Male Reproductive Tract Overview
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Questions and Answers

What initiates the secretory phase in the menstrual cycle?

  • Secretion of special mucous by endometrial glands (correct)
  • Release of follicle-stimulating hormone
  • Increased levels of luteinizing hormone
  • Degeneration of the corpus luteum

What happens in the absence of fertilization during the secretory phase?

  • The corpus luteum degenerates (correct)
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin is produced
  • The stratum functionalis is maintained
  • Progesterone levels increase significantly

When does the secretory phase typically occur within a 28-day cycle?

  • From day 14 to day 21
  • From day 1 to day 5
  • From ovulation until day 28 (correct)
  • From day 6 to day 14

Which hormone is responsible for halting the menstrual cycle if fertilization occurs?

<p>Human chorionic gonadotropin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two coordinated cycles make up the female reproductive cycle?

<p>Ovarian cycle and uterine cycle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of granulosa and theca cells in the ovarian follicles?

<p>They synthesize and secrete estradiol. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the ovarian cycle does the oocyte first complete its meiotic division?

<p>Ovulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is transformed into the corpus luteum after ovulation?

<p>The follicular wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

<p>Regrowth of the endometrium takes place. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the ovarian cycle is characterized by the presence of the graafian follicle?

<p>Follicular phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are necessary for the estradiol production by mature ovarian follicles?

<p>LH and FSH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the stratum functionalis of the endometrium?

<p>Shed during menstruation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proteases, collagenases, and prostaglandins during ovulation?

<p>To break down the follicle and ovarian wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of development following fertilization?

<p>Germinal stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what week does the embryo officially become a fetus?

<p>8 weeks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which germ layer is responsible for developing all nervous tissue?

<p>Ectoderm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the placenta?

<p>Site of nutrient, gas, and waste exchange (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs during the 2nd week of development?

<p>Implantation of the blastocyst (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not develop from the mesoderm?

<p>Epidermis of skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the 3rd week of development?

<p>Formation of the amniotic cavity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue type develops from the endoderm?

<p>Epithelium of digestive tract (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle?

<p>The first day of menstruation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the dominant follicle emerge?

<p>Preovulatory phase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hormone levels if fertilization does not occur?

<p>Hormone levels decline leading to the formation of corpus albicans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does relaxin play in the reproductive cycle?

<p>Facilitates implantation in the relaxed uterus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for initiating the growth of ovarian follicles?

<p>FSH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of progesterone in the reproductive cycle?

<p>Prepare the uterus for implantation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate thickness of the stratum functionalis during the proliferative phase?

<p>4-10 mm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event does the LH surge primarily trigger?

<p>Ovulation of a mature follicle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase does the endometrium receive hormones to promote its thickening?

<p>Secretory phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during luteolysis in non-pregnant women?

<p>The corpus albicans forms as hormone levels drop (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the testes in the male reproductive system?

<p>Production of male gametes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory gland contributes the most to semen volume?

<p>Seminal vesicles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Sertoli cells in the testes?

<p>Support sperm development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the division of spermatogonia into specialized motile sperm?

<p>Spermatogenesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of meiosis I in spermatogenesis?

<p>Results in 2 haploid cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does testosterone influence spermatogenesis?

<p>Stimulates sertoli cell activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is capacitation?

<p>The final maturation of sperm in the female reproductive tract (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone triggers the production of LH and FSH at puberty?

<p>GnRH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure releases sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules?

<p>Sertoli cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of seminal fluid is responsible for sperm motility?

<p>Prostaglandins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the release of sperm from Sertoli cells?

<p>Spermiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory gland produces a mucus-like fluid to protect sperm during ejaculation?

<p>Bulbourethral gland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many primary oocytes remain at puberty in females?

<p>40,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if the released secondary oocyte is not fertilized?

<p>It undergoes apoptosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Oocyte Maturation

The process of an immature oocyte developing into a mature egg.

Follicular Phase

The first phase of the ovarian cycle, where follicles mature.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Luteal Phase

The phase after ovulation, when the corpus luteum forms and produces hormones.

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Corpus Luteum

Temporary endocrine tissue formed from the remaining follicle after ovulation, producing hormones like progesterone.

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Estrogen Production

The process of making estrogen by the ovarian follicle which requires both theca and granulosa cells working together.

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Stratum Functionalis

The layer of the uterine lining that is shed during menstruation.

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Stratum Basalis

The layer of the uterine lining that replaces the stratum functionalis.

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Spermatogenesis

Process of producing sperm from spermatogonia.

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Spermatogonia

Sperm stem cells that maintain their number through mitosis.

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Meiosis

Two rounds of cell division reducing the chromosome number to half.

