Reproductive System and Menstrual Cycle

These flashcards cover key concepts about the reproductive system and menstrual cycle, assisting in exam preparation.

What is hermaphroditism?

It is when an animal has both sexes and may self-fertilize if no mate is found.

Which animals are examples of hermaphrodites?

Some snails and earthworms.

What are the labia majora and labia minora?

They are external structures of the female reproductive system that provide protection.

What is the primary function of the labia?

To protect internal reproductive organs and to help prevent infection.

What is the role of the clitoris?

It is a highly sensitive area with about 10,000 nerve endings, important for sexual arousal.

What are the ovaries responsible for?

Producing oocytes and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

What happens in the fallopian tubes?

Fertilization occurs when sperm meets the egg.

What is the endometrium?

The lining of the uterus that sheds during menstruation.

How many eggs does a female produce per month?

One mature egg.

What are the two main hormones produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen (specifically estradiol) and progesterone.

What is oogenesis?

The process of egg production in females.

What is the function of the corpus luteum?

To produce progesterone after ovulation.

How does ovulation occur?

The follicle ruptures and releases the mature oocyte due to a surge of LH hormone.

What is the follicular phase in the menstrual cycle?

The phase where the follicle develops and prepares to release the oocyte.

What happens during the luteal phase?

The body prepares for potential pregnancy by maintaining a thick uterine lining.

What leads to menstruation?

A lack of fertilization causes the corpus luteum to shrink, lowering hormone levels and shedding the uterine lining.

What is the viability period of an egg after ovulation?

12 to 24 hours.

How long can sperm live in the female reproductive tract?

Up to 5 to 6 days.

What are fraternal twins?

Twins that develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm.

What are identical twins?

Twins that develop from one fertilized egg that splits into two embryos.

What is the role of FSH in menstruation?

It stimulates the growth and maturation of the follicle.

What does a spike in LH do during ovulation?

It triggers the release of the mature egg from the follicle.

What happens to the ovum after fertilization?

It completes its development and becomes a mature egg.

What is the primary function of estrogen during the menstrual cycle?

To promote the thickening of the uterine lining.

What indicates the beginning of the menstrual phase?

The shedding of the uterine lining due to the absence of pregnancy.

What role do supporting cells play in the ovary?

They surround and help nourish the developing oocytes.

What happens to the endometrial lining during menstruation?

It sheds if fertilization does not occur.

What hormone predominantly increases during the luteal phase?

Progesterone.

Describe the uterine structure during pregnancy.

The endometrial lining supports and nourishes the developing embryo.

What is the corpus albicans?

The structure formed when the corpus luteum shrinks after fertilization does not occur.

What occurs to hormone levels if pregnancy does not happen?

Hormone levels drop, leading to menstruation.

What happens to follicles during each menstrual cycle?

Many follicles begin to develop, but only one typically matures and is released.

What triggers ovulation?

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).