The Reproductive System

Flashcards about the reproductive system.

Homeostasis

The maintenance by coordinated, regulated actions of the body system to maintain a stable chemical and physical condition in the internal fluid environment.

Unique Human Reproductive Characteristics

Humans are viviparous, suckle their young using mammary glands, have placentas, and use an internal fertilization system to reproduce sexually.

Dimorphism

Physically distinct; gonads produce gametes (eggs and sperm); Male gonads produce sperm, and female gonads produce eggs; Internal and external genitalia differences; Autosomes (22 pairs) and Sex Chromosomes (X and Y)

Spermatozoa

Male gametes

Ova

Female gametes

Haploid

n chromosomes

Diploid

2n chromosomes

Testes

Male gonads that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.

srY gene

A gene located on the Y chromosome that determines sex.

Wolffian ducts

Develops into male reproductive tract.

Müllerian ducts

Develops into female reproductive tract.

Testosterone and Müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS)

Stimulates the development of Wolffian ducts and degeneration of Müllerian ducts

Menopause

Loss of female reproductive capacity, typically around 45-50 years of age.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which male gonads produce sperm

Testes

The male gonads that produce sperm.

Leydig cells

Secrete testosterone

Sertoli cells

Support sperm development

Effects of testosterone before birth

Masculinizes reproductive tract and external genitalia and promotes descent of testes into scrotum.

Penis

Male copulatory organ that penetrates vagina and deposits sperm.

Scrotum

Houses testes and regulates temperature for sperm development.

Seminal vesicles

Secrete alkaline fluid with fructose, enzymes, and prostaglandins.

Prostate gland

Secrete citrate and enzymes.

Bulbourethral glands

Secrete viscous fluid with mucus.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Stimulates gametogenesis

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Stimulates androgen secretion

Acrosome

Enzymes necessary for fertilization.

Tail

Whiplike movements propel sperm

Sperm Maturation

Spermatozoa released into lumen of seminiferous tubules

Erection

Parasympathetic nervous system

Emission and Ejaculation

Sympathetic nervous system