Reproductive System 1 Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the reproductive system?
- Production of gametes
- Fertilization
- Development/nourishment of a new individual
- Production of reproductive hormones
What are gametes?
Sex cells
Where are sperm cells produced in males?
Testes
Where are oocytes (eggs) produced in females?
Ovaries
What is meiosis?
Cell division in gonads that results in gametes
How many daughter cells are produced at the end of meiosis?
4 daughter cells
What is the chromosome number after the first meiotic division?
23 chromosomes
Which male reproductive organs are involved in sperm cell development?
- Testes
- Epididymis
- Vas deferens
What is the primary male reproductive organ?
Testes
What is the function of Sertoli cells?
Nourish germ cells and produce hormones
What hormone do Leydig cells secrete?
Testosterone
What is spermatogenesis?
Formation of sperm cells
What happens during emission in the male sex act?
Movement of sperm cells and secretions into the urethra
What is the average lifespan of sperm once inside a female?
72 hours
What are the components of semen?
- Sperm cells
- Secretions from seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral gland
What is the role of the seminal vesicles?
Secrete nourishing fluids for sperm cells
What is the function of the prostate gland?
Secretes prostatic fluid that neutralizes acidity
What is the female equivalent of the male scrotum?
Labia majora
What is the primary female reproductive organ?
Ovaries
What occurs during ovulation?
Mature follicle ruptures, releasing oocyte
What is the function of the fimbriae in the uterine tubes?
Help sweep oocyte into uterine tubes
What is the innermost layer of the uterus called?
Endometrium
What phase marks the beginning of menstruation?
Menstrual phase
What hormonal changes occur during menopause?
Reduced estrogen and progesterone levels
What is capacitation in terms of sperm cells?
Final changes that occur to sperm after ejaculation
What is the role of the placenta during pregnancy?
Produces estrogen and progesterone
What is the average duration of the menstrual cycle?
28 days
What is the term for the outer layer of the developing embryo?
Trophoblast
What happens to the corpus luteum if the egg is not fertilized?
Degenerates after 2 weeks
What is the role of estrogen during pregnancy?
Stimulates growth of uterine muscles and mammary glands
What is the role of progesterone during pregnancy?
Maintains the endometrium and reduces uterine contractions
What attaches to the uterine wall and begins the development of a new pregnancy?
Egg
What is formed from the development of the trophoblast upon implantation?
Placenta
At what point does the placenta take over the hormonal role of the ovaries?
~12 weeks
What hormones does the placenta produce after taking over the hormonal role?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
What is the function of estrogen during pregnancy?
Stimulates the growth of uterine muscles and development of mammary glands
What does progesterone maintain during pregnancy?
Endometrium
What effect does progesterone have on uterine contractions?
Reduces uterine contractions
When do estrogen and progesterone levels drop?
Near the time of birth
What is the Female Climacteric?
Natural transition to menopause
What are common causes of infertility in females?
- Malfunctions of uterine tubes
- Reduced hormone secretion
- Interruption of implantation
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Inability to obtain or maintain an erection
What percentage of people with penises are affected by Erectile Dysfunction?
About 40 percent
What is Epididymitis?
Inflammation of the epididymis
What are typical symptoms of Epididymitis?
- Discomfort or pain
- Swelling in the scrotum
What characterizes Acute Epididymitis?
Rapid onset, often caused by bacterial infection
What are common symptoms of Acute Epididymitis?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth in the scrotum
- Fever
- Urethral discharge
What defines Chronic Epididymitis?
Lasts for more than three months
What condition is associated with lower back pain after physical activity?
Chronic Epididymitis
What occurs during Prostate Cancer?
Glandular cells of the prostate mutate into tumor cells
Where does Prostate Cancer most commonly metastasize?
- Bones
- Lymph nodes
- Rectum
- Lower urinary tract organs
What is a common sign of Testicular Cancer?
A lump or swelling in one of the testes
What are symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
- Fluid retention
- Headaches
- Nervous tension
- Irritability
- Breast tenderness
What distinguishes Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) from PMS?
PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety
What is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?
Very heavy menstrual flow, bleeding between cycles, or bleeding before puberty or after menopause
What is menorrhagia?
Very heavy bleeding during menses or bleeding lasting more than seven days
What does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cause?
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
What is a risk factor associated with PCOS?
Obesity
What type of cancer is Cervical Cancer also known as?
Uterine cancer
What is a common symptom of Endometrial Cancer?
Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
What is Endometriosis?
Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus
What can be a symptom of Endometriosis?
Pain, infertility, and very heavy periods
What is Vaginitis?
Inflammation of the vagina and sometimes the vulva
What are symptoms of Vaginitis?
- Yellow, gray, or green discharge
- Itching
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Foul odor
What is a Uterine Fibroid?
A benign tumor in the muscular wall of the uterus
What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Bacterial or viral infections acquired through sexual contact
Why are women often disproportionately affected by STIs?
- Biology of the female reproductive tract
- Higher efficiency of male-to-female transmission
- Social and structural barriers
