The Reproductive System

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Reproductive System chapter, including structures, functions, hormonal regulation, and reproductive processes for both male and female systems.

What are the primary sex organs in the male reproductive system?

Testes

What are the primary sex organs in the female reproductive system?

Ovaries

Name the accessory reproductive organs in the male reproductive system.

Ducts, glands, and external genitalia.

List the glands found in the male reproductive system.

Prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands.

What is the primary function of the testes?

Produce testosterone and release sperm.

What hormones are involved in male reproductive function?

Androgens (testosterone) and other hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary.

Where does sperm maturation occur?

In the epididymis.

What structures serve as the pathway for sperm?

Seminiferous tubules, tubulus rectus, rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymis.

What is the role of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system?

Secretes a milky fluid that contributes to semen.

What does the seminal vesicle secrete?

An alkaline fluid with fructose and clotting proteins.

How does the bulbourethral gland function in the male reproductive system?

Secretes alkaline fluid and mucus for lubrication.

What is the function of the scrotum?

Regulates the temperature of the testes for functional sperm production.

What are the components of the penis?

Crura, root, body, corpus cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, glans penis, and prepuce.

Define spermatogenesis.

The process of sperm production.

What are Sertoli cells' functions in the testes?

Support and protect developing sperm cells and form the blood-testis barrier.

What is the role of Leydig cells?

Produce testosterone.

Describe the pathway of sperm from production to ejaculation.

Testes → Epididymis → Ductus deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra.

What is semen composed of?

Sperm and accessory gland secretions.

What triggers ejaculation?

Contraction of the bulbospongiosus muscle.

Explain the hormonal regulation involved in sperm production.

The hypothalamus releases GnRH, stimulating FSH and LH from the pituitary, which regulates testosterone and sperm production.

What occurs during the ovulatory phase of the ovarian cycle?

The primary oocyte completes meiosis I and is ovulated as a secondary oocyte.

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

What are the functions of the ovaries?

Produce female gametes (ova) and secrete sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Name the hormones released by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle.

Estrogens and progesterone.

What characterizes the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?

Rebuilding of the endometrial layer in response to rising estrogen levels.

Define oogenesis.

The production of female gametes (ova) in the ovaries.

How many chromosomes do gametes have?

Gametes are haploid (n) and contain 23 chromosomes.

What is the function of the fimbriae in the female reproductive system?

Create currents to help move the oocyte into the uterine tube.

What are the external genitalia in females?

Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule.

What role does progesterone play in the menstrual cycle?

Helps prepare the uterus for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.

What is a common method for prostate cancer screening?

Digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA testing.

What changes occur in females during puberty?

Development of secondary sex characteristics and changes in reproductive organs.

What is testosterone's role in males?

Initiates spermatogenesis and contributes to the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

What is the primary structure of the female breast?

Mammary glands.

How is the uterine cycle divided?

Menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase.

What is the significance of the luteal phase?

Correlates with the presence of a corpus luteum, which secretes hormones.

How can the hormonal changes during the ovarian cycle be characterized?

By FSH and LH fluctuations affecting follicle development and hormone release.

Where does fertilization typically occur?

In the ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube.

What happens if fertilization does not occur?

The corpus luteum degenerates and hormone levels drop, leading to menstruation.

What is the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis?

Regulates reproductive function through hormone release.

What are the main components of the female reproductive system?

Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, and external genitalia.

What characterizes the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle?

Shedding of the endometrial layer.

What is the function of the clitoris?

Organ of female sexual arousal.

What is the primary function of the testes?

Production of sperm and secretion of testosterone.

How do sperm contribute to fertilization?

Deliver genetic information from the male to the egg.

What is the corpus luteum and its significance?

A structure that forms after ovulation, secreting progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

How do estrogens affect the female body?

Promote oogenesis, regulate the menstrual cycle, and induce secondary sexual characteristics.

What happens during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?

Follicles mature and produce estrogens in preparation for ovulation.

Describe the events during ejaculation.

Emission of sperm followed by the expulsion of semen.

What is the effective method to prevent pregnancy through a vasectomy?

Cutting and ligating the ductus deferens.

What is the significance of the primary follicle?

It represents the initial stage of oocyte maturation in the ovary.

What is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

A hormone that stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries and sperm production in the testes.

Explain the role of inhibin in male reproductive health.

Inhibin inhibits FSH release when sperm production is adequate.

What changes occur in testosterone levels throughout life?

Testosterone levels peak in adolescence and can decline with age.

What anatomical structures support the ovaries?

Ovarian ligament, broad ligament, and suspensory ligament.

What is a common symptom of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)?

Weak urinary stream.

What is a mammogram?

An X-ray used to screen for breast cancer.

What triggers the LH surge during the menstrual cycle?

Rising estrogen levels from the developing follicle.

What is the term for the shedding of the endometrial lining during menstruation?

Menstrual phase.

What are polar bodies?

Small cells that result from oocyte division and typically degenerate.

What are the major roles of progesterone in females?

Regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains pregnancy.

What is the significance of the myometrium in the uterus?

It consists of muscle layers that contract during childbirth.

What are some risk factors for breast cancer?

Family history, early menstruation, and late menopause.

What is the process of fertilization?

The fusion of a sperm cell and an oocyte.

How is sperm transported within the male reproductive system?

Through ducts via peristaltic movement and contractions.

What occurs in the luteal phase if fertilization takes place?

The corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone.

What is the function of the suspensory ligament of the ovary?

Anchors the ovary to the pelvic wall.

What characterizes the function of the endometrium?

It thickens in preparation for potential implantation and is shed during menstruation.

What is the average number of oocytes available at birth?

Approximately 1 to 2 million.

What structures within the breast are responsible for milk delivery?

Lactiferous ducts.

What is the typical length of the menstrual cycle?

28 days.

What triggers the start of the ovarian cycle at puberty?

Decreased estrogen inhibition due to leptin from adipose tissue.

What is the role of the vesicular (Graafian) follicle?

Mature follicle ready for ovulation.

What is the role of smooth muscle in the female reproductive system?

Facilitates contractions during childbirth and the menstrual cycle.