Reproductive Systems Flashcards
1
Q
What is the relationship between the organs of the male and female reproductive systems?
A
Many of the organs in the male and female reproductive systems are homologous, meaning they have similar counterparts arising from the same embryonic origin.
2
Q
Ovaries
A
Produce gametes (oocytes) and secrete hormones
3
Q
Uterine (fallopian) tubes
A
Passageway for sperm (from the uterus) and zygotes (to the uterus)
4
Q
Uterus
A
Passageway for sperm to the uterine tubes; the site of implantation
5
Q
Vagina
A
Receives the penis during intercourse; the passageway for childbirth
6
Q
Mammary glands
A
Produce and secrete milk
7
Q
What are gametes, specifically oocytes?
A
Gametes, including oocytes, are reproductive cells responsible for sexual reproduction. Oocytes are the female gametes, or eggs, produced in the ovaries of females.
8
Q
What are zygotes?
A
Zygotes are formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell (oocyte). It is the initial cell resulting from the fusion of gametes during sexual reproduction, containing the combined genetic material of both parents.
9
Q
What are the primary functions of the ovaries?
A
The ovaries produce eggs (oocytes) and release hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
10
Q
Where are the ovaries located in the female body?
A
The ovaries are located on each side of the uterus in the pelvic cavity.
11
Q
What do the ovaries produce?
A
The ovaries produce female eggs (oocytes) and hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
12
Q
what are the ovaries?
A
the female gonads
13
Q
how are the ovaries in place?
A
anchored in place by a series of ligaments
14
Q
What is ovulation?
A
Ovulation is the process in which one ovarian follicle releases its egg (oocyte) into the pelvic cavity.
15
Q
What stimulates ovulation in females?
A
Ovulation is stimulated by increased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
16
Q
What happens after ovulation?
A
After ovulation, the remaining follicle secretes estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
17
Q
What are ovarian follicles?
A
Ovarian follicles are structures in the outer portion of each ovary. They contain an oocyte (female gamete) surrounded by supporting cells that provide nourishment to the oocyte and secrete estrogen.
18
Q
What are ovarian follicles composed of?
A
Ovarian follicles are composed of an oocyte (female gamete) surrounded by supporting cells.
19
Q
What is the main cell found within ovarian follicles?
A
The main cell found within ovarian follicles is the oocyte.
20
Q
What do the supporting cells surrounding the oocyte do?
A
The supporting cells surrounding the oocyte provide nourishment to the oocyte and secrete estrogen.
21
Q
What triggers ovulation?
A
Ovulation is triggered by increasing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
22
Q
Which hormones are responsible for stimulating ovulation?
A
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are responsible for stimulating ovulation.
23
Q
Where do these hormones come from?
A
These hormones come from the anterior pituitary gland.
24
Q
What happens to the follicle after ovulation?
A
After ovulation, the remaining portion of the follicle becomes the corpus luteum.
25
What is the term for the remaining portion of the follicle?
The remaining portion of the follicle is called the corpus luteum.
26
What hormones does the remaining portion of the follicle secrete?
The corpus luteum continues to secrete estrogen and progesterone.
27
What hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle in females?
Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.
28
What are the functions of estrogen and progesterone?
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, contribute to the development of reproductive tissues and organs, regulate pregnancy-related functions, and influence the development of female secondary sex characteristics.
29
How do the levels of estrogen and progesterone change during a woman's menstrual cycle?
The levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate over the course of the menstrual cycle.
30
What is the function of the uterine or fallopian tubes?
The uterine or fallopian tubes serve as passageways for both sperm traveling from the uterus to the ovaries and for zygotes traveling from the ovaries to the uterus.
31
What is the structure of the lateral end of each uterine tube?
The lateral end of each uterine tube expands into a funnel-shaped infundibulum.
32
What happens if oocytes are not captured by the infundibulum?
If oocytes are not captured by the infundibulum, and are fertilized outside the uterine tube, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo develops within the abdominal pelvic cavity.
33
What is the anatomical orientation of the uterine or fallopian tubes in relation to the uterus and ovaries?
The uterine or fallopian tubes extend laterally from the uterus towards the ovaries.
34
What is the function of the uterine or fallopian tubes?
The uterine or fallopian tubes provide a passageway for both sperm cells and zygotes.
35
What is the structure located at the end of each uterine tube?
Each uterine tube ends in a funnel-shaped infundibulum, which collects oocytes released during ovulation.
36
How do sperm cells and zygotes travel through the uterine tubes?
