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BMED2406 > Reproductive System > Flashcards

Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

What components make up the SPERMATIC CORD? What feature does it cross through in the abdomen?

A

Associated ducts, vessels, lymphatics and nerves.

The spermatic cord passes through the INGUINAL CANAL in the Anterior Abdominal Wall.

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2
Q

Genetically distinct spermatids may be subject to an autoimmune attack with antibodies produced by the body, and can lead to male factor infertility. How is this avoided?

A

Sertoli cells are support cells found on the base of the seminiferous tubules. They have extensive cytoplasmic processes that surround the spermatogenic cells, and extend through the full thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. It is these long cytoplasmic processes of the Sertoli cells that join with adjacent Sertoli cells via Tight Junctions to create the BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER and protect the genetically different material of the developing spermatids.

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3
Q

What is the portion of the broad ligament surrounding the uterine tube?

A

Mesosalpinx

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4
Q

PROGESTERONE prepares the Uterus for Pregnancy. What else does it do with regard to maternity?

A

Prepares MAMMARY GLANDS for LACTATION.

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5
Q

What encloses the Pudendal Cleft?

A

Labia Majora - fatty folds enclosing the pudendal cleft and which are covered with hairy skin laterally but hairless smooth skin medially.

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6
Q

What are the distinct histological features of the Epididymis?

A

PSEUDOSTRATIFIED COLUMNAR epithelium, dark staining nuclei at base.
STEREOCILIA. Recall that stereocilia are not cilia, rather, they are extremely long microvilli (increase surface area).
SPERM in the LUMEN (not at the apical surface of the epithelium - these would be stereocilia).
Many SMOOTH MUSCLE cells in the lamina propria; facilitate contraction during ejaculation.

Also vessels + CT covering.

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7
Q

Describe the formation and appearance of the CORPUS LUTEUM and its cell components.

A

After the oocyte is released in ovulation, all the follicular/granulosa and theca externa/interna cells left behind reorganize to become a glandular organ.
Granulosa cells that were immediately adjacent to the oocyte become GRANULOSA LUTEUM cells, and similarly, Theca cells become THECA LUTEUM cells.

The overall shape of the CL is folded up and undulating, as a result of semi-collapsing back in on itself after releasing the oocyte as the tertiary follicle.

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8
Q

Describe the four regions of the uterine tube.

A

Intramural Portion - where uterine tubes leave the uterus.
Isthmus - where the tube narrows.
Ampulla - where the tube dilates slightly - lateral 2/3rds
Infundibulum - opens into a trumpet-like end surrounded by fimbriae

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9
Q

Which is correct?

a) blastocysts implant in the myometrial lining
b) Estrogen, secreted as part of the Corpus Luteum phase of the ovary, predominantly promotes the secretory phase of the uterus
c) it is possible for fertilisation to occur in the peritoneum before the oocyte is swept by the fimbriae into the uterine tubes

A

c) yes, if a sperm travels far enough, fertilisation can occur here. This is not a good thing for the mother, but development will not usually carry through.

Incorrect:

a) blastocyts implant in the ENDOMETRIAL lining
b) Progesterone is the main hormone involved in promoting an environment for blastocyst implantation during the secretory phase.

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10
Q

The penis is divided into 3 main parts; Describe.

A

ROOT - where penis attaches to perineal membrane. Includes 1 x BULB, 2 x CRURA (1 x crus).

BODY - where penis is not attached (shaft). Includes 1 x CORPUS SPONGIOSUM (continuation of the bulb) and 2 x CORPORA CAVERNOSA (continuation of the crura).

GLANS - where the corpus spongiosum flares at distal end of penis.

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11
Q

Describe the 3 main stages of Spermatogenesis.

A

SPERMATOCYTOGENESIS (Spermatogonial Phase) - Spermatogonia divide by MITOSIS to produce large numbers of spermatogonia. Some of these undergo meiosis to produce spermatocytes.

SPERMATOCYTE Phase (MEIOSIS) - primary spermatocytes under two meiotic divisions to reduce both the chromosome number & amount of DNA to produce HAPLOID cells called spermatids.

SPERMIOGENESIS (Spermatid Phase) - Spermatids undergo extensive cell remodeling as they differentiate into mature sperm.

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12
Q

Which structures do the erectile tissues of the penis contain?

A

Corpus Cavernosum each containing DEEP ARTERIES OF THE PENIS.
Corpus Spongiosum pierced by the PENILE/SPONGY URETHRA.

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13
Q

What important structure does each ureter pass under in the female pelvis? Why is this important to be aware of when performing a hysterectomy?

