Biology Reproduction Unit Test

What is the process of human reproduction?

The process by which sperm and egg cells are produced, brought together, and develop into a new individual.

What type of fertilization occurs in humans?

Internal fertilization, where sperm and egg unite in the female body.

What are the male gonads and their function?

Testes, which produce sperm and androgens continuously from puberty.

What are the female gonads and their function?

Ovaries, which produce ova and hormones like estrogen and progesterone once a month from puberty to menopause.

What is a zygote?

The fertilized egg formed from the union of sperm and egg.

What hormones are involved in the male reproductive system?

GnRH, FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin.

What hormones are involved in the female reproductive system?

GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, HCG, oxytocin, prolactin.

What determines the sexual differentiation of a fetus?

Genetics and the functioning genes that guide hormones.

What is the role of the SRY gene?

It determines if the interior organs develop into male structures.

What are the effects of estrogen during puberty?

Induces secondary female sex characteristics such as widening hips and breast development.

What are the primary male sex hormones?

Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androstenedione.

What is the function of testosterone in males?

Stimulates development of genital organs, maturation of sperm, and growth of body and facial hair.

What structures are included in the male reproductive system?

Epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, Cowper's gland, urethra, seminal vesicle, prostate gland.

What is circumcision?

The removal of the foreskin of the glans of the penis, originally introduced as a religious procedure.

What is spermatogenesis?

The process of sperm production in the testes in response to FSH and ICSH.

What is semen composed of?

Sperm and fluids from three glands: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper's gland.

What is the role of the prostate gland in semen production?

Secretes most of the fluid in semen, which includes enzymes and buffers.

What is the anatomy of a sperm cell?

Contains a head with a nucleus, a midpiece with mitochondria, and a tail (flagellum) for motility.

What are the primary internal structures of the female reproductive system?

Ovaries, vagina, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes.

What are the external structures of the female reproductive system?

Labia, clitoris, and vestibular (Bartholin's) glands.

What is the role of FSH in female reproduction?

Stimulates gamete production in the ovaries.

What is the role of LH in female reproduction?

Triggers ovulation and supports the menstrual cycle.

What is the significance of the menstrual cycle?

It prepares the female body for potential pregnancy each month.

What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

Where fertilization of the egg occurs and transport to the uterus begins.

What is the role of the Cowper's gland?

Secretes mucus for lubrication and contributes to pre-ejaculate.

What is the importance of zinc in sperm production?

Helps stabilize DNA in sperm cells and a deficiency can lower fertility.

What happens to sperm during maturation in the epididymis?

Sperm become motile and gain the ability to fertilize an egg.

What is the role of GnRH in the menstrual cycle?

GnRH stimulates the production of FSH and LH to encourage egg development from puberty until menopause.

What hormones are produced by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen and progesterone are produced, which encourage endometrial development.

What triggers menstruation?

Menstruation is triggered by low levels of estrogen and progesterone at the end of the monthly cycle.

What are the four phases of the menstrual cycle?

The four phases are the Flow phase, Follicular phase, Ovulation, and Luteal phase.

What occurs during the Flow phase of the menstrual cycle?

The endometrial lining sheds, triggered by a decrease in ovarian hormones.

What happens during the Follicular phase?

Estrogen released by the developing follicle thickens the endometrial lining and stimulates follicle maturation.

What occurs during Ovulation?

Estrogen and LH levels peak, causing the dominant egg to erupt and be released into the fallopian tube.

What is the role of progesterone in the Luteal phase?

Progesterone released by the corpus luteum inhibits further ovulation and uterine contractions, while thickening the endometrial lining.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time when menstrual periods stop permanently, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55.

What are common symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.

What is the treatment for menopause symptoms?

Synthetic estrogen may be used, but long-term use increases the risk of breast and uterine cancer.

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that attacks the urogenital tract and can cause infertility.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia often has no symptoms but may cause a burning sensation during urination or abnormal discharge.

What is a serious consequence of untreated Chlamydia in women?

It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility.

What are the symptoms of Syphilis?

Symptoms include swollen lymph glands, rash, sore throat, and can lead to severe complications if untreated.

What is Herpes Simplex?

Herpes Simplex I (oral) and II (genital) are viral infections characterized by painful ulcerations and no cure.

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that may cause yellow-green discharge and discomfort during sex.

What causes Genital Warts?

Genital Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can lead to cervical cancer.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is caused by HIV, which attacks T-cells, weakening the immune response and leading to opportunistic infections.

What is the significance of Hepatitis A, B, and C?

Hepatitis A and B have vaccinations available, while C does not; they are viral infections affecting the liver.

What are pubic lice commonly referred to as?

Crabs

What causes skin rash in humans?

Scabies, which is caused by a parasitic mite.

What organism is responsible for vaginitis or yeast infections?

Yeast

What is coitus?

