Histology Reproduction-Exam 5

gubernaculum

A fibrous cord that connects the fetal testis with the bottom of the scrotum and by failing to elongate in proportion to the rest of the fetus, causes the descent of the testis.

sertoli cells

A fixed population of NON-DIVIDING cells that *support maturing spermatogenic cells* (are ESSENTIAL for their growth), pyramidal or columnar, prominent oval nucleus and central nucleolus -Set up the blood testes barrier.

seminal vesicles

A highly coiled, SINGLE tubular gland located posterior to the neck of the bladder and above the prostate gland

epididymis

An elongated, tubular structure attached to the mediastinum testis, composed of fibrous capsule and HIGHLY CONVOLUTED tubule

Primordial follicles at birth.

At birth 1-2 million primordial follicles are present and by puberty approximately 400,000 remain. Primordial follicles begin to degenerate during development and this continues throughout the reproductive life of the woman.

Corpus Luteum Histology

At low magnification, the corpus luteum will be the long, basophilic, coiled tissue. The mass of connective tissue on one side of the image fills the former antrum

lactiferous duct

At the level of the nipple, the lactiferous duct is lined by a stratified squamous epithelium.

Peg (secretory) cells of mucosa

Peg (secretory) cells provide nutrients for the oocyte and sperm. Secretory cells lack cilia and have a nucleus located in the apical portion of the cell.

Endometrium Stratum Functionalis

The functional layer is lost during menstruation and the basal layer remains intact. Covering the surface of the functional layer of the endometrium is a single layer of *columnar epithelium*. -The epithelium dips down into the substance of the endometrium to form uterine glands. The secretions of the uterine glands include mucous and glycogen.

Ischemic phase

The ischemic phase lasts from day 27-28. endometrium becomes ischemic and the tissue begins to undergo necrosis. Eventually, progegesterone levels are so low that the spiral arteries remain constricted, causing full necrosis of the functional layer of the endometrium

Uterine tube Ampulla

The longest portion (about 2/3 of total length) and is typically the *region where fertilization takes place.*

This basic structure of the breast is the same in both active (pregnant) and non-active (non-pregnant) mammary glands. What is the main difference?

The major difference between the two states of the mammary gland is that the glands are smaller, with poorly developed alveolar (secretory) portions in non-active glands.

Basal cells

These cells of the epididymis are short, their apical surfaces do NOT reach the lumen, and are thought to act as stem cells

Principal cells

These cells of the epididymis display elaborate stereocillia, decrease in height along the length of the duct, contain large Golgi and ER, and secrete glycerophosphocholine

Central zone

This zone contains the ejaculatory ducts, and makes up ~25% of the prostate

Peripheral zone

This zone is a common site for CANCER, and makes up ~75% of the prostate

Transitional zone (also site of INCREASED MITOTIC activity)

This zone is the site of BENIGN prostatic hypertrophy, and makes up ~5% of the prostate

Leydig cells

Tunica between several adjacent seminiferous tubules is more prominent and contains the Leydig cells Leydig cells secrete *testosterone*. polyhedral in shape with a round nucleus. Their eosinophilic cytoplasm contains an extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum typical of other steroid secreting cells.

Pampiniform plexus

Venous plexus designed to surround the testicular artery to cool the abdominal blood.

Sertoli cells DO NOT produce

Sperm testosterone

Lamina propria (tunica)

Surrounding each of the sectioned profiles of the seminiferous tubules is loose connective tissue forming the interstitial tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and endocrine cells.

Ovarian Stroma

Surrounding the follicles is the ovarian stroma which consists of a connective tissue framework with many fibroblast-like cells.

True (exocrine = sperm, endocrine = testosterone)

T/F: Each testis is BOTH an exocrine and endocrine gland

True or False: Only a small percentage of the maturing primary follicles respond to FSH and LH.

TRUE

primary spermatocyte

The LARGEST of the spermatogenic cells, diploid, begin to migrate from the basal compartment towards the luminal space, *able to cross the blood-testis border*, have round nucleus with easily identifiable chromosome condensation

CERVIX

The cervix is the inferior portion of the uterus and consists of a mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia

Ciliated cells of the mucosa

The ciliated cells produce currents within the tubal fluid to assist the movement of the oocyte.