A

Ureters pass under the UTERINE ARTERY in females (‘water under the bridge’ analogy; similar in men, where ureters pass under the Vas Deferens).

A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and cervix. In the respective surgical operation, care must be taken not to damage the ureter when severing the uterine artery.

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14
Q

What features are described by the following descriptions in spermiogenesis?

a) volume shrinks to 1/40th
b) lysosomal enzymes produced by golgi and accumulate in a membrane-bound vesicle
c) Centriole initiates assembly of tail 9+2 microtubule doublets
d) Cytoplasm extends to form…
e) wrap around the proximal part of the growing axoneme

A

a) nucleus
b) acrosome
c) axoneme
d) flagella (tail)
e) mitochondria

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15
Q

What are the histological features of the Tunica Albuginea encasing the seminiferous tubules of the testes?

A

Thick dense irregular CT; Blood vessels, nerves, collagen.

Covered by TUNICA VAGINALIS, a serous covering, mesothelium, derived from peritoneum. Simple squamous epithelium.

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16
Q

Describe the FUNCTION of the DARTOS FASCIA.

A

Divides scrotum into two compartments (left & right) by way of scrotal septum/raphe.
Incorporated with fibres of the dartos muscle, responsible for scrotal skin contractions (re. temperature control of testes).

NB: in scrotum, lies superior to external spermatic fascia.

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17
Q

What classification of epithelium are within the glands of the prostate?

A

Pseudostratified columnar.

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18
Q

Describe anatomically the positioning of the corpus cavernosum vs the corpus spongiosum on the penis

A

Cavernosa: Dorsolaterally

Spongiosum: Ventromedially

NB: the anatomical position of the penis is erect, thus the upper surface is labelled as dorsal.

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19
Q

What is the lowest point in the continuous sheet of peritoneum which covers the anterior pelvic wall, bladder, uterus and bowel (female)?

a) Recto-uterine pouch
b) Utero-vesicle pouch
c) Recto-anal pouch
d) Utero-anal pouch

A

a) is correct, also known as the Pouch of Douglas, the Recto-uterine pouch is the deepest part of the peritoneum, positioned posterior to the Uterus but anterior to the Rectum. In some circumstances it may fill with fluid; a natural collection point during ovulation & menstruation, but also a collection point for debris in trauma.
b) exists superior to the bladder and anterior to the uterus but is not the deepest peritoneal pouch.

c&d) do not exist.

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20
Q

Explain the histological differences of the Cortex & Medulla of the OVARY.

A

Cortex is the outer layer and holds the follicles (primordial). Stroma cells are dispersed around the follicles, forming a CT sheath.
The Medulla is the inner region, rich with vascular tissue.

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21
Q

Describe the primary FUNCTION of the TESTES.

A

Produce SPERMATOZOA (sperm cells) and secrete the male hormone TESTOSTERONE.

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22
Q

What is the epithelium of the uterus? (Luminal side)

A

Simple Columnar

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23
Q

Where does fertilisation of ova by sperm most commonly occur?

a) Isthmus of Uterine Tube
b) Uterus wall
c) Fundus of Uterus
d) Infundibulum of Uterine Tube
e) none of the above

A

e) none were correct; the most common site of fertilisation of ova by sperm is in the AMPULLA of the uterine tubes.

24
Q

Which of the following is not considered internal genitalia? (could be more than one)

a) Vestibular Bulbs
b) Uterine Tubes
c) Upper Vagina
d) Secretory Glands
e) Uterus
f) none of the above

A

a & d) the Vestibular bulbs like the clitoris are erectile tissue and part of the external genitalia. The secretory glands despite lying at the level of the pelvic diaphragm which divides the internal & external genitalia, are considered external as well.

25
Q

What sperm-related features match the following descriptions?

a) differentiated gamete
b) large, enter the prophase of the 1st meiotic division
c) immature spermatozoa
d) the first cells of spermatogenesis
e) small, complete the 2nd meiotic division

A

a) spermatozoa
b) 1st stage spermatocyte
c) spermatid
d) spermatogonia
e) 2nd stage spermatocyte

26
Q

What happens in an ectopic pregnancy?

A

When blastocysts implant in the uterine tube; critical as the uterine tube can rupture and lead to haemorrhage and mortality of the mother.

27
Q

How many layers of muscle does the vagina have?

A

2, both smooth muscle.

28
Q

Differentiate the various regions of the broad ligament and the structures enclosed.

