Reproductive System

What is the primary purpose of sexual reproduction?

To ensure genetic diversity and adaptation, beyond just the continuation of species.

What are the male gametes called?

Sperm.

Where does fertilization typically occur in females?

Fertilization in the female reproductive system typically occurs in the fallopian tubes/uterine tubes

What is the process that halves the chromosome number to produce gametes?

Meiosis.

What is the normal chromosome number in haploid sperm cells?

23 chromosomes.

Where does sperm production occur in males?

In the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Why is temperature regulation important for the testes?

High temperatures can impair sperm development and potentially lead to infertility.

What cells are responsible for testosterone production in the testes?

Leydig cells.

What is the cycle duration for spermatogenesis?

Approximately 64 days.

What are the three main parts of a sperm cell?

Head, midpiece, and flagellum.

Where do sperm mature and are stored after production?

In the epididymis.

What is the ductus deferens responsible for?

Transporting sperm from the testes through the male reproductive tract.

What do seminal vesicles produce and why is it important?

An alkaline fluid that neutralizes urine acidity and provides energy for sperm via fructose.

What gland surrounds the urethra and contributes to semen production?

Prostate gland.

What is the primary function of the bulbourethral glands?

To secrete a lubricating fluid into the urethra.

What is the typical sperm concentration in semen?

About 120 million sperm per milliliter.

How does the environment of the vagina affect sperm functionality?

The acidic environment can be beneficial but requires sperm to undergo capacitation for fertilization.

What are the erectile tissues of the penis?

Corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.

Which hormone primarily mediates the process of erection?

Nitric oxide.

What is the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in male reproductive health?

It prompts the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH, stimulating spermatogenesis and testosterone production.

What feedback mechanism helps maintain hormonal balance in male reproductive health?

Negative feedback loop involving inhibin and testosterone.

What significant structural change occurs in the female reproductive system at puberty?

The maturation of oocytes and follicles begins, starting the ovarian cycle.

What is the role of the clitoris in the female reproductive system?

It is a sensitive organ that plays a significant role in sexual arousal.

What happens during ovulation?

The primary oocyte completes its first meiotic division and is released as a secondary oocyte into the fallopian tube.

How do the ovaries respond to hormonal changes at puberty?

They initiate the maturation of oocytes and follicles beginning the ovarian cycle.

What is the function of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle?

It changes in response to hormonal levels and is shed during menses if implantation does not occur.

What triggers the ovulation process?

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).

What is the significance of the corpus luteum after ovulation?

It produces hormones like progesterone for maintaining a potential pregnancy.

What is atresia in relation to oocyte development?

The absorption of undeveloped oocytes, decreasing their numbers over time.

What does the menstrual cycle average in duration?

About 28 days.

What are the three phases of the menstrual cycle?

Follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

What hormone levels rise significantly in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen.

When does the luteal phase take place in the menstrual cycle?

After ovulation, characterized by the corpus luteum's presence.

What are the implications of hormonal contraception?

They mimic the luteal phase to prevent ovulation and alter the endometrium.

How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?

By preventing implantation or inhibiting ovulation.

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

What type of STI can often be treated with antibiotics?

Bacterial STIs.

Which viral infection can lead to increased risks of infertility?

HIV.

What is the role of the lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina?

They convert glycogen into lactic acid, maintaining an acidic environment that protects against infections.

What is the duration of the follicular phase in the menstrual cycle?

Typically characterizing the early part of the cycle before ovulation.

What physiological changes occur in the uterus during the secretory phase?

Glandular activity increases and blood flow prepares the endometrium for implantation.

What is the function of the myometrium?

It is the muscular layer of the uterus responsible for contractions.

What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?

It degenerates into the corpus albicans, leading to decreased progesterone and menses.

What are the consequences of insufficient testing for STIs?

It can lead to widespread infections and health complications, including infertility.

How can hormonal contraception affect menstruation?

It can create menstrual-like bleeding during placebo weeks or withdrawal from hormones.

What is the primary role of FSH and LH in female reproductive health?

To regulate the development of ovarian follicles and prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy.

What type of feedback mechanism occurs during the peak of estrogen before ovulation?

Positive feedback that leads to the LH surge.

What is the composition of semen?

It includes sperm, secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

How long can sperm be stored and matured in the epididymis?

Approximately 12 days.

What cellular changes occur in granulosa cells during folliculogenesis?

They proliferate and differentiate to produce hormones essential for oocyte maturation.

What is the systemic impact of excessive blood flow during an erection?

It could lead to exaggerated systemic effects like anaphylactic shock.

What anatomical features protect the female reproductive organs?

The labia minora and labia majora serve to protect the urethral and vaginal openings.

What is capacitation in the context of sperm function?

A process that sperm must undergo in the female reproductive tract to be able to fertilize an egg.

What is an important function of the stratum functionalis of the endometrium?

It is shed during menses if pregnancy does not occur.

What happens to the primary oocyte during fetal development?

It remains arrested in prophase I of meiosis until puberty.

What does the term 'oogenesis' refer to?

The development of oocytes from primordial germ cells.

What is the role of estrogen produced by the dominant follicle?

It triggers the LH surge leading to ovulation.

How does the female reproductive system differ in anatomy compared to the male reproductive system?

The female reproductive system's components are primarily located internally, whereas many male components are external.

What is the blood-testis barrier?

A protective barrier maintained by Sertoli cells that separates developing sperm from the immune system.

What potential effects can STIs have on reproductive health?

They can lead to infertility, chronic pain, and increased cancer risks.

What anatomical structure helps transport sperm from the ductus deferens?

The spermatic cord.

What are the primary external male genitalia?

The primary external male genitalia include the penis and the scrotum.

What are the primary external female genitalia?

The primary external female genitalia include the vulva, which encompasses the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

What is the function of the male penis?

The male penis serves the purposes of sexual intercourse and urination.

What is the function of the female vulva?

The female vulva protects the internal genital organs and provides sensory stimulation during sexual arousal.

What is the role of the scrotum in males?

The scrotum regulates the temperature of the testes, which is essential for sperm production.

How do male and female reproductive systems differ anatomically?

Male reproductive systems primarily feature an external structure (penis and scrotum), while female systems include internal structures (uterus and ovaries) with external features (vulva).

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

What are the main phases of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle consists of the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

How long does the average menstrual cycle last?

The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days.

What happens during the follicular phase?

During the follicular phase, hormones stimulate the ovaries to mature eggs, and the endometrium thickens.

What occurs during ovulation?

Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, typically around day 14 of the cycle.

What is the role of the luteal phase?

The luteal phase prepares the body for a potential pregnancy, with the hormone progesterone maintaining the uterine lining.

What is a common symptom experienced during menstruation?

Common symptoms during menstruation include cramps, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue.

What is menarche?

Menarche is the first occurrence of menstruation in a female's life, usually occurring between ages 9 and 16.

What happens during the menstrual phase?

During the menstrual phase, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding.

What happens during the follicular phase?

During the follicular phase, the pituitary gland releases FSH, stimulating follicle growth and estrogen production.

What role does estrogen play during the follicular phase?

Estrogen helps to rebuild the uterine lining and prepares the body for possible ovulation.

What happens during ovulation?

Ovulation involves the release of a mature egg and is triggered by a surge in LH (luteinizing hormone).

What role does progesterone play during the luteal phase?

Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, making it suitable for implantation if fertilization occurs.

What occurs if fertilization does not take place after the luteal phase?

If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.