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A&P 142 > Reproduction > Flashcards

Reproduction Flashcards

1
Q

Describe homologous structures in the male and female reproductive systems

A

Homologous structures are similar structural components derived from the same embryonic tissues, with each having corresponding structures

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2
Q

List the female homologous structures corresponding to the penis and scrotum

A

clitoris and labial folds

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3
Q

Identify the female homologous structure for spermatozoa

A

oocytes (egg shells)

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4
Q

What are the female homologous structures for seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands?

A

paraurethral glands and greater vestibular glands

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5
Q

State the female homologous structure for testes

A

ovaries

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6
Q

List the female homologous structures for epididymis, ductus deferens, and urethra

A

uterine tube

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7
Q

Define the general functions of the reproductive system

A

forming gametes, uniting gametes through sexual intercourse, combining genetic material, and supporting development and birth offspring

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8
Q

State the product of mitosis

A

2 identical copies of daughter cells

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9
Q

Explain the primary function of meiosis

A

To create genetic diversity and produce haploid gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell

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10
Q

Define gamete and list the male and female gametes

A

Gametes are specialized cells carrying 23 chromosomes; male gametes are sperm and female gametes are oocytes

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11
Q

Explain why gametes have half the number of chromosomes compared to other body cells

A

Gametes have half the number of chromosomes to ensure that when a sperm and oocyte unite, a new cell with unique genetics is formed

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12
Q

State the function of the testes

A

The testes produce sperm and hormones that support male reproductive physiology

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13
Q

Describe the function of the dartos muscle

A

The dartos muscle contracts to tighten the scrotum, reducing heat loss when exposed to cold temperatures

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14
Q

Explain the role of the cremaster muscle

A

The cremaster muscle contracts in cold temperatures to elevate the testes, moving them closer to the body to retain heat

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15
Q

What is the function of the seminiferous tubule?

A

The seminiferous tubule is responsible for sperm development

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16
Q

Describe the function of the epididymis

A

The epididymis is involved in the maturation and storage of sperm

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17
Q

What is the role of the prostate gland?

A

The prostate gland transports seminal fluid

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18
Q

What does the seminal vesicle produce?

A

the seminal vesicle produces seminal fluid

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19
Q

Clarify the difference between the words prostrate and prostate

A

prostate refers to the gland in the male reproductive system
prostrate means to make someone helpless

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20
Q

State the function of the bulbourethral gland

A

The bulbourethral gland secretes a lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation

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21
Q

Describe the function of the ductus deferens (vas deferens)

A

The ductus deferens transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord to the ejaculatory duct

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22
Q

What is the function of the penis?

A

The penis is the male organ of sexual intercourse, flaccid for non-sexual actions and erect upon sexual arousal

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23
Q

Define fertilization

A

Fertilization is the combination of the sperm and oocyte

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24
Q

How many sperm are produced each day?

A

Approx. 100-300 million sperm are produced each day

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25
Q

Provide a brief description of the structure of a sperm?

A

a sperm consists of a round head, mid piece, and a tail

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26
Q

Explain why the testes are located outside the pelvic cavity

A

The testes are located outside the pelvic cavity to maintain a temperature lower than the body temperature, which is necessary for sperm production

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27
Q

Describe the function of Sertoli cells

A

Sertoli cells support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis

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28
Q

Explain how smoking affects sperm

A

Smoking and the use of nicotine products reduce sperm count and cause sperm abnormalities

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29
Q

List the structures sperm travels through from the seminiferous tubules to the penis

A

seminiferous tubules–> straight tubules–> rate testis–> epididymis–> duct system–> seminal vesicles –> prostate gland–> apulpourethral glands–> urethra–> penis

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30
Q

Describe vasectomy

A

cutting and sealing a small section of the ductus deferens accessed by making a small incision in the scrotum

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31
Q

Explain why a male still ejaculates semen after a vasectomy

A

Cutting the ductus defers prevents sperm from entering the ejaculate, but semen includes fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands

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32
Q

Explain why vasectomy does not affect male sexual drive or function

A

Hormone production, blood supply and ejaculation remain unchanged after a vasectomy

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33
Q

Describe the reason many males over the age of 60 need to urinate frequently

A

by age 60, about 40% of men have some degree of prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can constrict the urethra and lead to urinary tract symptoms

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34
Q

Describe the differences between the corpora caverns and the corpus spongiosum

A

Corpora caverns are the 2 larger chambers of erectile tissue in the penile shaft, while the corpus spongiosum is a smaller chamber surrounding the spongy or penile urethra

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35
Q

Describe circumcision

A

The removal of the prepuce (foreskin)

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36
Q

Explain the role of nitric oxide in the male sexual response

A

Nitric oxide is released during sexual arousal, activating a signaling pathway that relaxes smooth muscles around penile arteries, increasing blood flow into the penis

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37
Q

State which division of the autonomic nervous system controls erection

A

Erections are under parasympathetic control

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38
Q

State which division of the autonomic nervous system controls ejaculation

A

Ejaculation is under sympathetic control

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39
Q

Describe the functions of testosterone

A

Testosterone controls male reproductive physiology, maturation and maintenance of male reproductive organs, initiates spermatogenesis, activates physical changes during puberty, and is necessary for the male reproductive system to function properly

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40
Q

Explain how testosterone secretion is controlled

A

Controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, with the hypothalamus secreting GnRH to stimulate LH and FSH secretion from the anterior pituitary gland

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41
Q

Describe the role of LH in males

A

LH binds to interstitial endocrine cells and stimulates the release of testosterone

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42
Q

State the function of the ovaries

A

The ovaries are responsible for oocyte formation and hormone production

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43
Q

Define oogenesis

A

Oogenesis is the process of forming oocytes in the ovaries

44
Q

Explain the process of folliculogenesis

A

the maturation of ovarian follicles from primordial to mature follicles

45
Q

How does ovulation occur?

A

Ovulation occurs when a mature follicle ruptures, releasing the oocyte into the fallopian tube

46
Q

Describe the function of the suspensory ligament of the ovary

A

It provides structural support to the ovary and contains ovarian blood and lymph vessels

47
Q

What is the role of the ovarian ligament?

A

The ovarian ligament attaches each ovary to the lateral wall of the uterus

48
Q

How do uterine tubes function in reproduction?

A

Uterine tubes transport the ovulated oocyte to the uterus

49
Q

Describe the primary function of the uterus

A

The uterus nourishes and supports a growing embryo

50
Q

What is the function of the cervix?

A

The cervix produces mucus secretions that facilitate sperm movement and connects the uterus to the vagina

51
Q

Explain the role of the vagina in reproduction

A

The vagina allows for penile/vaginal intercourse and serves as the exit for an infant during natural vaginal birth

52
Q

Describe ovarian cysts

A

Typically noncancerous and require no treatment unless they cause discomfort

53
Q

What symptoms are associated with ovarian cysts?

A

heavy sensation, sharp pain, bloating, irregular menstruation, and pain during sex

54
Q

State the approximate number of primary oocytes present at puberty

A

Approx. 400,000 primary oocytes are present at puberty

55
Q

Describe the primary follicle in the ovarian cycle

A

The primary follicle contains an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of granulose cells that nourish the developing oocyte

56
Q

What occurs during the growing follicle stage?

A

Granulosa cells proliferate, forming multiple layers around the enlarging oocyte and developing a fluid filled cavity

57
Q

Define a mature follicle

A

A mature follicle, or Graafian follicle, is a fully developed follicle with a secondary oocyte, zone pellucid, corona radiate, and a large antrum

58
Q

How is ovulation triggered?

A

Ovulation is triggered by a surge in LH, causing the mature follicle to rupture and release the oocyte

59
Q

What happens to the follicle after ovulation?

