Endocrinology Quiz: Hormones and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What effect does Inhibin have on GnRH and FSH release?

Stimulates their release

Has no effect on their release

Inhibits their release (correct)

Only inhibits GnRH

Which of the following is NOT a function of testosterone?

Increased metabolic rate

Growth of facial hair

Development of secondary sex characteristics

Production of eggs (correct)

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

Support embryo development

Regulate blood flow

Produce and release eggs (correct)

Control hormone levels

How many eggs is a female expected to produce in her lifetime?

About 500 Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary sex organs in males and females?

Testes and ovaries Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the production of testosterone at puberty in males?

LH release from the anterior pituitary Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily produced by the testes?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What does FSH in males primarily stimulate?

Spermatogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which process is responsible for the formation of gametes?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for nurturing the development of the zygote into a fetus?

Progesterone Signup and view all the answers

Which structure contains immature eggs within the ovaries?

Ovarian follicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)?

To stimulate the release of sex hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the male reproductive system?

Ovaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the male reproductive strategy?

To produce millions of sperm Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily involved in the menstrual cycle regulation in females?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play in the reproductive system?

It regulates the activity of the gonads. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the testes are located in the scrotum?

To allow for temperature regulation necessary for sperm production Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes how immature sperm cells are formed in the testes?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the seminal glands?

To contribute a significant amount of seminal fluid during ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

Where does sperm complete its maturation process after being produced in the testes?

Epididymis Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a mature sperm cell is responsible for enabling motility?

Flagellum Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the prostate gland during ejaculation?

To provide a fluid that activates sperm and neutralizes acidity Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is primarily responsible for producing pre-ejaculatory fluid?

Bulbo-urethral glands Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the maturation of immature sperm in the epididymis?

They gain an acrosome and develop a tail Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the oviduct in the female reproductive system?

Passageway for an ovulated egg Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for triggering contractions in the uterine wall during labor?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the endometrium if a pregnancy does not occur?

It is shed during menstruation Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the narrow opening of the uterus?

Cervix Signup and view all the answers

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

Passageway for sperm deposition and delivery of infants Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the hymen during first tampon usage or sexual intercourse?

It ruptures Signup and view all the answers

How are the urethra and the reproductive tract structured in females compared to males?

They are separate in females Signup and view all the answers

What regulates the monthly cycles in the ovaries and uterus?

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal axis Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the drop in progesterone levels at the end of the monthly cycle?

Menstruation is about to start. Signup and view all the answers

What role does estrogen play at the start of the menstrual cycle?

It rebuilds the endometrium. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily released by the remaining follicle cells after ovulation?

Progesterone Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the development of the follicle at the beginning of the cycle?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of progesterone during the menstrual cycle?

Inhibit uterine muscle contractions Signup and view all the answers

What occurs around Day 14 of the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen levels peak. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes occurs in the female body due to estrogen at puberty?

Widening of the pelvis Signup and view all the answers

What happens to estrogen levels as ovulation approaches?

They increase significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional symptom experienced during PMS?

Mood swings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a physical symptom of PMS?

Increased energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) from PMS?

PMDD causes significant disruption to daily activities. Signup and view all the answers

How do oral contraceptives affect the body's hormonal cycle?

They trick the body into thinking it's in a constant luteal phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended strategy for managing PMS symptoms?

Track your menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

What role does progesterone play in the menstrual cycle when taking oral contraceptives?

It inhibits the release of GnRH. Signup and view all the answers

What type of lifestyle change is suggested for improving emotional wellbeing during PMS?

Practice relaxation techniques like yoga Signup and view all the answers

Which brain area is particularly noted to have increased activity in women with PMDD?

Limbic system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System

Organs include the testes within the scrotum and the penis
Ducts include the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra
Accessory glands include seminal glands, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands

Male Reproductive Strategy

Males produce millions of sperm cells to deliver to the female reproductive system.
Sperm cells require less energy to produce than egg cells, so males can produce many.

Spermatogenesis

Immature sperm cells are created in the testes, starting at puberty.
Spermatogenesis is a specialized cell division process called meiosis.
About 100 million sperm are created daily.
Sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis for maturation.

Testis to Epididymis

Immature sperm are made (spermatogenesis) in the testes.
Sperm complete maturation in the epididymis.
The seminiferous tubules are where sperm are made.

Mature Sperm Cell

The tail propels the sperm.
The midpiece contains mitochondria for energy to reach the egg.
The head contains the father's chromosomes.
The acrosome contains enzymes that assist with fertilization.

Male Accessory Glands

Seminal glands are located on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder.
Seminal glands contribute majority of seminal fluid during ejaculation and contain nutrients for sperm.
Prostate gland is doughnut-shaped and encircles the origin of the urethra.
Prostate gland fluid activates sperm and counteracts acidity of the female reproductive tract.
Bulbourethral glands are pea-sized, located below the prostate.
Bulbourethral glands ducts empty into the urethra.
Fluids from these glands, plus the sperm, make up semen.