Thought the mediastinum pass the _______ _______ of the testis, as well as the testicular ______, ________, and _______.

efferent ductules, artery, vein, and nerve

The duct of the seminal vesicle joins the ductus deferens to form one of the _______ ________.

ejaculatory ducts

Both the basal and functional layers contain

elaborate blood vessels and glands essential for implantation of the fertilized ovum and for formation of the placenta

Atretic zona pellucida

eosinophilic squiggly lines representing the zona pellucida in old atretic follicles. all that will remain of the follicle will be a remnant of the zona pellucida, in the center of a homogeneous, connective tissue scar, which will eventually disappear. The zona pellucida remnant will not be apparent unless the section is in the center of the atretic follicle.

granulosa lutein cells

granulosa cells of the follicular wall. (red Arrow) The granulosa cells produce estrogens and progesterone. The granulosa lutein cells possess a spherical nucleus with a large amount of cytoplasm.

Proliferative phase

he proliferative phase lasts from days 6-15 during which time estrogen from the granulosa cells of the maturing follicles causes regeneration of the uterine glands, spiral arteries, and stroma -ESTROGEN facilitates this phase.

Towards the urethral end of the ductus deferens, the mucosal folds _______ in size

increase (forms the ampulla)

Intercellular fluid in the BASAL compartment is similar to ___________, and is basically a filtrate of the __________.

interstitial tissue, blood

Deep to the mucosa of the vagina

is a layer of muscularis containing smooth muscle fibers. The adventitia of the vagina contains loose connective tissue and houses numerous blood vessels and parasympathetic ganglia for the function of the erectile tissue.

folliculogenesis

is a sequence of events that result in the maturation of an ovarian follicle. begins at puberty and extends to menopause.

Uterine tube mucosa layer

is thrown into longitudinal folds, which are most prominent in the ampulla and become reduced in the isthmus. The epithelium is a simple columnar epithelium with 2 cell types: ciliated cells and peg (secretory cells) (Figure 13).

outer adventitia of the cervix

is unremarkable consisting of connective tissue.

Older spermatids can be differentiated from more immature spermatids because they flagella will be directed towards the ________.

lumen

Remnants of the gubernaculum are attached to the inferior aspect of the ___________.

mediastinum

The ductus derfern's wall is divided into _________ and ________ layers surrounded by a ________ connective tissue adventitia.

mucosa, muscularis, loose

Ovarian Follicle

multicellular structure within the ovary that contains the oocyte.

Primary follicles

one to several layers of granulosa cells surrounding the primary oocyte

In the center of the corpus spongiosum lies the ______ _______.

penile (spongy) urethra

Intercellular fluid in the LUMINAL compartment does NOT contain ________ or ________, which is beneficial for the maturing ___________ cells, and helps in preventing autoimmune infertility.

plasma proteins or antibodies, spermatogenic

What is the distinctive feature of the epithelial lining of the efferent ductules?

presence of alternating clumps of tall columnar and short columnar cells --> imparts a ragged, SAW-TOOTH appearance to the lumen of the ducts

When B spermatogonia undergo mitotic divisions, they produce __________.

primary spermatocytes

ectocervix

projects into the vagina The ectocervix is lined with a non-keratinized stratified squamous that is continuous with the epithelial lining of the vagina

What is the largest of the male reproductive ACCESSORY glands?

prostate

The mucosa of the ductus deferens is what?

pseudo stratified columnar epithelial cells (that get SHORTER the further along)

The lumen of the epididymis is lined with what?

pseudo stratified columnar epithelium composed of PRINCIPAL cells and BASAL cells

The seminal vesicles are lined with what?

pseudo stratified epithelium

The epithelial lining o fate efferent ductules is lined by what?

pseudo stratified, columnar epithelium

Elevated cGMP works to _______ smooth muscle, increasing ______ in the penile arterioles

relax, vasodilation

When type A spermatogonia undergo mitosis, one daughter cell ___________, while the other will continue to undergo mitotic divisions, eventually differentiating into a ____________.

remains an A spermatogonia, B spermatogonia

Endometrium

The endometrium is the layer that is subject to cyclic changes in response to ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and is the layer that undergoes necrosis and hemorrhaging (menstruation) during the menstrual cycle. The endometrium consists of 2 layers: stratum basale stratum functionalis

Intramural portion of the uterine tube

The final portion, which is part of the wall of the uterus.

