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CNM Biochemistry Workshop Responses > Reproductive system > Flashcards

Reproductive system Flashcards

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1
Q

Provide alternative names for
a Female gametes
b Male gametes
c Childbirth

A

a Ova
b Spermatoza
c Parturition

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2
Q

Complete the following;
The breasts are referred to as the ____ glands of the female reproductive system. Each breast contains a _____ gland, which is a modified sweat gland that produces _____. Each gland consists of 20 ______ separated by _______ tissue. The lobes contain grape like clusters of glands called ______. Suspensory _______ support the breast between the skin and the underlying ______.

A 
accessory 
mammory
milk
lobes
adipose
alveoli
ligaments
fascia
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3
Q

Name the sinuses which store the milk in the breasts

A

Lactiferous sinuses

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4
Q

With regards to milk, describe the functions of
Prolactin
Oxytoxin

A

Prolactin - stimulates milk synthesis

Oxytocin - causes milk ejection

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5
Q

Name four functions of the uterus

A

1 - Contracts to initiate labour
2 - Pathways for spermatoza
3 - Site of implantation for zygote
4 - Location for foetal development

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6
Q

Describe specifically the structure and function of the endometrium

A

Highly vascularised inner layer of the uterus.
Stratum functionalis - sloughs off during mensuration leaving the
Stratum basalis

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7
Q

Name one uterus tissue layer that contains smooth muscle

A

The myometrium

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8
Q

Name one ligament that holds the uterus in place

A

Broad ligament

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9
Q

State which layer of the uterus sheds during menstruation

A

Stratum functionalis

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10
Q

Describe the difference between an embryo and a foetus

A

Embryo is an embedded zygote before 8 weeks old.

Turns into a feotus after 8 weeks old

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11
Q

Describe the main role of the placenta

A

Site of exchange of nutrients and wastes between mother and feotus, attached to the endometrium. Produces hormones needed to maintain pregnancy

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12
Q

Explain why the placenta is described as unique

A

Because it develops from two individuals.

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13
Q

Explain how the placenta connects to the embryo/feotus

A

Through the umbilical cord, which is 50-60cm long

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14
Q

Discuss the following statement:

The placenta is an effective battier to all medicine and drugs

A

Provides a protective barrier because most micro-organisms cannot pass through it. Some, such as HIV, measles and polio can. Alcohol and many drugs can pass freely and can cause birth defects.

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15
Q

Which cell type cannot cross the placenta

A

Blood cells

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16
Q

With regards to placental hormones, complete the following table.

A
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17
Q

Using definitions, compare the following placental complications
a Placenta praevia
b Placenta accreta
c Placental abruption

A

a - Previa = when placenta attaches to lower part of uterine wall.
b Accreta - abnormally deep attachment through the endometrium into the myometrium
c Abruption - rupture of blood vessels adhering to the uterine wall, leading to separation from uterus

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18
Q

Describe TWO differences between ‘monozygotic’ and ‘dizygotic’ twins

A

Mono - same genetic information, come from one single ovum. 2embryos one placenta

Di - 2 ova implant independently, two placentas

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19
Q

Describe TWO functions of the fallopian tubes

A

1 - provide a route for sperm to meet the ova

2 - provide a route for the fertilised ova to reach the uterus

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20
Q

Explain how the ovum travels from the ovary into the fallopian tubes

A

Finger like projections called fimbriae surround the ovary and ‘sweep the ova’ into the fallopian tube

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21
Q

Describe TWO functions of the ovary

A

1 - Produce female gametes

2 - Secrete sex hormones

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22
Q

Complete the following
Oogenesis refers to the formation of female ______ in the ovaries. Oogenesis begins in the _______ . Primary ______ are formed from germ cells during foetal development. The formation of primary ________ stops at birth and they are surrounded by a layer of follicular cells, the entire structure is called a ______ follicle. Durings a womans reproductive lifetime about ______ follicles will mature and ovulate whilst the remainder _________

A 
Gametes 
Foetus
Oocytes 
oocytes 
Primordial follicle 
400
degenerate
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23
Q

Describe how FSH and LH play a role in post pubertal oogenesis

A

FSH stimulates maturation of the primordial follicles into a mature ovum.

