reproductive system

Question 1

what are the dual functions of mature gonads

Answer 1

1. reproductive function
2. endocrine function

Question 2

name the two gonadotrophic hormones produced by anterior pituitary gland

Answer 2

1. follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
2. luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 3

what are the three primary effects of gonadotrophic hormones on the gonads

Answer 3

1. stimulation of gametogenesis
2. regulation of sex hormone secretion
3. maintenance of gonadal function

Question 4

why are the testes encased in the scrotum sac outside of the body

Answer 4

1. temperature regulation
2. protection
3. sperm maturation

Question 5

describe two major compartments of the testes

Answer 5

1. Seminal Tubules (Seminiferous Tubules): primary site of sperm production (spermatogenesis) highly coiled structures
2. Interstitium (Interstitial Tissue):
   the space surrounding the seminiferous tubules, which contains various cell types and structures. Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells, are the predominant cell type found in the interstitium.

Question 6

what main function do leydig cells fulfill

Answer 6

responsible for the production and secretion of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating secondary sexual characteristics, maintaining reproductive function, and supporting overall male physiology.

Question 7

how does testosterone affect the male reproductive organ

Answer 7

maintains reproductive function

Question 8

what roles do Sertoli cells play in spermatogenesis

Answer 8

provide physical and nutritional support to developing germ cells

Question 9

define meiosis

Answer 9

Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number. It involves two rounds of division, resulting in four haploid daughter cells. Meiosis reduces chromosome number and creates genetic variation through crossing over. It is essential for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

Question 10

what structural feature of sperm allows it to penetrate an egg

Answer 10

The acrosome, a specialized structure located at the tip of the sperm head, contains enzymes that facilitate the penetration of the egg’s protective outer layers during fertilization.

Question 11

what is the epididymis

Answer 11

The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis. It serves as a site for the maturation, storage, and transport of spermatozoa (sperm cells) produced in the testes.

Question 12

name the glands that add secretions to semen

Answer 12

1. seminal vesicles
2. prostate gland
3. bulbourethral glands

Question 13

describe the functions of the ovaries

Answer 13

1. produce egg cells (oogenesis)
2. hormone production
3. regulation of menstrual cycle
4. support of pregnancy

Question 14

what cells in the ovaries secrete oestrogen

Answer 14

granulosa cells

Question 15

outline follicle development

Answer 15

1. primordial follicle formation
2. follicular recruitment
3. primary follicle development
4. preantral and antral follicle formation
5. dominant follicle selection
6. ovulation
7. formation of corpus luteum
8. corpus luteum regression

Question 16

define the corpus luteum and its function

Answer 16

a temporary endocrine structure that forms in the ovary following ovulation, developing from the remnants of the ovarian follicle that released an egg
function:
1. hormone production
2. support of pregnancy
3. regression

Question 17

describe the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle

Answer 17

1. Menstrual Phase:
   Hormonal Changes: lasts 3-7 days, estrogen and progesterone levels are low. the uterine lining (endometrium) sheds
2. Follicular Phase:
   Hormonal Changes: first day of menstruation and lasts approximately 7-10 days. increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) the follicles produce increasing amounts of estrogen
3. Ovulation:
   Hormonal Changes: day 14 of the menstrual cycle. triggered by luteinizing hormone (LH)
4. Luteal Phase:
   Hormonal Changes: begins after ovulation and lasts approximately 14 days. high levels of progesterone and estrogen produced by the corpus luteum. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone and estrogen levels decline

Question 18

what role does oestrogen play during the menstrual cycle

Answer 18

1. Follicular Phase: estrogen levels gradually increase. stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles in the ovary. promotes the proliferation of the endometrial lining (endometrium) of the uterus, making it thicker and more vascularized in preparation for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
2. Luteal Phase: After ovulation, estrogen continues to be produced primarily by the corpus luteum. Estrogen helps maintain the integrity of the endometrial lining and supports the early stages of pregnancy
3. Feedback Regulation: regulates the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary to help modulate the levels of the hormones

Question 19

how does menopause potentially result in osteoporosis

Answer 19

1. estrogen deficiency
2. accelerated bone loss
3. increased bone resorption
4. decreased calcium absorption
5. reduced physical activity
6. changed dietary habits
7. alterations in vit D metabolism

Question 20

what are gametes

Answer 20

sperm and egg

Question 21

what two hormones control the female reproductive system

Answer 21

follicle stimulating hormone
luteinizing hormone

Question 22

four phases of reproductive cycle

Answer 22

28 days total
- menstrual cycle
- preovulatory phase
- ovulation
- postovulatory phase

Question 23

what is cleavage

Answer 23

cell division without growth