First day of Menstrual cycle

The first day of the menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menses and corresponds to the first day of the ovarian cycle

Two major types of blood vessels exist within the endometrium:

straight arteries which are confined to the basal layer spiral arteries which are found in both the basal and functional layers.

The seminiferous tubules drain into the ______ _______ of the mediastinum, which subsequently lead into the _____ ______.

straight tubules, rete testis

Initially, the efferent ductules are ______ but as they approach the epididymis, they become _______.

straight, coiled

oogenesis

transforms female germ cells (oogonia) into mature ova. It begins during fetal development and extends to menopause.

What is the primary function of the efferent ductules?

transport of sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis (but also plays a role in absorption)

The urethra begins in the _______ of the urinary bladder and descends through the ________.

trigone, prostate

T/F: Penile tissue receives BOTH PNS and SNS innervation

true

T/F: The coni vasculosi immediately empty into the epididymis

true

T/F: The corpus spongiosum lies OUTSIDE the tunica albuginea

true

T/F: The head of the epididymis attaches to the superior pole of the testis through the coni vasculosi, while the rest of the epididymis (tail and body) connect to mediastinum via fusion of capsule with tunica albuginea of the testis

true

PNS activation is important for ______ of the penis

tumescence (results in vasodilation of the deep arterioles)

The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a thick wall of dense regular connective tissue termed the _____ ______.

tunica albuginea (male)

The epithelium of the urethra starts as ________, but patches of ________ crop up around the spongy urethra, then __________ dominates at the distal end.

uroepithelium, pseudo stratified, stratified squamous

uterine tube Infundibulum

which is the funnel-shaped opening into the peritoneal cavity adjacent to the ovary. At the edges of the opening, the infundibulum possesses finger-like extensions called fimbriae, which assist in moving the released oocyte into the uterine tube.

At its urethral end, the ductus deferens _______ and develops thinner walls to form the ______.

widens, ampulla

Menstural phase

-5 days -functional layer of the endometrium undergoes necrosis and is sloughed off. - basal layer remains and will serve as the source of the regenerative cells

Corpus albicans

-Atretic corpus luteum -The scar tissue is formed by fibroblasts of the ovarian stroma. The corpus albicans will slowly disappear over a period of several months

All functions of Sertoli cells

-Blood testis barrier (basal, adluminal) -Provide nourishment for spermatozoa -Secrete *ANDROGEN-BINDING PROTEIN *(sequester testosterone) -Phagocytosis of Residual Bodies -Spermination (kicks the sperm out)

Antrum

-Fluid from the stroma of the ovary enters the follicle and forms a fluid-filled cavity within the membrane granulosa -The presence of an antrum signifies an antral secondary follicle -Fluid within the antrum (electrolytes, proteins, hormones, etc) is basically a filtrate of the blood.

Cremaster muscle

-Involuntary skeletal muscle. -Temperature regulation muscle -Relax if too hot -Constrict if too cold.

Atretic Follicles

-Most of the ovarian follicles present in the ovaries degenerate before reaching the Graffian stage. -Process of atresia 1) granulosa cells with pyknotic nuclei and 2) free granulosa cells in the antrum

Graffian Follicle

-Or tertiary follicle -Secondary follicle that has fully matured 10-12 days -Typically only one secondary follicle reaches the mature stage each cycle.

secondary spermatocyte

-Smaller than primary spermatocyte, -undergoes meiosis II -*produce two spermatids*, division does NOT require DNA replication --> happens QUICKLY (so, difficult to see histologically)

Endometrium Stratum Basale

-Source of regenerative cells for blood vessels, uterine glands, and uterine stroma. Typically, the basal layer can be distinguished by a greater density of cells within the stroma. This imparts a slightly darker staining to this region.

Theca interna

-The theca interna has endocrine cells that produce androgens. -The androgens are used by the granulosa cells to make estrogen. -LH stimulates the theca interna to produce the androgens. -heavily vascularized.

theca lutein cells

-Yellow Arrow -In between the folds of the granulosa lutein cells, on the former outside wall of the follicle, are the much smaller theca lutein cells, derived from the steroid secreting cells of the theca folliculi. The main hormone produced and secreted by the theca lutein cells is progesterone along with some estrogen.

