The Reproductive System Flashcards
Where is sperm generated?
Testes
Where is the testes housed?
Scrotum
Sperm are produced in what structure in the testes
Seminiferous tubules
What is the process of generating sperm called?
Spermatogenesis
What is the function of the hormone testosterone?
Initiate and maintain sperm production
What is the function of the epididymis?
Stores sperm before ejaculation
What is the vas deferens
Channel that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
What happens at the ejaculatory duct?
Site where secretions from different glands are mixed with sperm to produce semen
What is the function of the seminal vesicles?
Glands that secrete a fructose containing liquid to nourish sperm
What is the prostate gland?
Gland that secretes an alkaline fluid to enable sperm to survive in the acidic reproductive tract of females
What does the bulbourethral glands produce?
Produce a viscous fluid that lubricates the male reproductive tract
Pathway of sperm travel during spermatogenesis - ejaculation
(Seven up)
Seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra, penis
The male reproductive system is responsible for the generation of which male gametes?
Sperm
What is the purpose of the female reproductive system?
Production of female gametes, Ova
Incubation of the fetus during pregnancy
What is the process of ova production?
Production of Ova in the ovaries
What happens during oogenesis?
One haploid ovum is produced from one diploid cell along with two polar bodies through meiotic division, so females have a 1:1 diploid to haploid cell ratio, while males have a 1:4 ratio
What is the fallopian tube?
Tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus
(Site of fertilization)
What kind of tissue is the endometrium?
Tissue with many blood vessels that nourishes the developing embryo
What is the placenta?
Site of nutrient and waste exchange for the developing fetus
What is menstruation?
Process during which the endometrium is shed
How long is the female menstrual cycle?
Approximately 28 days
The female menstrual cycle can be divided into what phases?
Follicular ( before ovulation) luteal (after ovulation) phases
What occurs during the follicular phase?
Ovarian follicle matures
What happens during the luteal phase?
Follows ovulation in which the corpus luteum produces progesterone in preparation for fertilization of the ovum
What is the Ovarian Follicle?
Structure in the ovaries that contains a developing ovum
What occurs during ovulation?
Process that releases an ovum from the ovarian follicle
What is the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?(Late, early)
Leads to the maturation of one ovarian follicle
Thickening of the endometrium
(Early) Inhibits the release of more FSH to prevent the maturation of multiple follicles
(Late) acts as a positive feedback loop to drive more FSH release, culminating in the release of LH
What is the corpus luteum?
A structure that develops from the ruptured follicle and secretes progesterone
The menstrual cycle is regulated by which hormones?
FSH
LH
Estrogen
Progesterone
