Human Reproduction Exam 2

Female Reproductive System

1. What are the primary functions of the ovaries?

   • House follicles that contain ova (eggs).

   • Produce estrogen and progesterone.

2. What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

   • Site of fertilization.

   • Transport the ovum to the uterus.

3. What are the functions of the uterus?

   • Supports implantation and fetal development.

   • The endometrium thickens to prepare for pregnancy.

4. What is the role of the cervix and cervical mucus?

   • Helps sperm entry into the uterus.

   • Protects against infections.

5. What is the function of the vagina?

   • Serves as the birth canal.

   • Site for sperm deposition.

Male Reproductive System

6. What is the function of the testes?

   • Produce sperm (spermatogenesis).

   • Produce testosterone.

7. What is the function of the epididymis?

   • Stores and matures sperm.

8. What is the function of the vas deferens?

   • Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

9. What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

   • Secretes fructose-rich fluid for sperm energy.

10. What is the function of the prostate gland?

• Produces alkaline fluid to enhance sperm motility.

11. What is the function of the Cowper’s (bulbourethral) glands?

• Secretes mucus to neutralize acidity in the urethra.

12. What is the function of the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum?

• Corpus cavernosa: Facilitates erection by filling with blood.

• Corpus spongiosum: Keeps the urethra open during erection.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Regulation & Hormones

13. What hormone does the hypothalamus release to regulate reproductive function?

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

14. What hormones does the anterior pituitary release in response to GnRH?

• Luteinizing hormone (LH).

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

15. What is the function of FSH in males?

• Stimulates Sertoli cells for sperm production.

16. What is the function of LH in males?

• Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

17. What is the function of FSH in females?

• Stimulates follicle growth and estrogen production.

18. What is the function of LH in females?

• Triggers ovulation.

• Supports corpus luteum formation and progesterone secretion.

19. What is the role of granulosa cells?

• Found in ovarian follicles.

• Respond to FSH and produce estrogen.

20. What is the role of theca cells?

• Respond to LH and produce androgens, which are converted to estrogen.

Menstrual Cycle & Ovulation

21. What are the three major phases of the menstrual cycle?

• Follicular (Proliferative) Phase: Follicle growth and estrogen production.

• Ovulation: LH surge triggers follicle rupture and egg release.

• Luteal (Secretory) Phase: Corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone.

22. What happens if fertilization does not occur?

• The corpus luteum degenerates.

• Hormone levels drop.

• The endometrium sheds (menstruation).

23. What is the importance of pulsatile LH release?

• Maintains normal reproductive hormone production.

• Prevents desensitization of receptors.

24. What happens to most follicles?

• Undergo atresia (degeneration) before ovulation.

Reproductive Disorders

25. What are the major characteristics of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

• Irregular or absent ovulation.

• Increased androgens (testosterone).

• Multiple small cysts in ovaries.

• Insulin resistance.

26. What are the major characteristics of endometriosis?

• Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.

• Causes pain, inflammation, and infertility.

Human Sexual Response

27. What are the four phases of the human sexual response cycle?

• Excitement: Increased blood flow and arousal.

• Plateau: Heightened arousal, muscle tension.

• Orgasm: Rhythmic contractions, ejaculation in males.

• Resolution: Return to baseline, refractory period in males.

28. What neurotransmitters are involved in sexual response?

• Dopamine and nitric oxide (Excitement Phase).

• Oxytocin (Orgasm Phase).

Effects of Drugs on Testosterone Levels

29. What substances can suppress testosterone production?

• Opioids.

• Alcohol.

• Anabolic steroids.

Puberty & Development

30. What triggers puberty?

• GnRH release, leading to LH and FSH production.

31. What is the Tanner scale used for?

• Measures stages of sexual maturity in males and females.

32. What is menarche?

• The first menstrual period, indicating reproductive maturity.

Key Terms & Definitions

33. What is an antrum?

• A fluid-filled cavity in a developing ovarian follicle.

34. What are polar bodies?

• Small, non-functional cells produced during oocyte meiosis.

35. What is the function of the epididymis?

• Stores and matures sperm.

36. What is the function of the endometrium?

• Supports implantation and pregnancy.

37. What does oxytocin do?

• Involved in childbirth, orgasm, and bonding.

38. What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

• Contribute seminal fluid with fructose for sperm energy.

39. What is the function of progesterone?

• Supports pregnancy and prepares the uterus.

40. What is the primary estrogen that regulates the menstrual cycle?

• Estradiol.

41. What is the function of cervical mucus?

• Changes consistency to aid sperm transport and block pathogens.