Lecture 1

Question 1

Discuss the affects of the vaginal environment on sperm

Answer 1

Sperm is destroyed by the warmth and acidic environment. Sperm dies in high temperatures; the main reason why testicles hang out of the males body to protect the sperm from the heat of the body.

Question 2

What effects do androgen’s have on the male body?

Answer 2

Work prenatally to affect brain development. Growth of facial hairs. Deepening of the voice. Broadens shoulders. Male pattern baldness. Thickens skin. Increases metabolic rate. Affects mood; high testosterone = well-being and energy. Spermatogenesis & growth of penis. Increase growth of bone and skeletal muscle.

Question 3

What are androgens?

Answer 3

Male sex hormones such as testosterone which produces secondary sexual characteristics such as broad shoulders and facial hair. DHT is also an example, and this is responsible for the formation of the penis during embryonic life. Testosterone is converted into DHT which is also thought to be responsible for acne and male pattern baldness

Question 4

Name 13 parts of the basic male anatomy

Answer 4

Prostate gland.
Epididymis. Testis. Scrotum. Perineum. Urethra. Penis. Ejaculatory duct. Bladder. Urethra. Corona Glans. Meatus Frenum. Seminal vesicle.

Question 5

How does reversible vasectomy work?

Answer 5

Sperm produced in the testes are transported via a duct called the vas deferens. RISUG, a synthetic polymer, is injected into the vas deferens connected to each testicle. RISUG coats the wall of the vas deferens, so when the sperm come into contact with the polymer they are rendered immobile. REVERSAL = because the vas deferens is not severed like in vasectomies, RISUG can be flushed out by dissolving it with DMSO.

Question 6

Discuss the relationship between testicles and promiscuity

Answer 6

The smaller the testes, the less promiscuous the animal is. Gorillas have small testicles and have less sperm competition as the female stays with the same male. However, there is a lot of promiscuity in chimpanzees who have larger testicles and more sperm competition.

Question 7

How does Viagra work

Answer 7

By opening up blood vessels

Question 8

Discuss why the coronal ridge is beneficial

Answer 8

It can displace up to 80% of semen. Thus with sperm competition, the male needs to ensure their sperm is the only sperm that can fertilise the egg.

Question 9

Discuss the different parts of the penis

Answer 9

Urethra; used for urination. Corpus spongiosum; tube around the urethra (expandadble). Corpora cavernosa; two erectile tissue tubes that form most of the penis (exapnadble). Glans; the head of the penis. Corona; ridge between head and the shaft. Frenulum; bit of skin attaching the glans to the shaft.

Question 10

Discuss male circumcision

Answer 10

This is where the foreskin is removed via surgery. It was previously thought to prevent masturbation; but now is associated with more masturbation, but this may be because masturbation is associated with higher education. Foreskin may also help transmit disease, and can reduce smegma therefore diseases and infections

Question 11

Discuss the effects of testosterone on males and females

Answer 11

Males = spermatogenesis & secondary sexual characteristics. Females = regulation of sexual behaviour & affects the brain and body

Question 12

Discuss the effects of estrogen on males and females

Answer 12

Males = involved in regulation of sexual behaviour & has effects on the bone and brain. Females = Oogenesis & secondary sexual characteristics & bone and brain effects

Question 13

Discuss the effects of progesterone on males & females

Answer 13

Males = decrease in testosterone & regulatory effects on the body. Females = maintenance of pregnancy & regulatory effects on the body.

Question 14

Discuss the effects of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) on males and females

Answer 14

Males = stimulates and supports spermatogenesis. Females = stimulates growth of the egg.

Question 15

Discuss the effects of Luteinizing hormone (LH) on males & females

Answer 15

Males = Promotes secretion of testosterone. Females = stimulates ovulation

Question 16

Discuss the effcts of oxytocin on males & females

Answer 16

Males = Stimualtes the contractions of the reproductive tract, aiding in sperm release & involved in social recognition bonding & trust. Females = contraction of the uterus during labour & ejection of milk during lactation & involved in social recognition bonding & trust.

