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MCAT > MCAT Biology Reproductive System > Flashcards

MCAT Biology Reproductive System Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the three glands in the reproductive system that produce semen?

A
  1. Seminal vesicles
  2. Prostate gland
  3. Bulbourethral glands
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2
Q

A region at the head of a sperm cell that contains digestive enzymes which, when released during the ___reaction, can facilitate penetration of the corona radiata of the oocyte and fertilization

A

Acrosome

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3
Q

A sac filled with fluid that surrounds and protects a developing embryo

A

Amnion

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4
Q

Male sex hormones, testosterone is the primary__

A

Androgen

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5
Q

A function in the reproductive system, controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, that includes erection (via dilation of erectile arteries) and lubrication

A

Arousal

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6
Q

A fluid-filled sphere formed about five days after fertilization of an ovum that is made up of an outer ring of cells and an inner cell mass. This is the structure that implants in the endometrium of the uterus

A

Blastocyst

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7
Q

Small, paired glands found inferior to the prostate in males and at the posterior end of the penile urethra. They secrete an alkaline mucus on sexual arousal that lubricates the urethra and helps to neutralize any traces of acidic urine in the urethra that might be harmful to sperm

A

Bulbourethral glands

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8
Q

An increase in the fragility of the membranes of sperm cells when exposed to the female reproductive tract.

A

Capacitation

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9
Q

__ is required so that the acrosomal enzymes can be released to facilitate fertilization

A

Capacitation

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10
Q

The opening to the uterus.

A

Cervix

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11
Q

The __ is typically plugged with a sticky acidic mucus during non-fertile times (to form a barrier against the entry of pathogens), however during ovulation the mucus becomes more watery and alkaline to facilitate sperm entry

A

Cervix

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12
Q

The portion of the placenta derived from the zygote.

A

Chorion

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13
Q

The ____ secrete hCG to hlp maintain the endometrium during the first trimester of a pregnancy

A

Chorion

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14
Q

The rapid mitotic divisions of a zygote that begin within 24-36 hours after fertilization

A

Cleavage

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15
Q

The layer of granulosa cells that surround an oocyte after it has been ovulated

A

Corona radiata

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16
Q

“Yellow body”. The remnants of an ovarian follicle after ovulation has occurred. The cells enlarge and begin secreting progesterone, the dominant female hormone during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Some estrogen is also secreted

A

Corpus luteum

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17
Q

The point during cellular development at which a cell becomes committed to a particular fate.

A

Determination

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18
Q

A thick, muscular tube that connects the epididymis of the testes to the urethra. Muscular contractions of this during ejaculation help propel the sperm outward. Severing of this results in sterility of a male

A

Ductus deferens

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19
Q

One of the three primary (embryonic) germ layers formed during gastrulation. This layer ultimately forms external structures such as the skin, hair, nails, and inner linings of the mouth and anus, as well as the entire nervous system

A

Ectoderm

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20
Q

A subphase of male orgasm, a reflex reaction triggered by the presence of semen in the urethra. __ is a series of rhythmic contractions of muscles near the base of the penis that increase pressure in the urethra, forcing semen out

A

Ejaculation

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21
Q

The period of human development from implantation through eight weeks of gestation

A

Embryonic stage

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22
Q

Gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis occur during this time period.

A

Embryonic stage

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23
Q

A subphase of male orgasm. __ is the movement of sperm (via the ductus deferens) and semen into the urethra in preparation for ejaculation

A

Emission

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24
Q

One of the three primary (embryonic) germ layers formed during gastrulation. This layer ultimately forms internal structures:

  • inner lining of the GI tract
  • some glandular organs
A

Endoderm

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25
Q

A long, coiled duct on the outside of the testis in which sperm mature.

