Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Health Science > Unit 6 Terms > Flashcards

Unit 6 Terms Flashcards

1
Q

Testes

A

The testes are the primary reproductive organs in males, responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Located in the scrotum, a skin sac that hangs outside the body cavity
Surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea
Divided into lobules, each containing one to four seminiferous tubules, the actual sperm-forming factories

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Epididymis

A

A highly coiled tube that caps the superior part of the testis
Responsible for the temporary storage and maturation of sperm
Takes about 20 days for sperm to mature and gain the ability to swim

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Ductus Deferens

A

A muscular tube that propels sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Located in the scrotum and pelvic cavity
Has thick layers of smooth muscle that create peristaltic waves to rapidly squeeze sperm forward

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Urethra

A

The terminal part of the male duct system
Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis
Has three named regions: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Accessory Glands

A

Seminal vesicles: produce about 60% of the fluid volume of semen. A fructose rich fluid that provides energy for the sperm.
Prostate gland: produces a thick, yellowish secretion that makes up a significant portion of semen. Helps to activate sperm.
Bulbourethral glands: produce a thick, clear mucus that drains into the penile urethra to help lubricate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Gonads

A

The gonads are the primary reproductive organs, responsible for producing gametes (sperm or eggs) and sex hormones.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Semen

A

Semen is a milky white, sticky mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions. It has the following functions:

Transport medium: carries sperm through the female reproductive tract
Nutrient supply: provides sperm with nutrients and energy
pH buffer: helps to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Ejaculation

A

Ejaculation is the process by which semen is released from the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Cirsumcision

A

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the prepuce (foreskin) from the penis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Sperm Pathway

A

Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
Sperm travel through the rete testis to the epididymis
Sperm mature and gain the ability to swim in the epididymis
Sperm are propelled from the epididymis to the urethra through the ductus deferens
Sperm are released from the body through ejaculation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Male Reproductive System

A

The male reproductive system is designed to produce sperm and deliver them into the female reproductive tract. The system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Sperm Production

A

Sperm production, or spermatogenesis, begins during puberty and continues throughout life. The process involves the following stages:

Spermatogonia: primitive stem cells that divide to form spermatocytes
Meiosis: a special type of nuclear division that occurs in the gonads (testes and ovaries)
Spermiogenesis: the final stage of sperm development, where excess cytoplasm is stripped away and a tail is formed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Structure of the Sperm

A

Head- contains the nucleus with 23 chromosomes.
Midpiece- contains mitochondria which provides energy for movement.
Tail- a long whip-like structure that propels the sperm through the female reproductive tract.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Penis

A

The penis is designed to deliver sperm into the female reproductive tract. It consists of the shaft, glans penis, and prepuce (foreskin).

Erectile tissue: fills with blood during sexual arousal, causing the penis to become erect and rigid.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Spermatogenesis

A

Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperm are produced in the testes. This process involves the division of spermatogonia into primary spermatocytes, which then undergo meiosis to produce spermatids. The spermatids then mature into sperm.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Female Reproductive System

A

The female reproductive system is a complex process that involves the production of eggs and the nurturing of a developing fetus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Ovaries

A

The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs, responsible for producing eggs and hormones. Each ovary contains many tiny follicles, which mature and release an egg during ovulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Uterine Tubes

A

The uterine tubes are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They provide a pathway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Uterus

A

The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that nurtures and supports a developing fetus during pregnancy. It is composed of three layers: the endometrium, the myometrium, and the perimetrium.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Endometrium

A

The innermost layer of the uterus, which lines the uterine cavity and supports the growth of a fetus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Myometrium

A

The middle layer of the uterus, which is composed of smooth muscle and contracts during childbirth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Perimetrium

A

The outermost layer of the uterus, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the uterus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Fertilization

A

Fertilization is the process by which a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote, which develops into a fetus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

External Genitalia

A

The external genitalia, also known as the vulva, include the:

Mons pubis: a fatty, rounded area overlying the pubic symphysis
Labia majora: two elongated hair-covered skin folds that enclose the labia minora
Labia minora: two delicate, hair-free folds that enclose the vestibule
Clitoris: a small, protruding structure that corresponds to the male penis
Vestibule: a region that contains the external openings of the urethra and vagina
Greater vestibular glands: a pair of mucus-producing glands that flank the vagina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Internal Genitalia

