Reproduction

On completion of this course, students should be able to; 1. describe developmental changes in the male and female reproductive systems, including the mechanisms responsible for these changes, during in utero development, and in childhood through puberty; 2. list the physiological functions of the major components of the male reproductive tract; 3. discuss the biosynthesis, mechanism of transport within the blood, metabolism and elimination of testosterone and related androgens; 4. list the causes and consequences of over-secretion and under-secretion of testosterone for a) prepubertal and b) postpubescent males; 5. explain the roles of FSH, LH, estradiol, and inhibin in oogenesis and follicular maturation; 6. list the actions and cellular mechanisms of estrogens; 7. list the actions and cellular mechanisms of progesterone and other progestins; 8. describe the development and the major physiological functions of the placenta; 9. discuss the neuroendocrine regulation of milk secretion and milk ejection; and 10. explain the physiological basis of steroid hormone contraception.

Fertilization. Structures of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origins and embryogenesis of different organs. Medical genetics. Physiologic anatomy of male reproductive system. Spermatogenesis. Male sexual act-nervous co-ordination. Male sexual hormones. Cryptochidism. Physiological anatomy of the female reproductive system. The female sex hormones. Oestrous and menstrual cycles. Physiology of pregnancy, parturition and lactation. Pregnancy tests. Contraception and physiological basis of infertility. P10 303: Endocrinology (2 Units C: LH 30) Learning Outcomes On completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. list the hypothalamic factors that control the secretion of each of the anterior pituitary hormones and describe their route of transport from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary; 2. list the 3 major families of the anterior pituitary hormones and their biosynthetic and structural relationships; 3. describe the posterior pituitary lobes with respect to cell types, vascular supply, development, and anatomical function relative to the hypothalamus; 4. identify the steps in the biosynthesis, storage, and secretion of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and their regulation; 5. describe the regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion and the role of the calcium- sensing receptor; 6. identify the major hormones secreted from the endocrine pancreas, their cells of origin, chemical nature and physiological actions; 7. list the functional zones (one medullary and three cortical zones), innervation, blood supply, principal hormones secreted from each zone of the adrenal glands; 8. identify the major physiological actions and therapeutic uses of glucocorticoids; 9. list the major mineralocorticoids and identify their biological actions and target organs or tissues; and 10. identify the chemical nature of catecholamines, their biosynthesis, mechanism of transport within the blood, and how they are degraded and removed from the body. Course Contents Nature of hypothamo-hypophyseal relationship. Synthesis, storage and release of the neurohypophyseal and adenohypophyseal hormones. Functions of the hypothalamus to include regulation of body temperature, thirst appetite and food intake. Regulation of adenophypophyseal function and higher autonomic control. Functions and control of the secretions of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands. Abnormalities of endocrine functions. Normal integration in the control of calcium and glucose metabolism.