Sperm cells travel from the uterus down the uterine tubes to reach the oocyte, and if fertilization occurs, the zygote will be transported back down the uterine tube to the uterus.
37
Where is the uterus located in relation to the urinary bladder?
The uterus is located within the pelvic cavity superior to the urinary bladder.
38
Why is the relationship between the uterus and the urinary bladder important during pregnancy?
The pressure applied by the uterus to the urinary bladder during pregnancy limits the amount of urine the bladder can hold and increases the frequency of urination.
39
Where is the uterus located in the female body?
The uterus is located between the rectum and urinary bladder.
40
How is the uterus anchored in place?
The uterus, like the ovaries, is anchored in place by a series of ligaments.
41
What functions does the uterus serve?
The uterus provides a passageway for sperm from the vagina to the uterine tubes and serves as the site for implantation of a fertilized egg (embryo).
42
What is the composition of the wall of the uterus?
The wall of the uterus contains smooth muscle and an inner layer of highly vascularized tissue.
43
How does the vascularized tissue in the uterus prepare for potential pregnancy?
Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries after ovulation cause the development of vascularized tissue in the uterus in preparation for potential pregnancy.
44
What happens to the vascular layer of the uterine wall if pregnancy does not occur?
If pregnancy does not occur, the vascular layer of the uterine wall is shed, resulting in menstruation.
45
How are uterine contractions regulated during labor?
During the first stage of labor, relaxin is secreted by the ovaries to inhibit uterine contractions while the cervix dilates. Once the cervix is fully dilated, oxytocin is released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland during the second stage of labor to stimulate uterine contractions for delivering the baby.
46
what does the uterine wall contain?
a layer of smooth muscle whose contractions are regulated by relaxin (ovaries) and oxytocin (posterior pituitary) during labour
47
Relaxin
inhibits uterine contractions whilst the cervix dilates
48
Oxytocin
stimulates uterine contractions during the second stage of labour
49
what is the inner layer of highly vascularised tissue in the uterine wall essential for?
implantation and placental development
50
What is the structure of the vagina and its location in the female reproductive system?
The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that extends from the uterus (cervix) to the external environment (vaginal orifice) between the rectum and urinary bladder.
51
What are the functions of the vagina?
The vagina receives the penis during intercourse and serves as the passageway for the baby during childbirth.
52
How does the vagina protect against pathogens?
Glands within the vagina produce a slightly acidic environment to kill pathogens that enter.
53
Why does male semen include alkaline substances?
Male semen includes alkaline substances to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina, which is harmful to sperm cells.
54
What are mammary glands?
Mammary glands are modified sudoriferous glands located in the breast tissue.
55
What is the primary function of mammary glands?
he primary function of mammary glands is to produce and secrete milk, a process known as lactation, which provides nourishment for a newborn.
56
What are the compartments within each mammary gland, and what do they contain?
Each mammary gland contains compartments called lobules, which consist of grape-like clusters of milk-secreting glands called alveoli.
57
How are mammary glands regulated during and after pregnancy?
The development and function of mammary glands are regulated by hormones, specifically prolactin and oxytocin.
58
What is the function of prolactin in mammary glands?
Prolactin, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, stimulates the growth of alveoli and the secretion of milk during pregnancy.
59
What is the function of oxytocin in mammary glands?
Oxytocin, released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, stimulates the release of milk from the glands post-delivery.
60
What is one of the most common causes of cancer in women?
Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer in women.
61
What is the most effective screening method for detecting breast cancer?
Mammography, which uses x-rays to detect masses or lumps in the breast, is currently the most effective screening method for detecting breast cancer.
62
What are the recommendations by Health Canada for breast cancer screening?
Health Canada recommends that all women between the ages of 50-69 receive screening mammograms every two years.
63
What happens if a suspicious mass is detected during mammography?
further investigation is conducted using techniques such as ultrasound or biopsy to determine if it is cancerous.
64
Testes
Produce gametes (sperm cells) and secrete testosterone
65
Duct system
Transports, stores, and assists in the maturation of sperm
66
Accessory sex glands
Secrete substances that make up most of the liquid portion of semen
67
External genitalia
i.e., penis, scrotum
68
What are the male gonads called?
Testes (testicles)
69
What are the testes and their responsibility?
The testes are the male gonads, responsible for producing male gametes or reproductive cells.
70
Where are the testes located?
The testes are located within the scrotum, with one testis per scrotal chamber.
71
What are the primary functions of the testes?
