Gametes
reproductive/sex cell Testosterone
Testosterone
stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex; increases muscle growth and puberty; secreted by the testes
Meiosis
cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell; allows for a unique/diverse population with the cell having half chromosomes from each parent; cell splits into haploid cell with unpaired chromosomes
Testes
consists of spermatogenic cells
Cremaster
regulates tension and temperature of scrotum so that it can continuously make sperm
Scrotum
holds testes and cremaster muscle
Semenferous tubules
holds spermatogenic cells in the testes
Vas deferens
duct that brings sperm from the testes to the urethra to give passage to sperm
Epididymis
stores sperm until ejaculation after being made in the testes
Seminal vesicle
paired exocrine glands that empty into each vas deferens; add vitamin C, fructose, and proteins; fructose to give the sperm energy to reach the egg; proteins to make it stickier and stick inside the vagina; vitamin c buffers alkaline fluid
Spermatic Cord
contains nerve, blood vessels, and efferent ducts that serve the cells of the testes; veins go down in a crazy manner because they act as a radiator and the cool blood (veins) take away the heat
Prostate
Gland in which the vas deferens and urethra combine; Add alkaline fluid to semen prior to ejaculation to neutralize acidic vagina
Ejaculation
Spinal reflex; Bladder sphincter contracts; Accessory glands and ducts and the penis muscles contract, propelling semen out
Urethra
duct which conveys urine and sperm
Cowper’s (Bulbourethral) gland
produces pre-ejaculate which is slightly alkaline to pave a way for the semen
Corpora Cavernosa
spongy muscle/tissue that allows for erection of penis/clitoris
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
acts on the ovaries to make the follicles and eggs grow; activates sperm production
Leutenizing hormone (LH)
stimulates ovulation in females
Ovaries
paired organs that flank either side of the uterus; produce one egg per month; regulate the menstrual cycle via hormone release (progesterone and estrogen)
Fallopian Tubes
transport egg from the ovary to the uterus; ciliated cells and smooth muscle contractions (peristalsis); ciliated to move fluid through fallopian tubes
Uterus
made of perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium; holds the embryo and flexes anteriorly to push out the baby
Perimetrium
outside surface of uterus
myometrium
muscular layer that contracts to give the uterus motility
Endometrium
internal, epithelial layer that’s shed during menstruation; tissue that accepts the fertilized egg
Cervix
inferior opening to the uterus; secretes viscous mucus which serves as a barrier to pathogens and sperm; viscosity thins during ovulation to allow fertilization
Vagina
thin, flexible tissue; three layers are elastic outer layer, smooth muscle (muscularis), inner mucosal layer; acidic due to glycogen release
Ovarian Follicles
egg cells are formed in the ovarian cortex; mature (eggs ripen) in each follicle over time; ejects its egg, leaving behind a corpus luteum
Corpus luteum
produces progesterone and estrogen; left behind after follicle ejects oocyte
Fimbriae
finger-like projections on the ends of your fallopian tubes closest to your ovaries; catch the egg that one of your ovaries releases during ovulation
Ampullae (fallopian tubes)
collect newly released eggs; where fertilization most often occurs
Progesterone
support pregnancy and menstruation
Clitoris
nerve filled erectile structure; extensive structure; nerves and erectile tissue extend from superior margin of labia minora to lateral margins of vaginal opening
Hymen
forms incomplete partition over vaginal orifice
Mammary glands
milk producing glands; extensive lymphatic system to balance fluid and fight off breast infections; negative feedback loop
Why is the vagina acidic?
the vagina is an opening so there’s a high possibility of bacteria getting into the vagina and the body. The acidity kills off any bacteria that enters it by denaturing it; glycogen is released to feed good bacteria in the vagina; bacteria then ferments and creates lactic acid to prevent infection
Why is semen alkaline? Why does it contain fructose?
allows the sperm to not die when it enters the vagina by cancelling out the acidity of the vagina so that it has a chance at fertilizing an egg; fructose gives the sperm energy to swim to the egg and fertilize it
What is an ectopic pregnancy? Why is it a problem?
a fertilized egg implants in the wall of the fallopian tube and an embryo will start to grow; results in loss of pregnancy; a problem because the baby can’t properly develop and can’t be pushed out
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? What are the chronic effects it can have on the reproductive system?
infection of the female reproductive organs; bacteria is swept into the peritoneal cavity through open fallopian tubes; female sterility and scarring of fallopian tubes
How are sperm aided to the egg after sex?
the fructose give sperm energy to swim to the egg; protein in the semen allows sperm to be sticky and stay in the uterus longer
What role does the cervix play in facilitating pregnancy?
opening into the uterus; mucus thins during ovulation to allow for sperm entry; dilates during birth and houses the fetus
What controls the rate of milk production in mammary glands?
the amount of prolactin secreted; physical stimulus since as long as the milk is being removed, it will continue to be made
Why do males produce so many sperm while women only produce 1 egg per month?
it increases the chances of fertilizing an egg
What effect does progesterone have on the uterus?
creates a healthy uterine lining to support a fertilized egg, embryo and fetus; it helps the uterus grow during pregnancy; helps the egg implant easier; estrogen thickens the uterine lining; decrease in progesterone triggers shedding of the lining
What are the symptoms of prostatitis/prostate cancer? What is the reason for these symptoms?
Urine problems, misshapen prostate; reason is that prostate grows so large that it puts pressure on the urethra
What are pap smears and why are they performed?
vagina is spread with a speculum to observe and take a sample of the cervix; performed to check for cancer
Why are male gonads kept outside the body?
the temperature needs to be cooler than the inside of the body to continue to make sperm (aka the optimal temperature is lower than the inside of the body)