Reproductive System - Unit 4 Flashcards
What are the functions of the reproductive system?
The functions include the production of gametes, fertilization, the development and nourishment of a new individual, and the production of reproductive hormones.
What initiates puberty, and what hormones are involved?
Puberty is initiated by the hypothalamus secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone stimulates the anterior pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
What is gametogenesis, and how does it begin?
Gametogenesis is the process of forming human sex cells. It begins with a special type of cell division called meiosis.
Describe the process of meiosis.
Meiosis starts with a diploid parent cell and produces four haploid daughter cells. It involves two sequential events: Meiosis I, which is a reduction division, and Meiosis II, which produces haploid cells.
How is androgen production regulated in males?
Androgen production is regulated by hormones. The hypothalamus secretes GnRH, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH. FSH stimulates sperm production, while LH stimulates testosterone secretion.
What is spermatogenesis, and how does it occur?
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm development from spermatogonia. It involves mitosis to produce spermatocytes, followed by meiosis to produce spermatids. Spermatids then undergo spermiogenesis to form mature sperm cells.
What role does testosterone play in male sexual response?
Testosterone is required to initiate and maintain male sexual behavior. It influences hypothalamic function and leads to erection, emission, and ejaculation.
How does follicle development occur in females?
Follicle development begins with primordial follicles, which mature into primary, secondary, and then mature follicles. Ovulation releases a secondary oocyte surrounded by cumulus cells.
What happens during ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of a secondary oocyte from the ovary. It occurs when a mature follicle ruptures, releasing the oocyte into the fallopian tube.
Describe the hormonal changes during the ovarian cycle.
The follicular phase is dominated by FSH and estrogen secretion, leading to follicle development. The luteal phase follows ovulation and involves LH, estrogen, and progesterone secretion.
What events occur during the uterine cycle?
The uterine cycle includes menses, proliferative phase, and secretory phase. Menses is the shedding of the endometrium, followed by regeneration and maturation in the proliferative and secretory phases, respectively.
How are sexual responses controlled in females?
Neural pathways control sexual responses in females, similar to males. Sensory action potentials from the genitals travel through the pudendal nerve to the spinal cord and brain.
How does fertilization occur, and what happens afterward?
Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates a secondary oocyte. If fertilization occurs, the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, forming a zygote. The zygote undergoes mitotic divisions and may implant in the uterine wall.
What is the role of estrogen and progesterone in female reproduction?
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. They control the growth and maturation of the endometrium and prepare the body for embryo implantation.
What is the function of the corpus luteum?
The corpus luteum forms after ovulation and secretes progesterone and estrogen. It prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy.
