Bio 169 Reproductive System Study Guide
Spring Semester 2005
Learning Objectives, Topics, and Key Terms
Readings: Martini, Chapter 28
Male Reproductive System
Big picture: Make and deliver haploid gametes (spermatazoa)
1. Describe the scrotum and understand temperature regulation of the testes by reflex
dartos (smooth muscle layer under skin)- tightens scrotal sac --> push testes up
cremaster muscles (skeletal muscle) -- part of spermatic cords - pull testes up
2. Understand the process of sperm production
seminiferous tubules
produce spermatozoa (gametes; also called, germ cells)
interstitial cells (Leydig cells) -- in spaces surrounding the tubules -- secrete testosterone
Sertoli cells (also, sustentacular cells)
stimulated by FSH (follicle stimulating hormone, from adenohypophysis) and testosterone (a steroid hormone)
"blood-testis" barrier
coordinate sperm development
secrete inhibin (secretion stimulated by cytoplasm from developing sperm)
process of spermatogenesis
mitosis (2n, diploid) vs meiosis (1n, haploid)
spermatogonia (2n = diploid)
--> spermatocytes
mitosis --> primary spermatocytes (2n) -->
meiosis --> 2 secondary spermatocytes (1 n = haploid) -->
meiosis --> 2 spermatids (1n)
spermiogenesis --> mature spermatozoa
head (nucleus, acrosome)
midpiece (mitochondria)
tail (also, flagellum --> motility)
regulation of spermatogenesis: inhibin inhibits FSH release from gonadotrophs in pituitary --> negative feedback control
3. Know the structure of the testis and the names and locations of the male ducts
spermatic cord
tunica albuginea & tunica vaginalis
lobules (each contains one seminiferous tubule) separated by connective tissue septa
rete testis
efferent ductules
epididymis
ductus epididymis
ductus deferens (also called, vas deferens)
vasectomy
ejaculatory duct
urethra
4. Know the structure of the penis
erectile tissue
corpus cavernosum (plural: corpora cavernosa; paired dorsal)
corpus spongiosum (single ventral)
glans penis (also contains erectile tissue)
external urethral orifice (also called, urethral meatus)
prepuce (also called, foreskin)
5. Know the male accessory reproductive glands, their secretions, and functions
seminal vesicles (~60% of ejaculate; fructose -->energy nutrient for sperm; slightly alkaline pH due to bicarbonate ion)
prostate gland (smooth muscle surrounds glands; ~25% of ejaculate; acidic pH)
bulbourethral glands (also called, Cowper's glands) -- secrete mucus
ejaculated semen (= spermatozoa from epididymis + glandular secretions)
6. Understand the regulation and actions of sex hormones in males
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH, from hypothalamus)
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, from gonadotrophs in adenohypophysis)
luteinizing hormone (LH, from gonadotrophs)
testosterone (from Leydig (interstitial) cells)
puberty
primary (congenital) vs secondary (sex hormone caused) sexual characteristics
7. Understand the events of the male sexual act
parasympathetic control of erection
nitric oxide (NO) relaxes vascular smooth muscle --> blood enters erectile tissue
orgasm
ejaculation
sympathetic control of ejaculation
peristalsis
Female Reproductive System
1. Overview of the female reproductive system
ovaries
uterus
Fallopian (uterine) tubes
vagina
external genitalia
mammary glands
2. Structure of the ovary and process of oocyte development
tunica albuginea
suspensory ligament
oogenesis
ovarian follicle
oocyte (immature egg)
primordial follicle (haploid)
primary follicle
granulosa cells
secondary follicle (has beginnings fluid cavity)
tertiary follicle (also called, Graafian follicle or mature follicle)
corona radiata
ovulation (release of ovum; triggered by LH surge)
corpus luteum --> progesterone (--> keeps uterine smooth muscle relaxed)
--> makes relaxin (late pregnancy; loosens CT of pubic symphysis)
3. Structure and function of the oviducts (also called, uterine tubes or Fallopian tubes)
fimbria
ciliated epithelium
isthmus
ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
4. Structure of the uterus
broad ligament
round ligament
body (corpus)
fundus
cervix
os
cervical cancer and papilloma virus (risk of intercourse for immature females)
uterine cavity
endometrium
endometrial glands
myometrium
serosa
5. Structure of the vagina and its function
mucosa (stratified squamous epithelium)
rugae, mucous glands
smooth muscle layer
6. Structure of the external genitalia (vulva)
mons pubis (also, mons veneris)
labia majora (homologous to scrotum)
labia minora
clitoris (densely innervated; homologous to penis)
clitoral hood (homologous to prepuce)
urethral meatus
vestibule
perineum
episiotomy
7. Structure and function of the mammary glands
breast
nipple
areola
Coopers ligaments
lobules
ducts
alveoli
control of lactation
estrogen + progesterone + prolactin --> stimulate development of ducts and alveoli; also, milk synthesis and secretion
oxytocin --> milk expression, a neuroendocrine reflex
contracts myoepithelial cells around alveoli
gynecomastia
8. Changes associated with puberty
critical body mass is trigger
menarche
estrogen --> female secondary sexual characteristics
9. Phases of the menstrual cycle and the changes in the uterus and ovary
proliferative phase
FSH --> estrogen rise (from follicular cells in ovary)
LH surge
--> ovulation
secretory phase
FSH --> estrogen
LH --> progesterone (from corpus luteum cells)
menses
due to drop in progesterone
or pregnancy
fetal chorion secretes human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) --> maintains corpus luteum --> maintains progesterone secretion--> inhibits myometrium from contracting, stimulates endometrium
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Durham Technical Community College
Durham, NC 27703
Last updated 19 January 2005