The primary functions of the testes are to produce gametes, specifically sperm cells, and to secrete testosterone.
72
What structures divide each testis into compartments called lobules?
Each testis is divided into compartments called lobules by a series of capsules and membranes, with the innermost membrane penetrating into the interior of the testis.
73
What do the lobules of the testis contain?
Each lobule contains 1-3 seminiferous tubules, which produce and nourish developing sperm cells, as well as clusters of cells that secrete testosterone.
74
Why are the testes located outside the pelvic cavity?
because sperm cells require temperatures approximately 2-3 degrees Celsius below core body temperature to develop properly.
75
What stimulates sperm production and testosterone secretion in the testes?
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland at puberty stimulate sperm production and testosterone secretion in the testes.
76
What are the functions of testosterone in the body?
helps regulate sperm production, stimulates the development of male reproductive tissues and organs, and promotes the development of male secondary sex characteristics.
77
What are some examples of male secondary sex characteristics influenced by testosterone?
Male secondary sex characteristics influenced by testosterone include muscular and skeletal growth, hair growth, increased sebaceous gland secretions, and enlargement of the larynx.
78
What is the function of the duct system in the male reproductive system?
stores, and assists in the maturation of sperm cells.
79
What are the components of the duct system?
the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.
80
How does each component of the duct system propel sperm along?
Each component of the duct system contains a layer of smooth muscle that contracts during sexual arousal, propelling sperm along the ducts.
81
What is the structure located posterior to each testis in the male reproductive system?
The structure located posterior to each testis is called the epididymis.
82
Where is the epididymis located in relation to the testis?
The epididymis is located along the posterior border of each testis.
83
What is the main component of the epididymis and what occurs within it?
The main component of the epididymis is the tightly coiled ductus epididymis. Inside the ductus epididymis, sperm cells undergo their final stages of maturation and are stored.
84
What is the pathway of the ductus deferens after leaving the epididymis?
After leaving the epididymis, the ductus deferens ascends out of the scrotum within the spermatic cord and passes through the inguinal canal before entering the pelvic cavity.
85
What is the route of the ductus deferens within the pelvic cavity?
Inside the pelvic cavity, the ductus deferens passes superior to the urinary bladder and loops over the ureter.
86
What is another name for the ductus deferens?
The ductus deferens is also known as the vas deferens.
87
What medical procedure involves cutting the ductus deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen?
A vasectomy is a medical procedure that involves cutting the ductus deferens within the scrotum to prevent sperm from entering semen, serving as a means of birth control.
88
What is the purpose of a vasectomy, and what does it not affect?
A vasectomy prevents sperm from entering semen, thus serving as a means of birth control. However, it does not affect a male's ability to get erections or ejaculate.
89
What structure forms from the union of the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle?
The structure formed from the union of the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle is the ejaculatory duct.
90
What is the function of the ejaculatory duct?
The ejaculatory duct serves as the final portion of the duct system before the urethra and merges with the urethra within the prostate gland.
91
Where does the ejaculatory duct enter, and what does it merge with?
The ejaculatory duct enters the prostate gland and merges with the urethra, serving as the final passageway for semen and urine.
92
What are the components of semen?
Semen contains sperm cells and liquid secretions produced by several accessory sex glands, including the seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate gland.
93
What is the function of the accessory sex glands in semen production?
The accessory sex glands secrete substances that make up most of the liquid portion of semen.
94
List the sperm cells and liquid secretions (contained in semen) produced by several accessory sex glands:
the seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate gland.
95
Where are the seminal vesicles located in the male reproductive system?
The seminal vesicles are located posterior to the urinary bladder.
96
What is the structure of the seminal vesicles?
Each seminal vesicle contains a small duct that joins with its associated ductus deferens to form an ejaculatory duct
97
describe the function of the seminal vesicles:
The fluid produced by the seminal vesicles provides nourishment to sperm cells and helps neutralize the acidic environment within the vagina, which is toxic to sperm cells.
98
What are the bulbourethral glands
The bulbourethral glands are small pouch-like structures located posterior to the urinary bladder. Each gland has a small duct that combines with the ductus deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.
99
describe the function of the bulbourethral glands:
They secrete an alkaline fluid that provides nourishment for sperm cells, helps semen coagulate after ejaculation, and neutralizes acid in the female reproductive tract.
