Test 2

Question 1

gonad

Answer 1

Gonads are the primary reproductive organs responsible for producing gametes (reproductive cells) and hormones.

• Male Gonads: Testes
  
  • Function: Produce sperm and testosterone.
  • Location: Scrotum.
• Female Gonads: Ovaries
  
  • Function: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen, progesterone).
  • Location: Pelvic cavity.

Gonads are crucial for sexual reproduction and development.

Question 2

testis

Answer 2

The testes (singular: testis) are the male gonads responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone.

Key Functions:
1. Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis): The testes produce sperm, which are essential for fertilizing the female egg during reproduction.
2. Hormone Production: The testes produce testosterone, which is responsible for developing male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., facial hair, deep voice, muscle mass).

Structure:
- Located in the scrotum outside the body to maintain a slightly cooler temperature, which is optimal for sperm production.
- Inside the testes are structures called seminiferous tubules, where sperm are produced.

In summary, the testes play a critical role in male fertility and sexual development.

Question 3

scrotum

Answer 3

The scrotum is a pouch of skin and muscle that houses and protects the testes (testicles) in males.

Key Functions:
1. Temperature Regulation: The scrotum helps regulate the temperature of the testes. It keeps the testes slightly cooler than the body’s core temperature, which is essential for sperm production.
- When it’s warm, the scrotum relaxes and hangs lower.
- When it’s cold, the scrotum contracts, pulling the testes closer to the body for warmth.

2. Protection: The scrotum provides a protective covering for the testes, reducing the risk of injury.

Structure:
- The scrotum is made of skin, smooth muscle, and connective tissue. The muscle tissue (called the dartos muscle) helps with the temperature regulation by contracting or relaxing.
- It contains two compartments, each housing one testis.

In summary, the scrotum plays a critical role in maintaining optimal conditions for sperm production and protecting the testes.

Question 4

seminiferous tubule

Answer 4

The seminiferous tubules are coiled structures found inside the testes that are responsible for the production of sperm.

Key Functions:
1. Spermatogenesis: The seminiferous tubules are the sites where sperm are produced through a process called spermatogenesis.
- Specialized cells in the tubules called Sertoli cells support and nourish developing sperm cells.
- Spermatogonia (precursor cells) mature into sperm cells (spermatozoa) over several stages.

2. Testosterone Production: While the seminiferous tubules focus on sperm production, Leydig cells, which are located outside the tubules in the surrounding tissue of the testes, produce testosterone.

Structure:
- The seminiferous tubules are long, tightly coiled tubes within each testis.
- They connect to a network of ducts called the rete testis, which transports sperm to the epididymis for further maturation.

In summary, the seminiferous tubules are crucial for the creation of sperm and are a key component of male fertility.

Question 5

Female reproductive system

Answer 5

Cervix, Fallopian Tube, Vagina, Ovary, Uterus

Question 6

Male Reproductive system

Answer 6

penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles.

Question 7

epididymas

Answer 7

The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the back of each testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Key Functions:
1. Sperm Maturation: Sperm produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes move to the epididymis, where they undergo further maturation. This process takes several days and allows sperm to gain the ability to swim and fertilize an egg.

2. Sperm Storage: The epididymis serves as a storage site for mature sperm until ejaculation. It can hold sperm for weeks if necessary.
3. Sperm Transport: During ejaculation, sperm are moved from the epididymis into the vas deferens, which carries them to the urethra for expulsion from the body.
   ### Structure:
   - The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that wraps around the testis. It consists of three parts: the head, body, and tail.
   - The head is where sperm initially enter after leaving the testes.
   - The tail is where sperm are stored before ejaculation.
   In summary, the epididymis is essential for sperm maturation, storage, and transport in the male reproductive system.

Question 8

ductus deferens

Answer 8

Sperm Transport: The ductus deferens carries mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. This is part of the pathway that sperm takes during ejaculation.

Smooth Muscle Contraction: The walls of the ductus deferens contain smooth muscle that contracts during ejaculation to propel sperm forward.

Connection to Accessory Glands: As the ductus deferens passes through the seminal vesicles, sperm mix with seminal fluid to form semen, which is then ejaculated through the urethra.

