Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Question 1

What does spermatogenesis refer to, and how many sperm are produced every day?

Answer 1

Spermatogenesis refers to the production of sperm, with over 300 million produced every day.

Question 2

When does spermatogenesis begin and how long does it continue?

Answer 2

Spermatogenesis begins at puberty and continues until death.

Question 3

Where does spermatogenesis mostly occur and where do sperm cells move as they mature?

Answer 3

Spermatogenesis mostly occurs in the seminiferous tubules. As maturation continues, sperm cells move to the lumen and then to the epididymis for final maturation.

Question 4

What is the role of Sertoli (nurse) cells in the seminiferous tubules?

Answer 4

Sertoli (nurse) cells in the seminiferous tubules nourish the sperm as they mature.

Question 5

Which hormones stimulate sperm production during spermatogenesis?

Answer 5

Sperm production is stimulated by FSH and testosterone.

Question 6

Where is testosterone produced, and what stimulates its production?

Answer 6

Testosterone is produced in the interstitial cells of the testes, and its production is stimulated by LH.

Question 7

Describe the structure of sperm and its various components.

Answer 7

Sperm structure includes…
Acrosome: contains enzymes to penetrate the egg
Head: contains the nucleus (holds DNA)
Tail: moves with whip-like movements to propel the sperm towards the egg
Mid-Piece: contains mitochondria to provide energy for whipping motion

Question 8

What does semen include?

Answer 8

Semen includes sperm and secretions from supportive fluids for nourishment and protection against the acidic environment of the vagina.

Question 9

What is the function of the prepuce (foreskin)?

Answer 9

The prepuce (foreskin) serves a protective function and is sometimes removed in circumcision.

Question 10

What is the glans in male anatomy?

Answer 10

The glans is the expanded tip of the penis, also known as the head of the penis.

Question 11

What is the function of the corpus cavernosa?

Answer 11

The corpus cavernosa is erectile tissue that fills with blood, producing an erection

Question 12

What is the role of the corpus spongiosa?

Answer 12

The corpus spongiosa is soft erectile tissue that prevents compression of the urethra.

Question 13

What is the function of the urethra in males?

Answer 13

The urethra in males carries sperm and urine, but never at the same time, as a sphincter controls urine excretion.

Question 14

What is the role of the prostate gland?

Answer 14

The prostate gland produces mucous for lubrication and buffering to protect sperm from the acidic environments of the vagina and male urethra.

Question 15

What is the function of the vas deferens (ductus deferens)?

Answer 15

The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra.

Question 16

What is the role of the seminal vesicle?

Answer 16

The seminal vesicle is a sac under the bladder that secretes fructose (food for sperm) and prostaglandins (stimulates uterine contractions to help sperm move up the uterus). It contributes to 60% of the total semen volume.

Question 17

What is the function of the ejaculatory duct in the male reproductive system?

Answer 17

The ejaculatory duct connects the vas deferens to the urethra, allowing sperm to travel during ejaculation.

Question 18

What is the Cowper’s gland, and what is its function?

Answer 18

The Cowper’s gland, also known as the bulbourethral gland, secretes clear, salty mucous for lubrication and neutralizes acidic male urethra and acidic vagina.

Question 19

What is the epididymis, and what is its role in sperm development?

Answer 19

The epididymis is a coiled tube attached to the outer edge of the testis, where sperm complete their development and mature.

Question 20

What are the seminiferous tubules, and what is their function?

Answer 20

he seminiferous tubules are 250mm of twisting tubes in the testis, which serve as the site of sperm production.

Question 21

What is the scrotum, and what is its role in sperm development?

Answer 21

The scrotum is a sac that contains the testes, made of elastic skin, and it helps regulate temperature for optimal sperm development, which occurs at 3°C lower than regular body temperature.

Question 22

What issues can arise if testicles do not descend properly?

Answer 22

If testicles do not descend, viable sperm will not develop. This issue is more common in dogs.

Question 23

What can happen if a rupture occurs in the membrane separating the testes from the small intestine?

Answer 23

If a rupture occurs, the small intestine may slip through, impairing blood supply for either the testis or the small intestine, and causing a hernia.

Question 24

In which demographic is testicular cancer most common, and how is it treated?

Answer 24

Testicular cancer is most common in young males and can be easily treated with the removal of one of the testicles.

Question 25

What prostate problems are generally found in older males, and how are they treated?

Answer 25

Prostate problems, such as enlargement or prostate cancer, are generally found in older males. Enlargement can lead to urinary problems, while prostate cancer is treated primarily with excision.

Question 26

What is a vasectomy, and how does it affect sperm and ejaculation?

Answer 26

A vasectomy involves the snipping or tying of the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate and rendering the male sterile.

Question 27

What is oogenesis, and when does it occur?

Answer 27

Oogenesis is the process of egg development in females. Girls are born with all of their primary oocytes in Prophase I of meiosis. Every month after puberty, up until menopause, a primary oocyte continues with meiosis I and meiosis II to develop into a secondary oocyte.

Question 28

When does ovulation occur during oogenesis?

Answer 28

Ovulation occurs at Metaphase II during oogenesis.

Question 29

When does meiosis II proceed through Anaphase II and Telophase II in oogenesis?

Answer 29

Meiosis II proceeds through Anaphase II and Telophase II in oogenesis only if the egg is fertilized.

Question 30

Describe the female anatomy: labia majora

Answer 30

Protective flaps of skin homologous to the male scrotum

Question 31

Describe the female anatomy: labia minora

Answer 31

Protective flaps of skin homologous to the male urethra and penile tissue

Question 32

Describe the female anatomy: clitoris

Answer 32

Packed with sensory nerves, homologous to the male penis head

Question 33

Describe the female anatomy: vagina

Answer 33

Connects the uterus to the outside world, site of sperm deposition, birth canal, and protection from bacterial invasion (highly acidic)

Question 34

Describe the female anatomy: cervix

Answer 34

Muscular band that prevents premature delivery, dilates during birth

Question 35

Describe the female anatomy: uterus (womb)

Answer 35

Pear-shaped organ where fertilized ovum embeds in the endometrium (uterine lining)

Question 36

Describe the female anatomy: ovary

Answer 36

Stores and produces ova, generally one mature ovum is produced monthly (alternating ovaries)

Question 37

Describe the female anatomy: oviduct (fallopian tube)

Answer 37

Tube carrying mature ova to the uterus, usually site of fertilization; ova swept in by fimbria at open ends