Reproductive Systems

Question 1

Mutations on which sex chromosome are most likely to cause problems for males and why?

Answer 1

Mutations on the X chromosome because of the hemizygous nature of males

Question 2

What does hemizygous mean?

Answer 2

Having only one copy of each chromosomes, so XY for males, so mixed

Question 3

What are the differences between X and Y chromosomes?

Answer 3

The X chromosome carries the bulk of the genetic information while the Y has very little.

Question 4

What is SRY?

Answer 4

Sex-Determining Region Y found on the Y chromosome. This region codes for a transcription factor that initiates testis differentiation and formation of male gonads.

Question 5

What is the pathway of sperm through the male reproductive system?

Answer 5

SEVE(N) UP
S - Seminiferous tubules
E - Epididymis
V - Vas deferens (also the ductus deferens)
E - Ejaculatory duct
N - (Nothing)
U - Urethra
P - Penis

Question 6

Describe the structure of the testis?

Answer 6

The testis consists of two main components
Seminiferous tubules - highly coiled where sperm are produced
-Serotoli cells - cells within the tubule which help nourish sperm and promote development
Interstitial cells of Leydig - cells that are outside of the tubules but still within the testis and they secrete testosterone and other androgens upon puberty
The testis are enveloped in the scrotum

Question 7

Describe the epidiymis

Answer 7

The sperm are STORED here until ejaculation after they have been formed on their way from the testis. Their flagella gain motility here too

Question 8

Describe the vas deferens

Answer 8

The vas deferens just acts to carry the sperm from the epidiymis to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation

Question 9

Describe the ejaculatory duct

Answer 9

Sits on the posterior edge of the prostate gland and then two of them fuse into the urethra.

Question 10

Describe the urethra

Answer 10

Last portion of the pathway for sperm before exiting the penis, also part of the urinary system

Question 11

What is seminal fluid?

Answer 11

Sperm mixed with other stuff to form semen

Question 12

What is the process of forming sperm called?

Answer 12

spermatogenesis

Question 13

What are male diploid stem cells called?

Answer 13

spermatogonia

Question 14

What is the structure of sperm?

Answer 14

Head - contains the genetic material
-Acrosome - covers head
Midpiece - generates ATP from fructose, filled with mitochondria
Flagellum - for motility

Question 15

What are the female gonads called and what hormones do they produce?

Answer 15

ovaries; estrogen and progesterone

Question 16

What are follicles?

Answer 16

multilayered sacs that contain, nourish, and protect immature ova (eggs)

Question 17

What is the peritoneal sac?

Answer 17

It lines the abdominal cavity of females

Question 18

Describe the pathway of an ova

Answer 18

An ova is released from the ovaries, goes through the peritoneal sac, into the fallopian tube/oviduct lined with cilia, and into the muscular uterus, through the cervix and into the vaginal canal

Question 19

What is the production of female gametes called?

Answer 19

oogenesis

Question 20

What is GnRH and what does it do?

Answer 20

gonadotropin-releasing hormone - released by the hypothalamus upon reaching puberty which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to synthesize and release FSH and LH

Question 21

What hormones affect male sexual development and how?

Answer 21

Testosterone - development of secondary sexual characteristics and helps sperm production begin
FSH - stimulates the Sertoli cells and triggers sperm maturation
LH - causes interstitial cells to produce testosterone

Question 22

What hormones affect female sexual development and how?

Answer 22

Estrogens - secreted in response to FSH and result in development and maintenance of female reproductive system (lining of uterus) and secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone - involved in the development of endometrium but not creation

Question 23

What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 23

Ovulation —> Luteal Phase —> Menstruation —> Ovulation

Question 24

What is hCG?

Answer 24

human chorionic gonadotropin - analog of LH which maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy. This is important because the corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone to keep the lining in place. After the second trimester though the placenta can secrete enough of those hormones itself

Question 25

What causes menopause?

Answer 25

ovarian atrophy is when the ovaries become less sensitive to FSH and LH which causes the estrogen and progesterone levels to drop and therefore menstrual cycle stops. Menopause can cause hot flashes, headaches, bloating, etc.

Question 26

What do the seminal vesicle produce?

Answer 26

produce fructose to nourish sperm and produce fluid with mildly alkaline properties

Question 27

What do the prostate gland produce?

Answer 27

also produces fluid with mildly alkaline properties

Question 28

What do the bulbourethral gland produce?

Answer 28

produce clear viscous fluid that cleans out urine and lubricates the urethra

Question 29

What happens in the follicular phase with hormones?

Answer 29

Follicular Phase - begins with the menstrual flow of shedding the uterine lining. GnRH secretion increases due to decreases in estrogen and progesterone. High GnRH causes increases in FSH and LH. This creates follicles which produce estrogen. Estrogen causes the other hormones to level off and rebuilds the endometrial lining

Question 30

What happens during ovulation with hormones?

Answer 30

Ovulation - follicles result in increasing levels of estrogen which after a certain threshold result in spikes of GnRH, FSH and LH. The spike in LH results in ovulation and ruptured the follicle

Question 31

What happens during luteal phase with hormones?

Answer 31

Luteal Phase - LH causes the follicle to become a corpus luteum that secrete progesterone. These high levels of progesterone (and estrogen) help maintain the uterine lining and keep GnRH, FSH and LH down to prevent multiple ovulation

Question 32

What happens during menstruation with hormones?

Answer 32

Menstruation - corpus luteum stops secreting LH, progesterone declines and uterine lining sheds and the block on GnRH so the next cycle begins