Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Physiology 2130 > Reproductive System > Flashcards

Reproductive System Flashcards

1
Q

What are examples that show that the reproductive system isn’t essential in maintaining homeostasis?

A
  • getting pets fixed
  • Hysterectomy (ovaries/uterus removed)
  • Castration: 2 young boys had testes removed to keep voice high-pitched, both lived past 70
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the testis

A

= site of hormone and sperm production

  • cased in tough capsule (for protection)
  • located inside the scrotum (which is outside of the body in humans)
  • Being outside of the body allows
    • Cooling (testis must have a temp. lower than body)
    • Cremaster muscles can elevate it to regulate temp.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Function of the VAS DEFERENS

A

= muscular tube that helps expel/propel sperm
(can also store some sperm)

  • cut and tied off in vasectomy procedures
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Function of the EPIDIDYMUS

A
  • sperm storage (can store over a month’s supply)

- site of maturation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Function of the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES

A
  • make sperm; 100s packed in together
  • produce hormones (mainly testosterone)
  • 3 components: Sertoli cell, Leydig cell, Spermatocytes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Function of SERTOLI CELL

A
  • support and regulate spermatogenesis (produce substances that help)
  • makes up the wall of the tubule
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Function of LEYDIG CELL

A
  • produces testosterone (which diffuses into sertoli and nearby blood vessels after)
  • found outside of the tubule, near blood vessels
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Function of SPERMATOCYTES/SPERMATOGONIA

A

= sperm cells

- populate the seminiferous tubules prior to birth, start dividing once sufficient testosterone (aka at puberty)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe Spermatogenesis

A
  • initiated at puberty (point where sufficient testosterone)
    Spermatogonia (diploid) –> 1˚ spermatocytes –> 2˚ spermatocytes
    –> spermatids (haploid) –> spermatozoa
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe Testosterone and its properties

A
  • Steroid hormone (hydrophobic, lipophilic … therefore, can cross membranes easily)
  • Made from cholesterol (= the precursor)
  • Androgen-Binding protein –> needs to a protein to transport it to thru blood and make it soluble
  • Intracellular receptors that allow testosterone to bind and promote/inhibit transcription –> since it works at this DNA level, takes longer for effects to take place since must make proteins from scratch
  • Precursor for DHT and estradiol
  • Regulated by the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary feedback pathway
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Functions of Testosterone in males

A
  • negative feedback
  • spermatogenesis
  • secondary sex characteristics
  • anabolic reactions (increase muscle mass)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the side effects of exogenous testosterone?

A

It will increase muscle mass but….

  • shuts off LH/Leydig/testosterone production
  • decreases sperm count
  • results in testicular atrophy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Semen (other secretions + their origins)

A

Seminal Vesicle: 60%

  • fructose –> energy source
  • clotting proteins (alkaline) –> semen clots to retain in female for a short period of time

Prostate Gland: 30%

  • citric acid –> energy source
  • enzymes (slightly acidic) –> various functions, one stops clotting so it can move through female

Bulbourethral Gland: minor concentration
- mainly mucus (alkaline) –> protects sperm from acidic environment of vagina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe Prostate Enlargement/Prostate Cancer

A
  • urethra passes right through the prostrate, therefore when the prostate is enlarge it prevents the urethra from draining and you from peeing
  • Diagnosis: digital rectal exam to check for size
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Define OVARIES

A

= site of production of sex hormones and reproductive cells

- 2 paired ovaries suspended on other side of the uterus (in upper pelvis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the Major Differences between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

A

Spermatogenesis = initiated at puberty

  • small amount before birth
  • need testosterone to initiate
  • constant division: both meiosis I and II happen consequently
  • 1 spermatogonia: 4 spermatozoa

Oogenesis = well on its way at birth

  • all the oocytes are made before birth
  • just before birth, all are converted to 1˚ oocytes
  • sit dormant until puberty
  • after puberty: once a month, some divide into 2˚ oocyte
  • meiosis II happens ONLY if fertilized
  • 1 oogonia: 1 2˚ oocyte
17
Q