A

Epididymis

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26
Q

Specialized tissue with a lot of space that can fill with blood upon proper stimulation, causing the tissue to become firm. __tissue is found in the penis, clitoris, labia, and nipples

A

Erectile tissue

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27
Q

__ stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty, maintains those characteristics during adulthood, stimulates the development of a new uterine lining after menstruation, and stimulates mammary gland development during pregnancy

A

Estrogen

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28
Q

The depolarization of the egg plasma membrane upon fertilization, designed to prevent the entry of more than one sperm into the egg

A

Fast block to polyspermy

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29
Q

The fusion of a sperm with an ovum during sexual reproduction. In humans__ typically occurs in the uterine tubes and requries capacitation of the sperm and release of the acrosomal enzymes

A

Fertilization

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30
Q

The period of human development beginning at 8 weeks of gestation and lasting until birth (38-42 weeks of gestation). During this stage organs formed in the embryonic stage grow and mature.

A

Fetal stage

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31
Q

Fingerlike projections of the uterine (fallopian) tubes that drape over the ovary

A

Fimbriae

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32
Q

A developing oocyte and all of its surrounding (supporting) cells

A

Follicle

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33
Q

A tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that targets the gonads. In females this hormone stimulates the ovaries to develop follicles (oogenesis) and secrete estrogen; in males this stimulates spermatogenesis

A

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

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34
Q

The first phase of the ovarian cycle during which a follicle (an oocyte and its surrounding cells) enlarges and matures. This phase is under control of FSH from the anterior pituitary, and typically lasts from day 1 to day 14 of the menstrual cycle. The follicle secretes estrogen during this time period

A

Follicular phase

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35
Q

The formation of haploid gametes (sperm or ova) via meiosis

A

Gametogenesis

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36
Q

The division of the inner cell mass of a blastocyt (developing embryo) into the three primary germ layers. This occurs during weeks 2-4 of gestation

A

Gastrulation

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37
Q

A hormone released from the hypothalamus that triggers the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH

A

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

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38
Q

Anterior pituitary tropic hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) that stimulate the gonads (testes and ovaries) to produce gametes and to secret sex steroids

A

Gonadotropins

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39
Q

A large, mature, ovarian follicle with a well-developed antrum and a secondary oocyte. Ovulation of the oocyte from this type of follicle

A

Graafian follicle

40
Q

The majority of the cells surrounding an oocyte in a follicle.

A

Granulosa cells

41
Q

___ secrete estrogen during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle

A

Granulosa Cells

42
Q

__ is a hormone secreted by the trophoblast cells of a blastocyst (developing embryo) that prolongs the life of the corpus luteum, and thus increases the duration and amount of secrete progesterone.

A

Human chorionic gonadotropin

43
Q

___ helps to maintain the uterine lining so that menstruation does not occur. The presence of __ in the blood or urine of a woman is used as a positive indicator of pregnancy

A

hCG

44
Q

The burrowing of a blastocyst (a developing embryo) into the endometrium of the uterus, typically occurring about a week after fertilization

A

Implantation

45
Q

A protein hormone secreted by the sustenacular cells of the testes of the granulosa cells of the ovaria that acts to inhibit the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary

A

Inhibin

46
Q

The mass of cells in the blastocyst that ultimately give rise to the embryo and other embryonic structures (the amnion, the umbilical vessels)

A

Inner cell mass

47
Q

Called the Leydig cells, these are cells within the testes that produce and secrete testosterone. They are stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH)

A

Interstitial cells

48
Q

The folds of skin that enclose the vaginal and urethral openings in females

A

Labia

49
Q

Strong contractions of the uterus (Stimulated by oxytocin) that force a baby out of the mother’s body during childbirth.

A

Labor contractions

50
Q

___ are part of a positive feedback cycle, during which the baby’s head stretches the cervix, that stimulates stretch receptors that activate the hypothalamus, that stimulates the posterior pituitary to release oxytocin, that stimulates strong uterine contractions (labor contractions) that cause the baby’s head to stretch the cervix. The cycle is broken once the baby is delivered

A

Labor contractions

51
Q

The third phase of the ovarian cycle, during which the corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of the follicle that has ovulated its oocyte. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogen during this time period, which typically lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle.

