BIOL - Reproductive System

What are the functions of the reproductive system?

Gamatogenesis

Fertilization

Development and Nourishment

Production of reproductive hormones

What are the male sex cells called?

sperm

Describe the major events of meiosis.

Meiosis I - separates the homologous pairs of chromosomes, results in haploid cells that have 1 set of chromosomes (23 chromosomes)

Meiosis II - separates the chromatids

How does meiosis provide genetic variability.

Crossover - exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, produces genetic information from both parents

What are the primary sex organs of the male reproductive systems? Describe their functions.

Testes - produce gametes called sperm

What are the secondary sex organs of the male reproductive systems? Describe their functions.

all the other internal and external sex organs - secrete male sex hormones, transport sperm and secretions to outside of the body

Where in the testes are the sperm produced?

in the seminiferous tubules

Which cells produce male sex hormones?

the interstitial cells

Describe spermatogenesis.

the formation of sperm cells - spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa

Explain the function of the sustentacular cells in the seminiferous tubules.

to nourish and support the developing sperm cells

What are the components of semen?

contains sperm and various secretions of of the accessory reproductive glands

What controls blood flow into penile erectile tissues?

the parasympathetic nerve impulses release nitric oxide, which dilates the arteries of the penis

Distinguish between orgasm, emission, and ejaculation.

Which hormone initiates the changes associated with sexual maturity?

GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH; LH signals the production of testosterone, FSH stimulates sustentacular cells to mature and respond to testosterone

What is puberty?

the age at which individuals become capable of sexual reproduction

Describe several male secondary sex characteristics.

What are the female sex cells called?

egg cells, oocytes

What are the primary sex organs of the female reproductive systems?

ovaries

What are the secondary sex organs of the female reproductive systems?

the internal and external reproductive organs

Describe female secondary sex characteristics.

What is ovulation?

the primary oocyte undergoes meiosis I, producing a secondary oocyte and first polar body

ovulation releases the secondary oocyte and first polar body from mature antral follicle; propelled to the opening of the nearby uterine tube by the fimbriae

Describe the uterine cycle.

What is a target cell?

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system consists of glands and organs that use hormones to send messages through the blood stream to the rest of the body.

What are some major endocrine glands?

thyroid gland

thymus

pituitary gland

ovaries and testes

pancreas

adrenal glands

pineal gland

Endocrine vs Exocrine

endocrine - internal secretion; directly into the body fluids

exocrine - secrete externally; glands that secrete into ducts or tubes that lead to a body surface; delivers to a specific site

Nervous system vs Endocrine system

both function in communication

nervous system releases neurotransmitters into synapses

endocrine system secretes hormones into the bloodstream

Define tropic

hormones that target and stimulate other glands

What does a steroid hormone act on its target cells?

How does a nonsteroidal hormone act on its target cells?

What is a second messenger?

How does the nervous system help regulate hormonal secretions?

How does a negative feedback system control hormonal secretion?