Define ATRESIA

A

= degeneration/reabsorption of oogonia/oocytes

  • starts before birth (leaves us with ~ 500 000 1˚ oocytes at birth)
  • atresia continue after birth, resulting in 450 menstrual cycles (oocytes) throughout your lifetime
18
Q

Define FOLLICLE

A

= oocyte + surrounding cell that support/promote maturation

19
Q

Function of GRANULOSA CELLS

A
  • support cells

- cuboidal shaped instead of flat

20
Q

Define UTERUS

A

= site of implantation of zygote

21
Q

Define FALLOPIAN TUBE

A

= passage for sperm/oocyte

- sperm travel up fallopian tubes were ovum is slowly travelling through

22
Q

Define VAGINA

A

= site of sperm deposition and removal of menstrual fluid

23
Q

Define FIMBRIAE

A

“catcher’s glove”

  • oocyte is released by ovary and caught by fimbriae
  • fimbriae sweeps it into the fallopian tube where it’s swept along (the oocyte itself isn’t motile)
24
Q

Define ENDOMETRIUM

A

= inner lining of uterus (Menses = shedding of this)

25
Q

What are the other effects of female sex hormones on the body?

A

Estrogen and Progesterone are both important in:

  • bone health (increase bone density)
  • protects hearing
  • breast changes

Estrogen is also protecting of cardiovascular health (after menopause, decreased estrogen = increased heart disease)

26
Q

How do oral contraceptive pills influence the monthly cycle?

A
  • keeps hormone levels stable (no LH surge, no increased estrogen = suppresses ovulation)
  • changes in uterine environment make zygote less likely to implant (if ovulation/fertilization did occur)
  • women bleed for less time, making menses lighter
  • uses negative feedback to work
27
Q

Describe Endometriosis (+ treatments)

A

= endometrial tissue enters abdomen (plants itself on different organs all throughout the body, even brain/nose)

  • behaves like endometrial tissue in these foreign areas
  • tissues bleeds –> internal bleeding in foreign areas, cramps
  • if cysts bursts, then endometriosis spreads

Treatments: endometriosis is linked to high estrogen

  • therefore, slow the process using birth control
  • can also remove ovaries to stop hormonal input (causes infertility)
28
Q

Define Menopause and describe the change that occur during it

A

= end of menses, end of reproductive stage (can no longer become pregnant)

  • ovaries become less responses, decreased hormone synthesis
  • don’t produce estrogen and progesterone (fall to the same levels as men)
  • follicle pool decreases
  • hot flashes, lack of sleep, CNS (mood) changes
  • average age of onset = 50
29
Q

Sperm must have the ability to…

A
  • swim to read the ovum
  • bind and fuse with the ovum
  • penetrate the zona pellucid for fertilization
30
Q

What are parts and characteristics of a sperm cell?

A

HEAD: nucleus (23 chromosomes) + acrosome (enzymes that degrade environment like a torpedo)

MID PIECE: mitochondria for ATP production (drives swimming motion)

TAIL: flagellum; allows for swimming motion)

31
Q

Describe CAPACITATION

A
  • sperm is coated in cholesterol (it caps the head)
  • this ensures that the acrosome is not released at the wrong time
  • as the sperm travels through and hits the female tract, it will encounter the fluid/natural lubrication present
  • this degrades the cholesterol coating, removing the cap and revealing the acrosome –> can now penetrate the ovum
32
Q

The window for pregnancy is generally about…

A

3 days (ovum fertilized within 12-24hrs otherwise it dies + sperm able to survive for 48hrs)

33
Q

Where does fertilization occur?

A

In the upper 1/3 of the fallopian tube (sperm meets ovum near the fimbriae)

34
Q

Describe the route sperm must travel for fertilization to occur

A

Spermatozoa enter through VAGINA –> some make it to thru the CERVIX –> Sperm can detect which FALLOPIAN TUBE the oocyte is in and goes near the Fimbriae to meet the ovum

35
Q

Define ZONA PELLUCIDA

A

= gelatinous layer covering ovum outside of the cell membrane

36
Q

What are the functions of the placenta?

A
  • providing nutrients to the fetus for growth and development
  • gas exchange between fetus and mother
  • removal of fetal waste products
  • acts as endocrine tissue

Physiology 2130 (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions