Term
| the anterolateral aspects of the testes are covered by what? |
|
Definition
| the visceral tunica vaginalis |
|
|
Term
| what is the underlying capsule of the testes? |
|
Definition
| Underlying capsule is a thick, white connective tissue, tunica albuginea |
|
|
Term
| the testes has approximately how many lobules? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| each testicular lobule contains how many highly convoluted seminiferous tubules? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| seminiferous tubules are separated by connective tissue, stroma, that contains which type of cells? |
|
Definition
| intersitial cells of Leydig |
|
|
Term
| seminiferous tubules are composed of which type of epithelium? |
|
Definition
| Seminiferous tubules are composed of seminiferous epithelium surrounded by a tunica propria (3-5 layers of myoid cells, peritubular cells) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Process by which spermatogonia become mature sperm |
|
|
Term
| what are the 3 phases of spermatogenesis? |
|
Definition
| spermatogonial, spermatocyte and spermatid phases |
|
|
Term
| what happens during the spermatogonial phase in spermatogenesis? |
|
Definition
Spermatogonia give rise to primary spermatocytes
Stem cells divide to replace themselves and give rise to committed spermatogonia.
Dark type A –stem cells – self renewing population
Pale type A – committed – divide to increase their number
Type B – differentiated type A cells |
|
|
Term
| what happens during the spermatocyte phase in spermatogenesis? |
|
Definition
Primary spermatocytes undergo 2 meiotic divisions to produce haploid spermatids
Type B spermatogonia divide by mitotic division to give rise to primary spermatocytes.
Primary spermatocytes replicate their DNA before beginning meiosis and therefore have 4n chromosomes, twice normal.
Meiotic division results in haploid, 22 chromosomes and X or Y.
Cells derived from 1st meiotic division called secondary spermatocytes. They cannot be seen in sections because they immediately enter the 2nd meiotic division |
|
|
Term
| what happens during the spermatid phase in spermatogenesis? |
|
Definition
Spermatids differentiate into mature sperm
Spermatids undergo transformation to become sperm.
Golgi phase
Acrosomal vesicle forms near nuclear envelop.
Filled with acrosomal enzymes.
Cap Phase
Acrosomal vesicle spreads over nucleus forming acrosomal cap.
Acrosomal phase
Sperm reorients itself so that head becomes deeply embedded in Sertoli cell. |
|
|
Term
| what are the 3 phases of spermiogenesis (spermatid phase)? |
|
Definition
| golgi, cap, and acrosomal phase |
|
|
Term
| what happens during each phase of spermiogenesis? |
|
Definition
Golgi phase
Acrosomal vesicle forms near nuclear envelop.
Filled with acrosomal enzymes.
Cap Phase
Acrosomal vesicle spreads over nucleus forming acrosomal cap.
Acrosomal phase
Sperm reorients itself so that head becomes deeply embedded in Sertoli cell. |
|
|
Term
| are newly released sperm motile? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| where do mature sperm acquire motility? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| where does capacitation of mature sperm occur? |
|
Definition
in the female reproductive system
removal and replacement of glycocalyx components |
|
|
Term
| what happens during the acrosomal reaction in mature sperm? |
|
Definition
| release of acrosomal enzymes to penetrate zona pellucida |
|
|
Term
| where does fertilization occur? |
|
Definition
| normally occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube |
|
|
Term
| what occurs during fertilization? |
|
Definition
Spermatozoon penetrates corona radiata, where final steps of capacitation occur.
Release of glycosides from the sperm head during capacitation allow it to bind to the zona pellucida.
Binding to the zona pellucida triggers the acrosomal reaction, which allows the spermatozoon to digest its way through the zona.
Although several spermatozoa can penetrate the zona, only one sperm completes fertilization. Polyspermia is prevented by a number of mechanisms. |
|
|
Term
| what are some factors that affect infertility? |
|
Definition
Factors affecting fertility
Dietary deficiencies
Infections
Elevated testicular temperature
Cryptorchidism (undescended testis)
Varicocele (varicosities of pampiniform plexus)
Steroids (anabolic steroid abuse)
Toxins, e.g. pesticides
Radiation |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Eosinophilic cells located in the stroma between the seminiferous tubules, hence the name interstitial cells.