100
what does coagulate mean?
the process of forming a solid or semi-solid mass from a liquid. In the context of semen, coagulation refers to the thickening or clotting of the fluid, which occurs after ejaculation. This helps to temporarily trap sperm within the female reproductive tract, aiding in their journey towards fertilization.
101
Where is the prostate gland located in the male reproductive system?
The prostate gland is located inferior to the urinary bladder.
102
What structures does the prostate gland house?
the ejaculatory ducts and the initial portion of the urethra.
103
What are the functions of the fluid produced by the prostate gland?
provides nourishment for sperm cells, eventually breaks down the clotting proteins that cause semen to coagulate, and kills bacteria in the female reproductive tract.
104
What are common symptoms associated with prostatic growth, whether benign or cancerous?
Common symptoms associated with prostatic growth include urinary retention (inability to completely empty the urinary bladder), urinary hesitancy (difficulty initiating urination), and painful urination.
105
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
the development of benign nodules within the prostate gland, estimated to be present in nearly half of men over the age of 50. Not all individuals with BPH develop signs or symptoms.
106
What is prostate cancer, and how common is it?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer in males. Similar to BPH, not all cases of prostate cancer develop signs or symptoms since it generally grows slowly.
107
What are the initial screening methods for prostate cancer?
The initial screening methods for prostate cancer include a digital rectal exam and blood tests, specifically prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.
108
The external male genitalia include ....
the penis and scrotum.
109
What structures does the penis contain?
The penis contains the terminal portion of the urethra, specialized erectile tissue, and the glans penis.
110
What is the function of the terminal portion of the urethra in the penis?
The terminal portion of the urethra in the penis delivers semen to the female reproductive tract and voids urine.
111
What are the main parts of the penis?
The penis consists of the root, body, and glans penis.
112
What is the role of the root of the penis?
serves as the attachment to the ischial and pubic rami and muscles of the perineum.
113
What is the glans penis, and what does it contain?
The glans penis is the tip of the penis and contains the external urethral orifice.
114
What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play in sexual response?
The parasympathetic nervous system causes erection by innervating the erectile tissue of the penis, leading to vasodilation and filling of the blood sinuses with blood.
115
How does the sympathetic nervous system contribute to sexual response?
The sympathetic nervous system causes ejaculation by innervating the smooth muscle in the walls of the duct system, leading to peristaltic contractions that push semen along and contraction of the internal urethral sphincter.
116
What happens during sexual stimulation in terms of nervous system activity?
Sexual stimulation activates the parasympathetic nerves, leading to vasodilation and filling of the blood sinuses in the erectile tissue of the penis, resulting in erection. It also activates sympathetic nerves, which cause peristaltic contractions of the duct system and ejaculation of semen.
117
what are peristaltic contractions of the duct system?
rhythmic, wave-like muscular contractions that propel fluid or material through a tube or duct. In the context of ejaculation, peristaltic contractions occur in the duct system of the male reproductive tract, including the vas deferens and ejaculatory ducts.
118
What is Viagra primarily used to treat?
Viagra is primarily used to treat male erectile dysfunction.
119
How was Viagra's use for treating erectile dysfunction discovered?
Viagra's use for treating erectile dysfunction was discovered accidentally during early trials when male participants reported long-lasting erections as a side effect of the drug.
120
What was Viagra initially developed for?
Viagra was initially developed for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
121
How does Viagra work to treat erectile dysfunction?
Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme that reverses vasodilation in the erectile tissue of the penis, thereby promoting blood flow and facilitating erection.
122
What is the scrotum and what does it contain?
a thin layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that hangs from the root of the penis and supports the testes. It contains the scrotal septum, dartos muscle, and cremaster muscles.
123
What is the scrotal septum, and what is its function?
a structure that divides the interior of the scrotum into two chambers.
124
What is the dartos muscle, and where is it located?
The dartos muscle is smooth muscle located in the subcutaneous tissue and scrotal septum.
125
What are cremaster muscles, and what is their function?
skeletal muscle extensions of the internal oblique muscles that descend through the scrotum and attach to the testes.
Their function is to draw the testes closer to the body when exposed to cold external temperatures.
126
What are the primary functions of the reproductive systems in males and females?
produce and secrete hormones, produce and store gametes, and facilitate fertilization, fetal development, childbirth, and nourishment of the newborn.
127
What hormones are produced and secreted by the female reproductive system?
estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
128
What hormone is produced and secreted by the male reproductive system?
testosterone.
129
What gametes are produced and stored by the female reproductive system?
oocytes
130
What gametes are produced and stored by the male reproductive system?
sperm cells
