Hormonal control of reproduction
Understand the role of hormones in the regulation and control of the reproductive system
Introduction
In this assignment I will undertake studies into embryology and andrology and produce a report that evaluates the role of
hormones in the regulation and control of the reproductive system through explaining the role of hormones in the regulation
and control of the reproductive system, including structure and function of reproductive anatomy and reproductive
processes.
Describe the structure and function of reproductive anatomy
The structure and function of reproductive anatomy
(Figure 1 – structure of the female reproductive system. https://encrypted-
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xI8LJsnrUuc&usqp=CAU)
Structure Function
Uterine horn This assists in the transport of sperm, most of the embryonic development, placental
development and attachment, hormone production, and parturition.
Fimbriae They allow a cell to bind to a variety of surfaces, including those of other cells.
Fimbriae are used for attachment and to aid in the colonization of microbes.
Ovary The ovaries have two primary reproductive roles. They contain the reproductive
hormones estrogen and progesterone as well as oocytes (eggs) for fertilization.
Fallopian tube Every month, they transport the ova from the ovary to the uterus. The uterine tubes
transport the fertilized egg to the uterus for implantation in the presence of sperm
and fertilization.
,Endometrium Functions to keep the uterine cavity open by preventing adhesions between the
opposing walls of the myometrium. The endometrium develops into a thick, blood
vessel-rich, glandular tissue layer during the menstrual cycle or estrous cycle.
Uterus The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Cervix The cervix serves as a portal to the uterus, allowing sperm to enter and fertilize eggs.
The cervix helps keep dangerous stuff out of the body when the body is not growing
a kid. The cervix assists in keeping the baby in place until it is fully grown when
pregnant.
Vagina The vaginal canal has three functions: During sexual intercourse, it is where the
penis is inserted. The birth canal is the passageway by which a baby exits a woman's
body during childbirth. During cycles, menstrual blood exits the body via this
pathway.
Labia Shield the internal parts of the female reproductive system (labia majora and
minora) and play a role in sexual arousal and stimulation (clitoris). Stimulate
intercourse by supplying lubrication and cushioning (Bartholin's glands) (mons
pubis).
(Figure 2)
(Figure 3- structure of the male reproductive system. https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/male-reproductive-system-
13918304.jpg)
Structure Function
Cowper's gland Prior to ejaculation, they contain a dense, transparent mucus that drains into the
spongy urethra. While it is well understood that the Cowper's gland secretions
, neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, information on the various lesions
and complications associated with this gland is restricted.
Seminal vesical Many of the constituent ingredients of sperm are produced by this function. They
eventually have about 70% of the total volume of sperm.
Prostate gland Proteolytic enzymes are secreted into the sperm, which break down clotting factors
in the ejaculate. This keeps the sperm in a fluid state, allowing it to move freely
around the female reproductive tract in the hopes of fertilization.
Vas deferens In preparation for ejaculation, the vas deferens transports mature sperm to the
urethra.
Erectile tissues These smooth muscles are tonically contracted in the flaccid state, allowing only a
limited amount of arterial flow for nutritional purposes.
Epididymis The epididymis is responsible for transporting sperm from the rete testes to the vas
deferens.
Penis The male organ for sexual intercourse and urination is the penis. The urethra is
where sperm and urine exit the penis. The testes are contained in the scrotum, which
is a loose, pouch-like sack of skin that hangs behind the penis.
Testes The testes are responsible for producing sperm and producing testosterone, the main
male sex hormone. Seminiferous tubules are coiled masses of tubes found inside the
testes. Via a mechanism known as spermatogenesis, these tubules are responsible
for forming sperm cells.
Scrotum The skin bag that contains and protects the testicles The scrotum's role is to provide
a temperature-controlled environment for the testes, allowing for optimal sperm
production.
(Figure 4)
Description of how hormones are involved in gamete development and conception.
Description of the action of hormones that are released during the production of sperm and ova and leading to conception.
• MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Within this will be explained how hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle and how it affects fertility.
Many different glands and the hormones that these glands release regulate the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus in the
brain induces the pituitary gland nearby to release chemicals that allow the ovaries to produce the sex hormones estrogen
and progesterone. The menstrual cycle is a biofeedback mechanism, meaning that the function of one structure or gland
affects the activity of others.
− The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends on the first day of your next period.
− Hormone signals travel back and forth between the brain and the ovaries, causing changes in the egg-containing
sacs (follicles) in the ovaries and the uterus.
,− The first stage of the cycle involves preparing an egg for release from the ovary and forming the uterine lining.
− The second half of the cycle prepares the uterus and body to accept a fertilized egg or to begin the next cycle if
pregnancy is unsuccessful.
(Figure
5- https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/the-menstrual-cycle-more-than-just-the-period)
1. Menstruation refers to the shedding of the uterine lining during a woman's monthly cycle. Estrogen and
progesterone levels are low.
2. The interval between the first day of your period and ovulation is known as the follicular phase. As an egg prepares
to be released, estrogen levels increase.
3. The proliferative phase occurs after the cycle when the uterine lining regenerates.
4. Ovulation is the mid-cycle release of the egg from the ovary. Estrogen peaks right before the event and then
decreases quickly.
5. The luteal phase is when the body prepares for a potential pregnancy between ovulation and the start of
menstruation. Progesterone is made, peaks, and then gradually decreases.
6. The secretory phase occurs when the uterine lining releases chemicals that either support an early pregnancy or
prepare the lining to break down and shed if pregnancy does not occur.
, (Figure 6 - Figure_43_04_04.png)
Menstruation
Menstruation is the process of removing the thickened uterine lining (endometrium) from the body via the vaginal canal.
Blood, cells from the uterine lining (endometrial cells), and mucus are all contained in menstrual fluid.
Pre-ovulation:
Follicular phase
, (Figure 7 –
menstruation. image and end_pituitary.gif)
During follicular phase, the pituitary gland produces a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH tells the
ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation. Each ovary has several follicles at various stages of development during the
menstrual cycle. Around halfway through the follicular process (one of the ovaries' follicles is the biggest of all the follicles,
measuring about 1 cm) (0.4 inch). This follicle becomes the dominant one and is the one that is ready to be released during
ovulation. As the dominant follicle expands, it releases estrogen, which peaks just before ovulation.
(Figure 8 - follicular phase Figure_43_04_02f.png)
