Questions and Answers
What are the ducts in the breast responsible for?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating milk synthesis?
What is the term for the first menstruation in females?
What is the main function of the male reproductive system?
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What structure protects sperm by regulating temperature?
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Which hormone is involved in milk ejection during lactation?
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During what age range does the perimenopausal period typically occur?
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What contributes to the physical changes associated with male maturity?
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What phase occurs after oogonia divide by mitosis during early fetal development?
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At birth, how many primordial follicles are typically present?
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Which cells stimulate the maturation of follicles?
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What structure forms after the maturation and rupture of a Graafian follicle?
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What occurs to most primary oocytes after reaching around 7 million by the fifth month of fetal development?
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What is the name of the outer protective layer that forms around an oocyte?
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Which of the following structures does NOT form part of the female reproductive organs?
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What determines the size of the breast tissue?
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What is primarily produced by the testes?
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Which structure serves as the site where newly formed sperm continue to mature?
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What is the role of Sertoli cells in the testes?
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What are the least mature cells in the seminiferous tubules called?
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What is the function of the seminal vesicles?
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From which cells are primary spermatocytes derived during spermatogenesis?
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What do the bulbourethral glands secrete?
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During spermatogenesis, how many spermatozoa are produced from one primary spermatocyte?
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What is the outcome of spermatocytogenesis?
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During which stage do spermatids mature into motile spermatozoa?
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What role does testosterone play in sperm maturation?
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What characterizes the process of spermatidogenesis?
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What increases genetic variability during the formation of male gametes?
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How are spermatids transported to the epididymis?
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What happens during the process of spermiogenesis regarding the DNA of spermatids?
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What is the relationship between spermatogonia and maintenance of the gamete supply?
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Study Notes
The Reproductive System
Female Reproduction
- Females have a finite number of egg cells, produced early during fetal development.
- Germ cells migrate to the ovaries and develop into oogonia, which divide and differentiate into primary oocytes.
- At five months gestation, approximately 7 million primary oocytes are present; most degenerate, leaving 1 million follicles at birth.
- By puberty, about 400,000 primordial follicles remain, with only 400-500 maturing over a lifetime.
Oogonia and Follicle Development
- Follicles consist of an immature egg (oocyte) surrounded by:
- Follicle cells: Single layer of squamous cells.
- Granulosa cells: Present in multiple layers, stimulated by FSH.
- Thecal cells: Located in ovarian stroma, collaborate with granulosa cells to produce estrogen.
- Zona pellucida is the glycoprotein layer that surrounds the egg.
- Follicle development stages:
- Primordial follicle: Oocyte surrounded by squamous-like cells.
- Primary follicle: Oocyte enclosed by several cuboidal granulosa cells.
- Secondary follicle: Contains a fluid-filled antrum.
- Graafian follicle: Most mature stage, bulges from the ovary.
- Corpus luteum: Formed post-ovulation from the ruptured follicle.
The Breasts
- Composed of glandular tissue for milk production and fatty tissue influencing size.
- Milk produced in lobules, travels through ducts and exits via the nipple; surrounded by the areola.
- Mammary glands are modified sweat glands opening via lactiferous ducts.
- Hormonal influences:
- Prolactin: Stimulates milk synthesis.
- Oxytocin: Triggers milk ejection.
- Lymph nodes in the axilla drain lymph from the breast.
Important Terms
- Menarche: First menstruation.
- Puberty: Transition to sexual maturity, typically around age 13.
- Menopause: End of menstruation.
- Postmenopausal period: Time following menopause.
- Perimenopausal period: Changes occurring between ages 44-50.
Functions of the Male Reproductive System
- Key functions include the production and storage of sperm and its transfer during intercourse.
- Hormones from the pituitary gland stimulate testosterone production, initiating physical maturation.
Structure of the Male Reproductive System
-
External Structures:
- Scrotum: Protects sperm by maintaining a lower temperature.
- Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract.
-
Testes: Produce sperm and androgens like testosterone.
- Sertoli Cells: Support sperm production.
- Germ Cells: Spermatogonia are stem cells lining seminiferous tubules.
Internal Structures
- Epididymis: Site of sperm maturation.
- Vas Deferens: Muscular tube completing sperm maturation.
- Seminal Vesicles: Contribute 60% of semen volume; fluid rich in fructose for sperm energy.
- Ejaculatory Duct: Transport seminal fluid into the prostate gland.
- Prostate Gland: Secretes alkaline fluid, enhancing seminal fluid.
- Bulbourethral Glands: Produce lubricating fluid for urethra and vagina.
Spermatogenesis
- Process where primary sperm cells undergo meiosis to produce sperm.
- Spermatocytogenesis: Diploid spermatogonium divides, forming primary spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis I.
- Spermatidogenesis: Secondary spermatocytes rapidly enter meiosis II to create haploid spermatids.
- Spermiogenesis: Spermatids develop tails and mature, with DNA condensation and packing for functionality.
- Sperm leave the testes, maturing in the epididymis under testosterone influence while being transported via peristalsis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the female reproductive system, focusing on egg cell development, follicle structure, and hormonal interactions. This quiz covers key stages of oocyte maturation and the roles of various cells involved in reproduction.
