Human Reproduction and Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on human reproduction, the nervous system, immune responses, and experimental design.

What do the gonads produce in the male reproductive system?

Sperm and reproductive hormones.

What are the three accessory glands in the male reproductive system and their functions?

Seminal vesicles (produce 60% of semen volume), prostate gland (produces thick fluid with anticoagulants), and bulbourethral glands (secrete fluid to neutralize urine).

What is the function of the epididymis in the male reproductive system?

It is the duct where sperm travel from the testes.

What process produces sperm in the seminiferous tubules?

Spermatogenesis.

What is the primary difference between spermatogenesis and oogenesis regarding the number of gametes produced?

Spermatogenesis produces 4 sperm, while oogenesis produces 1 egg.

What triggers the release of LH and FSH in males?

GnRH from the hypothalamus.

What hormone maintains the uterine lining after ovulation?

Progesterone.

How does the embryo prevent the decline of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy?

It releases hCG.

What organ connects the mother and fetus and what is its function?

The placenta, which transports nutrients and waste.

What are the three types of neurons mentioned in the lecture?

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

What is resting potential in a neuron?

The difference in charge across a membrane, typically -60 to -70 mV.

What happens during an action potential in a neuron?

Na⁺ enters the cell making it positive, then K⁺ leaves the cell making it negative.

What is the function of myelin sheath in neurons?

It insulates the neuron and allows action potentials to travel faster.

What is the consequence of low dopamine levels?

Parkinson’s disease.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to change and reorganize itself based on experience or injury.

How do male and female nervous systems differ in structure?

Males have larger brains, amygdala, and hippocampus, while females have more gray matter and connections between hemispheres.

Antigen?

Part of pathogens recognized as foreign by the immune system.

What role do B cells play in the immune response?

They produce antibodies.

What is the immune response when the immune system reacts to harmless substances?

Allergies.

What do helper T cells do in the immune system?

They activate other immune cells.

What cytokines are involved in fighting viruses?

Type I interferons (alpha & beta).

What should be included when designing an experiment?

A hypothesis, identifying independent and dependent variables, a control group, and keeping everything else constant.