Reproduction

Female Reproductive System Function

  • Primary Functions of the Female Reproductive System:

    • Produce gametes (eggs)

    • Provide nourishment and room for fetal development

    • Deliver baby

    • Feed baby

  • Components of the Female Reproductive System:

    • External Genitalia: The vulva and its structures

    • Internal Genitalia:

    • Uterine tubes (Fallopian tubes)

    • Uterus

    • Vagina

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

  • Structures to Know:

    • Labium minora

    • Labium majora

    • Clitoris

    • Fundus of uterus

    • Ovary

    • Uterine (Fallopian) tube

    • Uterus

    • Cervix

    • Vagina

    • Fimbriae

    • Endometrium

    • Myometrium

Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes and Uterus

  • Anatomy of the Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes):

    • Connects the ovaries to the uterus

    • Site of egg fertilization (usually)

    • Eggs travel from the uterine tubes to the uterus for implantation

  • Uterus Location:

    • Situated between the bladder and rectum

    • The lower part constricts into the cervix, leading to the vagina

  • Events in the Uterus:

    • Menstruation: Shedding of the inner lining (endometrium)

    • Pregnancy: Fertilized egg embeds itself in the uterine wall, preventing menstruation

    • Expansion: The uterus enlarges significantly as the embryo develops into a fetus

Pathology and Medical Applications

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Occurs when implantation is outside the uterus, often in the Fallopian tube

  • Tubal Ligation: A permanent birth control method where fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked

Anatomy and Functions of the Vagina

  • Functions of the Vagina:

    • Carries menstrual flow outside

    • Receives male penis during intercourse

    • Serves as the birth canal during labor

  • Vulva Structures:

    • Labia minora and majora, mons pubis, clitoris, greater vestibular glands, vestibule

  • Vestibule Openings:

    • Urethral Orifice: Smaller, for urine exit

    • Vaginal Orifice: Larger, entrance to the vagina

Ovaries and Follicle Development

  • Ovarian Function:

    • Connected to the uterine tubes

    • Produce oocytes, estrogen, and progesterone

  • Stages of Follicle Development:

    1. Primordial Follicles

    2. Primary Follicles

    3. Secondary Follicles (first to develop an antrum)

    4. Mature Follicle

    5. Ovulation: The dominant mature follicle releases its oocyte. The oocyte travels into the uterine tube for fertilization.

    6. Corpus Luteum: Transforms post-ovulation, secretes estrogen and progesterone.

  • If fertilization and implantation occur, this will remain and continue to produce hormones to support pregnancy.

7. Corpus Albicans: Forms if fertilization does not occur, shrinks, and ceases hormone production

  • Cycle: Repeats monthly from stage 1 to 7

Ovary Histology

  • The follicle develops from a primordial follicle to corpus albicans.

    • Oocyte: contains chromosomes (23) from the mother

    • Zona pellucida: A layer that protects the oocyte.

    • Antrum: Fluid-filled space

    • Granulosa cells (inner layer): Make hormones (mainly estrogen)

    • Theca cells (outer layer): Make hormones

Anatomy of the Breast

  • Structures to Know:

    • Lactiferous Duct (duct for milk letdown)

    • Lobe

    • Lobule Cells (make milk)

    • Nipple

    • Areola

    • Breast Cancer: Arises from abnormal growth of breast cells that divide rapidly, forming lumps

    • Inherited gene mutations account for 5-10% of breast cancers

Key Review Questions - Female Reproductive System

  1. Differences in breast size are dependent on the type of tissue

  2. Breast size does not affect milk production

  3. Lobules are responsible for milk production

  4. T/F: All breast cancers are hereditary

  5. Breast cancer often starts in ducts and lobules

  6. Term for cancerous cells moving to other body parts: metastasize

  7. Lower part of the uterus: cervix

  8. Two main hormones produced by ovarian follicles: estrogen and progesterone

  9. Structure formed after ovulation: Corpus Luteum

  10. Structure formed when a corpus luteum degenerates: Corpus Albicans

Male Reproductive System Anatomy and Function

  • Anatomy to Know (from sperm formation to emission):

    • Testis

    • Epididymus

    • Vas deferens

    • Ejaculatory duct

    • Urethra (prostatic)

    • Urethra

  • Functions of the Male Reproductive System:

    • Generation of sperm (sperm cells)

    • Production of testosterone & other hormones

  • Transportation System:

    • Epididymis

    • Vas Deferens

    • Ejaculatory Ducts

    • Urethra

    • The seminal vesicle and prostate gland form semen to help with sperm delivery.

  • Other Anatomy:

  • Testes (or testicles): sit below the penis.

  • Scrotum: The sac that holds the testes.

  • Cremaster muscle: Lowers and raises the testes to control temperature. When it’s cold, the testes are towards the body.

  • Superficial inguinal ring

Testes and Sperm Formation

  • Testes Location:

    • Below the penis in the scrotum

  • Spermatogenesis: Production of sperm within seminiferous tubules

    • Spermatids move from the testis to the epididymis for maturation into sperm.

    • Scientific name used to describe sperm (singular): spermatozoon

Testes Histology

  • Key Cells:

    • Leydig Cells (Interstitial cells): Outside of the seminiferous tubules. Produces hormones such as testosterone.

    • Sertoli Cells (Nurse Cells): Support, nourish, and develops sperm within seminiferous tubules

    • Seminiferous tubule: located in the testes, where sperm formation occurs

Semen Formation

  • Components of Semen:

    • Produced by seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands

  • Ejaculatory Pathway:

    • Seminal vesicles secrete a whitish-brown fluid containing nutrients, prostaglandins, and other substances

    • Prostate secretes enzymes activating sperm.

    • Location: under the bladder and abovve the penis. Contains the ejaculatory ducts and the prostatic urethra.

    • Bulbourethral glands add mucus for sperm motility

Pathologies in the Male Reproductive System

  • Prostate Hyperplasia: Overgrowth affects urine flow and can lead to frequent urination

  • Prostate Cancer: Cancerous overgrowth begins in the prostate tissues

Anatomy of the Penis

  • Key Components:

    • Corpora Cavernosa (pair) (dorsal aspect of penis)

    • Corpus Spongiosum: runs under the cavernosa.

    • External Urethral Orifice

  • Function During Intercourse:

    • Penis fills with blood during arousal, allowing penetration and ejaculation

Key Review Questions - Male Reproductive System

  1. Structures from sperm production to emission

  2. Location and cells of testosterone production

  3. Vasectomy alters: Ductus (vas) deferens

  4. Vasectomy affects testosterone production: No

  5. Cremaster muscles' function in response to temperature: move testes closer or farther from body to regulate temperature

  6. Cause of groin bulge during examination: likely inguinal hernia

  7. Function of epididymis: maturation of sperm

  8. Sperm production site and supporting cells

  9. Likely cause of frequent urination in older men: prostate hyperplasia or cancer