Female/Male reproductive system

What are functions of the ovaries ?

1. Gametogenesis

2. Steroidogenesis

→ production of female gametes: oogenesis

→ developing gametes: oocytes

→ mature gametes: ova

What is the membrane granulosa ?

The stratified epithelium surrounding the oocyte → they are granulosa cells

• basal lamina retains position between outermost layer of follicle cells → become columnar and connective tissue strong

• extensive gap junctions develop between granulosa cells but basal layer does not posses tight junctions

What happens with the granulosa cells ?

They proliferate → becoming stromal cells surrounding follicle from sheath of connective tissue cells → theca follicle external to basal lamina

What are mammary glands ?

Dynamic organs

• multiple glands develop along paired epidermal thickenings → mammary ridges extend from developing axilla to developing inguinal regions

• 1 group of cells develops into breasts on each side

What does the male reproductive system consist of ?

Testes, genital excurrent duct, accessory sex glands, external genitalia

What are the accessory glands ?

Seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands

What are the functions of the testis ?

1. Spermatogenesis

2. Steroidogenesis

→ androgens are essential for spermatogenesis and play importune role in embryonic development of male embryo into phenotypic male fetus and are responsible for sexual dimorphism