Zona pellucida

-acellular membrane comprised of glycoproteins secreted by both the primary oocyte and the granulosa cells. -As the primary follicle acquires its layers of granulosa cells, the zona pellucida forms

Folliculogenesis: gonadotropic hormone independent stage (early)

-begins at puberty and extends until menopause. -Growth factors stimulate maturation of primordial follciles -Continuous maturation process -Select follicles will enter ovarian cycle. -Unknown how particular follicles are selected.

Completion of 1st meiotic division

-estrogen levels are high and cause a spike in the release of LH -LH will cause resumption and completion of the oocyte's first meiotic division -Graffian follicle initially contains a primary oocyte, and now, a secondary oocyte and polar body.

Theca Externa

-organized layer of fibroblasts and connective tissue fibers -

Folliculogenesis: gonadotropic hormone dependent stage (dependant)

-primes a group of primordial follicles for the next stage. -The gonadotropic hormone dependent stage is cyclic and accounts for the second half of the ovarian cycle. -The second half of development of follicles is under control of follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) initially and homone (LH).

Corpus Luteum

-structure derived from the remnants of the Graafian follicle -a temporary glandular structure during the second half of the ovarian cycle -transformation of the wall of the follicle into the corpus luteum is under the control of LH.

Ovulation

-surge in LH levels that occurs 24-36 hours before release of the secondary oocyte. -occurs on day 14 of a 28 day cycle. -At ovulation, the secondary oocyte, zona pellucida and the corona radiata are released as a single unit along with the antral fluid into the peritoneal cavity.

When does oogenesis begin?

-yolk sac-> developingovaries -> oogonia. -Oogonia undergo mitotic divisions -> 5-7 million oogonia spread between both ovaries by the 5th month of development. -At that time, the oogonia loose their mitotic ability and differentiate into primary oocytes.

Describe the 4 major events involved in SPERMIOGENESIS

1) Formation of ACROSOME CAP (contains enzymes allow for penetration of corona radiate and zona pellucida of the ovum) 2) CONDENSATION of nucleus 3) ELONGATION (formation of flagella) 4) SHEDDING of RESIDUAL BODY (later phagocytized by Sertoli cells)

The epididymis is divided into what regions?

1) Head (caps SUPERIOR pole) 2) Tail (caps INFERIOR pole) 3) Body (lies b/e the head and tail)

What are the 3 major functional units of the spermatozoa?

1) Head (with acrosome) 2) Nucleus 3) Tail/Flagella

What 3 accessory glands contribute to the semen/ejaculate?

1) Paired seminal vesicles 2) Prostate gland 3) Paired bulbourethral glands (Cowper's) glands

What are the 4 zones of the prostate?

1) Periurethral zone (surrounds urethra) 2) Transitional zone 3) Central zone 4) Peripheral zone

What 3 structures are derived from the mesonephric duct?

1) efferent ductules 2) epididymis 3) ductus (vas) deferens

appearance of an atretic follicle will depend on

1) how mature the follicle was when it began to undergo atresia 2) how long the follicle has been undergoing atresia. -Young and old atretic follicles look very different. -Atretric follicles eventually disappear due to phagocytosis by macrophages.

What 2 structures are derived from the testis proper?

1) rete testis 2) straight tubules

Each lobule testis (~500/testis) contains from __-__ highly convoluted seminiferous tubules.

1-4

Each testis produces ____-_____ sperm/day

100-150 million

The penis is composed of _____ bodies of erectile tissue

3

The spermatic cord consists of how many layers of fascia?

3

Ovaries General Characteristics

3 cm in length, 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep. exocrine (germ cells or ova) and endocrine (estrogen, progesterone, and androgen) secretions. center of cyclic activity of the female reproductive system.

Alone, the seminal vesicle is responsible for secreting ____% of the ejaculate

70%

The prostate gland and the seminal vesicles secrete over _____% of the ejaculate

95%

tunica albuginea

Between the germinal epithelium and cortex, a thick white layer of connective tissue forming a capsule around the ovary (Figure 3). The boundaries between the cortex and medulla are relatively indistinct.