A

Ovaries: two small, oval-shaped organs that produce ova and hormones
Fallopian tubes: two narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus
Uterus: a hollow, muscular organ that supports the development of a fetus
Cervix: the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina
Vagina: a thin-walled tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Oogenesis

A

Oogenesis is the process by which ova (eggs) are produced in the ovaries. It involves the division of oogonia (female stem cells) to produce primary oocytes, which then undergo meiosis to produce secondary oocytes, which are released from the ovary during ovulation. The secondary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of follicle cells, known as the corona radiata.

The stages of oogenesis are:

Primary oocyte: a cell that replicates its chromosomes and begins meiosis
First meiotic division: a division that produces a secondary oocyte and a polar body
Second meiotic division: a division that produces a mature ovum and another polar body

27
Q

Ovarian Cycle

A

The ovarian cycle is the monthly series of changes that occur in the ovaries in response to hormonal changes. The cycle includes:

Follicular development: the growth of follicles in the ovaries in response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Ovulation: the release of a mature ovum from the ovary
Luteal phase: the period after ovulation during which the corpus luteum produces progesterone

28
Q

Menstruation

A

Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) in response to hormonal changes. It occurs when there is no pregnancy and the corpus luteum degenerates.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones, including:

Estrogen: a hormone produced by the follicles that stimulates the growth of the endometrium
Progesterone: a hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation FSH: a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates follicular development

29
Q

FSH and LH

A

The anterior pituitary gland produces two important hormones that regulate ovarian function: FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone).

FSH promotes the growth and development of follicles in the ovary. LH triggers ovulation and causes the release of the secondary oocyte from the ovary.

30
Q

Meiosis in Females

A

Meiosis in females results in the production of one mature ovum and three polar bodies. The polar bodies are small, non-viable cells that deteriorate and die quickly.

The mature ovum is a large, non-motile cell that is well-stocked with nutrients.
The polar bodies have essentially no cytoplasm and are not capable of surviving on their own.

31
Q

Meiosis in Males

A

meiosis in males results in the production of four functional sperm, each equipped with a tail for locomotion. The sperm have little nutrient-containing cytoplasm, relying on seminal fluid for survival.

32
Q

Puberty

A

Puberty is the process of physical changes by which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual
reproduction to enable fertilization. It is initiated by hormonal signals from the brain to the gonads

33
Q

In Males…

A

Hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin releasing hormone which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH and LH
> FSH stimulates the seminiferous tubules to produce sperm
> LH stimulates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone (for life)

34
Q

Testosterone Stimulates…

A

> body growth
primary sex organ development
sex drive
final sperm maturation
secondary sex characteristics
Increased levels of testosterone inhibit the production of FSH and LH (negative feedback). Without testosterone, sexual infantilism and sterility will result

35
Q

Secondary Sex Characteristics in Males…

A

– deepening of voice
– increase hair growth all over body
– enlargement of skeletal muscle
– increased bone density
– acne

36
Q

In Females…

A

The pituitary glands produces FSH and LH
> FSH initiates the maturation of an ovum (egg cell) inside a fluid-filled sac or a follicle in the ovary
> FSH & LH stimulate the follicle to secrete estrogen
* Ovaries become active at puberty and begin producing ova and estrogen

37
Q

Estrogen Stimulates…

A

secondary sex characteristics
> enlargement of accessory ograns (fallopian tubes, uterus, etc.)
> development of breasts
> appearance of arm pit and pubic hair
> increases fat deposits in hips/breasts
> widening of pelvis
> onset of menstrual cycle
> maintains low cholesterol and facilitates calcium uptake

38
Q

Progesterone

A

helps maintain pregnancy (inhibits uterine contraction and prepares breasts for milk production)

39
Q

Day 1-5; Menstrual Phase

A

> low estrogen and low progesterone
endometrium is being shed; lasts for 3-5 days
50-150 mL blood loss during this time
By day 5, growing ovarian follicles begin to produce increased levels of estrogen due to increased FSH