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Sertoli cells

Support sperm production and development within seminiferous tubules.

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Leydig cells

Produce testosterone in the testis.

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Seminal vesicles

Secrete fluids composing ~60% of semen.

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Prostate gland

Secretes ~25% of semen, containing citric acid, proteolytic enzymes, and seminalplasmin.

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Bulbourethral gland

Secretes a mucus-like fluid to protect sperm during ejaculation.

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Spermiogenesis

Differentiation of spermatids into sperm.

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Spermiation

Release of mature spermatozoa from Sertoli cells into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.

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Capacitation

Final maturation of sperm in the female reproductive tract.

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Testosterone

Male sex hormone crucial for sperm development and male traits.

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FSH

Hormone stimulating Sertoli cells, promoting spermatogenesis.

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Oocytes

Immature egg cells produced by ovaries.

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Secretory Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, where the uterine lining thickens and prepares for potential implantation.

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What happens if fertilization doesn't occur?

The corpus luteum degenerates, causing the uterine lining to shed during menstruation.

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hCG's Role

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the early embryo and maintains the corpus luteum for pregnancy.

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From Corpus Luteum to Placenta

The corpus luteum initially supports pregnancy, but the placenta takes over hormone production after 3-4 months.

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Secretory Phase Timing

In a 28-day cycle, the secretory phase occurs from day 15 to day 28, following ovulation.

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Germinal Stage

The first two weeks of development following fertilization, characterized by rapid cell division and implantation of the blastocyst in the uterine wall.

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Embryonic Stage

Weeks 3 through 8 of gestation, marked by differentiation of the three primary germ layers and development of rudimentary organs and organ systems.

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Fetal Stage

Weeks 9 through 38+ of gestation, characterized by continued growth and development of organs and organ systems, leading to a viable baby.

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What is the blastocyst?

A hollow ball of cells that implants in the uterine wall, marking the end of the germinal stage and the beginning of the embryonic stage.

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What are the three primary germ layers?

Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which develop during the embryonic stage and give rise to all the tissues and organs in the body.

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What does the ectoderm develop into?

The ectoderm forms the nervous tissue of the brain and spinal cord, as well as the outer layer of skin (epidermis).

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What does the mesoderm develop into?

The mesoderm forms muscles, bones, blood vessels, connective tissues, and the lining of the reproductive system.

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What does the endoderm develop into?

The endoderm forms the lining of the digestive tract, respiratory system, and some major organs like the liver, pancreas, and thyroid.

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What's the role of the uterine cycle?

The uterine cycle prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg. If implantation doesn't occur, the inner lining is shed during menstruation.

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What happens during the menstrual phase?

The menstrual phase marks the beginning of a new cycle. The shedding of the uterine lining (stratum functionalis) and blood occurs, lasting for approximately 5 days.

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What happens in the ovary during the preovulatory phase?

Follicles develop, with one becoming dominant. Estrogen levels rise, triggering the release of LH.

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What happens in the uterus during the preovulatory phase?

The uterine lining (stratum functionalis) repairs and thickens, ready for a potential implantation.

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What happens in the ovary during the postovulatory phase?

If fertilization doesn't occur, the corpus luteum forms and eventually degenerates. If fertilization does occur, the corpus luteum is maintained by hCG.

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What happens in the uterus during the postovulatory phase?

The uterine lining continues to thicken and vascularize, ready for implantation. This is a critical phase for a possible pregnancy.

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What is GnRH's role in the reproductive cycle?

GnRH, secreted by the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH, which are crucial for the ovarian cycle.

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What are the key roles of FSH and LH?

FSH promotes follicle growth and estrogen production. LH triggers ovulation and helps form the corpus luteum.

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What is the role of progesterone?

Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation and primes the mammary glands for milk production.

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What is the role of relaxin?

Relaxin helps relax the uterus, aiding in implantation of a fertilized egg.

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Study Notes

Male Reproductive Tract

  • Comprised of testes, ducts, accessory glands, and supporting structures
  • Testes produce sperm (male gametes)
  • Ducts store and transport sperm
  • Accessory glands contribute to semen volume and properties
  • Supporting structures include the penis and scrotum

Accessory Sex Gland Secretions

  • Seminal vesicles contribute ~60% of semen volume, containing fructose (fuel), prostaglandins (improve sperm motility/viability), and fibrinogen (coagulates semen)
  • Prostate contributes ~25% of semen volume, with a slightly acidic pH due to citric acid (ATP production) and proteolytic enzymes (break down clotting proteins)
  • Bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands secrete mucus-like, alkaline fluid to protect sperm from acidic urine

Internal Anatomy of a Testis

  • Seminiferous tubules: site of sperm production
  • Sertoli cells: support sperm development
  • Leydig cells: produce testosterone

Spermatogenesis

  • Conversion of undifferentiated germ cells (spermatogonia) into specialized, motile sperm (spermatozoa)
  • Involves meiosis (two rounds of cell division) and subsequent differentiation to form mature spermatozoa

Spermatogenesis Details

  • Spermatogonia are sperm stem cells that multiply through mitosis.
  • Some spermatogonia enter meiosis.
  • Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I.
  • Secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II, forming spermatids.
  • Spermatids develop into spermatozoa.
  • Formed through 2 rounds of meiosis: each results in four haploid cells.

