Chapter 15 Tanisha Arora

What does follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do in males?

In males, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis) by acting on the Sertoli cells within the testes.

What does follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do in females?

In males, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis) by acting on the Sertoli cells within the testes.

What does luteinizing hormone (LH) do in males?

In males, luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and primarily acts on the Leydig cells in the testes to stimulate the production of testosterone.

What does luteinizing hormone (LH) do in females?

Luteinizing hormone (LH), produced by the pituitary gland, is vital for female reproduction by triggering ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle.

What is puberty?

the biological process of physical maturation where a child’s body develops into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction,

How is puberty timed between males and females?

Females generally begin puberty earlier than males, typically starting between ages 8 and 13, while males typically begin between 9 and 14.

What is the urethral orifice?

The urethral opening, or urinary meatus, is the external orifice where the urethra opens to the outside of the body to release urine from the bladder

What is circumcision?

the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis,

What is the scrotum?

The scrotum is a suspended, two-chambered sac of skin and smooth muscle located between the penis and anus that houses and protects the testicles, epididymis, and lower spermatic cords.

What temperature are the testes at, and why?

Approximately 34 degrees C and 35 degrees celsius.

What is vasocongestion?

the temporary swelling of bodily tissues caused by an increased flow of blood into a region, coupled with restricted outflow

What is spermatogenesis, and how long does sperm take to mature?

the continuous, hormone-driven process of producing mature sperm cells (spermatozoa) in the testes, which takes roughly 64 to 74 days to complete, plus an additional $\approx$14 days for epididymal maturation.

What are the actions of testosterone?

by binding to androgen receptors throughout the body, triggering changes in gene expression to regulate muscle mass, bone density, libido, and energy.

What is the epididymis?

a highly coiled, narrow tube located on the back of each testicle, responsible for storing sperm and allowing them to mature (gain motility and fertilization capability).

What are the vas deferens?

a pair of long, muscular tubes in the male reproductive system that transport mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct and urethra in preparation for ejaculation.

What is a vasectomy?

a minor, low-risk surgical procedure for permanent male contraception, or sterilization.

What is the prostate gland?

a small, walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra.

What is prostatitis?

the inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in men.

What is prostate cancer?

a disease where cells in the prostate gland—a small, walnut-sized gland in men that produces seminal fluid—grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming tumors.

What is the urethral canal?

a muscular tube acting as the excretory canal for the urinary bladder, transporting urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

What are the Cowper's glands?

two small, pea-sized exocrine glands in the male reproductive system located below the prostate

What is the labia majora homologous to in males?

The labia majora are homologous to the scrotum in males.

What is the clitoris homologous to in males?

The male structure homologous to the female clitoris is the penis.

How big are the ovaries, and what is the function of the ovaries?

The ovaries are about 4 cm in length.They function as essential organs that produce and release eggs (ova) for reproduction and secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, and secondary sex characteristics.

What is oogenesis?

the biological process of creating female gametes (ova or eggs) in the ovaries.

What is a pap smear?

a routine screening procedure that collects cells from the cervix to detect abnormal changes before they become cancerous.

What is oxytocin?

a natural hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland that acts as the body’s "love hormone" or "bonding hormone".

What is a hysterectomy?

a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus (womb), which stops menstrual periods and prevents pregnancy

What is the pre-ovulatory phase?

the first part of the menstrual cycle, starting on Day 1 of menstruation and ending with ovulation

When does ovulation begin?

Ovulation typically occurs about 12 to 16 days before the next menstrual period starts, not necessarily on day 14 of the cycle.

What is the post-ovulatory phase?

The phase immediately following ovulation is the luteal phase, which lasts about 12–14 days and ends with the start of the next menstrual period.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the natural biological end of a woman’s reproductive years, confirmed when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.