These cells synthesize testosterone under the influence of LH from the pituitary.
Anything that decreases LH secretion by the pituitary, in turn, decrease testosterone secretion and affects masculinity and virility. |
|
|
Term
| which cells form the blood-testis barrier? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
AKA supporting or sustentacular cells.
Postmitotic, never divide after puberty.
Columnar cells with extensive apical and lateral specializations.
Euchromatic nucleus with prominent nucleolus
Very active cells
Form unusual cell-cell junctions with exceedingly tight junction.
Junctional complexes divide seminiferous tubule epithelium into basal and luminal compartments.
Form the blood-testis barrier.
Synthesize and secrete androgen binding protein (ABP) under the influence of FSH.
Can convert testosterone to estradiol.
Synthesize and secrete inhibin, which inhibits FSH secretion |
|
|
Term
| which hormones stimulate leydig cells? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| which hormones stimulates sertoli cells? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the path of sperm out of the seminiferous tubules? |
|
Definition
Straight tubules
Rete testis
Efferent ductules
Epididymis
Ductus deferens |
|
|
Term
| what type of epithelium compose the rete testis? |
|
Definition
| cuboidal or columnar with a single cilium |
|
|
Term
| what connects the rete testis to the epididymis? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what coats the sperm head in the epididymis? |
|
Definition
| In epididymis, sperm head is coated with glycoconjugates, surface-associated decapacitation factors. Inhibit the fertilization capacity of the sperm until capacitation in the in the female tract just before fertilization |
|
|
Term
| what type of epithelium lines the epididymis? |
|
Definition
pseudostratified stereocilia
site of sperm storage, tail is principal reservoir |
|
|
Term
| what is the ductus deferens and where does it empty? |
|
Definition
Longest part of the efferent ducts.
Contained within the spermatic cord, it travels through the inguinal canal to reach the posterior aspect of the bladder and prostate.
Posterior to the bladder, the distal end dilates to form the ampulla.
It empties into the prostatic urethra via the ejaculatory duct. |
|
|
Term
| true or false: the ductus deferens has 3 layers of smooth muscle and an incredibly thick wall |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| describe the seminal vesicle |
|
Definition
Paired, elongated, highly-folded, tubular glands posterior to the bladder.
They lie parallel to the ampulla of the ductus deferens and empty via a short duct that joins the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with tall columnar nonciliated cells and small, round basal cells.
Secretion is viscous, whitish yellow fluid with high fructose, which is a principle metabolite of the sperm.
Epithelium is testosterone dependent, i.e. it atrophies in the absence of the steroid |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Largest accessory gland.
About the size and shape of a walnut.
Has 4 anatomically and clinically distinct zones.
Peripheral zone – 70%
Site of carcinomas
Central zone – 25%
Resistant to CA and inflammation
Transitional zone – site of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Periurethral zone
Involve is later stages of BPH |
|
|
Term
| what are the 4 zones of the prostate? |
|
Definition
| peripheral, central, transitional, periurethral |
|
|
Term
| which zone of the prostate is a primary site of carcinomas? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what type of epithelium is found in the prostate? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the most tried and true method for treatment of prostate cancer? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the chief autonomic plexus of the pelvis? |
|
Definition
| inferior hypogastric plexus |
|
|
Term
| what forms the inferior hypogastric plexus? |
|
Definition
| the hypogastric and pelvic splanchnic nerves |
|
|
Term
| the hypogastric splanchnic nerves have _____ efferents and afferents |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| the pelvic splanchnics have ______ efferents |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the blood supply to the penis? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| describe the structure of the penis |
|
Definition
Penis has 2 dorsal masses of erectile tissue, the corpora cavernosa and 1 ventral mass, the corpus spongiosum.
Urethra located in corpus spongiosum.
Trebeculae of smooth muscle between venous spaces.