Question 9

penis

Answer 9

Shaft: The elongated part of the penis.
Glans: The rounded tip of the penis, also called the head, which is covered by a fold of skin called the foreskin (in males who are not circumcised).
Urethra: A tube that runs through the penis, allowing urine and semen to exit the body.
Corpora cavernosa and Corpus spongiosum: Three columns of erectile tissue that become engorged with blood during sexual arousal, causing an erection.

Question 10

seminal vesicle

Answer 10

Seminal Fluid Production: The seminal vesicles produce a significant portion of the seminal fluid (semen). This fluid nourishes and supports the sperm, providing energy and a protective environment for sperm as they travel through the female reproductive tract.
Alkaline Environment: The fluid produced by the seminal vesicles is alkaline, which helps neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina, increasing the chances of sperm survival.
Semen Composition: The fluid from the seminal vesicles contains fructose (a sugar that provides energy for sperm), enzymes, and other substances that aid sperm motility and protect them from immune defenses in the female reproductive system.

Question 11

GNRH, FSH, LH

Answer 11

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) are key hormones involved in regulating the reproductive system in both males and females.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)
- Source: Produced by the hypothalamus in the brain.
- Function: Stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
- Source: Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
- Function:
- In males: Stimulates Sertoli cells in the testes to support sperm production (spermatogenesis).
- In females: Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of estrogen.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Source: Also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
- Function:
- In males: Stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
- In females: Triggers ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and the formation of the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to support pregnancy.

In Summary:
- GnRH from the hypothalamus triggers the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary.
- FSH and LH regulate the production of sperm and testosterone in males, and egg maturation, ovulation, and hormone production in females.

Question 12

Inhibin

Answer 12

Inhibin
Source:
In males: Produced by Sertoli cells in the testes.
In females: Produced by the ovaries (specifically the granulosa cells in the follicles).
Function:
In males: Inhibits the release of FSH from the pituitary gland, helping to regulate sperm production by providing feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary.
In females: Inhibits FSH production, particularly during the latter part of the menstrual cycle, helping to regulate the maturation of ovarian follicles.

Question 13

estrogen

Answer 13

Estrogen
Source: Primarily produced by the ovaries (particularly the developing follicles and corpus luteum), though small amounts are produced in males by the testes.
Function:
In females: Estrogen regulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development, widening of hips) and the menstrual cycle. It promotes the maturation of the egg during the follicular phase and stimulates the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for pregnancy.
In males: Estrogen plays a lesser role but is involved in regulating the function of the male reproductive system, including sperm maturation.

Question 14

Progesterone

Answer 14

Progesterone
Source: Primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation and, during pregnancy, by the placenta.
Function:
In females: Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy. It maintains the endometrial lining, inhibits uterine contractions, and suppresses further ovulation during pregnancy.
In males: Progesterone plays a lesser, indirect role, but it is involved in the synthesis of other hormones like testosterone.

Question 15

Vagina

Answer 15

Key Functions of the Vagina:
Birth Canal: The vagina acts as the passage through which a baby is delivered during childbirth.
Sexual Intercourse: It receives the penis during sexual intercourse and serves as the pathway for sperm to enter the female reproductive system.
Menstrual Flow: The vagina is the passageway through which menstrual blood and tissue are expelled from the body during menstruation.
Protection: The vagina has a slightly acidic environment that helps prevent infections by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria.

Question 16

ovary

Answer 16

Egg Production (Oogenesis): The ovaries produce and store eggs. A female is born with a finite number of eggs, and they mature over time. Typically, one egg is released each month during ovulation.
Hormone Production:
Estrogen: This hormone regulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development, widening of hips) and controls the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone: After ovulation, the ovaries produce progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy and supports early stages of pregnancy if fertilization occurs.

Question 17

menopause

Answer 17

Menopause is the natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility. It is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though the exact timing can vary.

Key Aspects of Menopause:
Hormonal Changes:

The ovaries gradually reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones in the menstrual cycle.
The reduction in estrogen leads to the cessation of menstruation and the onset of various physical and emotional symptoms.

Question 18

menstrual cycle

Answer 18

Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes that a woman’s body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. The cycle is regulated by hormones and has four main phases:

Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5): This is when menstruation occurs. The shedding of the endometrial lining results in bleeding from the uterus, lasting about 3 to 7 days.
Follicular Phase (Day 1-13): This phase overlaps with the menstrual phase. During this phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the growth of ovarian follicles, each containing an egg. Estrogen levels rise, which helps rebuild the uterine lining.
Ovulation (Day 14): Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries. This is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and occurs roughly halfway through the menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a drop in progesterone, triggering the start of the next menstrual period.

