Exam 4 Reproductive Review Flashcards
What are the structures of the male reproductive system?
- Testes
- Scrotum
- Seminiferous tubules
- Penis
- Epididymis
- Ductus deferens
- Ejaculatory duct
- Urethra
- Seminal vesicles/gland
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral gland
Structures involved in male reproduction and their functions.
What are the structures of the female reproductive system?
- Ovaries
- Cortex
- Medulla
- Follicles
- Fallopian tubes
- Uterus
- Vagina
- Cervix
Key components of female reproductive anatomy.
Why are the male gonads located externally?
Because sperm production requires a temperature of about 3°C lower than body temperature.
The external location of testes is crucial for optimal sperm development.
Where are sperm made and stored?
Sperm are made in the seminiferous tubules and matured & stored in the epididymis.
Key sites for sperm production and maturation.
What is the composition of semen?
- Sperm
- Seminal vesicle secretions
- Prostatic secretions
Semen plays a critical role in reproduction.
What is the pH range of semen and its significance?
7.2-7.6, which helps neutralize vaginal acidity (pH 3.5-4).
The alkaline nature of semen is vital for sperm viability.
What are the functions of components found in semen?
- Prostaglandins decrease viscosity of cervical mucus
- Relaxin enhances motility
- ATP provides energy
- Ingredients suppress immune response
- Antibiotic chemicals destroy bacteria
- Clotting factors help semen stick to vaginal walls
Each component of semen contributes to successful fertilization.
By what process are sperm and ova formed?
Meiosis
A specialized form of cell division that reduces chromosome number.
What are the major structural regions of a sperm?
- Head
- Midpiece
- Tail
Each part of the sperm has distinct functions in fertilization.
Where are mitochondria located in a sperm?
In the midpiece
Mitochondria provide the energy needed for sperm motility.
What is GnRH and where is it secreted?
Gonadotropin releasing hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus.
GnRH plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive hormone cascade.
What does LH do in the male reproductive system?
Triggers interstitial cells of the testes to secrete testosterone.
LH is critical for male sexual development and function.
What is the role of FSH in the male reproductive system?
Stimulates Sertoli cells to produce ABP, which keeps testosterone high in the seminiferous tubules.
FSH is essential for spermatogenesis.
What does testosterone stimulate in males?
- Maturation and development of sex organs
- Libido
- Secondary sex characteristics
Testosterone influences many aspects of male physiology.
What is inhibin and its role in the male reproductive system?
Inhibin is secreted by Sertoli cells and inhibits FSH and GnRH release when sperm count is high.
Inhibin helps regulate sperm production.
Differentiate between the ovarian follicular phases.
- Primary: contains an immature oocyte
- Secondary: maturing follicle with granulosa cells
- Vesicular: follicle with a central antrum
- Corpus luteum: ruptured follicle
Each phase represents a stage in follicular development.
What is the role of estrogen in the female reproductive system?
Causes secondary sex characteristics and stimulates LH surge leading to ovulation.
Estrogen is crucial for female reproductive health.
What is the role of progesterone in the female reproductive system?
Helps maintain pregnancy and prepares breasts for milk production.
Progesterone is vital for sustaining early pregnancy.
Describe the features of the ovarian cycle.
- Follicular phase (Day 1-14): Dominant follicle secretes estrogen
- Ovulation: Triggered by LH surge
- Luteal phase: Corpus luteum forms and produces hormones
The ovarian cycle is controlled by hormonal changes and is essential for ovulation.
Describe the features of the uterine cycle.
- Proliferative phase: Endometrium rebuilds under estrogen
- Secretory phase: Endometrium thickens under progesterone
- Menstrual phase: Shedding of the endometrium
The uterine cycle prepares the body for potential pregnancy.
What is the role of GnRH in the female reproductive system?
Stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce and release FSH and LH.
GnRH is essential for initiating the menstrual cycle.
What happens when estrogen levels rise in the female reproductive system?
Exerts negative feedback on GnRH and LH/FSH, but can also cause an LH surge at high levels.
This feedback mechanism is crucial for regulating ovulation.
What is the impact of rising progesterone and estrogen levels from the corpus luteum?
Exert negative feedback on the hypothalamus and inhibit LH and FSH release.
This prevents maturation of new follicles during pregnancy.
What is the function of inhibin in the female reproductive system?
Inhibits GnRH secretion, thus decreasing LH and FSH levels.
Inhibin regulates the ovarian cycle and prevents multiple ovulations.
