6.6 human reproduction & menstrual cycle Flashcards
label male reproductive system
see ipad
label female reproductive system
see ipad
function of testis
responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone (male sex hormone)
function of epididymis
Site where sperm matures and develops the ability to be motile (i.e. ‘swim’) – mature sperm is stored here until ejaculation
function of vas deferens
Long tube which conducts sperm from the testes to the prostate gland (which connects to the urethra) during ejaculation
function of seminal vesicle
Secretes fluid containing fructose (to nourish sperm), mucus (to protect sperm) and prostaglandin (triggers uterine contractions)
function of prostate gland
Secretes an alkaline fluid to neutralise vaginal acids (necessary to maintain sperm viability)
function of Cowper’s gland
They produce thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation that drains into the spongy urethra
function of urethra (in male reproductive system)
Conducts sperm / semen from the prostate gland to the outside of the body via the penis (also used to convey urine)
function of penis
Urination & sexual intercourse
function of erectile tissue
The erectile tissue contains thousands of spaces. During sexual arousal, the spaces fill with blood, and your penis becomes hard and rigid (erection). An erection allows you to have penetrative sex
function of ovaries
where oocytes mature prior to release (ovulation) – it also responsible for estrogen and progesterone secretion
function of Fallopian tube
channels for oocyte transport and fertilization
function of fimbriae
a fringe of tissue adjacent to an ovary that sweep an oocyte into the oviduct
function of uterus
The uterus is the organ where a fertilised egg will implant and develop (becoming an embryo)
function of cervix
a small canal that connects your uterus and vagina. It allows fluids to leave and enter your uterus.
function of vagina
Passage leading to the uterus by which the penis can enter (uterus protected by a muscular opening called the cerv
function of endometrium
preparation for implantation, maintenance of pregnancy if implantation occurs, and menstruation in the absence of pregnancy
2 pituitary hormones
FSH - Follicle stimulating hormone
LH - Luteinizing hormone
2 ovarian hormones
Estrogen
Progesterone
hormone
signaling molecules secreted from glands, distributed widely thru body but target certain organs
what do pituitary hormones target?
ovaries
where is pituitary gland located?
in the brain
follicle
immature egg
what happens in the follicular phase? (4 steps)
- FSH stimulates the growth of several follicles
- One follicle is more developed and it secretes estrogen (which inhibits the growth of other follicles).
- High levels of estrogen inhibits the secretion of FSH and stimulates the secretion of LH
- Estrogen stimulates the development of the endometrium
what happens during ovulation? (2 steps)
- Surge in LH causes egg release
- The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum
what happens in the luteal phase? (4 steps)
- Corpus luteum secretes progesterone (and some estrogen)
- Progesterone maintains the development of the endometrium
- Progesterone inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH
- The corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels drop, and the endometrium cannot be maintained (menses)
where is FSH secreted from?
anterior pituitary
function of FSH (2)
- stimulates follicular growth
- stimulates estrogen secretion (from developing follicles)
where is estrogen secreted from?
ovaries (developing follicle)
function of estrogen (3)
- development of endometrium
- stimulates LH secretion (follicular phase)
- inhibits LH and FSH (luteal phase)
where is LH secreted from?
anterior pituitary
function of LH (3)
- surge causes ovulation
- development of corpus luteum
- stimulates progesterone secretion
where is progesterone secreted from?
ovaries (corpus luteum)
function of progesterone (2)
- thickening of endometrium
- inhibits LH and FSH (luteal phase)
feedback mechanisms in menstrual cycle
In biology hormones can stimulate more production of a product (positive feedback loop) or they can inhibit the secretion of a product (negative feedback loop).
Physiological processes rely on these feedback mechanisms to function properly.
sex differentiation: testosterone
SRY gene on the Y chromosome causes embryonic gonads to develop as testes and to secrete testosterone
secondary sexual characteristics caused by testosterone
Muscle development
Body hair growth
Deepening of the voice
Sperm production
Increased sex drive
sex differentiation: estrogen
In the absence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, embryonic gonads develop into ovaries and secrete estrogen and progesterone
secondary sexual characteristics caused by estrogen
Breast development
Increase fat deposition
Widening of the hips
Menstrual cycle
Body hair growth
Increased sex drive
draw Flowchart of Hormonal Actions During Menstrual Cycle
see 6.6 on ipad
The function of any negative feedback
to help stabilize the action
thyroxine
gulates the metabolic rate and helps control body temperature. It activates cells to generate more energy, to grow and synthesise proteins. As a result, it increases production of body heat.
Leptin
responsible for suppressing appetite after a meal. secreted from fat cells
Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for storing sperm before ejaculation?
epididymis
why is human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) injected in a woman 36 hours before egg collection?
In order to facilitate the maturation of eggs prior to collection.