Question 17

Discuss the effects of prolactin on males and females

Answer 17

Males = related to refractory period in male sexual arousal. Females = production of milk from mammary glands.

Question 18

Name and discuss parts of the female sexual anatomy

Answer 18

The vulva = external genitalia. Mons pubis = pad of fat that covers, protects and cushions the pubic joint. Clitoral hood = bit of skin covering the clitoris. Clitoris = very sensitive part of erectile tissue. Urethra = urinate from. Labia majora = the outer lips that surround the vagina. Labia minora = the inner hairless lips that surround the vagina. Vagina. Perineum = bit between vagina and anus. Anus. Sebum = waxy secretion that helps protect vulva

Question 19

Name the parts of the clitoris

Answer 19

Clitoral glans (external part). Corpus cavernosum. Crus of clitoris. Bulb of vestibule.

Question 20

Name & define the parts of the Uterus

Answer 20

Fallopian tubes = lead from the ovaries to the uterus and carry the egg. Ovary (which isn’t connected to the Fallopian tube, rather the eggs has to jump between the two).Uterus = pear shaped organ in which a fertilised egg is implanted and a fetus develops. Endometrium = inner lining of the uterus. Cervix = lower part of the uterus that leads into the vagina. Os = the opening to the vagina. Myometrium = the thick middle layer of the uterus. Perimetrium = the outermost layer of the uterus. Fimbriae = finger-like projections of the fallopian tube.

Question 21

Why do we have pubic hair?

Answer 21

It transmits a smell and protects the vulva.

Question 22

Discuss the Ova

Answer 22

It is a female reproductive cell. They are the largest cells in the female body (about the size of a grain of sand). The female baby is born with all the ova she will ever have (about 200,000 in each ovary). About 400-500 ova mature and are released over a lifetime.

Question 23

Discuss the effects estrogen has on the female body

Answer 23

Feminizes the brain, increases visual acuity and olfaction, increases the effects of acetylcholine which can improve memory. Stimulates growth and development of breast tissue. Stimualtes development of the fallopian tube and aids in ovum transport. In the uterus, estrogen increases growth of endometrial cells, causes smooth muscle contractions, and promotes cervical secretions. Promotes bone growth at puberty, stops growth at certain point. Softens skin. Lowers total blood cholesterol and strengthens capillary walls. Increases body fat deposition. Increases growth of vaginal epitelium, aids in lubrication and may play a role in physical arousability.

Question 24

Name & define the parts of the vagina

Answer 24

Vestibule = the cavity between the labia minora that contains the openings of the urethra and vagina. Urethra = Tube that carries urine from the bladder. Hymen = The fold of tissue that may cover the vaginal opening. Greater vestibular glands = glands that secrete mucus during sexual arousal. Lesser vestibular glands = glands may be involved with female ejaculation. Pubococcygeneus = the sling of muscles that form the pelvic floor. Vagina = muscular passage into which that penis is inserted and through which the baby passes during birth.

Question 25

Name the parts of a breast

Answer 25

Muscle layer. Fat layer. Ribs. Areola. Nipple. Milk duct. Lobule.

Question 26

What is the Areola?

Answer 26

The coloured area around the nipple.

Question 27

Discuss what menopause is

Answer 27

It is the cessation of periods, usually occurs between age 45 and 55. Difficult symptoms are unknown among hunter-gatherers and non-industrialised people. Hormone replacement therapy can possibly stop or prolong it.

Question 28

Discuss the stages of menopause

Answer 28

Both men and women have a decline in their fertility rates, this period is called the climacteric stage. By the time a woman is 40 her ovaries begin to lose their capacity to respond to FSH and LH, thus fewer eggs develop. A woman may then start to experience perimenopause; the onset of menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularity. This can last for 4 years but it can last from 10 months - 10 years! This transitional process ends with menopause.