Class notes
Reproductive System
- Course
- Institution
Lecture notes on the reproductive system
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
polinalobacheva
Reviews received
Content preview
Polina LobachevaThe roles of male reproductive tract:
1. Formation of gametes (sperm)
2. Deposition of these in the female tract (for sexual intercourse)
Vas deferens:
- A muscular tube
- Sperm moves as deferens (from the epididymis)
- Terminates in the ejaculatory duct (near prostate gland)
- The ejaculatory duct opens into the urethra
Semen consists of:
1. Sperm
2. Secretions from:
a. Seminal vesicles: 60% of semen volume is made up of
mucous, fructose and prostaglandins
b. Prostate gland: alkaline buffer, clotting factors, prostate-
specific-antigen (PSA) and prostasomes (required for calcium transduction)
c. Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's gland): mucous
Role of the testes: Seminiferous tubules:
- Production of sperm There are around 800 seminiferous tubules per testicle and there are 2 cell types:
- Production of androgens 1. Sertoli cells (epithelial cells)
(especially testosterone) 2. Sperm cells (found adjacent to sertoli cells)
- Leydig cells (found between the tubules and produce testosterone)
Histological appearance of the testes:
Role of the Sertoli cells:
, Polina Lobacheva
- They line the walls of the seminiferous tubules
- Source of nutrition to sperm
- Phagocytosis of dead sperm
- Formation of the blood-testis barrier
- Production of seminiferous tubule fluid
Determinants of male and female development:
1. Male and female glands are derived from the same embryological tissue: the urogenital ridge
2. This remains undifferentiated until week 6
3. The double genital duct system:
a. Mullerian ducts: capable of developing into female reproductive organs
b. Wolffian ducts: capable of developing into male reproductive organs
Spermatogenesis: production of mature sperm (continuous)
- Each ejaculate (2-10ml) contains around 100 million sperm per ml
- Occurs in the seminiferous tubules
- Sperm stem cells = spermatogonia, which are located at the periphery
- Developing sperm cells move towards the lumen as they mature
Stages of spermatogenesis: clonal expansion via mitosis
First stage of meiotic division: primary spermatocytes divide into two secondary spermatocytes
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller polinalobacheva. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $13.02. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
66475 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now