The reproductive system

Question 1

What structures does the female reproductive system comprise of ?

Answer 1

Uterus (cervix and vagina)
Ovaries
Fallopian tube
Breasts

Question 2

Describe the location of the uterus.

Answer 2

In the pelvic cavity.
Superior and posteriorly to urinary bladder
Anterior to rectum
Inferior to small bowel
Medially to ovaries
Immediately superior to vagina

Question 3

Describe the structure of the uterus.

Answer 3

An inverted pear shape 7.5 x 5 cm organ
Supplied by uterine artery
Innervated by hypogastric plexus
- parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system

Question 4

What is the function of the uterus?

Answer 4

To nurture and fertilise ovum

Question 5

Segments of the uterus and fallopian tubes…

Answer 5

…

Question 6

What are the 3 layers of the uterine wall?

Answer 6

1. Perimetrium - Serous layer (outer layer)
2. Myometrium - Smooth muscle cells
3. Endometrium - Simple columnar epithelium (2 sections: Basalis + Functionalis)

Question 7

What is the function of the myometrium layer in the uterine wall?

Answer 7

Muscle contracts to help excrete functionalis layer during menstruation

Question 8

What is the role of Oestrogen in the uterine wall?

Answer 8

Cause thickening of the functionalis endothelium

Question 9

What is the role of Progesterone in the uterine wall?

Answer 9

Causes functional endothelium to be shed (menstruation)

Question 10

Describe the structure of the ovaries.

Answer 10

Paired, almond shaped organs.
Measures 3 x 2 x 1 cm
*Tunica Albuginea - outer fibrous membrane surrounding ovary
*Cortex - Stromal connective tissues which contain primordial follicles and nurtures follicles until liberation.
*Medulla - blood vessels, lymphatic, nerves of ovary.

Question 11

Describe the location of the ovaries.

Answer 11

Situated either side of the uterus.
Adjacent to fimbriae of fallopian tubes.
Vascular and nerve supply neter at the hilus.

Question 12

Describe the function of the ovaries.

Answer 12

Produce secondary oocytes/
Produce oestrogen and progesterone.

Question 13

Ovulation…

Question 14

Menstruation…

Question 15

Explain the structure of the breasts.

Answer 15

Paired, tear-drop shaped structures.
Supplied by network of arteries and veins.
Mostly made up of adipose tissue (fat cells)
Made of 12-20 sections called lobes.
Lobes are made up of smaller lobules which are the glands that produce milk.
Lobes and lobules are connected to milk ducts + carry milk to nipple.

Question 16

Describe the location of the breasts.

Answer 16

Overlying the pectoralis muscles between the 2nd to 6th rib.

Question 17

Describe the functions of the breasts.

Answer 17

Lactation for the feeding of infants.
Lactogenesis initiated by hormonal triggering
Lactation occurs in response to demand
Can continue indefinitely
Stop once breastfeeding ceases

Question 18

What 3 groups of lymph nodes receive lymph from breast tissue?

Answer 18

1. Axillary, 2. Parasternal, 3. Posterior Intercostal

Question 19

Describe how the uterus adapts to accommodate pregnancy.

Answer 19

• Increases in size to accommodate growing foetus
  *Muscular walls strengthen and elasticity increased.
  *Changes in position and shape during gestation.
  *Spinal artery remodelling increases blood flow to uterus.

Question 20

Describe how the vagina adapts for pregnancy.

Answer 20

*Mucosal thickening
*Prepares for stretching during labour + childbirth

Question 21

Describe how the placenta adapts for pregnancy.

Answer 21

Begins to develop from blastocyst in early weeks of pregnancy
Provides oxygen and nutrients to growing foetus
Removes waste products from foetal blood

Question 22

Describe how the breasts prepare for pregnancy.

Answer 22

Ductal systems extend into adipose tissue in response to increased oestrogen.
Preparation for nutritional supply to infant.

Question 23

What are the three main parts of the male reproductive system?

Answer 23

Penis
Prostate gland
Testes

Question 24

Describe the location of the testes.

Answer 24

Located in scrotum
Supplied by testicular artery
Drained via testicular vein
Innovated by testicular plexus

Question 25

Describe the structure of the testes.

Answer 25

Paired ellipsoid structures, located in the scrotum Approx 5 x 2 x 3cm Tunica Albuginea - outer fibrous membrane Internally divided into 200-300 lobules Each lobule contains convoluted seminiferous tubules where spermatogenes form

Question 26

What are the functions of the testes?

Answer 26

Spermatogenesis and produce testosterone.

Question 27

What part of the testes increases the concentration of sperm?

Answer 27

Rete testis.

Question 28

What part of the testes stores sperm?

Answer 28

Epididymis

Question 29

Describe how sperm leaves epididymis.

Answer 29

Inferior end of epididymis leads to vas deferens Vas deferens transports sperm away from testes via somatic cord during ejaculation.

Question 30

Describe the location of the prostate gland.

Answer 30

Located within the bony pelvis. Inferiorly and posteriorly to bladder. Anterior to the rectum. Encapsulates the prostatic urethra.

Question 31

Is the prostate gland and exocrine or endocrine gland?

Answer 31

Exocrine.

Question 32

What are the key functions of the prostate gland?

Answer 32

Production of seminal fluid Support ejaculation

Question 33

Name and describe the 3 sections of the penis.

Answer 33

1. Glans - dome shaped distal structure 2. Body - cylindrical shaft 3. Root - proximal section, attached at the pubic arch

Question 34

Describe the internal rods of spongy tissue that the penis is comprised of.

Answer 34

Corpus Cavernosum - Paired, larger rods on dorsal aspect Corpus Spongiosum - Smaller rod on ventral aspect. When aroused, the rods become engorged with blood to make the penis erect.