Anatomy & Physiology of the Reproductive System

Questions and Answers

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

To carry sperm away from the testes (correct)

To produce hormones necessary for sperm development

To store urine prior to excretion

To facilitate the release of nitric oxide during erection

Which tissue types compose the shaft of the penis?

Striated muscle and elastic cartilage

Adipose and connective tissues

Nervous and epithelial tissues

Corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum (correct)

How does sexual excitement lead to penile erection?

By increasing testosterone release into the bloodstream

Through the contraction of the bulbospongiosus muscle

Through increased oxygen levels in the blood supply

By dilation of blood vessels due to nitric oxide release (correct)

What defines the study of gynecology?

It explores the anatomical and physiological aspects of female reproductive organs Signup and view all the answers

During erection, which muscle plays a key role in trapping blood in the erectile tissues?

Ischiocavernosus muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of normal testes?

Hard and irregular texture Signup and view all the answers

What role does the penile artery serve in the male reproductive system?

It provides the blood supply for the penis Signup and view all the answers

Which system of nerve innervation is responsible for stimulating penile erection?

Parasympathetic nerve innervation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the uterus?

To receive the ovum and provide a place for implantation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the alkaline pH in the secretions of the bulbourethral glands?

To improve sperm survival in the vagina Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the uterus change with maturity?

It increases mainly due to fat deposition and connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical division of the uterus is primarily responsible for expansion during pregnancy?

Body Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of semen is derived from the prostate gland?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure is affected by an episiotomy during childbirth?

The fourchette Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the uterus is continuous with the lining of the fallopian tubes?

Body Signup and view all the answers

Which gland contributes the least to semen production?

Bulbourethral glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the temporary increase in breast size in boys during puberty?

Gynecomastia Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of acinar cells in the mammary glands?

To produce milk Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of Kegel exercises during pregnancy?

To increase flexibility of the perineal muscle Signup and view all the answers

How are the milk glands in the breasts organized?

Divided by connective tissue into approximately 20 lobes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the urethra in the male reproductive system?

To transport urine and semen Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal developmental sequence for mammary glands in females?

Mammary glands remain undeveloped until the first pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

How is the hymen typically impacted during a girl's first sexual intercourse?

It is often torn Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the male urethra?

18 to 20 cm Signup and view all the answers

What role do FSH and LH play in the menstrual cycle?

They stimulate the development of the egg and follicle. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle?

The graafian follicle undergoes mitotic and meiotic divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur to cervical mucus during ovulation?

It becomes thin and copious. Signup and view all the answers

What does the corpus luteum produce after ovulation?

Estrogen and progesterone. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if fertilization does not occur?

Hormone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the first half of the menstrual cycle regarding cervical mucus?

It is thick and scant. Signup and view all the answers

How can women analyze cervical mucus to aid in conception?

By tracking changes in thickness and consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of estrogen produced by the graafian follicle?

To stimulate the growth of the endometrial lining. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mean age at which menopause typically occurs?

51.3 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the transitional period leading to menopause?

Perimenopause Signup and view all the answers

How can education about menstruation benefit girls in terms of school attendance?

It leads to fewer missed school days. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical symptom of menopause caused by reduced estrogen levels?

Vaginal dryness Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Endometrial cancer Signup and view all the answers

What strategy can help alleviate hot flashes during menopause?

Sipping cold drinks Signup and view all the answers

What psychological impact may women experience due to menopause?

Anxiety over childbearing ending Signup and view all the answers

How does educating boys about menstruation benefit society?

It fosters understanding of the female reproductive cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive System

Normal testes are firm, smooth, and egg-shaped; the epididymis can be felt as a firm swelling on the superior aspect of the testes.
The male reproductive system includes external and internal structures; andrology studies these organs, while gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system.
The penis consists of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue: two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum, with the urethra passing through these, enabling dual function for urinary and reproductive systems.
Erection is facilitated by parasympathetic nerve activity, causing nitric oxide release, leading to blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow, resulting in engorgement.
Bulbourethral glands secrete an alkaline fluid to neutralize urethral acidity, aiding sperm survival.
Semen composition: prostate gland contributes 60%, seminal vesicles 30%, epididymis 5%, and bulbourethral glands 5%.
The urethra measures 18 to 20 cm, consists of a mucous membrane lining, and plays a role in both urination and reproductive functions.

Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system has external and internal components; mammary glands develop from ectodermic tissue during gestation.
The uterus, 5-7 cm long and weighing about 60 g in a non-pregnant state, has three parts: body (corpus), isthmus, and cervix, functioning in ovum reception, implantation, and fetal protection.
The uterus expands during pregnancy to accommodate the developing fetus; its lining connects with the fallopian tubes.
The cervix’s mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle; it is thick and scant in the first half but becomes thin and copious during ovulation, facilitating sperm survival.

Menstrual Cycle Summary

Gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) stimulate ovarian growth; FSH activates a primordial follicle, leading to estrogen and progesterone production.
Ovulation occurs around day 14, marked by an LH surge; the mature follicle releases the ovum into the fallopian tube.
The luteal phase (days 15-28) involves the formation of the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining; if fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, triggering menstruation.

Menstrual Education and Menopause

Educating both genders about menstruation fosters understanding and reduces myths, helping girls view it positively.
Menopause typically occurs between ages 40 and 55; it signifies the end of childbearing.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading to menopause; postmenopausal life follows the last menstrual period.
Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, and psychological changes impacted by decreased estrogen levels.
Hot flashes can occur frequently (20-30 times daily) and last several minutes; remedies include cold drinks and fans.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was previously common to relieve menopause symptoms but is now used cautiously due to associated health risks.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including key structures such as the testes and epididymis. Understand how these systems, although different, are homologous and stem from the same embryonic origins. Perfect for students studying gynecology and reproductive health.