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Bio 169 Reproductive System Study Guide
Spring Semester 2005

Learning Objectives, Topics, and Key Terms


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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

Cooper’s 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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Last updated 19 January 2005