Reproductive System

Question 1

Sperm cells and ova go through a form of cell division that reduces their chromosomes from 23 pairs (46 in total) to 23 singles. What is this process called in the sperm and in the ova?

Answer 1

Meiosis

Question 2

What is genetic recombination?

Answer 2

Where two DNA molecules exchange genetic information to produce a new combination

Question 3

How long do sperm last in the female reproductive tract?

Answer 3

48hrs

Question 4

Name 4 hormones secreted by the ovaries?

Answer 4

1. Progesterone
2. Oestrogen
3. Inhibin
4. Relaxin

Question 5

What is a gamete?

Answer 5

A male or female reproductive cell

Question 6

What is the endometrium?

Answer 6

Lining of the uterus

Question 7

What is the layer of smooth muscle underneath the endometrium called?

Answer 7

Myometrium

Question 8

List problems that can cause dysmenorrhea (primary and secondary)

Answer 8

Primary Dysmenorrhea:
1. Prostaglandin - chemicals causing smooth muscle contractions, especially found in uterus.

2. Pain-Spasm Cycle - oxygen can’t reach contracting uterus muscle due to muscle spasm but this lack of oxygen causes further spasming.
3. Ligament Irritation - uterine ligament (anchors uterus to pelvic wall) can be pulled and irritated by spasming uterus.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
5. Fibroid Tumours
6. Sexually transmitted diseases
7. endometriosis

Question 9

What signs and symptoms could be associated with dysmenorrhoea?

Answer 9

1. Dull aches in abdomen
2. Low back or sharp pains
3. Cramping in pelvis / abdomen
4. Headaches
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Diarrhoea
8. Constipation
9. Frequent urination

Question 10

Endometriosis may be caused by the retrograde backflow of uterine cells through the uterine tubes, or coelomic metaplasia, or by surgical procedures: what happens to the uterine cells that spread to other parts of the body?

Answer 10

Wherever the cells land they stimulate growth of supplying blood vessels and they multiply according to hormonal commands.

Problem is that the cells can’t shed like with normal menstruation so they accumulate and decay creating an inflammatory response.

Body attempts to isolate them by surrounding with fibrous connective tissue and they eventually becomes like ‘blood blisters’.

Question 11

1. What signs and symptoms might be associated with endometriosis?
2. What feature of the timing of these signs may be more typical of endometriosis than other associated conditions?

Answer 11

1. Main one is infertility 
Other signs often nonexistant but can include:
- premenstrual spotting
- sensation of urinary urgency 
- painful urination
- diarrhoea
- rectal bleeding during menstruation 
- severe dysmenorrhoea

2. Cyclical and peaks during menstruation

Question 12

Menorrhagia (heavy periods) is when a woman loses excessive blood during consecutive periods. In most cases no underlying cause is identified but sometimes it can be linked to… (list 4)

Answer 12

1. Uterine fibroids
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
3. Intrauterine contraceptive diseases (IUDs)
4. Anti-coagulant medication

Question 13

Premenstrual Syndrome/Tension (PMS/PMT) in some women can be associated with nutritional deficiencies; which nutrients may be deficient?

Answer 13

1. Calcium
2. Vitamin B6
3. Some essential fatty acids

Question 14

What are the main signs and symptoms of Fibroids?

Answer 14

Usually none but in extreme cases they can be:

• increased frequency of urination
• problems defecating
• can cause problems in pregnancy
• heavy menstrual bleeding

Question 15

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome produces changes in hormone regulations that may lead to particular signs and symptoms. What are these?

Answer 15

1. Irregular periods or none at all
2. Difficulty getting pregnant
3. Excessive hair growth on body
4. Weight gain
5. Thinning hair on head
6. Oily skin / acne