Reproductive system Flashcards
Where is sperm produced and where is it stored?
Produced in the lining of the seminiferous tubules, stored in the epididymus
What are the 3 roles of progesterone in women?
- Regulate development of the endometrium
- Prepare suitable environment for embryo nourishment
- Allow the breasts to produce milk
Name and describe the 3 layers of the uterine wall
- Para/perimetrium - visceral peritoneum
- Myometrium - interwoven smooth muscle
- Endometrium - the epithelial layer
Name the 4 parts of the uterine tube
- Infundibulum
- Ampulla
- Isthmus
- Intramural
What is the corpus luteum?
The yellow body, a temporary structure made by the follicle after ovulation, after the egg leaves. It produced progesterone and some oestrogen.
What is the corpus albicans?
The white body, the corpus luteum forms the corpus albicans if fertilisation does not occur.
The cells are replaced by collagen scarring
Name and describe the 3 kinds of fertilisation
- Oviparous - egg laid outside the female body
- Ovoviviparous - eggs are produced and hatched within the body of the parent
- Viviparous - development within the female followed by a live birth
What is gametogenesis?
The production of haploid gametes (eggs or sperm).
What determines gonadal sex in mammals and birds?
Chromosomes: XY/ZZ → Testes, XX/ZW → Ovaries.
How does sex determination occur in reptiles?
Temperature-dependent: 16–28°C → Testes; >32°C → Ovaries.
What hormone masculinises genitalia in mammals?
Androgens.
What hormone feminises genitalia in birds?
Oestrogen.
Where are female internal reproductive organs located?
In the pelvic cavity, superiorly covered by peritoneum.
What are the functions of the ovaries?
Oogenesis, hormone production (oestrogen and progesterone), and follicle maturation.
What is the first stage of follicular development?
Primordial follicle: primary oocyte + single layer of flattened granulosa cells.
What is the zona pellucida?
A glycoprotein layer produced by the oocyte, crucial for sperm binding.
What characterizes a secondary follicle?
Fluid-filled cavities begin to form and coalesce into an antrum.
What is a Graafian follicle?
A mature, antral follicle ready for ovulation.
What triggers ovulation?
A surge in LH stimulates proteolytic activity, expelling the oocyte.
What is the corpus luteum?
‘Yellow body’ formed after ovulation, secretes progesterone and oestrogen.
What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilisation doesn’t occur?
It degenerates into the corpus albicans (a scar of collagen).
What are the key parts of the uterine tube?
Infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, intramural section.
Where does fertilisation typically occur?
In the ampulla of the uterine tube.
What are the two main cell types in the uterine tube epithelium?
Secretory (peg) cells and ciliated cells.