Helicine arteries supply blood. |
|
|
Term
| which nerves initiate an erection? |
|
Definition
Parasympathetic, S2,S3, S4 initiates erection by relaxing trabecular smooth muscle and allowing dilation of the helicine arteries with the corpora cavernosa.
Relaxation involve acetylcholine and nitric oxide (NO).
NO activates guanylate cyclase causing smooth muscle cells to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that relaxes smooth muscle.
Engorgement compresses veins again non-distensible tunica albuginea, corporal venous occlusive mechanism. |
|
|
Term
| which nerves terminate an erection? |
|
Definition
| Sympathetic terminates erection by constricting both trabecular smooth muscle and helicine arteries. |
|
|
Term
| what causes erectile dysfunction? |
|
Definition
Any disorder or behavior that impedes blood flow will cause erectile dysfunction
Diabetes, hypertension and smoking.
Low serum testosterone will affect erection.
If parasympathetics are intact, sildenafil citrate (Viagra), enhances relaxing effect of NO by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, which degrades cGMP. |
|
|
Term
| the ligament of the ovary is a remnant of? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| where is the germinal layer in the ovary? |
|
Definition
| outer layer of cuboidal cells |
|
|
Term
| what are the two main functions of the ovary? |
|
Definition
Produces gametes – oogenesis
Produces steroidal hormones |
|
|
Term
| what steroidal hormones does the ovary produce? |
|
Definition
Estrogens
Promote growth of internal and external female reproductive organs
Progestogens
Prepares the uterine lining for implantation |
|
|
Term
| describe the ovarian structure |
|
Definition
Germinal epithelium
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Once thought to be source of ova
Mesothelium
Cortex
Outer portion
Contains follicles
Medulla
Inner portions
Contains loose CT, large, contorted blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves |
|
|
Term
| how many ovarian follicles does a female typically have at birth? |
|
Definition
Follicles number approximately 600 -800,000 at birth
At birth, oocytes remain arrested in first meiotic division
During puberty, groups of follicles undergo cycle growth and maturation
First ovulation occurs about 1 year after menarche |
|
|
Term
| what are the stages of the ovarian follicles? |
|
Definition
Primordial
First appear in developing ovary during 3rd fetal month
Early growth independent of gonadotrophic stimulation
Growing follicles
Primary
Secondary
Mature or Graafian |
|
|
Term
| primordial follicles are surrounded by a single layer of which epithelium? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| during which phase does the early primary follicle develop? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| which hormone has a major influence on early primary follicle development? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what type of cells surround the early primary follicle? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| which is the first layer that disappears in the early primary follicle? |
|
Definition
Zona pellucida
Secreted by oocyte
Rich in glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans |
|
|
Term
| what is the name of the single layer of follicular cells that proliferate in the late primary follicle? |
|
Definition
the stratum granulosum
cells now called granulosa cells |
|
|
Term
| the theca interna in females is homologous to which cells in males? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| describe the theca interna and theca externa |
|
Definition
Theca interna - cells nearest follicle
Steroid secreting cells
Secrete androgens in response to LH
Theca externa – smooth muscle and collagen |
|
|
Term
| what are some key factors in follicle maturation? |
|
Definition
FSH from the pituitary gland
Growth factors
Epidermal Growth factor (EGF)
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)
Calcium ions (Ca++) |
|
|
Term
| what happens when the number of granulosa cell layers reaches between 6 and 12 layers? |
|
Definition
| fluid begins accumulating between the follicular cells |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Hyaluronic-acid rich liquor folliculi filled spaces coalesce to form a crescent-shaped space called an antrum in the secondary follicle |
|
|
Term
| describe a mature (graafian) follicle |
|
Definition
Large, 10mm or more in diameter.
Bulges at surface of ovary.
Oocyte sits on a “mound” of granulosa cells called the cumulus oophorus.
Cells immediately surrounding the oocyte are called the corona radiata.
Theca interna cells produce androgens under the influence of LH.
