HUMAN REPRODUCTION Flashcards
Chapter 9
What does the reproductive system do?
Prepare the body for reproductive efforts
Our bodies are constantly in survival mode every day. What is the action/mode our bodies switch to for the purpose of reproduction or when there is a reproductive opportunity?
Sexual Response/Reproductive mode
What are the parts of the sexual response cycle?
- Arousal Phase
- Plateau Phase
- Orgasmic (Climactic) Phase
- Resolution Phase
Remember Acronym A.P.O.R.
All People Obey Rules
What is the arousal phase?
Normal activity > reproductive activity
What is the plateau phase?
When our body functions in reproductive mode
What is the orgasmic (climactic) phase?
When reproduction can occur (in some cases it won’t but this is the suggested phase)
What is the resolution phase?
When the body falls back into survival mode after a reproductive event
True or False? The body must go through every single step of the sexual response cycle to reproduce.
False. The sexual response cycle is a biological setup or setting. These steps are not always followed in some cases. Reproduction can still occur without following all four steps.
What are characteristics of the male arousal phase?
-Erection
-Sperm movement from the epididymis
-Increased heart, breath, and metabolic rates
-Increase sweat and oil releases
-Increase cortisol/epinephrine production
What are the characteristics of the female arousal phase?
-Erection
-Relaxation of the vagina
-Increase fluid releases
-Increase heart, breath, and metabolic rates
-Increase sweat and oil releases
-Increase cortisol/epinephrine production
Why must the vagina relax and release fluid?
In order to allow easy insertion of the penis. The vagina is naturally in a flat position so it expands into a circular one while the lining of it releases fluid as well.
What does the release of cortisol and epinephrine(adrenaline) do?
Increase heart, breath rate, metabolism, and blood flow
What are the characteristics of the male plateau phase?
-Continuation of arousal activities
-Flushed skin – Face, ears
-Dilated eyes, open eyelids
-Enlarged, reddened lips
-Mucous release from the bulbourethral gland
What is the name of the mucous released from the bulbourethral gland and what does it do?
Premature ejaculation / lubricates the penis and allows for easier insertion
What is the main characteristic shared in the plateau phase?
The blood flow to external surfaces
What are the characteristics of the female plateau phase?
-Continuation of arousal activities
-Flushed skin – Face, ears
-Dilated eyes, open eyelids
-Enlarged, reddened lips
What occurs to a male during the orgasmic phase?
Ejaculation and contraction of muscles
What is ejaculation?
A quantity of semen with sperm
What occurs to a female during the orgasmic phase?
A spike in fluid releases, contraction of muscles, and the release of oxytocin
What is oxytocin?
A hormone released for the purpose of stimulating muscle contraction
What occurs in the male AND female resolution phases? (these are the same)
-Refractory period
-Decreased heart, breath, and metabolic rates
-Decreased oil and sweat releases
-Decreased cortisol/epinephrine production
What is the refractory period?
A time of non-response (mainly concerning arousal, cannot be done for a certain amount of time)