reproductive system Flashcards
what are the dual functions of mature gonads
- reproductive function
- endocrine function
name the two gonadotrophic hormones produced by anterior pituitary gland
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- luteinizing hormone (LH)
what are the three primary effects of gonadotrophic hormones on the gonads
- stimulation of gametogenesis
- regulation of sex hormone secretion
- maintenance of gonadal function
why are the testes encased in the scrotum sac outside of the body
- temperature regulation
- protection
- sperm maturation
describe two major compartments of the testes
- Seminal Tubules (Seminiferous Tubules): primary site of sperm production (spermatogenesis) highly coiled structures
- 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.
what main function do leydig cells fulfill
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.
how does testosterone affect the male reproductive organ
maintains reproductive function
what roles do Sertoli cells play in spermatogenesis
provide physical and nutritional support to developing germ cells
define meiosis
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.
what structural feature of sperm allows it to penetrate an egg
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.
what is the epididymis
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.
name the glands that add secretions to semen
- seminal vesicles
- prostate gland
- bulbourethral glands
describe the functions of the ovaries
- produce egg cells (oogenesis)
- hormone production
- regulation of menstrual cycle
- support of pregnancy
what cells in the ovaries secrete oestrogen
granulosa cells
outline follicle development
- primordial follicle formation
- follicular recruitment
- primary follicle development
- preantral and antral follicle formation
- dominant follicle selection
- ovulation
- formation of corpus luteum
- corpus luteum regression
define the corpus luteum and its function
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
describe the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
- Menstrual Phase:
Hormonal Changes: lasts 3-7 days, estrogen and progesterone levels are low. the uterine lining (endometrium) sheds - 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 - Ovulation:
Hormonal Changes: day 14 of the menstrual cycle. triggered by luteinizing hormone (LH) - 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
what role does oestrogen play during the menstrual cycle
- 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.
- 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
- 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
how does menopause potentially result in osteoporosis
- estrogen deficiency
- accelerated bone loss
- increased bone resorption
- decreased calcium absorption
- reduced physical activity
- changed dietary habits
- alterations in vit D metabolism
what are gametes
sperm and egg
what two hormones control the female reproductive system
follicle stimulating hormone
luteinizing hormone
four phases of reproductive cycle
28 days total
- menstrual cycle
- preovulatory phase
- ovulation
- postovulatory phase
what is cleavage
cell division without growth
