Reproductive System Study Guide

Reproductive System Study Guide

1. Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs

• Testes

  • Function: Produce sperm and testosterone.

  • Location: Situated in scrotum, housed within seminiferous tubules.

• Spermatic Cord

  • Contains: Vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves.

  • Function: Supports testicular function.

• Prostate Gland

  • Location: Surrounds the urethra.

  • Function: Secretes fluid that nourishes sperm and enhances motility.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Remember: Testosterone is synthesized in Leydig cells and sperm is produced in seminiferous tubules.

2. Hormones Controlling Testosterone

• GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

  • Origin: Produced by the hypothalamus.

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

  • Origin: Released by the pituitary gland.

  • LH: Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

  • FSH: Promotes spermatogenesis in Sertoli cells.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Negative feedback mechanism: Testosterone inhibits the release of GnRH and LH.

3. Altered Function – Hypospadias & Cryptorchidism

• Hypospadias

  • Definition: A condition where the urethra opens on the underside of the penis.

  • Consequences: Causes abnormal urine stream and increases risk of infertility.

• Cryptorchidism

  • Definition: Condition characterized by undescended testes.

  • Consequences: Leads to decreased sperm production and increases cancer risk.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Both conditions can affect fertility:

  • Hypospadias (mechanical issue)

  • Cryptorchidism (thermal damage issue).

4. Cause of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

• Definition: Age-related hormonal imbalance characterized by a decrease in testosterone and an increase in estrogen.

• Effect: Leads to prostate growth that compresses the urethra.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Most common cause of urinary obstruction in older men.

5. Difference Between BPH and Prostate Cancer

• BPH

  • Characteristics: Symmetrical, noncancerous, located around the urethra.

• Cancer

  • Characteristics: Asymmetrical, often located in the posterior lobe, capable of metastasizing to bones and lymph nodes.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • PSA levels are elevated in prostate cancer; common sites for metastasis include the vertebrae.

6. Sites of Metastasis for Prostate Cancer

• Common Sites:

  • Lymph nodes

  • Bones (particularly vertebrae, pelvis, and ribs)

  • Bladder

  • Spread occurs via venous and lymphatic pathways.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Bone pain is a key symptom indicating metastasis.

7. Significant Effect of Prostate Cancer

• Symptoms:

  • Bone pain

  • Anemia due to metastasis

  • Cancer cachexia, leading to significant weight loss.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Back pain in elderly males should prompt consideration of prostate cancer.

8. Pain from Prostatitis and Epididymitis

• Prostatitis

  • Cause: Infection/swelling leading to pelvic and perineal pain.

• Epididymitis

  • Cause: Infection, commonly from STIs, resulting in scrotal pain and swelling.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Always evaluate for STIs or urinary pathogens in cases of pain.

9. Infection Spread Between Tubes and Ovaries Leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Consequences:

  • Formation of abscesses, adhesions, infertility, and risk of ectopic pregnancy.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • PID is the number one preventable cause of female infertility.

10. Layers of Uterine Wall

• Endometrium

  • Description: Inner lining of the uterus which thickens in response to hormonal changes for implantation.

• Myometrium

  • Description: Smooth muscle responsible for uterine contractions.

• Perimetrium

  • Description: Outer serosa that provides protection.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • The endometrium responds to estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle.

11. Female Defenses Against Infection

• Mechanisms:

  • Acidic pH of vaginal secretions

  • Lactobacillus flora

  • Mucus barrier

  • Cilia

  • Immune factors help prevent infection.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural flora, leading to yeast infections.

12. Effects of Increased Estrogen

• Physiological Effects:

  • Thickens the endometrium

  • Promotes maturation of follicles

  • Makes cervical mucus thinner to facilitate sperm passage.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Peak levels of estrogen right before ovulation trigger an LH surge.

13. Vaginal Candidiasis

• Cause: Overgrowth of Candida albicans, leading to symptoms including white discharge, itching, and burning.

• Associated Factors: Linked to antibiotic use or diabetes.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Yeast infections thrive in warm, moist environments.

14. Abscess Formation in PID

• Process:

  • Ascending infection leads to inflammation, resulting in pus buildup and subsequent abscess formation in the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Untreated PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility.

15. Ovarian Cysts as Precancerous

• Threat: Persistent or complex ovarian cysts have the potential to undergo neoplastic transformation due to repeated ovulation and hormonal activity.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Complex cysts should be monitored for potential evolution into carcinoma.

16. Disorders with Painful Menstruation

• Examples:

  • Primary dysmenorrhea (caused by prostaglandins)

  • Endometriosis

  • Fibroids

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Pain can result from uterine contractions or ectopic tissue presence.

17. Examples of Reproductive Cancers

• Cervical Cancer

  • Associations: Linked to HPV types 16 and 18 and epithelial dysplasia.

• Ovarian Cancer

  • Associations: Linked to BRCA1/2 mutations and frequency of ovulation.

• Uterine Cancer

  • Association: Unopposed estrogen exposure increases risk.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • The HPV vaccine is a critical preventative measure against cervical cancer.

18. Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Cancers

• Types:

  • Breast cancer (associated with estrogen/progesterone)

  • Endometrial cancer (linked to unopposed estrogen)

  • Prostate cancer (influenced by androgens).

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Hormonal therapy can slow tumor growth.

19. Common STIs and Characteristics

• Gonorrhea

  • Characteristic: Causes purulent discharge.

• Chlamydia

  • Characteristic: Often presents as asymptomatic, poses a risk of infertility.

• Syphilis

  • Characteristic: Presents with a chancre, rash, and systemic spread.

• Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2)

  • Characteristic: Characterized by painful vesicles.

• Trichomoniasis

  • Characteristic: Leads to frothy discharge.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Characteristic: Associated with warts and cervical dysplasia.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • STIs often co-infect; hence, testing for multiple pathogens is essential.

20. Why STDs Go Undiagnosed

• Reasons:

  • Early stages may be asymptomatic

  • Signs may be mild or temporary

  • Stigma surrounding STIs may prevent individuals from seeking testing

  • Latent periods can also contribute to undiagnosed cases.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Screening is critical, even in the absence of symptoms.

21. How Antivirals Reduce HSV Transmission

• Mechanism:

  • Drugs such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir inhibit viral replication, shorten outbreaks, and reduce viral shedding.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Consistent antiviral therapy can lower transmission risk to partners.

22. STDs by Lesion Type

• Chancre

  • Associated with Syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum).

• Vesicle

  • Associated with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

• Pustule

  • Characteristic of Gonorrhea.

• Purulent Exudate

  • Seen in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections.

• Pharyngitis

  • Associated with Gonorrhea (oral transmission).

• Wart

  • Associated with HPV.

• Key Concept / Exam Tip:

  • Understanding which lesion type corresponds to which infection is crucial for test questions.