A surge of LH triggers ovulation - release of the ovum (secondary oocyte)

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24
Q

List four stages of the menstrual cycle

A

1 - Menstrual phase (1-5)
2 - Pre-ovulatory phase (6-13)
3 - Ovulation (14)
4 - Post ovulatory (15-28)

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25
Describe in detail the first half of a typical menstrual cycle (day 1-13)
Menstruation and pre ovulatory phase. Day 1-5 in the uterus the endometrium is being shed in response to a sudden drop in progesterone. In the ovaries, follicles are developing under the influence of FHS Day 6-13 in the uterus the endometrium thickens in response to rising oestrogen levels. In the ovaries the follicle starts to mature and secretes oestrogen. Follicles secrete inhibin which decreases the secretion of FSH. This stops other follicles developing
26
Describe in detail the second half of a typical menstrual cycle (day 14-28)
Ovulation - day 14 - release of the egg. In ovaries, high oestrogen levels create a negative feedback look which stimulates LH secretion. LH causes rupture of the mature follicle and expulsion of the egg. Post ovulatory phase - the corpus luteum is now essential in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. The corpus luteum forms from the follicle wall and produces progesterone and some oestrogen. These maintain the endometrium in preparation for pregnancy
27
Describe what happens to a: a Fertilised egg b fertilised egg.
The zygote embeds in the uterine wall. HCG produced by embryo maintains and stimulates corpus luteum to produce progesterone and oestrogen. After 14 days the corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans. The levels of progesterone and osetrogen drop and a new cycle starts with menstruation
28
Name THREE hormones involved in the onset of puberty
Lh FSH GnRH
29
List three body changes that typically occur during puberty
Breast development Hair growth Hips widen
30
Define the menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Naturally occurs between 45 - 55
31
State the normal age of menopause
45-55 years of age
32
Describe how the normal menopause develops (HINT - hormones)
Decrease in oestrogen production > decline in ovulation > decrease in progesterone production.
33
List THREE signs of menopause
Hot flushes/sweating Vaginal dryness Breast shrinkage
34
Explain why a woman experiencing menopause is at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
loss of oestrogen
35
Explain why it is important to maintain a balanced blood glucose during menopause.
36
Name FOUR components of the male reproductive system
Penis Testes Sperm Prostate gland
37
State which nervous system stimulates erectile tissue and involuntary muscle
Parasympathetic nervous system
38
Name TWO functions of the male urethral canal
Carries urine from the bladder | Ejaculates semen
39
List TWO key functions of the testes
Site of spermatogenesis | Site of testosterone production and secretion
40
Explain the role of FSH and LH in relation to the male testes.
Spermatogenesis is regulated by FSH | Testosterone production is regulated by LH
41
Describe the role of the epididymis.
Spermatozoa mature + are stored in the epididymis
42
State the ideal body temperature for spermatogenesis
3oC below body temperature
43
Draw and label a sperm
Head - filled with nucleus Acrosome - vesicle covering the head of the sperm Mitochondria - fill the body to fuel tail Flagellum (tail) -
44
Describe the role of the acrosome
Vesicle covering the head of the sperm
45
Describe the main role of the following in relation to seminal fluid: a. Seminal vesicles b. Prostate gland
Secrete alkaline seminal fluid (60% of semen) | Secretes a thin milky fluid that makes up 30% of semen
46
Explain why seminal fluid is alkaline.
To protect sperm from urethral and vaginal acidity
47
Describe the main role of Bulbourethral glands
Cowpers glands - secrete an alkaline, mucous fluid that neutralises urinary acids in the urethra prior to ejaculation and lubricates the end of the penis.
48
With regards to reproductive terminology, complete the following table:
49
Describe the difference between ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ amenorrhoea
Primary - failure to occur by expected onset. | Secondary - lack of menstruation for 3 months in previously menstruating women
50
List TWO causes of secondary amenorrhoea
PCOS | Anorexia
51
Describe the difference between ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ dysmenorrhoea
Primary - Excessive release of uterine prostaglandins during menstruation causing myometrium to contract . Secondary - associated with specific pelvic or systemic pathologies such as endometriosis, fibroids, PID
52
Name TWO reproductive pathologies that contribute to secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Endometriosis | PID
53
Name the menstrual phase affected by premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Luteal phase
54
List TWO causes of PMS
Hormone imbalance: shifts in levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which can influence neurotransmitters Serotonin deficiency is thought to be a key neurotransmitter relationship
55
Name FIVE signs / symptoms of PMS.
``` Depression Headaches Anxiety Pelvic pain Back pain ```
56
Using definitions compare ‘pelvic inflammatory disease’ with ‘endometriosis’