A

After ovulation, the remains of the follicle transform into the corpus luteum

60
Q

Describe the corpus luteum

A

The corpus luteum is a yellow structure that secretes estrogen and progesterone, vital for uterine lining development

61
Q

What occurs if fertilization does not happen?

A

The corpus luteum regresses into the corpus albicans, which is reabsorbed

62
Q

Where does fertilization of an oocyte usually occur?

A

Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes

63
Q

Describe the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle

A

The follicular phase lasts the first 13 days of a 28 day cycle, where primordial follicles develop into primary follicles

64
Q

What role does inhibit play during the follicular phase?

A

Inhibit is released from granulose cells, allowing primary follicles to develop into secondary follicles

65
Q

How do FSH and LH levels affect follicle development?

A

Increased levels of GSH and LH trigger secondary follicles to develop into tertiary and then mature follicles

66
Q

Describe the process that occurs after the primary oocyte completes meiosis I

A

The primary oocyte divides into 2 cells; the smaller cell disintegrates while the larger cell receives most of the cytoplasm and becomes the secondary oocyte

67
Q

How does the secondary oocyte progress through meiosis II?

A

The secondary oocyte reaches meiosis II and arrests in metaphase, completing meiosis II only if fertilized by sperm

68
Q

Explain the process of ovulation

A

Ovulation is the release of a secondary oocyte from the mature follicle, occurring approximately every 28 days, triggered by a peak in LH

69
Q

Define the luteal phase in the ovarian cycle

A

The luteal phase is the second part of the ovarian cycle where the corpus luteum forms and secretes hormones to prepare the uterus for a fertilized oocyte

70
Q

What occurs if the secondary oocyte is not fertilized?

A

the corpus luteum degenerates into the corpus albicans, leading to decreased progesterone and estrogen, which causes the shedding of the uterine lining, known as menstruation

71
Q

Describe the role of healthy vaginal bacteria

A

Healthy vaginal bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus, protect against infections by pathogenic organisms, maintaining a balanced microbial environment

72
Q

How can the balance of healthy vaginal bacteria be disrupted?

A

Douching, using antibacterial soaps, and cleaning with harsh chemicals can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections

73
Q

What are the 3 layers of the uterine wall?

A
  1. perimetrium: the outer sous membrane
  2. Myometrium: the thick smooth muscle layer
  3. Endometrium: the innermost layer with glandular tissue
74
Q

Explain the structure and function of the endometrium

A

consists of simple columnar epithelium and connective tissue, with 2 layers: stratum basalts (which does not shed) and stratum functionals (which sheds during menstruation if no fertilization occurs)

75
Q

Describe the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle

A

involves the shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium, occurring from the first day of menstruation until the last day of bleeding

76
Q

What characterizes the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

A

marked by the growth of a new functional layer of the endometrium, follicle growth, and increased estrogen release from the ovaries, occurring around days 6-14

77
Q

What happens during the secretory phase of the uterine cycle?

A

Progesterone from the corpus luteum increases blood vessel formation and the growth of uterine glands, occurring around days 15-28

78
Q

How do hormones regulate ovulation and the uterine cycle?

A

Hormonal regulation involves the hypothalamus releasing GnRH, stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH, which promote estrogen and progesterone production, affecting the endometrium and regulating ovulation and menstruation

79
Q

What is the role of estrogen in the uterine cycle?

A

Estrogen promotes the growth of the functional layer of the endometrium during the proliferative phase and supports the development of ovarian follicles

80
Q

How does progesterone influence the uterine lining?

A

Progesterone increases blood supply and stimulates the growth of uterine glands during the secretory phase, preparing the endometrium for potential implantation

81
Q

Describe the role of GnRH in the hormonal cascade?

A

GnRH, secreted by the hypothalamus, initiates the hormonal cascade by targeting the pituitary gland and is released in a pulsatile manner

82
Q

Explain the function of FSH in the menstrual cycle

A

FSH, follicle stimulating hormone, facilitates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, with levels rising during the early part of the menstrual cycle to promote follicle development

83
Q

How does LH contribute to ovulation?