Sexual intercourse necessary for internal fertilization.

What happens during ejaculation?

Semen is released from the urethra, containing 300 to 400 million sperm.

What role does cervical mucus play during ovulation?

It thins to allow sperm to pass through.

Where must fertilization occur for successful implantation?

In the first third of the oviduct (fallopian tube).

What is the function of prostaglandins in semen?

They help aid in transporting sperm.

What is a vasectomy?

A surgical contraception method involving cutting the vas deferens.

What is tubal ligation?

A surgical method of contraception involving cutting and/or tying the oviduct.

How long can sperm survive after ejaculation?

Up to 3 days.

What is the zona pellucida?

A jelly-like region surrounding the egg that acts as a barrier to sperm.

What is the sequence of development after fertilization?

Fertilized egg (zygote) → morula (8 cell stage) → blastocyst → embryo.

What does HCG do during early pregnancy?

It maintains the corpus luteum and supports the production of estrogen and progesterone.

What is the trophoblast?

The outer region of the blastocyst that implants into the endometrium and develops into the placenta.

What are the primary germ layers formed during gastrulation?

Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

What is the role of the amnion?

It encloses the embryo/fetus and fills with amniotic fluid for protection.

What does the yolk sac develop into?

The digestive tract and produces the first blood cells.

What is the chorion?

The outermost membrane enclosing all others, forming the fetal portion of the placenta.

What is the significance of the umbilical cord?

It provides a means of exchange of nutrients and wastes between the mother and fetus.

What is the difference between identical and fraternal twins?

Identical twins develop from one fertilized egg, while fraternal twins develop from multiple eggs.

What are conjoined twins?

Twins that result from incomplete division of a fertilized egg during early development.

What is the process of neurulation?

The development of the nervous system from the ectoderm.

What happens during morphogenesis?

Differentiation of cells from the three primary germ layers into various tissues and organs.

What is the blastocyst ready for by day 7?

Implantation into the uterus.

What triggers the final stage of meiosis in the egg?

Penetration by a single sperm.

What is the role of the placenta after implantation?

It takes over the production of estrogen and progesterone to maintain pregnancy.

What is the embryonic stage of fetal development?

The embryonic stage lasts up to the end of the second month, during which the placenta and umbilical system develop.

What is the role of the placenta during fetal development?

The placenta provides nutrition to the fetus and acts as the kidney, digestive system, and lungs, without intermingling blood between mother and fetus.

When do HCG levels peak during pregnancy?

HCG levels peak during the first trimester.

What significant developments occur in the first month of pregnancy?

The nervous system and other organs begin to develop, and brain activity can be detected.

At what point does the fetal heart begin to beat?

The fetal heart begins to beat by the 18th day of pregnancy.

What happens during the second month of fetal development?

Arms, legs, fingers, and toes appear, and all internal organs are developed.

What is the significance of the third month in fetal development?

The fetus can kick, and the placenta is fully developed and attached to the fetal circulation.

What major developments occur in the second trimester?

Increased movement, sucking of the thumb, and continued bone development occur.

What is a teratogen?

A teratogen is any agent that causes structural abnormalities in fetal development during gestation.

Name a common teratogen and its effect.

Alcohol can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

What hormones are involved in the process of labor?

Estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, prostaglandins, and oxytocin are involved in labor.

What are the three stages of labor?

1) Dilation of the cervix, 2) Delivery of the fetus, 3) Expulsion of the placenta (afterbirth).

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems.

What is a Cesarean section (C-section)?

A C-section is an incision through the abdominal wall and uterus to safely deliver the infant.

What is the role of prolactin in lactation?

Prolactin levels rise after birth to stimulate milk production.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first fluid produced after birth, resembling breast milk but lacking milk fats.

What factors can lead to male infertility?

Low sperm count, blockage of the reproductive tract, and hormonal irregularities can lead to male infertility.

What are common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Causes include stress, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions affecting blood flow.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, causing pain and potential infertility.

What are reproductive technologies?

Reproductive technologies include donor insemination, IVF, ICSI, and surrogate mothers.

What is the difference between ZIFT and GIFT?

ZIFT involves placing a zygote into the fallopian tube, while GIFT involves placing eggs directly into the fallopian tubes.

What ethical questions arise from reproductive technology?

Questions include the ethics of sex selection, age of mothers, genetic screening, and human cloning.

What is the significance of myelination in fetal development?

Myelination of the spinal cord occurs, which is crucial for the development of the nervous system.

What complications can arise during labor?

Complications include placenta previa, prolapsed cord, breech birth, and prolonged labor.

What is the role of relaxin during pregnancy?

Relaxin helps to loosen pelvic ligaments in preparation for birth.

What are the nutritional components of breast milk?

Breast milk contains proteins, sugars, fats, minerals, and antibodies necessary for the baby's growth.