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Body Systems > Reproductive Systems > Flashcards

Reproductive Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What are gametes?

A
  • Sex cells that fuse at fertilization to form a one-celled zygote, the first cell of the offspring
  • Sperm from male parent
  • Ovum from female parent
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2
Q

Describe the structure and location of the testes.

A
  • Testes in scrotum (lower temperature)
  • Covered by tunica albuginea which divides the testis into lobules containing seminiferous tubules
  • Interstitial cells produce testosterone
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3
Q

Describe the structure of spermatozoa.

A
  • Small, mobile cells
  • Head contains genetic material
  • Acrosome contains enzymes to assist sperm in penetration of ovum
  • mitochondria in midpiece provide energy for movement
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4
Q

List the functions of testosterone.

A
  • Promotes development of male accessory organs
  • “Masculinizes” - bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength
  • Production of RBCs and sperm
  • Deepening of the voice during puberty
  • Facial and pubic hair growth at puberty
  • Regulates libido
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5
Q

List and describe the reproductive ducts of the male reproductive system.

A
  • Epididymis - single, coiled tube about 6m in length; lies along the top and behind each testis in the scrotum; sperm mature and develop the capacity for motility as they pass through the epididymis
  • Vas deferens - also called ductus deferens; receives sperms from epididymis and transports them from scrotal sac through the abdominal cavity; passes through inguinal canal and then joins duct of seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct
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6
Q

List and briefly describe the glands of the male reproductive system and what each gland contributes to seminal fluid.

A
  • Seminal vesicles - pouchlike glands that produce about 60% of seminal fluid volume; secretion is yellowish, thick and rich in fructose to provide energy needed by sperm for motility
  • Prostate gland - shaped like a doughnut and located below the bladder; urethra passes through the gland; secretions represents 30% of seminal fluid volume; thin and milk coloured; activates sperm and is needed for ongoing sperm motility
  • Bulbourethral (cowper) glands - resemble peas in size and shape; secrete mucus-like fluid constituting less than 5% of seminal fluid volume.
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7
Q

Name the two types of erectile tissue in the penis.

A
  • Corpora cavernosa - two dorsal columns
  • Corpus spongiosum - one ventral column surrounding urethra
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8
Q

Describe the structure and location of the ovaries.

A
  • Paired glands weighing about 3g each
  • Resemble large almonds
  • Attached to ligaments in pelvic cavity of each side of uterus
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9
Q

Explain the development of an ovarian follicle from the primary follicle to the corpus luteum.

A

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle collapses and most of the follicle cells remain in the ovary. These follicle cells hypertrophy and become a postovulatory follicle or corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a transitory organ that has a hormonal regulatory role in the reproductive cycle.

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10
Q

List the functions of estrogen.

A
  • Produced by the ovaries
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics of young female during puberty
  • Responsible of menstruation, ovulation, breast growth, and the vascularization of the skin.
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11
Q

List the functions of progesterone.

A
  • Thickening the lining of uterus for implantation
  • Regulating bleeding during menstruation
  • Supporting a pregnancy once conception occurs
  • Helping to improve your mood
  • Supporting thyroid function
  • Supporting lactation
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12
Q

What is oogenesis?

A
  • Involves meiotic cell division that produces daughter cells with equal chromosome numbers (23) but unequal cytoplasm
  • Ovum is large; polar bodies are small and degenerate
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13
Q

Describe the structure of uterine tubes.

A
  • Uterine (fallopian) tubes (oviducts) extend about 10cm from uterus into abdominal cavity
  • Expanded distal end surrounded by fimbriae
  • Mucosal lining of tube is directly continuous with lining of abdominal cavity
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14
Q

Describe the structure of the uterus.

A
  • Composed of body, fundus, and cervix
  • Lies in pelvic cavity just behind urinary bladder
  • Myometrium is muscle layer
  • Endometrium is lost in menstruation
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15
Q

Describe the structure of the vagina.

A
  • Distensible tube about 10cm long
  • Located between urinary bladder and rectum in the pelvis
  • Receives penis during sexual intercourse and is birth canal for normal delivery of baby
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16
Q

Describe the structure of the greater and lesser vestibular glands.

A
  • Secrete mucous fluid that may lubricate during sexual intercourse
  • Ducts open between labia minora
  • Clinically important when they become infected (as in gonorrhea)
17
Q

Describe the structure of breasts.

A
  • Located over pectoral muscles of thorax
  • Size determined by quantity of fat tissue more than amount of glandular (milk-secreting) tissue
  • Lactiferous ducts drain at nipple, which is surrounded by pigmented areola
  • Lymphatic drainage important in spread of cancer cells to other body areas
18
Q

Explain what occurs during the menses phase of the reproductive cycle.

A
  • About the first 4 or 5 days of the cycle, varies somewhat
  • Characterized by sloughing of bits of endometrium with bleeding
  • First day of flow is day one of menstrual cycle
19
Q

Explain what occurs during the proliferative phase of the reproductive cycle.

A
  • Days between the end of menses and secretory phase; varies in length
  • The shorter the cycle, the shorter the proliferative phase; the longer the cycle the longer the proliferative phase
  • Characterized by proliferation of endometrium
20
Q

Explain what occurs during the secretory phase of the reproductive cycle.

A
  • Days between ovulation and beginning of next menses; secretory phase about 14 days before next menses
  • Characterized by further thickening of endometrium
  • Secretion by its glands in preparation for implantation of fertilized ovum
21
Q

Explain what occurs during ovulation.

A
  • Typically one ovum released per cycle, 14 days before next menses
  • Control - combined actions of the anterior pituitary hormones FSH and LH cause ovulation; sudden sharp decrease in estrogens and progesterone brings on menstruation if pregnancy does not occur

Body Systems (14 decks)

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