Which cells have LH receptors

Both the granulosa and thecal cells of the mature follicle have LH receptors.

zonula occludens

Cell-to-cell junctional complexes that bind adjacent Sertoli cells, and effectively forms the BLOOD-TESTIS barrier

Female Reproductive System

Composed of mammary glands, ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina

Under the influence of FSH, the granulosa cells of the secondary follicle continue to proliferate rapidly and begin to produce

Estrogen

Type B spermatogonia

DIPLOID Daughter progenitor from type A. Spherical nuclei Mitosis to primary spermatocytes

Type A spermatogonia

DIPLOID OVOID nuclei dark type pale type

spermatic fasciae

Deep to the skin of the scrotal sac, several thin layers of abdominal wall extensions that surround each testis

tunica albuginea (dense connective tissue)

Deep to the visceral tunica vaginalis, a thick, fibrous capsule of connective tissue, completely surrounds the testis

Perimetrium

Depending upon location, the perimetrium is either a serosa (body/fundus) or an adventitia (cervix).

Mammary gland lobes

Each lobe is further broken down into lobules by strands of connective tissue. Each lobe has its own lactiferous duct that empties onto the surface of the nipple

rete testis

Each seminiferous tubule (where spermatogenesis occurs) opens into an interconnecting network of ducts

Cumulus oophorous

Egg cloud, Mount of granulosa cells that surround the oocyte. At ovulation, some of the granulosa cells of the cumulus oophorus remain attached to the zona pellucida, forming the corona radiata.

What hormones are responsible for controlling spermatogenesis?

FSH, LH, testosterone

T/F: Throughout the length of the ductus deferens, it maintains a thin muscular layer

False (a *THICK muscular layer*, capable of peristalsis)

T/F: The prostate is entirely composed of pseudo stratified columnar epithelium

False (alternates b/w simple columnar and pseudo stratified columnar)

stroma of the endometrium

Filling in the areas between the uterine glands and blood vessels is connective tissue containing numerous cells.

Formation of the Corpus Luteum

Following release of the secondary oocyte, the wall of the follicle (granulosa cells and theca folliculi) collapses and is thrown into folds. The granulosa and theca interna cells are transformed into luteal cells by LH.

inactive mammary gland

It is characterized by mostly connective tissue and fat with little evidence of secretory cells (Figure 22). Most of the glandular tissue present is the ductal elements of the glands.

membrane granulosa

Granulosa cells layered around the primary oocyte Granulosa cells are derived from the proliferating follicular cells of the primordial follicle. -the granulosa cells acquire surface receptors for the gonadotropic hormones FSH and LH.

A cell nucleus that is WEDGED b/w the apical portions of principal cells

Halo cells (intraepithelial lymphocytes, postulated that they are responsible for the lymphocyte surface antigen CD52 needed for fertilization) -kill bad sperm

Early spermatids

Haploid now

If fertilization does not occur

If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will begin to degenerate about 12 days following ovulation. This would be day 26 of the menstrual cycle

Fate of the corpus luteum: no pregnancy

If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will begin to degenerate after about 12-14 days forming a prominent scar within the ovary (corpus albicans)

Fate of the corpus luteum: pregnancy

If fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum persists throughout the first half of pregnancy after which time it will slowly regress.

lactiferous sinus

Just before reaching the surface, each lactiferous duct is dilated forming the lactiferous sinus which serves to store milk. The lactiferous sinus and the portion of the duct leading to it, are lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium which transitions into a simple columnar or cuboidal epithelium as the duct approaches the secretory cells.

spermatogonia

Located along the basal lamina, *diploid* stem cells, three types (dark and pale type A, type B), mature and produce spermatocyte.

spermatids

Located near the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, round cells with HOMOGENOUS staining, spherical nuclei, eventually transformed into spermatozoa by the process known as SPERMIOGENESIS (different than spermatogenesis!!)

Ductus Deferens

Lots of smooth muscle gives the power of the ejaculate. -no steriocillia -Surrounded by pampiniform plexus, testicular artery, cremaster muscle.

MAMMARY GLANDS

Mammary glands (breasts) are modified apocrine sweat glands that function to provide nutrition and immunological defense for the newborn. The compound tubuloalveolar glands that comprise the mammary glands are contained within 15-20 lobes delineated by connective tissue.

Testicular artery

Massive artery -testes blood supply from abdominal regions -It is bringing blood that is the temp of abdominal cavity -Sperm cannot be viable if produced at this temp -countercurrent venous system to cool this blood

Primordial ovarian follicle

Primary oocytes become surrounded by a layer of squamous-like ovarian stromal cells (follicular cells) -Meiosis 1 begun, 1st meiotic division is halted and suspended at prophase by factors secreted from the follicular cells of the primordial follicle.

______ _______ represent ~95% of the epithelial cells of the epididymis, and vary in height along the length of the duct.

Principal cells

Meiosis 1 resumes after?

Puberty

tunica vaginalis

Separates the testis from underlying muscular layers, a serious lined cavity

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle mirrors the ovarian cycle in that the hormones being produced by the follicle or the corpus luteum will directly affect the endometrium. three phases: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory. These phases are part of a continuous process and that there is no abrupt change between two phases

Myometrium

The muscularis layer is the thickest portion of the wall, consisting of three interwoven layers of smooth muscle. The smooth muscle arrangement is opposite of what is typically seen in hollow organs. It has an inner longitudinal, middle circular, and outer longitudinal layer. The mostly longitudinal arrangement of the smooth muscle fibers facilitates the birthing process.

Uterine tube Isthmus

The narrow portion entering the uterus.

Main difference btween a large secondary follicle and a Graffian follicle is

The only difference between a large secondary follicle and a Graffian follicle is that granulosa cells stop dividing in the Graffian follicle

mediastinum testis

The region where the blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and reproductive ducts enter/exit the testes

Secretory phase

The secretory phase lasts from days 16-26. The major hormone acting on the endometrium at this time is progesterone, produced by the luteal cells. -vasodilation of the spiral arteries -glands become large and sacculated -endometrium provides a favorable environment for implantation of the blastocyst.

parietal tunica vaginalis

The serous layer deep to the cremaster muscle in the testis

visceral tunica vaginalis

The serous layer forming the OUTER layer of each testis

Endometrium spiral arteries

The spiral arteries form extensive capillary beds within the functional layer, especially at the surface. The rich vascular network within the functional layer is also a source of nutrients and oxygen during early development.

Germinal Epithelium

The surface of the ovary is covered with a simple squamous to cuboidal epithelium. The germinal epithelium is a modification of the original serous membrane (visceral peritoneum) that covered the ovaries during development.

theca folliculi

The theca folliculi begins to develop during the primary follicle stage from the connective tissue surrounding the follicle -Theca Interna -Theca Externa

Uterine Tubes

The uterine tubes are paired structures that extend from the ovary to the uterus (Figure 12). Each tube is about 10-12 cm in length

Uterus

The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ and is divided into a body and a cervix.

Vagina

The vagina connects the female reproductive tract to the external environment. The mucosa of the vagina consists of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium covering a thick lamina propria. Note the lack of hypodermis.

Uterine Wall

The wall of the body of the uterus consists of 3 layers: -Perimetrium -Myometrium -Endometrium

The PNS terminals around the vasculature of the erect tissue release _______, triggering the producing of ________, leading to increased ________ and the release of NO (so smooth muscles RELAX)

acetylcholine, phospholipase C, calcium

A follicle can begin to degenerate

at any stage of development

In what space are sperm concentrated?

channels of the rete ridges

Ovary inner medulla

characterized by a heavily vascularized, fibroelastic connective tissue. Scattered within the connective tissue are interstitial cells that secrete various growth factors that play a role in the initial stages of folliculogenesis (gonadotropic hormone independent stage).

Some of the columnar cells of the efferent ductules have _______, which beat in the direction of the ________, while others have ________, which are __________ in nature.

cilia, epididymis microvilli, absorptive

From the rete, efferent ductules connect to the coiled _____ ________ and subsequently the head of the ___________.

coni vasculosi, epididymis

The muscularis of the cervix

consists of a mixture of smooth muscle fibers and fibrous connective tissue

The muscularis layer of the uterus

consists of two indistinct layers of smooth muscle, a prominent inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer. Note the rich vascular supply within wall of the uterine tube, especially the muscularis.

Ovary outer cortex

contains ovarian follicles at various stages of maturation.

endocervix

continuous with the body of the uterus The endocervix is lined with a simple columnar epithelium.