A

Luteal phase

52
Q

Formation of the corpus luteum during this phase of menstruation is triggered by the same LH surge that triggers ovulation, however in the absence of LH, the corpus luteum begins to degenerate

A

Luteal phase

53
Q

A tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that targets the gonads. In females it triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle

A

Luteum

54
Q

In males __ strimulates the production and release of testosterone

A

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

55
Q

In females __ triggers ovulation and the development of a corpus luteum

A

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

56
Q

The first phase of the uterine (endometrial) cycle, during which the unused endometrium from the previous cycle is shed off. Estrogen and progesterone levels are low during this time period

A

Menstruation

57
Q

This phase is the first phase of the uterine cycle and typically lasts from day 1 to day 5 of the cycle

A

Menstruation cycle

58
Q

One of the three primary (embryonic) germ layers formed during gastrulation. __ is ultimately forms “middle” structures such as :

  • bones
  • muscles
  • blood vessels
  • heart
  • kidneys
A

Mesoderm

59
Q

A solid clump of cells resulting from the cleavage in the early embryo. Because thee is very little growth of these cells during cleavage, the _ is about as large as the original zygote

A

Morula

60
Q

Early embryonic ducts that can develop into female internal genitalia in the absence of testosterone

A

Mullerian ducts

61
Q

A substance secreted by embryonic testes that casues the regression of the Mullerian ducts

A

Mullerian inhibiting factor (MIF)

62
Q

The muscular layer of the uterus

A

Myometrium

63
Q

The __ is made of smooth muscle that retains its ability to divide in order to accommodate the massive size increases that occur during pregnancy. Th __ is stimulated to contract during labor by the hormone oxyctocin

A

Myometrium

64
Q

Cells that separate from the neural tube during neurulation and migrate to different parts of the embryo.

A

Neural crest

65
Q

__ cells differntiate into a variety of cell types including”

  • melanocytes
  • glial cells
  • adrenal medulla
  • some peripheral neurons
  • some facial ocnnective tissue
A

Neural crest cells

66
Q

The formation of the nervous system during weeks 5-8 of gestation. ___ begins when a section of the ectoderm invaginates and pinches off to form the neural groove, which ultimately forms the neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord develop

A

Neurulation

67
Q

A precursor cell that undergoes mitotis during fetal development to produce more of itself. These cells are then activated to produce primary oocytes, which remain dormant until stimulate to undergo meiosis 1 during some future menstrual cycle

A

Oogonium

68
Q

The stage of human development when organs form. It begins after gastrulation and is completed by the 8th week of gestation

A

Organogenesis

69
Q

A function of the reproductive system controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. In males it includes the emission and ejaculation; in females it is mainly a series of rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor muscles and the uterus

A

Orgasm

70
Q

The 28 days of the menstrual cycle as they apply to events in the ovary. There are three subphases of it

  • follicular phase
  • ovulation
  • luteal phase
A

Ovarian cycle

71
Q

The female primary sex organ. The __ produces female gametes OVA and secretes estrogen and progesterone

A

Ovary

72
Q

The release of a secondary oocyte (along with some granulosa cells) from the ovary at the approximate midpoint of the menstrual cycle (typically around day 14). ___ is triggered by a surge in LH

A

Ovulation

73
Q

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding

A

Oxytocin

74
Q

An organ that develops during pregnancy, derived in part from the mother and in part from the zygote. The __ is the site of exchange of nutrients and gases between the mother’s blood and the fetus’s blood. The __ is formed during the first three months of pregnancy

A

Placent

75
Q

Zygote-derived projection that extend into the endometrium of the uterus during pregnancy. Fetal capillaries grow into the __, which are surrounded by a pool of maternal blood. This facilitates nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the fetus, without actually allowing the bloods to mix

A

Placental villi

76
Q

A small cell with extremely little cytoplasm that results from the unequal cytoplasmic division of the primary and secondary oocytes during meiosis (oogenesis). The __ degenerate

