Reproductive System, Hormones, and Heredity: Key Concepts for G&D and Genetics

Functions of the male reproductive system

The male reproductive system produces sperm and hormones, facilitates the delivery of sperm to the female reproductive system, and includes structures such as the testes, vas deferens, and prostate gland.

Functions of the female reproductive system

The female reproductive system produces eggs, hormones, and supports fertilization and fetal development, including structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Homologs of males and females

Homologous structures in males and females include the testes (male) and ovaries (female), penis (male) and clitoris (female), and scrotum (male) and labia (female).

Functions of the myometrium

The myometrium is the muscular layer of the uterus that contracts during childbirth to help expel the fetus.

Functions of the endometrium

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle and is shed during menstruation; it also provides a site for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Ovarian cycle phases overlap with uterine cycle phases

The ovarian cycle includes the follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase, which correspond to the menstrual cycle phases of menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase, respectively.

Male sexual response

The male sexual response involves four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution, characterized by physiological changes such as erection and ejaculation.

Differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis

Spermatogenesis produces four viable sperm cells from one spermatogonium, while oogenesis produces one viable egg and three polar bodies from one oogonium.

Hormone functions in reproduction

Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone regulate reproductive functions, including gamete production, menstrual cycle regulation, and pregnancy maintenance.

Hormones and follicle/corpus luteum development

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) promote follicle maturation and ovulation, while progesterone from the corpus luteum prepares the endometrium for implantation.

Hormones and uterine changes

Estrogen and progesterone regulate the uterine cycle, causing changes in the endometrium during the menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases.

Development stages from fertilization to blastocyst

After fertilization, the zygote undergoes cleavage to form a morula, which then develops into a blastocyst before implantation in the uterus.

Importance of hCG during early pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is crucial in early pregnancy as it maintains the corpus luteum, ensuring the production of progesterone to support the pregnancy.

Semen and seminal fluid

Semen is the fluid that contains sperm and seminal fluid, which provides nutrients and a medium for sperm transport.

Puberty in males vs females

Puberty in males typically begins around ages 9-14, characterized by increased testosterone, growth of facial hair, and voice deepening. In females, it usually starts around ages 8-13, marked by increased estrogen, breast development, and the onset of menstruation.

Types of inheritance

Types of inheritance include dominant, recessive, co-dominant, incomplete dominance, and sex-linked inheritance.

Reading Punnett squares

Punnett squares are used to predict the genetic outcomes of crosses between individuals, showing the probability of offspring inheriting specific traits based on parental genotypes.

Understanding pedigrees

Pedigrees are diagrams that represent family relationships and the inheritance of traits, helping to trace genetic disorders through generations.