referred to as the climacteric in reproductive physiology.
- In males, this leads to reduced testosterone production, diminished sex drive and potential symptoms such as erectile dysfunction. In females, this leads to a decrease in circulating estrogen, depletion/absence of follicles, and/or menstruation.
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