A

Polar body

77
Q

The fertilization of an oocyte by more than one sperm. This occurs in some animals but in humans, blocks to prevent it exist so that only a single sperm can penetrate the oocyte

A

Polyspermy

78
Q

Diploid cells resulting from the activation of an oognoium; ___ are ready to enter meiosis 1

A

Primary oocytes

79
Q

Diploid cells resulting from the activation of a spermatogonium; __ are ready to enter meiosis 1

A

Primary spermatocytes

80
Q

A steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary during the second half of the menstrual cycle

A

Progesterone

81
Q

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that targets the mammary glands, stimulating breast milk

A

Prolactin

82
Q

The second phase of the uterine (endometrial) cycle during which the endometrium (shed off during menstruation) is rebuilt. This phase of the cycle is under control of estrogen, secreted from the follicle developing in the ovary during this time period. The __ typically lasts from day 6 to day 14 of the menstrual cycle

A

Proliferative phase

83
Q

A small gland encircling the male urethra just inferior to the bladder. Its secretions contain nutrients and enzymes and account for approximately 35 percent of the ejaculate volume

A

Prostate

84
Q

A function of the reproductive system (controlled by the sympathetic nervous system) that returns the body to its normal resting state after sexual arousal and orgasm

A

Resolution

85
Q

A haploid cell resulting from the first meiotic division of oogenesis. Note that the cytoplasmic division in this case is unequal, producing one large cell with almost all of the cytoplasm the ___ and one smaller cell with virtually no cytoplasm (the first polar body). The __, along with some follicular cells, is released from the ovary during ovulation

A

Secondary oocyte

86
Q

The set of adult characteristics that develop during puberty under the control of sex steroids. In males the __ include enlargment and maturation of the genitalia, growth of facial, body, and pubic hair, increased muscle mass, and lowering of the voice. In females it includes onset of menstruation and the menstrual cycle, enlargement of the breasts, widening of the pelvis, and growth of pubic hair

A

Secondary sex characteristics

87
Q

Haploid cells resulting from the first meiotic division of spermatogenesis. __ are ready to enter meiosis 2

A

Secondary spermatocytes

88
Q

The third phase of the uterine (endometrial) cycle, during which the rebuilt endometrium is enhanced with glycogen and lipid stores. The __ is primarily under the control of progesterone and estrogen (secreted from the corpus luteum during this time period), and typically lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle

A

Secretory phase

89
Q

An alkaline, fructose-rich fluid produced by three different glands in the male reproductive tract and released during ejaculation. __ is very nourishing for the sperm

A

Semen

90
Q

Paired glands found on the posterior external wall of the bladder in males. Their secretions contain an alkaline mucus and fructose, among other things, and make up approximately 60 percent of the ejaculate volume

A

Seminal vesicles

91
Q

Small convoluted tubules in the testes where spermatogenesis takes place

A

Seminiferous tubules

92
Q

The __ occurs after a sperm penetrates an oocyte (fertilization). It involves an increase in intracellular (Ca2+) in the egg, which causes the release of cortical granules near the egg plasma membrane. This results in the hardening of the zona pellucida and its seperation from the surface of the egg, preventing the further entry of more sperm into the egg

A

Slow block to polyspermy

93
Q

A haploid but immature cell resulting from the second meiotic division of spermatogenesis. __ undergo significant physical changes to become mature sperm (spermatozoa)

A

Spermatid

94
Q

__ results in the production of four mature gametes from a single precursor cell (spermatogonium). For maximum sperm viability, __ requires cooler temperatures and adequate testosterone

A

Spermatogenesis

95
Q

A diploid cell that undergo mitosis to form more spermatogonium, and can also be triggered to undergo meiosis to form sperm

A

Spermatogonium

96
Q

Cells that form the walls of the seminiferous tubules and help in spermatogenesis. __ are also called Sertoli cells and respond to Follicule stimulating hormones

A

Sustenacular cells (sertoli cells)

97
Q

What are the two functions of the testes:

A
  1. produce sperm

2. Secrete tesotsterone

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