40
Q

Days 6-14; Proliferative Phase

A

> low estrogen and low progesterone
endometrium is being shed; lasts for 3-5 days
50-150 mL blood loss during this time
By day 5, growing ovarian follicles begin to produce increased levels of estrogen due to increased FSH

41
Q

Days 15-28; Secretary Phase

A

> low estrogen and low progesterone
endometrium is being shed; lasts for 3-5 days
50-150 mL blood loss during this time
By day 5, growing ovarian follicles begin to produce increased levels of estrogen due to increased FSH

42
Q

Accomplishing Fertilization

A

Despite the high numbers, the mortality rate among sperm cells is extremely high depending on the environment
they are in. Sperm retain their fertilization power within the female reproductive tract for 24-48 hours after ejaculation
* Each egg has a protective membrane around it.
* An enzyme carried by the cap at the top of the sperm cells is needed to help break down this membrane to permit
entrance. It takes multiple sperm cells trying to get into the egg to penetrate the egg’s membrane
* Once a single sperm has entered the egg, a chemical barrier to all other sperm is established.
* The sperm which was successful in entering the egg loses its tail and combines its chromosomes with those of the egg (nuclear fusion).
* This new cell, with the normal diploid chromosome number, is the zygote.

43
Q

If an egg becomes fertilized…

A

the menstrual cycle does not begin. Progesterone levels remain high (corpus luteum
does not degenerate) and the endometrium begins secreting a fluid rich in nutrients for a developing embryo.

44
Q

Establishment of an Embryo in the Uterus

A

Successful fertilization does not necessarily ensure successful reproduction.
* A fertilized egg or zygote takes about two to three days to move the rest of the way through an oviduct before entering the uterus.
* During the movement, the zygote has been dividing mitotically and also
forming a membrane around itself. This membrane produces and releases enzymes which help clear the way to the uterus.
* In the uterus, the enzymes then enable the embryo to work into the thickened uterine wall.
* A successful implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall means that a successful pregnancy will have been established.

45
Q

After a placenta has become established

A

(approximately 10 weeks in), it will begin producing and releasing progesterone
itself (corpus luteum was producing progesterone due to influence from embryo).
* The placenta and the umbilical cord permit nutrients and waste materials to pass back and forth between the mother and
embryo(s). Exchanges between mother and embryo take place at the placenta.
* There is no direct joining of the two circulatory systems, but mother’s antibodies can pass to
fetus to help protect newborn until its immune system is functioning. This connection continues until the new offspring is ready to be born

46
Q

Labor

A
  • Labor begins with the pituitary gland releasing oxytocin (which causes the uterine walls to contract)
  • at this point the cervix begins to dilate
  • contraction increases the amount of oxytocin being released (positive feedback)
  • this process continues until the baby is expelled through the birth canal and the placenta detached from the uterine wall
    and is also expelled
47
Q

Ultrasound

A
  • utilizes sound waves that travel through the body and cause particles to vibrate back and forth
  • ultrasounds utilize ultrasonic sound waves that travel at a high frequency (to high to be heard) to produce an electronic image
  • When sound waves hit something at an angle, a certain amount of the sound is transmitted through it and the rest bounces off. This reflected wave is called an echo.
48
Q

How does an ultrasound work?

A
  • Step 1: A transducer emits sound waves by converting electrical energy from the power course to sound waves
  • Step 2: Sound waves travel into the body, creating echoes when they reach the boundaries between substances (ie. skin and muscle or fat)
  • Step 3: Echoes are received by the transducer where they are converted back into electrical energy which can be interpreted by a computer to create an image
49
Q

Ultrasound Facts

A

> different ultrasound frequencies (energies) are used
depending on the type of scan being done; the higher the frequency, the greater the resolution but the less
penetration of the wave
– transabdominal sounds = 2­5MHz
– transvaginal, neck, scrotum, breast = 5­10 MHz
– Skin/Eye = 20 MHz
Different types of body tissues affect the speed at
which sound waves travel. The speed at which the
sound waves are returned to the transducer, as well
as how much of the sound wave returns, is translated
by the transducer as different types of tissue.
– white indicates a dense substance like bone
(reflects most of the sound waves; absorbs
almost no waves)
– greyscale indicates a medium dense substance like fat or muscle (reflects some of the sound waves; but also absorbs some waves)
– black indicates fluid reflectors like blood or amniotic fluid (reflects none of the sound waves; absorbs most of the waves)

50
Q

Corpus Luteum

A

Continues to secrete progesterone until placenta is formed, then the placenta takes over and the corpus luteum breaks down.

51
Q

Contraception

A

the deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices.
* many kinds of birth control available that prevent fertilization OR implantation
> hormonal
> barrier
> IUDs
> Sterilization
> Behavioral
> Emergency
> Dual Protection (utilizing more than 1 of the options above

52
Q

Reproductive Technologies

A

the use of medical techniques, such as drug therapy, artificial insemination, or in
vitro fertilization, to enhance fertility
> Fertility medications
> AI
> IVF and ET
> Embryo Adoption
> Surrogate Motherhood

53
Q

Hormonal Contraception

A
  • “The Pill”
    > taken everyday
    > contains progesterins (progesterone like hormones) and estrogen
    > prevents LH and FSH from being secreted; tricks the body into thinking it is “pregnant” by taking advantage
    of a negative feedback loop
    > no follicular development, no ovulation, lower menstrual flow
    > However, there might be long-term hormonal side effects
  • “The Needle”
    > taken every 3 months
    > contains synthetic progesterone
    > causes cervical mucous to become thick and blocks the passage of sperm
54
Q

Barrier Contraception

A

diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom, birth control sponge
> inserted into female reproductive tract to block the entry of sperm into the
uterus
* male condom
> latex sheath worn over penis
> prevents sperm from entering vagina

55
Q

IUDs

A
  • plastic or metal device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent implantation of
    zygote by altering the environment of the uterus with hormones or chemicals
  • can result in uterine perforation or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
56
Q

Sterilization

A
  • permanent surgical sterilizations are used to prevent the movements of gametes to areas where fertilization could occur by cutting off access within the duct networks by cutting or cauterizing tubes within system
  • In females, abdominal incisions can be made so that access to the oviducts permits them to be tied off somewhere along their lengths. This tubal ligation prevents the movement of eggs from ovaries to the uterus
57
Q

Vasectomy

A

a male can have small incisions
made in the sides of the scrotum or sac holding the
testes.
* The vas deferens along the sides are exposed, tied
off in two places and then surgically cut between the
two tie-offs.
* This prevents sperm from moving out of the
testes.

58
Q

Behavrioural Contraception

A
  • regulating the timing or method of intercourse to prevent the introduction of
    sperm into the female reproductive tract (either all together or when an egg may be present)
  • Types include
    > fertility awareness (AKA natural family planning)
    > withdrawal
    > abstinence
59
Q

Emergency Contraception

A
  • medications or devices used to prevent fertilization or implantation after unprotected sexual intercourse
  • AKA “Morning After Pill” (Plan B)
  • contains concentrated estrogen and progesterone combinations that “mess-up” normal hormone signals
    required for fertilization or implantation
60
Q

Infertility

A
  • Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that inhibits the ability of a couple to have a baby
  • infertility can affect both males and females. Causes include:
    > Females: ovulation problems, cervical infertility, uterine causes
    > Males: low sperm count, abnormally shaped sperm, low sperm motility
61
Q

Fertility Medications

A
  • stimulate the development of more than one follicle
  • results in superovulation (the release of more than 1 egg)
62
Q

Artificial Insemination

A

collected sperm is placed directly into uterus, bypassing the vagina and cervix
* can be accomplished with donor sperm

63
Q

In-vitro Fertilization and Embryo Tansfer

A
  • eggs and sperm are harvested and placed together in petri dish or test tube
  • resulting zygotes are left to develop into embryos
  • 2-3 embryos are transferred into females uterus
64
Q

Adoption/Surrogate

A

Embryo Adoption
* excess embryos from IVF are donated to an infertile couple
Surrogate Motherhood
* a woman carries and delivers a child for another person/couple
* surrogate mother may be biological mother (using AI) or not (using IVF)

Health Science (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions