HESI A2 Exam: Reproductive System
• In which phase does the ovarian follicle mature?
• What is the site of follicle maturation?
• Where does sperm mature?
• What is the function of the endometrium?
Males
Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules in the testes and mature in the epididymis.
The scrotum keeps the temperature of the testes two to four degrees Fahrenheit below normal body temperature for sperm production.
Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes under the control of testosterone, which both induces and maintains sperm production.
The epididymis is the site of sperm maturation and storage. The epididymis runs along the testes and is connected by the vas deferens to the shorter ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct then joins the urethra, which runs from the bladder to the exterior.
Mature sperm travel to the ejaculatory duct via the vas deferens.
The seminal vesicles secrete a liquid to nourish the sperm and the prostate gland secretes a fluid that enables the sperm to better survive the acidic female reproductive tract.
The bulbourethral glands produce a viscous fluid that lubricates the male reproductive tract.
The ejaculatory ducts from the two testes fuse at the urethra. Semen travels down the urethra and is ejected from the body through the penis.
Females
Ova are female gametes.
Oogenesis is the process through which ova are produced in the ovaries. Oogenesis is not completed until after the ovum is fertilized.
Females are born with all the immature ova they will ever have. During ovulation, one mature ovum completes the first division and is arrested in the second division.
The unfertilized ovum is released from the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes, where it is fertilized. Following fertilization, the ovum travels down the fallopian tubes and implants in the uterus.
The cortex is located along the sides of the ovary, and it's where oocyte production occurs. In addition to the cortex, the ovary also has an area called the medulla, which is located in the center of the cortex, and that's where the arteries and veins of the ovary are found. When the oocyte is released from the ovary, it is caught by the uterine tubes.
The uterine tubes are divided into three different parts starting with the infundibulum, ampulla and then the isthmus, which pass the oocyte before it ends up at the uterus.
The isthmus is the portion closest to the uterus and connects the uterine tube to the uterine wall.
The infundibulum is the funnel-shaped portion closest to the ovary.
The ampulla is located in between the infundibulum and the isthmus. It pushes the oocyte down the tube towards the uterus.
The endometrium is tissue with many blood vessels that nourish the developing embryo. The endometrium forms the placenta, which is the site of nutrient and waste exchange for the developing fetus.
The vagina is the reproductive tract of females and the channel through which the mature fetus is expelled during labor.
The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina.
Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation separates the follicular and luteal phases.
In the follicular phase, the ovarian follicle matures. During this phase, the anterior pituitary releases FSH, which acts on the ovaries to induce the release of estrogen.
Estrogen leads to the maturation of one ovarian follicle and the thickening of the endometrium.
Luteinizing hormone drives ovulation and results in the ovarian follicle rupturing and releasing the egg into the fallopian tube.
The luteal phase, which is after ovulation, is the period in which the ovum awaits fertilization.
The ruptured follicle develops into the corpus luteum and secretes the progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.
Progesterone maintains the endometrium during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and once the lining breaks down, menstruation is triggered.
After the corpus luteum atrophies, progesterone levels drop.
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