A 
MESOMETRIUM - between the ovary & the ureter
MESOSALPINX - around the uterine tube
MESOVARIUM - around the ovary
ROUND LIGAMENT (most anterior)attaching the junction of the uterine tube & uterine body to the labium majus on each side via the inguinal canal - not to be confused with the ureter. 
UTERINE TUBE running between the uterus & the ovary.
OVARIAN LIGAMENT (most posterior) joining the medial surface of the ovary to the upper uterus.
29
Q

What gets released with the oocyte in ovulation?

A

Follicular cells surrounding the oocyte; Zona Pellucida, Corona Radiata.

The rest get left behind and become the CORPUS LUTEUM.

30
Q

What is the function of the antrum in a follicle?

A

Produced by the follicular cells and produces nutritional support for the oocyte.

31
Q

Which feature of the female reproductive system is a superficial fat mound, deep to the pubic hair covered skin, anterior to the pubic bone and continuous with the Labium Majora?

A

Mons Pubis

32
Q

What is the ‘blanket’-like wrapping around uterine structures?

a) round ligament
b) ovarian ligament
c) isthmus
d) broad ligament
e) suspensory ligament

A

d) broad ligament. It is a double-layered structure sandwiching the uterine tubes, ovaries & ovarian ligaments, suspensory ligament, uterine artery & vein and the round ligament.

a) round ligament of the uterus attaches the junction of the uterine tube & uterine body to the labium majus on each side via the inguinal canal
b) ovarian ligament joins the medial surface of the ovary to the upper uterus
c) isthmus is the part of the uterine tube closest to the uterus
e) suspensory ligament attaches the ovary to the pelvic wall. Houses the ovarian artery & vein, lymphatics and nerve plexus.

33
Q

What is the difference between Spermatozoon & Spermatozoa?

A

None! apart from -zoon being singular, and -zoa being plural.

34
Q

Name the male/female homologues of the following structures:

a) ovaries
b) prostatic utricle
c) clitoris
d) hood
e) crura
f) labia majora
g) spongy urethra
h) bulbourethral gland

A

a) testes
b) uterus, vagina
c) penis
d) foreskin
e) crura
f) scrotum
g) labia minora
h) greater vestibular gland

35
Q

Describe the location and function of the secretory/bulbourethral glands.

A

Pea-sized and located on the lateral sides of the start of the penile urethra just posterior to the bulb of the penis, inferior to the prostate gland and within the pelvic diaphragm.
Produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the penile urethra at the bulb of the penis - serves to LUBRICATE the urethra and to NEUTRALIZE any ACIDITY that may be present due to residual drops of urine.

36
Q

Describe the SCROTUM.

A

Fibromuscular skin sac posterior and inferior to penis.
Extension of abdominal wall enclosing TESTS, EPIDIDYMIS and part of SPERMATIC CORD.
Contains no fat. Scrotal skin directly overlies DARTOS FASCIA that is continuous with abdominal fascia and contains the smooth DARTOS MUSCLE (not to be confused with the deeper cremaster muscle)

37
Q

What is the female homologue of the scrotum in males?

A

Labia Majora

38
Q

Describe the erectile tissue of the penis.

A

Penis made up of 3 cylindrical strips of erectile tissue.

1 cylinder of CORPUS SPONGIOSUM: starts as penile BULBb and extends to form ventral midline strip of penile body before flaring (folding back in on itself) to form GLANS. Spongy/penile urethra in here.

2 cylinders of CORPUS CAVERNOSUM: start as left & right CRURA and extend to form dorsolateral strips of penile body before slotting in under CORONA (rim) of glans.

39
Q

Which is incorrect regarding Sertoli Cells?

a) Have extensive cytoplasmic processes
b) Have a prominent nucleoli
c) site of the blood testis barrier
d) The most mature spermatids are attached to the apical portion of the Sertoli cell and border the lumen of the tubule
e) Gap Junctions connect neighbouring Sertoli cells together
f) They are all correct

A

e) TIGHT Junctions (Occluding Junctions) connect neighbouring Sertoli cells. These assist in the creation of the blood-testis barrier.

(Thus indirectly (f) is also incorrect; not ‘all’ are correct).

40
Q

Where are the tunica albuginea, Bucks fascia and Dartos fascia located on the penis?