During ejaculation, the fibromuscular tissue _________, secreting products into the prostatic urethra

contracts

Two _____ _______ are responsible for the rigidity of the erect penis

corpora cavernosa (which is similar to a SPONGE)

Spermatogonia destined to undergo spermatogenesis are unique in that ______ is incomplete, meaning their daughter cells remain ________.

cytokinesis, attached to one another -likely plays a role in SYNCHRONIZING maturation process

Dilation of the _____ _____ of the penis, inside the ____ ________, increases blood supply resulting in erection.

deep artery, corpus carvernosa

The secondary follicle

defined by its well-developed, 2-layer theca folliculi. As follicles become multilayered, they retain the name "primary" until an antrum (fluid filled space) forms amoung cells of the follicle. Follicles are called secondary when the antrum forms.

The tunica albuginea of the penis (Buck's fascia) is composed of a ______ connective tissue sheath.

dense

A capsule of _______ connective tissue that also contains ________ ________ fibers surrounds the prostate.

dense, smooth muscle

mucosa of the cervix

differs from the endometrium of the body of the uterus. The cervical endometrium undergoes little change during the menstrual cycle and contains large branched glands that secrete mucous. Spiral arteries are absent.

The tail of the epididymis connects to the _________ ___________.

ductus (vas) deferens

The tail of the epididymis empties in the distal end of the ______ _______.

ductus deferens

During pregnancy Mammary glands

due to elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, the ducts branch and the secretory alveoli begin to grow. As the glands mature, the connective tissue stroma is reduced. At late stages of pregnancy, a secretory product called colostrum, accumulates within the ducts and alveolar cells. Colostrum: is a fluid rich in proteins and electrolytes. In addition, the numerous plasma cells in the connective tissue produce antibodies that are transferred to the colostrum.

After birth Mammary glands

estrogen and progesterone levels drop. The secretory cells produce milk under the influence of prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary. Proteins within the secretory cells are released by merocrine secretion, whereas lipids are released by apocrine secretion.

Completion of the 2nd meiotic division only occurs if

fertilization takes place

Graffian follicles only exist

for a couple of days.

Myopeithelial cells

found just deep to the epithelial lining of the ducts and at the level of the secretory cells. The myoepithelial cells assist with ejection of the milk and afford further structural integrity.

The seminal vesicle secretes ________ which provides energy for the sperm

fructose

The wall of the *seminiferous tubule* is a ________ ________ epithelium consisting of __________ cells (in various stages of development) and __________ cells.

germinal epithelium, spermatogenic, Sertoli

The Blood-Testis Barries effectively divides the wall of the ____________ into a __________ compartment and a _________ compartment.

seminiferous tubules, basal, luminal

Thin fibrous strands from the tunica albuginea extend into the testis and form partitions, or ___________, that divide the testis into ~_________ compartments, or _________.

septae, 200, lobuli testis

Although the coni vasculosi are very ______, the efferent ductules within them are ______, and can measure up to _______ inches in length when laid out.

short, coiled, 3 inches

The rete testis are lined by what epithelium?

simple cuboidal epithelium (or low columnar)

The ductus deferens enters the _______ ______ and moves through the inguinal canal to enter the ________ ______ of the false pelvic basin

spermatic cord, endopelvic fascia

Sequence of events by which the male germ cells (spermatogonia) are converted (genotypically and phenotypically) into mature sperm

spermatogenesis (occurs in stratified layer of cells within the walls of the seminiferous tubules)

What is the major event that takes place in the seminiferous tubules?

spermatogenesis (takes ~75 days) -Spermatogonia -spermatocytes -Spermatids -Spermatozoa

As soon as the spermatids are RELEASED from the wall of the seminiferous tubules, they are _________.

spermatozoa

The only area of the urethra with any significant muscle tissue is the _______ ________.

sphincter urethrae (of the deep transverse perineal muscle)

At ovulation, the secondary oocyte begins

the 2nd meiotic division, but it is arrested at the metaphase stage.

If fertilization has taken place

the corpus luteum will persist, and adequate levels of progesterone will maintain the endometrium in the secretory phase.

Principal and basal cells are associated with what structure?

the epididymis

What is the physiological significance of the Blood-Testis Barrier?

the ionic, amino acid, carb, and protein composition of the intercellular fluid of the basal and luminal compartments is different

steroid hormones are to regulate maturation of

the oocytes, development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics, and cyclic changes that occur in reproductive organs.