Human Physiology: Reproductive System - Key Concepts

Flashcards about the key concepts of the human reproductive system.

What two processes are required to create gametes necessary for fertilization?

Spermatogenesis and oogenesis

What role do hormones play in the reproductive system?

Hormones affect reproductive processes, including spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and menstruation.

Why is proper chromosome distribution important in gametes?

To ensure a fertilized egg can become a healthy fetus and to avoid genetic disorders.

What type of cell division results in haploid cells with 23 chromosomes?

Meiosis

What are the four stages included in spermatogenesis?

Diploid spermatogonium goes through interphase, chromatids undergo synapsis, Meiosis II occurs creating spermatids, spermatids mature into sperm cells

At what stage of spermatogenesis does genetic material exchange occur?

Stage 2: when chromatids undergo synapsis (crossing over) during Prophase I of meiosis

What hormone facilitates spermatogenesis?

Testosterone

What is the function of the epididymis in spermatogenesis?

Spermatids travel through the testes lumen to the epididymis to mature into sperm cells.

Where does oogenesis begin?

In the outermost layers of the ovaries before birth.

What happens to oogenesis during Prophase I of Meiosis I?

Synapsis occurs to create diverse primary oocytes.

When does oogenesis arrest in Meiosis I?

It arrests in Meiosis I and does not continue until the female reaches puberty and goes through ovulation.

What are the three stages of oogenesis that lead to ovulation?

Primary oocytes grow while arrested in Meiosis I, antral stage where spaces are called antrum develop, pre-ovulatory stage triggered by surge of luteinizing hormone

What hormone influences the development of follicles in oogenesis?

Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone

What triggers the pre-ovulatory stage in oogenesis?

A surge of luteinizing hormone.

What happens to the secondary oocyte if it is not fertilized?

Oocyte degeneration after 24 hours post ovulation

What part of the menstrual cycle occurs every 25 to 36 days?

Ovulation

What hormone causes the follicle attached to the secondary oocyte to break and release the oocyte into the fallopian tubes?

Luteinizing hormone

What are the two main phases of menstruation?

Follicular phase and luteal phase

What hormone is produced during the follicular phase?

Estrogen

What does the corpus luteum release?

Progesterone

What triggers the hypothalamus to secrete GnRH?

Low estrogen and progesterone levels.

What happens when an individual reaches menopause?

No oocytes remain and the menstrual cycle no longer occurs, so the individual cannot conceive children