A 
TUNICA ALBUGINEA (white, tough) surrounds the Corpora Cavernosa. Superior to TA - Dorsal Arteries (not to be confused with the Deep Arteries in the CC) either side of the Deep Dorsal Vein of the penis. 
BUCKS FASCIA (deep penile fascia) surrounds TA-covered CC, urethra-pierced CS as well as Dorsal A's and Deep Dorsal V's. 
DARTOS FASCIA (superficial penile fascia) lies immediately underneath the skin (continuous with scrotum & AAW). Covers the Superficial Dorsal Vein of the penis (and rest of contents obviously).
41
Q

What is the glandular classification of the Prostate Gland?

a) tubular
b) aveolar
c) compound tubular
d) compound alveolar
e) compound tubulo-alveolar

A

e) tubuloalveolar

42
Q

How are the ovaries attached to the body?

A

Anchored to the uterus by the OVARIAN LIGAMENT; wrapped in the BROAD LIGAMENT (mesovarium).
The SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT is formed by the peritoneal fold overlying the ovarian artery & vein as they move from the side wall of the pelvis into the lateral part of the broad ligament to serve the ovaries.

43
Q

What surrounds the primordial follicles?

A

Follicular cells! Simple Squamous.

44
Q

Why do the ovaries look rough and pitted on some cadaver specimens?

A

Due to repeated ovulations and scarring through the reproductive life (in elderly cadavers). This is within the Tunica Albugina (dense irregular CT) surrounding the ovaries, immediately under the mesovarium.

45
Q

What are the mucosal features of the vagina?

A

Rugae, Stratified squamous epithelium, Loose CT, No glands, Thin-walled veins, Lymphocytes & neutrophils.

46
Q

What is the name of the outer epithelium of the ovary?

A

GERMINAL EPITHELIUM - though not ‘germinal’ in the sense that it’s where the oocytes are generated from.

It is NOT a mesothelium.

This is covered by a dense irregular CT - TUNICA ALBUGINEA.

47
Q

Outline the changes in the primordial follicle as it progresses to a primary follicle.

A
  • Follicular Cells become stratified and cuboidal, proliferating to form the STRATUM GRANULOSUM surrounding the oocyte.
  • Immediately surrounding the oocyte: ZONA PELLUCIDA, an eosinophilic ring made of glycoproteins secreted from the oocyte.
  • Stroma layers also start to stratify around the oocyte; CT forming the THECA layer (interna, externa components)
48
Q

Into which blood vessels do the ovarian veins drain?

A

Right ovarian vein - INFERIOR VENA CAVA

Left ovarian vein - LEFT RENAL VEIN

49
Q

What is the ‘function’ of the Tunica Albuginea in the penis?

A

Surrounding the Corpora Cavernosa of the penis, it acts as a limiting boundary to erection so that may become a rigid structure. Via the Parasympathetic NS (S2-4), deep arteries dilate, and the spaces in erectile tissue become engorged with blood. The CC expand against the TA, developing the rigidity for intercourse.

50
Q

Which days of the menstrual cycle coincide with each phase?

A

Proliferative: 5-14
Secretory: 14-28
Menstrual: 0-5

51
Q

Outline 3 similarities and 3 differences between the female clitoris and the male penis.

A

SIMILARITIES

  • erectile tissue components (corpa cavernosa)
  • Deep arteries within the CC, dorsal arteries superior (superficial to the tunica albuginea)
  • consist of a root (crura), body and glans

DIFFERENCES

  • Spongy erectile tissue flanks the urethra in females but in men it completely surrounds the urethra in the penis (hence ‘spongy urethra’)
  • The clitoris is much smaller than the penis with a greater number of nerve endings
  • The body of the clitoris is not associated with the urethra and the renal system
52
Q

What is the corona radiata?

A

The ring of granulosa cells immediately surrounding the oocyte in later-stage follicles (Graafian/mature/tertiary)

53
Q

How is male erection maintained?

A

Blockage of the Deep Dorsal Vein between the Bucks fascia and the Corpora Cavernosa when they engorge with blood. The DDV is effectively compressed to reduce venous drainage and keep the erectile tissues full

54
Q

What would happen to the uterus as well as pelvic & abdominal organs during pregnancy?

A

The uterus can expand up to 500x in size and 15x in weight (excluding the baby).
Organs get pushed up, and back, e.g. the intestines, above and behind.
The bladder is compressed, and gets ‘fuller’ sooner.
Lung capacity is limited.
There is tension on the round ligament.

55
Q

Describe the FUNCTION of the DARTOS MUSCLE.

A

Situated in the Dartos Fascia; regulates temperature of testes (spermatogenesis) and gives scrotal skin wrinkled appearance.
CONTRACTION of dartos REDUCES scrotum surface area to WARM testes.
RELAXATION of dartos INCREASES scrotum surface area to COOL testes.

BMED2406 (7 decks)

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