Granulosa cells, under the influence of FSH, convert androgens to estrogen. |
|
|
Term
| granulosa cells, under the influence of which hormone, convert androgens to estrogen? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| theca interna cells produce androgens under the influence of which hormone? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| cells immediately surrounding the oocyte are called what? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the cumulus oophorus? |
|
Definition
| Oocyte sits on a “mound” of granulosa cells called the cumulus oophorus |
|
|
Term
| what does an LH surge cause? |
|
Definition
Reduces LH receptor expression by granulosa cells.
Cause oocyte to resume first meiotic division within 12-24 hours of surge, approximately at time of ovulation. |
|
|
Term
| what is ovulation and what are some factors leading to it? |
|
Definition
Release of secondary oocyte on the 14th day of a 28 day cycle following LH surge.
Factors leading to ovulation:
Increase in volume and pressure of follicular fluid
Hormone-dependent deposition of glycosaminoglycans between oocyte-cumulus oophorus complex and stratum granulosum.
Prostaglandin-triggered contraction of smooth muscle in theca externa. |
|
|
Term
| what is the macula pellucida (stigma)? |
|
Definition
Just before ovulation, the region over the bulging follicle becomes ischemic.
This area is called a macula pellucida or stigma |
|
|
Term
| what happens during ovulation? |
|
Definition
Oocyte and surrounding corona radiata forcefully expelled from ruptured follicle.
Oocyte swept by fimbria into uterine tube where it remains viable for up to 24 hours.
Second meiotic division is only completed if secondary oocyte is penetrated by a spermatozoon. |
|
|
Term
| where may an ectopic pregnancy occur? |
|
Definition
Ectopic pregnancy may occur in the uterine tube.
But some oocytes may not enter uterine tube.
Typically oocytes that fail to enter the uterine tube degenerate in the peritoneal cavity.
If fertilized, however, may implant anywhere within peritoneal cavity, often in the rectouterine pouch of Douglas |
|
|
Term
| what happens to the corpus luteum after ovulation? |
|
Definition
After ovulation, remaining follicle wall, including the theca interna, undergoes transformation into a corpus luteum.
Initially bleeding into the follicular cavity forms a clot, corpus hemmorhagicum.
CT from stroma invades follicular lumen.
Granulosa and thecal cells undergo dramatic changes.
Granulosa lutein cells are derived from granulosa cells.
Theca lutein cells are derived from theca interna.
Secretes progesterone and estrogen that prepare the endometrium for implantation. |
|
|
Term
| what happens to the corpus luteum is fertilization and implantation do not occur? |
|
Definition
If fertilization and implantation do not occur, corpus luteum remains active only for about 14 days.
Without human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), secretion of progesterone and estrogen decline.
Degenerates and forms a corpus albicans, a white, scar-like structure. |
|
|
Term
| where does fertilization normally occur? |
|
Definition
| in the ampulla of the uterine tube |
|
|
Term
| what happens during fertilization? |
|
Definition
Normally occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube.
Spermatozoon penetrates corona radiata, where final steps of capacitation occur.
Release of glycosides from the sperm head during capacitation allow it to bind to the zona pellucida.
Binding to the zona pellucida triggers the acrosomal reaction, which allows the spermatozoon to digest its way through the zona.
Although several spermatozoa can penetrate the zona, only one sperm completes fertilization. Polyspermia is prevented by a number of mechanisms. |
|
|
Term
| if fertilization occurs, what happens to the corpus luteum? |
|
Definition
If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum becomes larger forming the corpus luteum of pregnancy.
hCG, secreted by the chorionic trophoblasts, maintains the corpus luteum.
