Reproductive System and Development: Spermatogenesis, Estrous Cycle, Fertilization, and Lactation

What is spermatogenesis?

The process of sperm cell development from spermatogonia through meiosis and maturation in the male reproductive system.

What is oogenesis?

The process of egg cell development in females, involving the formation of oocytes from oogonia and their maturation.

What is the structure of spermatozoa?

Spermatozoa consist of a head containing genetic material, a midpiece packed with mitochondria for energy, and a tail (flagellum) for motility.

What are the components of the male reproductive system?

The male reproductive system includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis, each serving specific functions in sperm production and delivery.

How do spermatozoa mature and move through the male reproductive tract?

Spermatozoa mature in the epididymis and travel through the vas deferens, where they are mixed with seminal fluid before ejaculation.

What are the components of the female reproductive system?

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina, each playing roles in egg production, fertilization, and childbirth.

What occurs during the ovarian cycle?

The ovarian cycle involves the maturation of follicles, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum, regulated by hormones like FSH and LH.

What are the stages of the estrous cycle?

The estrous cycle includes proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus, each characterized by specific hormonal changes and reproductive readiness.

What are monoestrous, diestrous, polyestrous, and seasonally polyestrous cycles?

Monoestrous animals have one estrous cycle per year, diestrous have two, polyestrous have multiple cycles throughout the year, and seasonally polyestrous have cycles during specific seasons.

What are the key hormones involved in breeding and gestation?

Key hormones include estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulate reproductive processes.

What is capacitation of spermatozoa?

Capacitation is the process that sperm undergo to gain the ability to fertilize an egg, involving changes in the sperm membrane and increased motility.

What occurs between fertilization and implantation?

After fertilization, the zygote undergoes cleavage, forming a blastocyst, which travels to the uterus for implantation.

What is the structure and function of the placenta?

The placenta is an organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, removes waste, and facilitates gas exchange, connecting the fetus to the maternal blood supply.

What are the components of the umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein, which transport oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus and remove waste.

What occurs during each stage of gestation?

Gestation stages include fertilization, embryonic development, fetal development, and preparation for birth, each with distinct physiological changes.

What is the structure and development of mammary glands?

Mammary glands develop from mammary tissue and consist of lobules that produce milk, regulated by hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation.

What is colostrum and its importance?

Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients, crucial for the neonate's immune protection and health.

What is the process of lactation?

Lactation is the production and secretion of milk from the mammary glands, regulated by hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin, which also facilitates milk let-down.