Human Biology: The Reproductive System

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the pituitary gland and other endocrine glands?

  • The pituitary gland directly produces estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.
  • The pituitary gland acts as a central regulator, controlling the function of other endocrine glands through hormone secretion. (correct)
  • The pituitary gland is regulated by the nervous system, which then stimulates other endocrine glands.
  • The pituitary gland is directly regulated by other endocrine glands that provide feedback, inhibiting its hormone production.

A man is experiencing difficulties with sperm production. Which hormone is most likely deficient?

  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). (correct)
  • Progesterone.
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH).
  • Estradiol.

How do estrogen and progesterone contribute to female reproductive function after ovulation?

  • Estrogen triggers ovulation, while progesterone stimulates the production of egg cells.
  • Estrogen stimulates the production of testosterone, while progesterone stimulates the production of sperm cells.
  • Estrogen stimulates the development of egg cells, while progesterone triggers ovulation.
  • Estrogen prepares the body for potential pregnancy, while progesterone maintains pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle. (correct)

In males, what is the primary role of luteinizing hormone (LH)?

<p>Stimulating the production of testosterone in the testes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones are directly produced by the ovaries?

<p>Estrogen and Progesterone. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures in the male reproductive system serves as both a storage location for sperm and a site for sperm maturation?

<p>Epididymis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A man and his partner are trying to conceive, but are having difficulties. A doctor's visit reveals that his sperm are not able to produce the energy needed to travel to the egg. Which of the following structures may not be functioning correctly?

<p>Seminal vesicles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To capture the egg after it is released from the ovary (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A female patient reports irregular and painful menstruation. Further examination reveals a problem with the cyclical shedding and regeneration of a specific tissue layer. Which of the following is most likely affected?

<p>Endometrium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lists the correct order of the structures an egg cell passes through from its release to potential implantation?

<p>Ovary → fimbriae → fallopian tube → uterus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A couple is having trouble conceiving. Testing reveals that the man's sperm are unable to neutralize the acidity of the urethra, potentially damaging the sperm. Which structure is likely malfunctioning?

<p>Cowper's gland (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following fertilization, where does the implantation of the embryo typically occur in the female reproductive system?

<p>Uterus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a drug was developed to prevent the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which organs would be directly affected in both males and females due to their roles in gamete production?

<p>Ovaries and testes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions and maintain homeostasis.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that controls other glands in the endocrine system.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Stimulates sperm production in males and egg cell development in females.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

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Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone, responsible for male characteristics and sperm production.

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Reproductive System

The system comprising all organs involved in sexual reproduction, known as the genital system.

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Male Reproductive System

The system responsible for producing sperm cells (male gametes) and transferring them to the female.

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Testes

Organs that produce testosterone and sperm cells, part of the endocrine system.

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Epididymis

A long tube on the back of the testes, responsible for storing and maturing sperm.

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Ovaries

Organs that produce egg cells (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone, part of the endocrine system.

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Fallopian Tube

The passageway from the ovary to the uterus; the site where fertilization occurs.

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Uterus

The organ where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a baby.

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Pathway of Egg

The route: ovary → fimbriae → fallopian tube → uterus. Important for fertilization and menstruation.

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Study Notes

The Reproductive System

  • The reproductive system, also known as the genital system, comprises all organs involved in sexual reproduction.
  • Two types exist: male and female.

Male Reproductive System

  • Responsible for producing sperm (male gametes) and transferring them to the female.
  • External Structures:
    • Penis: Deposits sperm into the vagina during mating.
    • Scrotum: Hangs behind the penis holding the testicles. Regulates testicle temperature for sperm survival.
    • Testes: Produce testosterone and sperm cells; part of the endocrine system.
    • Epididymis: Stores and matures sperm, located on the back of the testes.
  • Internal Structures:
    • Vas deferens: Transports mature sperm to the urethra for ejaculation. Vasectomy cuts this tube to prevent sperm release.
    • Ejaculatory duct: Formed by the junction of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles.
    • Urethra: Passageway for both urine and semen in males.
    • Seminal vesicles: Produce fructose-rich fluid for sperm nourishment and energy.
    • Prostate gland: Walnut-shaped, adds fluid to sperm for nourishment and motility.
    • Cowper's gland (bulbourethral gland): Produces lubricating fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra, preventing sperm damage.

Female Reproductive System

  • Produces egg cells (ova, female gametes), receives sperm, and carries the developing baby.
  • Important Parts:
    • Ovaries: Sites of oogenesis (egg cell production) and hormone production (estrogen and progesterone); part of the endocrine system.
    • Fimbriae: Finger-like projections that capture the released egg cell.
    • Fallopian tube (oviduct): Connects the ovary to the uterus; site of fertilization.
    • Endometrium: Uterine lining, nourishes the embryo, and sheds during menstruation.
    • Uterus: Site of egg implantation.
    • Cervix: Muscular opening of the uterus, capable of expansion.
    • Vagina: Entrance for the penis; birth canal.

Important Facts

  • Females have two ovaries, alternating monthly in egg release.
  • Males can release millions of sperm per ejaculation.
  • Approximately 400,000 egg cells are present in ovaries but only around 400 mature from puberty (around 12 years old) until menopause (around 50 years old).
  • Egg cells are larger than sperm cells.
  • Egg pathway: ovary → fimbriae → fallopian tube → uterus. Fertilized egg implants in the uterus; unfertilized egg is expelled during menstruation.
  • Sperm pathway: vagina → cervix → uterus → fallopian tube → potential fertilization.

Hormones

  • Hormones are chemical messengers regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis.
  • Produced by glands in the endocrine system. Examples include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Pituitary Gland

  • The master gland of the endocrine system, controlling other glands.

Hormones & Role in Reproduction

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
    • Males: Stimulates sperm production in the testes.
    • Females: Promotes egg cell development in the ovaries.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
    • Males: Stimulates testosterone production in the testes.
    • Females: Triggers ovulation; stimulates estrogen and progesterone production.
  • Testosterone: Primary male sex hormone, influencing male characteristics, spermatogenesis, and fertility; produced by testes.
  • Estrogen: Main female sex hormone influencing female characteristics and pregnancy preparation; produced by ovaries.
  • Progesterone: Maintains pregnancy, regulates menstrual cycle; produced by ovaries after ovulation.

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