Describe the Anatomy & Physiology of the Reproductive System Flashcards
What other system does the Reproductive System work in tandem with?
Endocrine System
What is the purpose of the Male Reproductive System?
To generate male gametes (sperm) and deliver them to the female reproductive system
What are the major components of the Male Reproductive System?
Penis, Vas Deferens, Urethra, Prostate, Seminal Vesicles, Testis (Pleural: Testes), and Scrotum
What is the primary Reproductive organ?
The Testes
Where is Sperm produced?
Within the Testes, sperm is produced in the Seminiferous Tubules
What is the Scrotum?
A sac that houses the testes away from the body to lower their temperature during sperm production
What is the purpose of the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles?
They produce fluids necessary for lubricating and nourishing the sperm
These form the conduit through which sperm is ejected:
Vas Deferens, Urethra, and Penis
How does sperm leave the body?
The Vas Deferens leads to the Urethra, which leads sperm outside of the body through the Penis
What is the primary role of the Female Reproductive System?
Generating female gametes (eggs) and incubating the fetus during pregnancy
Is the majority of the Female Reproductive System internal or external?
Internal
What comprises the Female Reproductive System?
Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Uterus, Cervix, and Vagina
Where does the Vagina lead?
From the external genitals to the cervix
Where is the Cervix?
Opening of the Uterus
Where does the Fallopian Tubes connect to?
Uterus
What does the Graafian follicle do in response to changing hormone levels?
Matures and releases an egg that then travels down the Fallopian tubes into the Uterus
Where does Fertilization in the Female Reproductive System usually occur?
In the Fallopian Tubes
If a released egg is fertilized by a sperm, the egg may embed itself in the:
Uterine wall (endometrium)
What does a fertilized egg develops into?
A fetus
A Placenta is produced to:
To allow the fetus and parent blood supplies to network
What does the Placenta do?
Nourishes the fetus and removes wastes
What happens once the fetus is ready for birth?
The uterus contracts and the fetus is pushed through the vagina
What are Hormones and what do they do?
They are apart of the Endocrine System and allow for cell-to-cell communication
Hormone communication controls:
Many processes in the Reproductive System
Puberty is initiated by the production of:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
In males, what is released and signals the testes to produce more testosterone?
LH
Testosterone and FSH stimulate:
The production of sperm cells
In females, what signals the ovaries to produce more estrogen?
FSH
What does the release of Estrogen cause?
The egg to mature in the ovary’s Graafian follicle and the uterine endometrium to thicken
What does a surge of LH from the pituitary cause?
The developing egg to be released
Once the Graafian follicle is empty, what is it called and what does it do?
Corpus Luteum, It produces large amounts of progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg
What happens if the implantation does not occur?
The uterine lining sheds
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The maturation and shedding of endometrium
Is sperm constantly produced and matured unlike eggs?
Yes, they are not cyclical
Both male and female hormones help control ___ ___ ___, such as production of memory glands, axial and facial hair, fat deposition patterns, and muscle growth
Secondary Sexual Characteristics
