Reproductive Systems Flashcards
What is the job of the ductus deferens (vas deferens?)
It is a storage area for semen
What is the job of the testis?
The testis contain interstitial cells which secrete testosterone, the testis also produce semen.
What do the seminiferous tubules do?
The site of sperm production. The tubules contain Sertoli cells which nourish developing sperm.
What is the job of the epididymus?
The epididymus is a duct where sperm matures.
What do the seminal vesicles do?
Secrete a mucous like fluid which is 60-70% of the volume of semen.
What does the prostate do?
Secretes an alkaline buffer that protects sperm from acidity.
What does the cowpers gland do?
Secretes a mucous like fluid which protects sperm from acidity.
What does the urethra do?
It is where fluids travel to exit the penis.
What do the ovaries do?
They are the female gonads which produce ova (eggs). They also produce progesterone.
What do fimbriae do?
Finger-like projections which wrap around the ovary and sweep eggs into the oviduct.
What do the oviducts (Fallopian tubes) do?
They direct ova to the uterus. This is where fertilization takes place.
What does the uterus do?
Where mensuration occurs/baby is contained.
What is Chromalsomal sex?
The sex of an individual at fertilization (XX or XY)
What is an autonomic sex?
When the absence/presence of hormones allows gender specific organs to develop.
What are Androgens?
Hormones that initiate development of male sex organs and ducts.
What is the negative feedback loop in male puberty?
- The hypothalamus releases GnRH
- GnRH stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH.
- FSH causes seminiferous tubules to produce sperm and LH causes interstitial cells to produce testosterone.
- Rising testosterone contributes to higher sperm production and inhibin causes the anterior pituitary to produce more FSH.
What is the negative feedback loop in female puberty?
- The hypothalamus releases GnRH
- GnRH stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH.
- FSH stimulates ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.
- Estrogen and Progesterone cause the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle?
The flow phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.
What happens in the flow phase?
Shedding of the endometrium because there is no fertilized egg implanted, blood and tissues leave the uterus. Estrogen and Progesterone are at their lowest during this time, causing irritability and mood changes.
What happens in the follicular phase?
The anterior pituitary releases FSH which causes ovum to be created through cell division. As the follicle develops, estrogen is secreted and it inhibits the pituitary from releasing FSH, and causes thickening of the endometrium. Estrogen causes the cervix to release alkaline mucous which raises the acidity, making it more suitable for the survival of sperm. Estrogen also causes the pituitary to release LH which triggers ovulation.
What happens in the ovulation phase?
The follicle bursts, releasing the egg from the ovary and into the oviduct, causing estrogen levels to decline. When two follicles develop simultaneously and both are fertilized, the result is fraternal twins.
What happens in the luteal phase?
When an empty follicle is stimulated by LH, the corpus luteum is formed, which is a yellow mass of cells that secretes progesterone and estrogen. It inhibits LH and FSH production and progesterone prepares the uterus for an embryo. During this phase an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus via the oviduct. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum pulls away from the uterine wall and is shed.
What is the effect of HIV/AIDS?
The virus destroys helper T-cells in the immune system, making everyday infections fatal to these individuals.
How is HIV/AIDS spread and is there a cure?
Spread during sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy. There is no cure although there is treatment to help with symptoms.
What is the danger of Hep. B?
It can cross the placenta to the fetus, and cause flu like symptoms, jaundice, liver failure, and can be fatal although there are vaccines available. It is spread through contact of bodily fluids.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 herpes?
Type one is sores in the mouth while type 2 is sores on the genitalia.