A

LH, luteinizing hormone, surges around the mid-cycle, triggering ovulation

84
Q

Define the role of estrogen during the proliferative phase

A

Estrogen thickens the endometrium during the proliferative phase, preparing it for potential implantation of a fertilized egg

85
Q

Describe the stratum functionalist and its response to estrogen

A

The stratum functionalist thickens in response to estrogen during the proliferative phase and is shed during menstruation if implantation does not occur

86
Q

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?

A

If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels

87
Q

Explain the process of menstruation

A

Menstruation is the disintegration and shedding of the stratum functionals due to the decline in hormone levels, marking the beginning of a new cycle

88
Q

Describe the external female reproductive structures

A

The vulva consists of the external female reproductive structures, including the clitoris, labia minor, and labia majora

89
Q

What is the significance of the clitoris in female sexual function?

A

The clitoris is a nerve rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse and is vital for sexual pleasure and orgasm

90
Q

Define the labia minora

A

The labia minor are thin, pigmented, hairless flaps of skin located medial to the labia majora

91
Q

What is the function of Bartholin’s glands?

A

also known as vestibular glands
Produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area

92
Q

Describe the anatomy of the breasts

A

Breasts are considered accessory organs with the primary function of supplying milk to an infant, featuring a nipple surrounded by a pigmented areola

93
Q

Explain the role of areolar glands during lactation

A

Areolar glands secrete lubricating fluid during lactation to protect the nipple from chafing

94
Q

How is breast milk produced?

A

Breast milk is produced by mammary glands, which are modified sweat glands, and is pushed to the lactiferous sinuses by contracting myoepithelial cells

95
Q

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

A

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies to infants, promoting healthy growth and development

96
Q

Describe the components of human milk that benefit infants

A

Human milk contains distinct molecules and antibodies that protect infants from infection, contribute to immune system maturation, support organ development, and help create healthy microbial colonization

97
Q

How does breastfeeding provide immunity to infants?

A

Breastfeeding provides passive natural immunity from mother to child through the transfer of antibodies and other immune factors present in human milk

98
Q

Define the excitement phase of the female sexual response

A

In the excitement phase, the clitoris and labia swell, breasts become engorged, nipples become erected, and there is an increase in vaginal lubrication, increased HR BP and skeletal muscle tone and hyperventilation

99
Q

What occurs during the plateau phase of the female sexual response?

A

During the plateau phase, the changes from the excitement phase continue and are maintained at an intense level

100
Q

Describe the orgasm phase in the female sexual response

A

The orgasm phase is the briefest phase characterized by rhythmic muscular contractions, a further increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Femailes can experience 2 or more orgasms in succession

101
Q

Define menopause

A

Menopause is the cessation ion the menstrual cycle that occurs due to the loss of ovarian follicles and the hormones they produce

102
Q

What happens during the resolution phase of the female sexual response?

A

In the resolution phase, relaxation occurs, and genital tissue, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing return to the unaroused state

103
Q

Describe surgical methods of birth control

A

Vasectomy in males
tubal ligation in female

104
Q

What are the hormonal methods of birth control?

A

involve the use of hormones to prevent ovulation and pregnancy, providing a constant level of estrogen and progesterone that negatively feeds back onto the hypothalamus and pituitary, thus preventing the release of FSH and LH.
ex: birth control pills, skin patches, vaginal rings, hormone injections, and the morning after pill

105
Q

Describe the physiological methods of birth control

A

Include IUDs which prevent fertilization by blocking sperm access to the secondary oocyte, and barrier methods like condoms and vaginal pouches that physically prevent sperm from entering the uterus

106
Q

What are spermicides and how do they function?

A

Foams, creams, and jellies that create an unfavorable environment for sperm survival in the vagina and cervix, and are placed in the vagina before sexual intercourse

A&P 142 (14 decks)

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