REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Function of the ovaries

Produce oocytes, estrogen, and progesterone.

Ovarian (Graafian) follicles

Structures that mature the oocyte and form the corpus luteum after ovulation.

Function of the fallopian tubes

Transport the egg to the uterus and serve as the site of fertilization.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections that sweep the oocyte into the fallopian tube.

Function of the uterus

Implantation, gestation, menstruation, and labor.

Uterus layers from outside to inside

Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.

What is shed during menstruation?

The endometrium.

Function of the cervix

Thick mucus blocks sperm except during ovulation.

Functions of the vagina

Birth canal, receives penis, and pathway for menstrual flow.

Function of FSH in females

Matures the ovarian follicle.

Function of LH in females

Triggers ovulation and forms the corpus luteum.

Function of estrogen

Develops female characteristics and thickens the endometrium.

Function of progesterone

Maintains the endometrium after ovulation and supports pregnancy.

What produces estrogen/progesterone after ovulation?

The corpus luteum.

What hormone maintains the corpus luteum in early pregnancy?

hCG from the trophoblast.

What happens in the follicular phase?

FSH matures the follicle and estrogen levels rise.

What event marks ovulation?

Mid-cycle LH surge.

Main hormone in the luteal phase

Progesterone from the corpus luteum.

What causes menstruation?

A drop in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to endometrium shedding.

Function of the testes

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Seminiferous tubules

The site of spermatogenesis.

Function of the epididymis

Stores sperm and allows for final maturation.

Function of vas deferens

Transports sperm during ejaculation.

Function of the seminal vesicle

Produces nutrient-rich fluid for sperm.

Function of the prostate gland

Produces alkaline fluid to protect sperm.

Function of the bulbourethral (Cowper’s) gland

Secretes mucus for lubrication.

Function of the scrotum

Keeps the testes cool for optimal sperm production.

Penis erectile tissue

Composed of 2 corpora cavernosa and 1 corpus spongiosum.

What stimulates testosterone production?

LH from the anterior pituitary.

What stimulates sperm production?

FSH and testosterone.

Cells that make testosterone

Leydig cells located in the testes.

Functions of testosterone

Male puberty, muscle mass, bone growth, libido, and sperm production.

What is spermatogenesis?

The process of producing haploid sperm (23 chromosomes).

When does oogenesis complete?

Only if fertilization occurs.

What is a zygote?

A fertilized egg containing 46 chromosomes.