Human Structure & Physiology Exam Preparation Notes

Acknowledgement of Country

  • Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Gamaragal (Cammeraygal) people.
  • Acknowledge land where learning occurs; respect Elders past, present, and emerging.

Course Overview

  • Course Title: Human Structure & Physiology
  • Subject Code: HSP102A
  • Instructors: Dr. Saher Ali & Dr. Vinicius Cruzat

Assessment Details

  • Online Exam: Assessment 3
    • Timeframe: Week 12, opens on May 5th.
    • Worth: 45% of total marks (100 marks).
    • Format:
    • Multiple Choice & True/False: 30 marks
    • Diagrams to label: 20 marks (3/4 diagrams)
    • Short Answer: 50 marks (5 questions, 10 marks each)
    • Duration: 1.5 hours

Female Reproductive System

Structure & Function
  • Key Structures:
    • Uterus (includes layers: myometrium, endometrium, perimetrium)
    • Cervix
    • Vagina
    • Ovaries
  • Functions:
    • Ovaries: produce secondary oocytes (ova) & hormones (progesterone, estrogen, inhibin, relaxin).
    • Uterine tubes: transport fertilized ova, location of fertilization.
    • Uterus: site for implantation and fetal development.
    • Vagina: passage for intercourse and childbirth; constitutes vulva.
Female Reproductive Cycle
  • Monthly cycle changes in ovary & uterus, controlled by hormones.
    • Ovarian Cycle: Changes during maturation of oocytes.
    • Uterine Cycle: Prepares endometrium for fertilized ovum; sheds during menstruation if no implantation occurs.
Oogenesis (egg formation)
  • Begins before birth; stem cells (oogonia) develop into primary oocytes.
  • At birth, females have a lifetime supply of primary oocytes (~200,000 remain at birth).
  • During reproductive life, ~400 will mature and ovulate.
Hormonal Regulation
  • Hormones: Oestrogen, progesterone, inhibin, relaxin.
    • Regulate menstrual cycle, maintain pregnancy, prepare breasts for lactation, aid labor by relaxing muscles.
  • Feedback Mechanisms:
    • Positive feedback during ovulation.
    • Negative feedback on FSH via inhibin.

Male Reproductive System

Structure & Function
  • Key Structures:
    • Testes: produce sperm & hormones (testosterone).
    • Ducts: Epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra.
    • Accessory glands: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands (produce semen).
    • Scrotum: regulates temperature for sperm production (2-3 °C below core temp).
Spermatogenesis
  • Begins at puberty; primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis to produce sperm.
    • Stages: Spermatogonia → primary spermatocytes → secondary spermatocytes → spermatids → sperm.
    • Daily production: 300 million sperm.

Semen Composition

  • Components:
    • Mixture of sperm and seminal fluid (from seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands).
    • Typical ejaculate volume: 2.5 to 5 ml.
    • Normal sperm count: 50-150 million/ml.
Accessory Glands
  • Seminal Vesicles: 60% of semen, provide alkaline fluid and nutrients (fructose).
  • Prostate Gland: Contributes 25% of semen; enhances sperm motility with milky fluid.
  • Bulbourethral Glands: Secretes alkaline mucus for lubrication.

Hormonal Control in Males

  • Controlled by LH (stimulates testosterone production) and FSH (supports spermatogenesis).
  • Negative feedback through inhibin and testosterone keeps hormone levels regulated.

Key Quiz Questions

  1. The broad ligament connects the uterus to the pelvic walls (T/F).
  2. Ovulation is induced by a peak in LH (T/F).
  3. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogens (T/F).
  4. Fraternal twins result from the fertilization of two separate oocytes (T/F).
  5. The testis is the male gonad responsible for producing hormones and sperm (T/F).