Reproductive System Review

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)