Reproductive System Flashcards
Reproduction
The complex process involving the formation and fertilization of gametes and regulation of these processes by both parents
Sexual reproduction
Production of functional gametes by adult organisms The union (fertilization or conjugation) to form a zygote Development of the zygote into another adult
Gonds
Specialized organs that produce gametes
Testes and ovaries
Gametogenesis
The production of functional sex cells
Fertilization
The union of an egg and sperm nuclei to form a zygote with a diploid number of chromosomes
Testes
Located in the scrotum
Sperm passes through the vas deferens to the ejaculatory duct then the urethra through the penis and terminates at the glans
Site of testosterone production
Testosterone
Regulates secondary male sex characteristics
Spermatogenesis
In the seminiferous tubules Diploid cells (spermatogenoia) differentiate into diploid cells (primary spermatocytes) which undergo meiotic division to yield 2 haploid secondary spermatocytes. Second meiotic division produces 4 haploid spermatids
Spermatozoa
Mature sperm
Elongated cell with head, neck, body, and tail
Acrosome
Cap-like structure
Over the anterior half of the head of a sperm
Ovaries
Site of oogenesis
In the abdominal cavity below the digestive system
Consists of thousands of follicles
Follicle
Multilayered sac of cells that contains, nourishes, and protects and immature ovum
Produces estrogen
Fallopian tube
Oviduct
Approximately once a month an immature ovum is released and drawn by cilia
Uterus
A muscular chamber where each fallopian tube open into
Site of fetal development
Cervix
The lower, narrow end of the uterus
Connects with the vaginal canal
Oogenesis
In ovarian follicles Immature ova (primary oocytes) are diploid cells formed by mitosis Primary oocyte per month completes meiosis I yielding 2 daughter cells (secondary oocyte and polar body) Secondary oocyte expelled from the follicle during ovulation Meiosis II trigged when layers of the cell membrane are penetrated by sperm yielding 2 haploid cells (mature ovum and polar body)
Oocyte cell membrane
Inner zona pellucida layer and outer corona radiate layer
Menarche
First time a female menstruates
Estrogens
Steroid hormones
Stimulate the development of female reproductive tract, development of secondary sexual characteristics, influence libido
Thicken endometrium
Secreted by follicles and corpus luteum
Progesterone
Steroid hormone
Secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase
Stimulates development and maintenance of the endometrium
Menstrual Cycle
Follicular Phase
Ovulation
Luteal Phase
Menstruation
Follicular Phase
Begins with the cessation of the menstrual flow
FSH from the anterior pituitary promotes the development of the follicle which grows and secretes estrogen
Ovulation
Mature ovarian follicle bursts and releases an ovum
Caused by a surge in LH that is preceded by a peak in estrogen
Luteal Phase
LH maintains remnant of the ruptured follicle (corpus luteum) which secretes estrogen and progesterone
Progesterone causes the glands of the endometrium to mature and produce secretions that prepare for implantation