Test Yourself Before You Continue Kcd
1. Describe the effects of castration on FSH and LH secretion in the male. Explain the experimental evidence suggesting that the testes produce a polypeptide that specifically inhibits FSH secretion.
2. Describe the two compartments of the testes with respect to (a) structure, (b) function, and (c) response to gonadotropin stimulation. Describe two ways in which these compartments interact.
3. Using a diagram, describe the stages of spermatogenesis. Why can spermatogenesis continue throughout life without using up all of the spermatogonia?
4. Describe the structure and proposed functions of the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules.
5. Explain how FSH and androgens synergize to stimulate sperm production at puberty. Describe the hormonal requirements for spermatogenesis after puberty.
Suspensory ligament of ovary
Mesovarium Ovary
Broad ligament of uterus
Uterine tube
Ampulla of uterine
Uterine tube
Waldrop
Infundibulum of uterine tube
Fimbriae Egg cell Follicle
Waldrop
The uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries. The supporting ligaments can also be seen in this posterior view.
Uterine tube
Ovary
Uterus
Vaginal orifice
Posterior portion of vaginal fornix
Uterine tube
Ovary
Uterus
Cervix of uterus
Rectum
Vagina
Vaginal orifice
Cervix of uterus
Rectum
Vagina
■ Figure 20.26 The organs of the female reproductive system. These are shown in sagittal section.
nonkeratinized epithelium that consists of a stratum basale and a more superficial stratum functionale. The stratum functionale, which cyclically grows thicker as a result of estrogen and progesterone stimulation, is shed at menstruation.
The uterus narrows to form the cervix (= neck), which opens to the tubular vagina. The only physical barrier between the vagina and uterus is a plug of cervical mucus. These structures— the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes—constitute the accessory sex organs of the female (fig. 20.26). Like the accessory sex organs of the male, the female reproductive tract is affected by gonadal steroid hormones. Cyclic changes in ovarian secretion, as will be described in the next section, cause cyclic changes in the epithelial lining of the tract.
The vaginal opening is located immediately posterior to the opening of the urethra. Both openings are covered by longitudinal folds—the inner labia minora and outer labia majora (fig. 20.27). The clitoris, a small structure composed largely of erectile tissue, is located at the anterior margin of the labia minora.
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