Overview of the Reproductive System and Meiosis

This set of flashcards provides an overview of the male and female reproductive systems, including gametogenesis, meiosis, hormonal regulation, and the sexual response cycle.

What is the primary function of the male and female reproductive systems?

To produce gametes for the procreation of species.

What is gametogenesis?

The process by which gametes are formed in males and females.

What are homologs in the context of the reproductive system?

Structures derived from the same embryonic tissue with similar functions.

What is the sexually indifferent stage of embryonic development?

The first six weeks when embryos have both male and female duct systems.

At what point do male and female characteristics start to differentiate during embryonic development?

Around eight weeks of embryonic development.

What is the homologous structure of the scrotum in females?

Labia majora.

What do ovaries and testes produce?

Gametes and sex hormones.

What are male gametes called?

Sperm.

What are female gametes commonly referred to as?

Eggs.

What are the primary sex hormones produced by males?

Testosterone.

What are the primary sex hormones produced by females?

Estrogen and progesterone.

What gland in males is homologous to the greater vestibular gland in females?

Bulbourethral gland.

What is the primary function of the bulbourethral gland in males?

To secrete mucin for lubrication during sexual arousal.

What structures carry gametes away from gonads in both males and females?

Duct systems.

What is puberty?

The period during which the reproductive system matures and begins to produce gametes and sex hormones.

What is menopause?

The time in a woman's life when menstrual cycles cease and ovarian function declines.

What is the primary process by which male gametes are produced?

Spermatogenesis.

What is the primary process by which female gametes are produced?

Oogenesis.

What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically different haploid cells.

What does haploid mean?

Having one set of chromosomes.

What phase of meiosis produces four haploid cells?

Meiosis II.

What is crossing over?

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

What chromosomal abnormality is associated with trisomy 21?

Down syndrome.

What is nondisjunction?

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division.

What is Turner syndrome?

A condition resulting from a monosomy of the X chromosome in females.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of the reproductive system?

It regulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

What is the function of LH in males?

To stimulate interstitial cells to produce testosterone.

What hormone does FSH stimulate the sustentacular cells to produce?

Androgen binding protein (ABP).

What is the effect of inhibin in males?

It inhibits FSH production to regulate sperm production.

What is seminiferous tubules?

Structures in the testes where sperm are produced.

What cells surround developing sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules?

Sustentacular cells (Sertoli cells).

What do Leydig cells produce?

Testosterone.

What happens during spermiogenesis?

Spermatids develop into mature sperm by shedding excess cytoplasm and forming flagella.

Where do sperm mature after being produced?

In the epididymis.

What is the function of the epididymis?

To store and mature sperm.

What is the ductus deferens?

The tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

What is the purpose of seminal fluid?

To nourish and protect sperm in the female reproductive tract.

What do seminal vesicles contribute to semen?

Fructose and prostaglandins.

What is the prostate gland responsible for in seminal fluid?

Secreting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other substances.

What role does the bulbourethral gland play before ejaculation?

It neutralizes acidity in the urethra for sperm protection.

What is the average sperm count per ejaculation?

200 to 500 million sperm.

What is the refractory period in males?

The time after ejaculation during which another erection is not possible.

How does nitric oxide affect the male sexual response?

It causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the penis for erection.

What are the three phases of male sexual response?

Excitement, orgasm, and resolution.

What happens during ejaculation?

Semen is expelled from the body, involving contraction of the smooth muscles.

How does Viagra work?

It enhances blood flow to the penis by releasing nitric oxide.

What is the blood-testis barrier?

A barrier formed by sustentacular cells to protect sperm from the immune system.

What physiological changes occur during the excitement phase of male sexual arousal?

Increased blood flow and swelling of erectile tissues.

What is a karyotype?

A graphical representation of an individual's chromosomes.

What determines genetic sex in humans?

The presence of X and Y chromosomes.

What happens to sperm in the epididymis if they are not ejaculated?

They will eventually die.

What is the role of testosterone in reproductive health?

It regulates spermatogenesis and develops secondary sexual characteristics.

What is the role of prostaglandins in sexual reproduction?

They help with smooth muscle contraction in the female reproductive tract.

What triggers ovulation in females?

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).

How long can sperm survive in the female reproductive tract?

Up to five days under optimal conditions.

What is the role of acrosome in sperm?

It contains enzymes that aid in penetrating the oocyte during fertilization.