The Reproductive System - Male and Female Structures, Estrus Cycle, and Parturition

Flashcards summarizing key concepts of the male and female reproductive systems, the estrus cycle, and parturition.

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

It encloses and supports the testes, keeping them at a lower temperature than the body for sperm survival and development.

What are testes and what is their primary function?

Male sex glands that produce spermatozoa; they are also known as male gonads.

What structure collects sperm and is responsible for its motility?

Epididymis.

What is the role of the ductus deferens?

It connects to the epididymis and carries sperm into the pelvic region toward the urethra.

What do the seminal vesicles secrete?

A thick, yellow substance that nourishes sperm and adds volume to the ejaculated semen.

Describe the function of the prostate gland.

It secretes a thick fluid that aids in the motility of sperm.

What is the function of the urethra in males?

It serves both the reproductive and urinary systems, passing through the penis to the outside of the body.

What is the role of ovaries in the female reproductive system?

They produce estrogen, progesterone, and ova (eggs) and are responsible for ovulation.

What are uterine tubes and what occurs within them?

Also known as fallopian tubes, they carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus and are the site of fertilization.

What is the cervix and its purpose during estrus?

It marks the cranial extent of the vagina and has sphincters that prevent foreign substances from entering the uterus; it relaxes to allow sperm entry during estrus.

What occurs during the proestrus stage of the estrus cycle?

Secretion of FSH from the anterior pituitary gland causes the follicles to develop and prepares the reproductive tract for pregnancy.

Define estrus in the context of the estrus cycle.

The period when the female is receptive to the male, marked by the release of the egg and termed 'in heat'.

What are the three stages of parturition?

Stage 1: Dilation of the cervix, Stage 2: Uterine contractions and expulsion of the fetus, Stage 3: Separation of the placenta from the uterus.

List the three layers of the uterus and their characteristics.

Perimetrium (outer layer), Myometrium (muscular middle layer), Endometrium (inner layer).

What are the functions of testosterone in males?

Testosterone regulates male secondary sexual characteristics, sperm production, and libido.

What is the average lifespan of sperm inside the female reproductive tract?

Sperm can live up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract under optimal conditions.

What is the process of fertilization?

It is the fusion of a sperm cell with an ovum (egg) to form a zygote.

What hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones regulating the menstrual cycle.

What is the function of the placenta during pregnancy?

The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus and removes waste products.

Explain the role of the uterine lining (endometrium).

The endometrium thickens during the menstrual cycle to prepare for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of an oocyte (egg) from the ovary, typically occurring around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.

What is the difference between external and internal genitalia in males?

External genitalia include the penis and scrotum, while internal genitalia include the testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate.

What is the role of the mammary glands in the female reproductive system?

Mammary glands are responsible for producing and secreting milk to nourish infants.

What is the significance of the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle?

The luteal phase prepares the endometrium for a potential implantation of a fertilized egg and is characterized by increased levels of progesterone.

What is the function of the corpus luteum?

The corpus luteum forms from the follicle after ovulation and secretes hormones, primarily progesterone, to support early pregnancy.

Describe the role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy.

hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation, maintaining the corpus luteum and preventing menstruation.

What is the process of sperm maturation?

Sperm maturation occurs in the epididymis where sperm gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg.