Human Reproduction – Chapter 23

These flashcards cover key anatomy, physiology, hormonal regulation, life-cycle changes, disorders, infections, infertility, and contraception concepts from Chapter 23: Human Reproduction. They are formatted in question-and-answer style to facilitate self-testing for exam preparation.

What are the male and female gametes called?

Male gametes are spermatozoa; female gametes are ova.

Which cell division process produces gametes with half the normal chromosome number?

Meiosis.

What are the two main functions of the testes?

Manufacture spermatozoa and deliver them to the female in semen.

List the five structures a sperm cell passes through from its site of formation to exit from the body.

Seminiferous tubules → epididymis → ductus (vas) deferens → ejaculatory duct → urethra.

Where does sperm mature and gain motility?

In the epididymis during a 2–3-day transit.

What is the primary function of the ductus (vas) deferens?

To transport and store sperm, looping over the pubic bone and widening into an ampulla before joining the ejaculatory duct.

Name the three accessory exocrine glands that contribute to semen.

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral (Cowper) glands.

Give three functions of semen.

Nourishes sperm, neutralizes acidity of male urethra and female vagina, and lubricates the reproductive tract (also transports sperm and provides antibacterial enzymes).

What is the typical pH range of semen?

Approximately 7.2 – 7.8 (slightly alkaline).

Which gland produces a fructose-rich alkaline fluid that nourishes sperm?

Seminal vesicle.

Which gland’s alkaline secretion enhances sperm motility and helps expel semen?

Prostate gland.

Which glands secrete mucus to lubricate the urethra and tip of the penis?

Bulbourethral (Cowper) glands.

How many milliliters and how many sperm are typically expelled during ejaculation?

About 2 – 5 mL containing 50–100 million sperm per mL.

Which subdivision of the penis contains the urethra?

Corpus spongiosum.

Where are the enzymes that help sperm penetrate an ovum located?

In the acrosome at the head of the sperm cell.

What hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates sperm production?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Which anterior-pituitary hormone stimulates testosterone secretion?

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Which hypothalamic hormone controls release of FSH and LH?

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

List two key functions of testosterone.

Development/maintenance of male accessory organs and secondary sex characteristics; stimulation of spermatogenesis.

Give two common age-related changes in the male reproductive system.

Decrease in testosterone and sperm production; benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Define cryptorchidism.

Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, increasing tumor risk.

What is testicular torsion and why is it an emergency?

Twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testis; requires prompt surgical correction.

Which male disorder is inflammation of the testes?

Orchitis.

What term describes a tight foreskin that cannot be retracted?

Phimosis.

Name four sexually transmitted infections discussed that can affect the male reproductive system.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV (also genital herpes).

Which cancer is the most common in men over 50?

Prostate cancer.

Where are interstitial (Leydig) cells located and what do they secrete?

Between seminiferous tubules; they secrete testosterone.

What suspends the testes in the scrotum and contains blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens?

The spermatic cord.

Which two hormones peak closest to ovulation?

LH surge and high estrogen (FSH also rises).

Which ovarian hormone peaks after ovulation?

Progesterone.

What day is considered Day 1 of the female reproductive cycle?

The first day of menstruation.

Which phase of the uterine cycle corresponds with thickening of the endometrium under estrogen influence?

Proliferative (preovulatory) phase.

What immediate hormonal event triggers ovulation?

A surge in LH (luteinizing hormone).

What structure forms from the ruptured follicle and secretes progesterone?

Corpus luteum.

What happens to the corpus luteum if the ovum is not fertilized?

It degenerates after about 11 days, leading to a drop in estrogen and progesterone and onset of menstruation.

List three major effects of progesterone during the postovulatory (luteal) phase.

Maintains uterine lining, stimulates glandular secretion, and supports early pregnancy if fertilization occurs.

State two hallmark changes of menopause.

Cessation of menstruation and marked decline in estrogen and progesterone production.

Give one benefit and one risk of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Benefit: reduces hot flashes and osteoporosis risk; Risk: increases breast cancer and thromboembolism risk.

Name the three anatomical parts of the uterus.

Fundus, body (corpus), and cervix.

List the three layers of the uterine wall from outer to inner.

Perimetrium (peritoneum), myometrium, endometrium.

What is the principal function of the uterine (fallopian) tubes?

To transport the ovum to the uterus via cilia and peristalsis.

Which finger-like structures sweep the ovum into the uterine tube?

Fimbriae.

What is amenorrhea?

Absence of menstruation.

Define endometriosis.

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often causing pain and infertility.

Which virus is strongly linked to cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV).

What benign uterine tumors may require hysterectomy if severe?

Fibroids (myomas).

Why are STIs often more serious in females?

They spread more readily, may be less symptomatic, and can cause complications like PID, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

What is the chief cause of salpingitis and pelvic inflammatory disease?

Ascending infection, commonly from STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Define infertility clinically.

Inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.

What term describes a low sperm count?

Oligospermia.

Give three potential causes of male infertility.

Damage to seminiferous tubules (e.g., toxins, radiation), low testosterone, lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive heat.

Name two common causes of female infertility.

Endocrine disorders (hormonal imbalance) and structural abnormalities such as tubal scarring from PID or endometriosis.

Which broad fold of peritoneum suspends the uterus and ovaries?

Broad ligament.

Classify the following birth-control methods: vasectomy, IUD, male condom.

Vasectomy – surgical; IUD – intrauterine device (other); male condom – barrier.

What drug combination can terminate an early pregnancy by preventing implantation?

Mifepristone (RU-486) followed by prostaglandin.

Does the infection pathway shown from vagina to kidneys represent an ascending or descending infection?

Ascending infection.

What is the deepest posterior recess of the vagina called?

Posterior fornix.

During aging, which male condition involving urethral compression becomes common and may require TURP?

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Which ovarian structure secretes estrogen before ovulation?

The developing (maturing) follicle.

What hormone initially stimulates several ovarian follicles to mature in the preovulatory phase?

FSH from the anterior pituitary.

Which endocrine feedback mechanism keeps testosterone levels relatively constant?

Negative feedback inhibition of GnRH and LH by testosterone.

What are the typical volumes of blood lost during normal menstruation?

Approximately 30–60 mL (not explicitly in notes but commonly accepted).