Reproductive System, Development, Growth & Aging – Exam Review

Forty question-and-answer flashcards covering terminology, anatomy, physiology, and hormonal regulation of the male and female reproductive systems, as outlined in the lecture transcript. These cards are designed to help reinforce key concepts for exam preparation.

What are the primary male sex organs (gonads)?

The testes.

What are the primary female sex organs (gonads)?

The ovaries.

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

Meiosis.

How many chromosomes are present in a normal human somatic (non-sex) cell?

46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

How many chromosomes are present in a human gamete (sperm or egg)?

23 chromosomes.

During which life stage does spermatogenesis begin in males?

At puberty.

What term describes the permanent cessation of female menstrual cycles?

Menopause.

What is the biological term for the union of a sperm cell and an oocyte?

Fertilization.

Through which tube do sperm travel from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity?

The ductus (vas) deferens.

Which interstitial cells of the testes secrete testosterone?

Leydig cells.

In which structures of the testes does spermatogenesis occur?

The seminiferous tubules.

What is the primary function of the epididymis?

To store and mature sperm.

Which accessory glands add fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm?

The seminal vesicles.

Which gland surrounds the prostatic urethra and contributes enzymes to semen?

The prostate gland.

Which paired glands secrete alkaline mucus that neutralizes acidic urine in the urethra?

The bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands.

What is the name of the final maturation process that converts spermatids into motile spermatozoa?

Spermiogenesis.

What enzyme-filled cap on a sperm cell enables it to penetrate the oocyte?

The acrosome.

Which division of the autonomic nervous system mediates penile erection?

The parasympathetic nervous system.

Which division of the autonomic nervous system triggers ejaculation?

The sympathetic nervous system.

Through what passageway do the testes descend into the scrotum?

The inguinal canal.

What collective term describes the female external genitalia?

The vulva.

What is the diamond-shaped region between the thighs that contains the external genitalia and anus?

The perineum.

Name the three regions of the uterus from superior to inferior.

Fundus, body, and cervix.

Which uterine layer is shed during menstruation and later forms the maternal portion of the placenta?

The endometrium (functional layer)

Where in the female reproductive tract does fertilization most often occur?

The ampulla of the uterine (fallopian) tube.

What finger-like structures at the distal end of the uterine tube help sweep the oocyte inside?

Fimbriae.

Which ligament attaches the ovary to the uterus?

The ovarian ligament.

What structure forms from a ruptured follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone?

The corpus luteum.

Which hormone, secreted early by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta, maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy?

Progesterone.

Which placental hormone maintains the corpus luteum during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

On approximately which day of a 28-day menstrual cycle does ovulation usually occur?

Around day 14.

Which pituitary hormone surge directly triggers ovulation?

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

During which phase of the menstrual cycle does estrogen predominate and the endometrium proliferate?

The follicular (proliferative) phase.

What early embryonic stage implants into the uterine wall?

The blastocyst.

How long is a typical human pregnancy measured from the first day of the last menstrual period?

About 40 weeks (280 days).

What clinical criterion is used to confirm menopause?

No menstruation for 12 consecutive months.

What is capacitation of sperm?

Functional maturation of sperm in the female tract that enables them to penetrate the oocyte.

Which anterior pituitary hormone works with testosterone to stimulate spermatogenesis?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Describe menarche

first time passing menses

define amenorrhea

missing period, pregnancy most common cause =

define gametogenesis

production of all sex cells

define and describe gametes

sex cells, men: sperm cells, women: eggs, oocytes, ova, ovum)

somatic cells

non sex cells

mitosis

cell division for somatic (non sex) cells

meiosis

cell division for gametes (sex cells)

diploid cell (2n)

46 chromosomes 23 pairs, non sex cells

haploid cells (n)

23 chromosomes,sex cells only

spermatogenesis

Process of sperm cell production in males. starts at puberty

oogenesis

Process of egg cell production in females, starting before birth and continuing until menopause.

menopause

The natural cessation of menstruation in females, ovaries no longer produce estrogen, progestrone, oocyte

ovulation

release of mature egg

zygote

fertilized egg

fertilization

union of sperm and egg

where is the ampulla located

behind the seminal vescicle

list the 5 accessory organs involved in semen

production: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, epididymis, testes. (fructose and sperm cells)

list order of sperm organelles

acrosome, nucleus, midpiece, tail

list order of penis from outward inward

testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, ejactulary duct, duct of the seminal vescile, membrane, penile

explain cryptochidism

failure for one or both testes to descend into scrotum, prevents normal sperm development

testes exocrine function

is the production and secretion of sperm.

testes endocrine function

testosterone production by leydig cells

What organelles make up the spermatic cord?

ductus deferns, testicular artery, testicular veins, testicular nerve

chambers that make up erictle tissue

corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, root of penis

what accessory gland produces majority of semen

seminal vesicle (60% of semen)