Other important factors for the maintenance of the corpus luteum include LH and prolactin from the pituitary, insulin from the pancreas, and paracrine factors from the ovary. |
|
|
Term
| what are the 4 segments of the uterine tube (fallopian tubes)? |
|
Definition
| infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, uterine (intramural) |
|
|
Term
| describe the layers of the oviduct |
|
Definition
Serosa – an outer layer of mesothelium with an underlying connective tissue
Muscularis – inner, thick circular layer, outer thinner longitudinal layer
Mucosa – thin longitudinal folds
Epithelium is simple columnar with two types of cells
Ciliated
Cilia beat toward uterus
Nonciliated, peg cells
Nutritive secretions |
|
|
Term
| describe the structure of the uterus |
|
Definition
Body
Fundus – dome-like portion superior to entry of oviducts
Cervix – lower, barrel-shaped part of uterus
Internal os opens to uterine cavity
External os opens to vagina |
|
|
Term
| what are the layers of the uterus? |
|
Definition
Outermost – perimetrium – serosa or visceral peritoneum
Myometrium – thick, muscular layer
Endometrium – mucosa of the uterus that is responsive to estrogen and progesterone |
|
|
Term
| describe the endometrium of the uterus |
|
Definition
Endometrium proliferates and degenerates during the menstrual cycle
Endometrium has 2 layers or regions
Stratum functionale
thicker portion that sloughs off during menstruation
Stratum basale
does slough of during menstruation
Serves as source of new cells for regeneration of stratum functionale |
|
|
Term
| describe the stratum functionale of the uterus |
|
Definition
Lined by a simple columnar epithelium
Surface invaginates into underlying lamina propria to form uterine glands
Proliferation of the stratum functionale is estrogen dependent
Secretory phase of the stratum functionale is progesterone dependent |
|
|
Term
| proliferation of the stratum functionale of the uterus is _____ dependent. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| secretory phase of the stratum functionale is ______ dependent |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| is the stratum basale retained during menstruation? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| what is the stratum basale of the uterus? |
|
Definition
Retained during menstruation, I.e. does not slough off.
Region from which stratum functionale regenerates. |
|
|
Term
| describe the arterial supply in the endometrium of the uterus |
|
Definition
Endometrium has a special blood supply.
Straight arteries pass through stratum basale.
Within the stratum functionale, arteries become spiral.
Spiral arteries supply capillary beds in stratum functionale.
Thin-walled dilated portions of capillaries called lacunae. |
|
|
Term
| what are the 3 identifiable phases of the menstrual cycle? |
|
Definition
| proliferative, secretory, menstrual phase |
|
|
Term
| what occurs during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle? |
|
Definition
Concurrent with follicular phase of ovarian cycle
Estrogen influences proliferation of strutum functionale
associated with follicular development |
|
|
Term
| describe the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle |
|
Definition
Corresponds with the luteal phase of ovarian cycle
Primarily progesterone dependent
Corresponds to luteal phase of ovarian cycle.
Begins a day or two after ovulation.
Glands enlarge become corkscrew shaped.
Mucoid secretory product rich in nutrients. |
|
|
Term
| describe the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle |
|
Definition
Corresponds to degeneration of the corpus luteum.
Decline in ovarian estrogen and progesterone.
Contractions of spiral arteries cause ischemia.
Then extended period of vascular contraction.
Rupture of vessels.
Sloughing off of stratum functionale |
|
|
Term
| the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle is _____ dependent. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle is ____ dependent. |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Cervical mucosa quite different from uterine endometrium.
Undergoes some hormone dependent changes, but does not have spiral arteries and does Not slough off.
Cervical glands produce mucus.
Cysts called Nabothian cysts. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Fibromuscular tube.
Stratified squamous non-keratinized.
No glands, lubricated by cervical secretions.
Also lubricated by Bartholin glands (greater vestibular glands) in the superficial perineal pouch.
Under influence of estrogen, epithelial cells accumulate glycogen. |
|
|
Term
| what do pap smears test for? |
|
Definition
| Screening method for detection of precancerous and cancerous cervical. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Like all glands of the female reproductive system, the mammary glands undergo cyclical changes dependent on ovarian hormones.
During pregnancy, estrogen causes proliferation of secretory cells and progesterone stimulates secretory production.
Birth cause a drop in estrogen and progesterone and allows the secretion of prolactin.
Prolactin inhibits LH secretion and causes lactational ammenorrhea, a major form of birth control in some cultures. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Most common female malignancy in the U.S.
Lung cancer causes more mortality.
Incidence has increased over past half century.
Some risk factors
Family history
Nulliparous women and those that get pregnant after age 35 are at greater risk |
|
|