Meiosis

  • Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, producing four haploid daughter cells.
  • Unique to meiosis I are tetrad formation (synapsis), crossing over, and movement of pairs of chromatids towards poles.
  • Crucial for reducing the chromosome number.

Spermiation

  • Release of mature spermatozoa from Sertoli cells into the lumen of seminiferous tubule.

Capacitation

  • Final maturation of sperm in the female reproductive tract (triggered by uterine secretions)
  • Includes hyperactivation of sperm tails, required for successful penetration of the ovum.

Hormonal Control of Male Gamete Formation

  • At puberty, GnRH triggers LH and FSH production.
  • LH stimulates testosterone production by Leydig cells.
  • Testosterone controls final steps of spermatogenesis.
  • Testosterone inhibits LH production.
  • FSH acts on Sertoli cells to promote spermatogenesis and ABP production.
  • Sertoli cells release inhibin to reduce FSH release.

Female Reproductive Organs and Tract

  • Ovaries produce oocytes (female gametes).
  • Female reproductive tract includes oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina.
  • Structure and function of each part are discussed in detail.

Oogenesis

  • Production of female gametes (oocytes)
  • Begins before birth and continues into reproductive years.
  • Oogonia undergo mitosis before birth.
  • Oogonia then develop into primary oocytes, arrested in prophase I until puberty.
  • At puberty, a few primary oocytes resume meiosis I and continue to meiosis II.
  • Primarily oocyte development occurs before birth and continues in a cyclical manner following puberty.
  • Each month, under hormonal influence, primary oocytes resume meiosis I.
  • One secondary oocyte is ovulated, continuing meiosis II only if fertilized.
  • One of the two daughters (secondary oocyte) is ovulated and undergoes meiosis II to form a mature ovum only if fertilized.
  • All polar bodies degenerate.

Ovarian Follicles

  • Structural units in the ovaries containing oocytes.
  • Development of follicles occurs in two stages: primordial follicle and mature (graafian) follicle.
  • Mature follicles are the site of oocyte maturation and release.

Two-Cell Model of Estradiol Production

  • Estrogen production relies on both theca and granulosa cells.
  • Theca cells convert cholesterol to androstenedione.
  • Granulosa cells convert androstenedione to estradiol, requiring both LH and FSH.

Ovarian Cycle

  • Follicular phase, characterized by follicle growth and estrogen production.
  • Ovulation, the release of a mature oocyte.
  • Luteal phase, marked by corpus luteum formation and progesterone production.

Uterine Cycle

  • Three phases: menses, proliferative, and secretory.
  • Each phase is specifically coordinated with ovarian cycle changes.
  • Hormones like estrogen and progesterone control endometrial changes for possible implantation.

Gestation (Prenatal Development)

  • Stages involved in the fetal growth from fertilization to birth: germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.
  • Development occurs from the beginning of the fertilised ovum.
  • Fertilization occurs, zygote undergoes mitosis to become morula, blastocyst undergoes implantation.

Development of Placenta and Umbilical Cord

  • Placenta develops from the chorion and uterine tissue.
  • Crucial for nutrient exchange and hormone secretion during pregnancy.

Endocrine Functions of the Placenta

  • Produces hCG to maintain the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over steroid hormone production.
  • hCG levels will signal when implantation has occurred.
  • Placenta secretes hormones (progesterone, estrogen) that manage the uterine cycle and maintain pregnancy.

Placental Stage

  • Stage during pregnancy where the placenta is developed well and plays a crucial role in the endocrine functions and term pregnancy and parturition.

Term Pregnancy and Parturition

  • Pregnancy lasts the given duration, characterized by the growth and maturation of the fetus; all organ systems are also developed.

Female Reproductive Cycle Regulation

  • Control of ovarian and uterine cycles involves complex interactions between hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and ovaries.
  • Feedback mechanisms involving ovarian hormones regulate FSH and LH.

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Description

Explore the components and functions of the male reproductive system, including the testes, ducts, and accessory glands. Understand the roles these structures play in sperm production, transport, and semen composition. This quiz covers key concepts such as spermatogenesis and the secretions from accessory glands.

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