Reproduction

Hormones that initiate puberty

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Functions of principal reproductive organs in males vs. females

Males: produce sperm (testes), androgens (testosterone); Females: produce eggs (ovaries), estrogen and progesterone.

Stages of meiosis

Meiosis I and Meiosis II, encompassing Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase in each.

Homologous Chromosome

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Sister chromatid

Identical copies of a chromosome created during DNA replication.

Haploid

A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes (n).

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Somatic Cell

Any cell of the body excluding gametes; diploid in humans.

Gamete

A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that is haploid.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes; they determine traits.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine an individual's sex (XX for female, XY for male).

Tetrad

Structure formed by homologous chromosomes during meiosis; consists of four chromatids.

Phase of meiosis where crossing over occurs

Prophase I.

Phase of meiosis where nondisjunction can occur

Anaphase I or Anaphase II.

Random Assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis.

Differences between meiosis I and meiosis II

Meiosis I reduces chromosome number by half (diploid to haploid); Meiosis II resembles mitosis separating sister chromatids.

Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis

Spermatogenesis: continuous process producing many sperm; Oogenesis: cyclical process producing one egg per cycle.

Comparison of meiosis vs. mitosis

Meiosis produces four non-identical haploid cells; Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells.

Three layers of the uterus

Endometrium, Myometrium, Perimetrium; the endometrium is shed during menstruation.

Hormone released by the corpus luteum

Progesterone.

What releases hormone to keep the uterus intact if pregnancy occurs?

The placenta releases human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Role of the vagina in female reproduction

Serves as the canal for childbirth and menstrual fluid, and receives sperm during intercourse.

Location of the cervix

The narrow, lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Cervical cancer detection method

Pap smear.

Removal of the uterus

Hysterectomy.

Hormonal control of gamete formation

GnRH stimulates LH and FSH; LH and FSH regulate testosterone, estrogen, progesterone production.

Phases of the ovarian & menstrual cycles

Follicular phase, Ovulation, Luteal phase; hormonal synchronization involves estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH.

Contraception methods and mechanisms

Barrier methods, hormonal methods (like pills), and intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.

Puberty and menopause hormonal roles

Estrogen and progesterone promote development of secondary sexual characteristics; menopause is the decrease in these hormones.

Events of fertilization

Sperm penetrates the egg, leading to the formation of a zygote, which disrupts the menstrual cycle.

Parturition

The act of giving birth.

Roles of oxytocin and prolactin

Oxytocin stimulates contractions during childbirth; prolactin promotes milk production during breastfeeding.

Feedback loops for childbirth and breastfeeding

Positive feedback during childbirth; negative feedback for milk production inhibition.

Mechanisms of hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives provide hormones (like estrogen and progestin) to prevent ovulation.

Overview of prostate, breast & cervical cancer

Types of cancers affecting reproductive organs; prostate cancer affects males, while breast and cervical cancers primarily affect females.

Dartos muscle in male reproduction

A muscle that contracts to regulate the temperature of the testes for optimal sperm production.

Cells that produce sperm

Spermatogonia found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Cells of the testes that produce testosterone

Leydig cells.

Hormone preventing additional sperm production when sperm counts are high

Inhibin.

Pathway sperm takes from formation to ejaculation

Testes ➔ Epididymis ➔ Vas deferens ➔ Seminal vesicles ➔ Prostate ➔ Urethra.

Components of semen

Sperm, seminal fluid, prostate fluid; produced by seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

Purpose of semen

Transport sperm and provide nutrients for sperm survival.

How male erection occurs

Increased blood flow to the erectile tissues due to dilation of blood vessels.

Climacteric

Period of transition leading to menopause involving hormonal changes.