Reproductive System Physiology Overview

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47 Terms

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Mitosis

A type of cell division resulting in two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes (diploid) as the parent.

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Meiosis

Cell division producing four genetically unique haploid cells, important in gamete formation.

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Spermiogenesis

Final stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids mature into sperm.

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Spermatogenesis

Entire process of sperm cell development (mitosis → meiosis → spermiogenesis).

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Chromosome

DNA structure carrying genetic material; humans have 46 (23 pairs).

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Chromatid

One of two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

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Haploid

A cell with half the number of chromosomes (n = 23).

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Diploid

A cell with the full set of chromosomes (2n = 46).

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Oogenesis

Formation of female gametes (ova).

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Follicle

Structure in ovaries containing a developing oocyte and surrounding cells.

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Polar body

A small cell produced during oogenesis that eventually degenerates.

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Ovulation

Release of a secondary oocyte from a mature follicle.

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Fertilization

Fusion of sperm and ovum to form a zygote.

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Menses

Menstrual bleeding due to shedding of the uterine lining.

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Proliferative

Phase of the uterine cycle where the endometrium rebuilds.

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Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells.

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GnRH

Hormone from hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary.

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FSH

Hormone that acts on Sertoli cells to promote spermatogenesis.

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LH

Hormone that stimulates interstitial (Leydig) cells to release testosterone.

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Testosterone

Final trigger for spermatogenesis; regulates male traits.

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Male Infertility

Often due to low sperm count, poor motility, or hormone imbalances.

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Oogonia

Cells that complete mitosis before birth.

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Primary oocytes

Arrested in prophase I until puberty.

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Ovulated secondary oocyte

Arrests in metaphase II until fertilization.

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Fertilization

Triggers completion of meiosis II.

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Follicular Phase

Follicle growth → mature Graafian follicle → ovulation.

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Luteal Phase

Corpus luteum forms → degenerates if no fertilization.

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Menses

Shedding of endometrium.

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Proliferative Phase

Endometrial regrowth under estrogen.

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Secretory Phase

Glands secrete nutrients under progesterone.

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GnRH

Stimulates FSH & LH release.

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Estrogen

Endometrial repair, secondary sex characteristics.

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Progesterone

Maintains endometrium; secreted by corpus luteum.

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Birth Control

Prevents ovulation by maintaining hormone levels (estrogen/progesterone) artificially.

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Difference between mitosis and meiosis

Mitosis produces 2 diploid identical cells; meiosis produces 4 haploid genetically unique cells.

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Effect of low FSH on sperm production

Reduced FSH impairs spermatogenesis, lowering sperm count.

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Functions of interstitial and nurse cells

Interstitial (Leydig): Produce testosterone. Nurse (Sertoli): Support, nourish developing sperm, form blood-testis barrier.

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Source, target, effect of GnRH in males

Source: Hypothalamus; Target: Anterior pituitary; Effect: Stimulates FSH and LH release.

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FSH and LH targets/effects in males

FSH: Sertoli cells → sperm production; LH: Interstitial cells → testosterone production.

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Stages of spermatogenesis

Spermatogonium (2n) → primary spermatocyte (2n) → secondary spermatocytes (n) → spermatids (n) → spermatozoa (n).

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Oogenesis vs. spermatogenesis

Oogenesis produces 1 ovum + 3 polar bodies; occurs monthly; starts before birth. Spermatogenesis produces 4 sperm; continuous from puberty.

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Primary, growing, tertiary follicles

Primary: Single layer of cells around oocyte. Growing: Layers increase, fluid begins accumulating. Tertiary (Graafian): Fully mature, ready to ovulate.

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Follicular vs. postovulatory phase (ovary)

Follicular: Follicle grows; estrogen rises. Postovulatory: Corpus luteum forms; progesterone dominates.

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Uterine cycle phases

Menses: Endometrial shedding; Proliferative: Endometrium rebuilds; Secretory: Endometrium thickens/secretes nutrients.

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Blockage of progesterone receptors in uterus

Prevents endometrium maintenance → possible early shedding or failed implantation.

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Event with low estrogen/progesterone

Menses begins (menstrual bleeding).

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How birth control alters hormones/cycle

Maintains steady estrogen/progesterone → prevents LH surge → no ovulation or follicle maturation.