Penis

Functionally serves a dual purpose: reproduction (delivers sperm to the female reproductive tract and for urine elimination).
Contains erectile tissue (corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa).
The urethra passes through the erectile tissue and is the duct through which semen and urine travel.
Erectile tissue fills with blood during arousal leading to an erection.

Pathway for Sperm

During ejaculation, semen is propelled through ducts by smooth muscle contractions.
Sperm travels from the epididymis through the duct system (ejaculatory duct, ductus (vas) deferens, urethra).
Fluids are also ejected into the duct system from seminal glands, and fluids from the prostate gland.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to release Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH).
LH and FSH affect the activity of gamete and sex hormone production in the gonads (testes).

Testosterone Level Regulation

Testosterone stimulates spermatogenesis.
Elevated testosterone levels inhibit LH and GnRH.
This is an example of a negative feedback homeostatic mechanism.

Sperm Production

FSH and testosterone together stimulate spermatogenesis in the testes.
Elevated sperm count triggers the release of inhibin from secretory cells.
Inhibin inhibits GnRH and FSH release from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, respectively.

Recall: Testosterone

A steroid hormone that increases at puberty.
Stimulates spermatogenesis in the testes, causes reproductive duct, glands and penis growth..
Causes development of secondary sex characteristics.
Includes pubic, axillary, and facial hair, increased hair on chest, enlarged larynx (voice drop).
Increased bone size and density, and skeletal muscle mass.
Increases metabolic rate and is responsible for sex drive.
Also found in females at a lower level.

Female Reproductive Strategy

The reproductive strategy of females is to produce a few nutrient rich eggs in their lifetime. (approx 500).
Egg cells are the largest.
Sperm cells are the smallest.

Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Produce eggs.
Produce sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Nurture the developing zygote into an embryo, then fetus in the uterus.
Nurture the newborn postpartum.

Female Reproductive Tract

Uterine tubes deliver a mature egg to the uterus.
Uterus provides a place for fertilization and development of a developing fetus.
Vagina serves as a birth canal and a site for sperm deposition.

Ovaries

Paired, located on either side of the uterus.
Produce and release eggs.
Produce and release female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Oviducts and Uterus

The oviduct is the passageway for an ovulated egg to travel to the uterus, also the common site of fertilization.
Uterus is where implantation of an embryo occurs.
Smooth muscle in the uterine wall contracts (with oxytocin) during labor and delivery.
The endometrium is the inner blood-rich layer for implantation.

Vagina

A thin-walled tube connecting the uterus to the outside of the body.
Located between the bladder and rectum.
Functions include a pathway for menstrual flow and childbirth, as well as a site for sperm deposition.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

The opening of the vagina may be covered by a partial membrane called the hymen.
The clitoris is erectile tissue sensitive to touch, homologous to the penis in males.
Labia minora and labia majora are the skin folds that surround the vaginal opening.

Monthly Cycle

Female monthly cycles are typically 28 days.
Ovulation typically occurs around day 14.
Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus if fertilization has not occurred.
Extremely variable between women concerning time, amount of blood loss, cramps, and clots.

Recall: Estrogen

A steroid hormone analogous to testosterone in males.
Increases at puberty and has several effects on the female body, including:
Promotes embryonic female sexual development
At puberty, estrogen causes maturation of the female reproductive tract.
This includes the start of the menstrual cycle, growth spurt, breast development,
Increased adipose tissue in hips and breasts, and widening of the pelvis.
Maintains ideal blood cholesterol levels.
Facilitates calcium uptake.

Progesterone

Levels rise after ovulation and are maintained throughout pregnancy.
If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop at the end of the monthly cycle.
Enrichs and maintains the lining of the uterus (endometrium), and acts as a major component of the placenta.
Increases thickness of cervical mucus.
Inhibits egg development and ovulation by blocking the release of GnRH, LH and FSH.
Inhibits uterine muscle contractions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Emotional and physical changes during the 1-2 weeks before a period that typically resolve after the period starts.
Possible emotional experiences include being more sensitive to things, mood swings, less motivation, feeling hopeless, anxious and overwhelmed, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Possible physical symptoms might include breast tenderness or swelling, achy muscles and joints, headaches, feeling bloated and difficulty sleeping.
Symptoms differ between women, but they are usually similar from one woman to another though some women may be more sensitive to these fluctuations than others.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Symptoms of PMDD are severe enough that they prevent one from performing daily activities at school, work, or home.
Recent studies suggest that women with PMDD likely have increased sensitivity to progesterone which increases activity in the limbic system of their brains.

What to do if you have PMS or PMDD

Track your cycle to predict symptoms.
Focus on emotional well-being through activities such as nature time, meditation, or yoga.

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills supplement the body with progesterone, sometimes in combination with estrogen.
The hormones present in pills (1-21 days) inhibit egg development and ovulation by blocking GnRH release.
22-28 days (placebo pills), help to cause menstruation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the roles of inhibin and testosterone in hormone regulation and reproductive functions. This quiz covers important effects on GnRH and FSH release, as well as functions of testosterone. Dive into the intricate world of endocrinology!