Question 19

testosterone

Answer 19

Key Functions:
Male Sexual Development: Stimulates puberty, including deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, and muscle development.
Sperm Production: Supports sperm production in the testes.
Sexual Function: Affects libido (sexual drive) and erectile function.
Bone and Muscle Health: Helps maintain bone density and muscle mass.
Mood and Energy: Influences mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Regulation:
Testosterone levels are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which control the production of LH that stimulates the testes.

Question 20

do men go through menopause

Answer 20

Key Differences:
Menopause in women is characterized by the sudden and complete cessation of menstruation and a sharp decline in estrogen levels, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.
Andropause in men is more gradual and involves a slow decline in testosterone levels over many years, usually starting around age 30, with more noticeable changes occurring in their 40s and 50s.

Question 21

menstruation

Answer 21

Menstruation is a normal part of the female reproductive cycle, signifying the shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy has not occurred. It is regulated by hormones and typically happens every 28 days, although the length of the cycle can vary. Menstruation involves bleeding, and the accompanying hormonal changes can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms.

Question 22

oviduct

Answer 22

The oviduct, also known as the fallopian tube, is a pair of tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus in females.

Key Functions:
Egg Transport: The oviduct serves as the pathway for the egg (ova) released from the ovary during ovulation to travel toward the uterus.
Fertilization: The oviduct is the site where fertilization typically occurs. When sperm meet the egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization can take place before the fertilized egg moves into the uterus for implantation.
Movement of the Egg: Ciliated (hair-like) cells in the lining of the oviduct help move the egg from the ovary toward the uterus. These cilia, along with muscular contractions, assist in this movement.

Question 23

prostate gland

Answer 23

Key Functions:
Seminal Fluid Production: The prostate produces a significant portion of the semen. The fluid from the prostate is slightly alkaline and helps nourish and protect sperm, aiding their movement through the female reproductive tract.
Muscle Contractions During Ejaculation: The prostate contains smooth muscle that contracts during ejaculation, helping to expel semen through the urethra.
Regulation of Urinary Flow: The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It helps control the flow of urine by providing some resistance and by contracting during ejaculation to prevent urine from flowing.

Question 24

Cowpers gland

Answer 24

he Cowper’s glands (or bulbourethral glands) are small glands located beneath the prostate. They secrete a clear fluid known as pre-ejaculate during sexual arousal.

Key Functions:
Lubrication: The fluid lubricates the urethra and the tip of the penis.
Neutralizing Acidity: It neutralizes any residual acidity in the urethra, protecting sperm during ejaculation.
In summary, the Cowper’s glands help prepare the urethra for sperm by providing lubrication and creating a safer environment for sperm.

Question 25

endometrium

Answer 25

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. It plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system.

Key Functions:
Menstrual Cycle: The endometrium thickens each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If no fertilized egg implants, the lining is shed during menstruation.
Implantation: If an egg is fertilized, the endometrium provides a nutrient-rich environment for the fertilized egg to implant and begin developing into an embryo.
Support for Pregnancy: After implantation, the endometrium continues to support the early stages of pregnancy by providing nutrients and helping the embryo to grow.

Question 26

FimBraie

Answer 26

Fimbriae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes (oviducts), near the ovaries.

Key Functions:
Egg Capture: During ovulation, the fimbriae help capture the egg released from the ovary and guide it into the fallopian tube for potential fertilization.
Transport: They help direct the egg toward the tube, where sperm may fertilize it.
In Summary:
Fimbriae are crucial for capturing the egg after ovulation and facilitating its journey toward the fallopian tube for fertilization.

Question 27

Ovarian cycle

Answer 27

the ovarian cycle has three stages:

Follicular Phase (Day 1-13): Follicles in the ovary mature under the influence of FSH, and estrogen is produced. One dominant follicle prepares to release an egg.

Ovulation (Day 14): A surge in LH causes the mature follicle to release an egg into the fallopian tube.

Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): The corpus luteum forms, producing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining for possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop, leading to menstruation.

In summary, the ovarian cycle involves egg maturation, ovulation, and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.