Male/Female Reproductive Flashcards
What is the function of the scrotum?
A pouch behind the penis that holds the testes and helps regulate temperature for sperm production.
What is the function of the penis?
External organ for sexual reproduction and urination; contains erectile tissue for erection.
What is the corpus cavernosum?
Two cylindrical columns of erectile tissue on either side of the penis that fill with blood during an erection.
What is the corpus spongiosum?
Erectile tissue surrounding the urethra, preventing it from closing during an erection.
What is the glans penis?
The enlarged distal end of the penis, covered by the prepuce unless circumcised.
What is the prepuce?
The foreskin covering the glans penis.
What is circumcision?
Surgical removal of the prepuce.
What is the function of the testes?
Produce sperm and testosterone.
Where does sperm production occur?
In the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
What is the function of sustentacular (nurse) cells?
Provide structural support and nutrition for developing sperm cells and help regulate spermatogenesis.
What is the function of interstitial cells?
Produce testosterone.
When do the testes descend?
Before birth, usually between the 7th and 8th month of fetal development.
Through what canal do the testes descend?
The inguinal canal.
What is the function of the epididymis?
Stores sperm and is the site of sperm maturation.
What is the function of the vas deferens?
Transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
What do the seminal vesicles do?
Secrete alkaline fluid rich in fructose and nutrients for sperm.
What does the prostate gland do?
Secretes a thin, milky alkaline fluid that helps neutralize vaginal acidity and enhances sperm motility.
What is the function of the bulbourethral glands?
Secrete lubricating mucus before ejaculation.
What are the two functions of the urethra in males?
- Excretion of urine
- Ejaculation of semen
What hormone stimulates spermatogenesis?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
What hormone stimulates testosterone production?
Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
What two structures form the ejaculatory duct?
- The vas deferens
- The seminal vesicles
What is the correct pathway sperm travels through the male reproductive tract?
Seminiferous Tubules → Epididymis → Vas Deferens → Ejaculatory Duct → Prostatic Urethra → Spongy Urethra → External Urethral Orifice.
What happens if the ovum is fertilized?
It implants in the endometrium, and the corpus luteum continues producing progesterone to maintain pregnancy.
What happens if the ovum is not fertilized?
It degenerates, causing the corpus luteum to regress, leading to decreased progesterone and estrogen, which triggers menstruation.
What is prolactin?
A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates milk production.
What is progesterone?
A hormone from the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
What is menarche?
A female’s first menstrual period.
What is the vulva?
The external female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, and vaginal opening.
What is menopause?
The natural cessation of the menstrual cycle, typically between ages 45–55, due to decreased ovarian hormone production.
What is the function of the female urethra?
Carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
What is estrogen?
A hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates female secondary sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle.
What is the perineum?
The area between the vaginal opening and the anus, supporting pelvic organs.
What is ovulation?
The release of a mature egg from the ovary around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, triggered by a surge in LH.
What is a Pap smear?
A test that detects cervical abnormalities, including precancerous or cancerous cells.
What is natural family planning?
Tracking menstrual cycles and ovulation signs to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
How do oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy?
They contain synthetic estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
What is emergency contraception?
A high dose of hormones taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent ovulation or implantation.
What is the effectiveness of male condoms?
82-92% effective.
How effective is a cervical cap?
92% effective.
What is the function of a diaphragm?
A dome-shaped barrier that covers the cervix and is used with spermicide (88% effective).
What is the effectiveness of spermicidal gels and foams?
71% effective.
How often is Depo-Provera given?
Every 12 weeks (94% effective).
What is Nexplanon?
A thin rod implanted under the skin that releases hormones for up to three years (99% effective).
How does the vaginal ring (NuvaRing) work?
It is inserted into the vagina for three weeks and removed for one week (91% effective).
What is the effectiveness of an IUD?
99% effective.
How long does the Paragard (Copper IUD) last?
10 years.
How long does the Mirena (Hormonal IUD) last?
Up to five years.
What is tubal ligation?
A surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are cut or tied to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
What is a vasectomy?
A surgical procedure where the vas deferens is cut and tied to prevent sperm from entering ejaculatory fluid.
How many chromosomes are in an ovum?
23 chromosomes.
How many chromosomes are in a sperm cell?
23 chromosomes.
How many total chromosomes are present after fertilization?
46 chromosomes (zygote formation).
