How does the nervous system work with the reproductive system

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Part of the Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science book series (CTVM,volume 4)

Abstract

The female genital tract is innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Moreover, there are sensitive nerve fibres located in the uterine cervix and in the dorsal region of the vagina which regulate the release of oxytocin and the abdominal muscular pressure during labour.

Uterine smooth muscles are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. The postganglionic sympathetic nerves innervating the myometrium originate from the last thoracic and the first lumbar segments of the spinal cord. They travel via the hypogastric nerve to the pelvic plexus, where the preganglionic nerves synapse with the so-called short postganglionic neurons supplying the uterine muscle. The smooth muscles cells of the uterus contain both a (excitatory) and β(inhibitory) adrenoceptors. Stimulation of the myometrial cells by the postganglionic nerve fibres is mediated by noradrenaline which acts mainly on α-adrenoceptors in the bovine uterus. Stimulation of the β-adrenoceptors is done by adrenaline. However, during pregnancy the noradrenaline storage granules in the postganglionic sympathetic neurons are emptied. This means that the sympathetic neurons can not influence the myometrium at parturition. However, the stimulating ability of the adrenoceptors present at the membrane of the myometrial cells remains unchanged. By this way adrenaline release from the adrenal gland caused, by stimulation of the central sympathetic system may inhibit the myometrial contractions and uterine activity during labour. This mechanism plays an important role during the first stage of parturition. Moroever during the second stage the increased oxytocin release which is initiated by the foetus may be inhibited by this system, thus regulating intensity of labour.

Keywords

Adrenal Medulla
Parasympathetic Nerve
Hypogastric Nerve
Pelvic Plexus
Uterine Smooth Muscle

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Authors and Affiliations

Gynäkologische und Ambulatorische Tierklinik, Universität München, Königinstraβe 12, D-8000, Munich 22, West Germany
M. Rüsse

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M. Rüsse
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Institut für Physiologie, Südd. Versuchs- und Forschungsanstalt für Milchwirtschaft Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
B. Hoffmann & J. Schmidt &
FA0, Rome, Italy
I. L. Mason

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Rüsse, M. (1979). Neural Control of the Reproductive Tract in the Cow as It Relates to Parturition. In: Hoffmann, B., Mason, I.L., Schmidt, J. (eds) Calving Problems and Early Viability of the Calf. Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9315-0_16

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9315-0_16
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-009-9317-4
Online ISBN: 978-94-009-9315-0
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

The major function of the reproductive system is to ensure survival of the species. Other systems in the body, such as the endocrine and urinary systems, work continuously to maintain homeostasis for survival of the individual. An individual may live a long, healthy, and happy life without producing offspring, but if the species is to continue, at least some individuals must produce offspring.

Within the context of producing offspring, the reproductive system has four functions:

To produce egg and sperm cells
To transport and sustain these cells
To nurture the developing offspring
To produce hormones

These functions are divided between the primary and secondary, or accessory, reproductive organs. The primary reproductive organs, or gonads, consist of the ovaries and testes. These organs are responsible for producing the egg and sperm cells gametes), and hormones. These hormones function in the maturation of the reproductive system, the development of sexual characteristics, and regulation of the normal physiology of the reproductive system. All other organs, ducts, and glands in the reproductive system are considered secondary, or accessory, reproductive organs. These structures transport and sustain the gametes and nurture the developing offspring.

How does the reproductive system affect the nervous system?

Hormones provide feedback to the brain to affect neural processing. Reproductive hormones affect the development of the nervous system. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and other endocrine glands.

How does the nervous system control reproduction?

Some of the most important hormones for reproduction are produced by the brain. These include the hormones responsible for triggering puberty, and the production of the egg and sperm. It's estimated that around one third of fertility problems result from abnormalities in the brain regulation of the ovary and testis.

How does the nervous system influence the functioning of the male reproductive system?

The male reproductive system is influenced by the nervous system. The parasympathetic part of the nervous system causes relaxation whereas the sympathetic part causes arousal.

Is human reproduction is controlled by the nervous system?

The neuroendocrine control of reproduction in all mammals is governed by a hypothalamic neural network of approximately 1,500 gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreting neurons that control activity of the reproductive axis across life.