PID is an infectious + inflammatory disorder of the upper female genital tract including the uterus, fallopian tubes + ovaries. Endo is endo tissue found outside the uterine cavity.
57
List ONE infectious cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Spread of bacteria ascending from the cervix
57
List ONE infectious cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Spread of bacteria ascending from the cervix
58
List TWO characteristic signs/symptoms of PID.
Lower abdominal pain | Deep dyspareunia
59
Name TWO complications of PID.
Infertility | Ectopic pregnancy
60
Describe the pathophysiology of endometriosis
Endometrial tissue found outside the uterine cavity
61
List TWO locations commonly affected by endometriosis.
ovaries | fallopian tubes
62
Describe how the following factors may contribute to endometriosis: a. Altered immune surveillance b. Primordial cells
a - in pelvis, affecting the ability of the body to recognise ectopic endometrial tissue b - primordial cells lining other body cavities or organs differentiate into endometrial cells
63
Name ONE hormone which is dominant in endometriosis
oestrogen
64
List TWO signs / symptoms of endometriosis (not dysmenorrhoea
Pelvic pain occurring around menstruation | Dyspareunia
65
Name TWO diagnostic procedures used to identify endometriosis.
ultrasound | laparoscopy
66
Name TWO complications of endometriosis.
recurrent inflammation leads to formation of fibrous tissue, which can produce adhesions. Adhesions can obstruct the uterus or fallopian tubes, which can contribute to infertility
67
Using definitions compare ‘fibroids’ and ‘ovarian cysts’.
Fibroids- benign tumours of the myometrium of the uterus. Smooth muscle cells and connective tissues, more common in reproductive years. Linked to oestrogen and progesterone levels Ovarian cysts. -fluid filled sac within the ovary. Most common is follicular cyst - failure to ovulate and instead fills with fluid.
68
State TWO causes of fibroids.
Linked to levels of oestrogen and progesterone Obesity Contraceptive pill
69
List TWO characteristic signs / symptoms of fibroids.
50-80% asymptomatic Infertility Menstrual changes
70
Explain specifically why fatigue is a common symptom with fibroids
Because the prolonged bleeding and spotting can cause iron deficiency/anaemia
71
Name ONE investigative procedure for fibroids.
Ultrasound
72
Define polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The presence of many cysts within the ovaries. 12 or more follicles, increased ovarian volume (>10cm3)
73
Explain in detail the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Dysfunction of the HPO axis. LH:FSH imbalance . High circulating LH promotes increased ovarian androgen formation. Insulin resistance Occurs in approx 40% irrespective of body weight Suppresses SHBG which increases free circulating androgens. The execess androgen production will suppress ovulation
74
List FOUR symptoms of PCOS.
Amenorrhiea LAck of ovulation Infertility Weight gain
75
Name TWO clinical signs associated with hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
Acne | Elevated testosterone
76
11. Name TWO investigative procedures (not blood tests) used to identify PCOS.
Ultrasound | Laparoscopy
77
Name ONE endocrine pathology which individuals with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing.
Type II diabetes
78
State TWO locations in the body where an ectopic pregnancy may occur.
Fallopian tubes | Cervix
79
Name TWO observational signs of breast cancer.
Lump in breast - asymptomatic and painless | Puckering of skin on breast / skin changes. Dimpling or orange peel appearance.
80
List TWO risk factors for the development of breast cancer
Genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 | family history
81
List ONE infectious cause and ONE non-infectious cause of balanitis
Infectious - bacterial infection | Non infectious - inadequate cleaning under foreskin
82
Name TWO signs / symptoms of balanitis.
Pain | Dyspareunia
83
List ONE known cause of an undescended testes.
Premature birth
84
Name TWO complications of an undescended testes.
Damaged sperm | Testicular cancer
85
State TWO risks factors for testicular cancer
``` undescended testes Young male (15-35) ```
86
Describe the ‘mass’ associated with testicular cancer
Hard, painless, unilateral
87
Using definitions compare ‘prostatitis with ‘benign prostatic hyperplasia’.
Prostatitis describes inflammation of the prostate gland that can be infectious (bacterial) or non infectious. BPH is enlargement of the prostate tissue leading to compression of the urethra. Common in older men over 60.
88
List TWO risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Abdominal obesity and sedentary lifestyle
89
Explain the role of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in BPH.
For testosterone to affect the prostate, it must be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT has twice the effect on the prostate as testosterone.
90
List TWO signs / symptoms of BPH.
Obstructed/poor urinary flow. | • Increased urinary frequency.
91
Describe the significance of back pain in prostate cancer.
Back pain can indicate bone metastases.
92
List ONE sign / symptom (not back pain) more suggestive of prostate cancer.
Key symptoms include nocturia and haematuria.
93
List TWO diagnostic procedures used to identify both BPH and prostate cancer.
Elevated PSA | • Digital rectal examination

CNM Biochemistry Workshop Responses (3 decks)

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