Human Reproductive System Basics

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Questions and Answers

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

To form gametes with 23 chromosomes (correct)

To generate testosterone

To facilitate fetal development

To produce somatic cells

Which gland contributes secretions to semen and surrounds the urethra in males?

Pituitary gland

Prostate gland (correct)

Scrotum

Seminal vesicle

What term describes the period during which secondary sex characteristics develop and sexual reproduction becomes possible?

Erection

Gamete formation

Menstruation

Puberty (correct)

What is a common consequence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older men?

Urinary obstruction Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in males also acts as a duct for both urine and semen?

Urethra Signup and view all the answers

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by what main issue?

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection Signup and view all the answers

What does the seminal vesicle primarily produce?

Semen secretions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the uterine lining if fertilization does not occur?

It is sloughed off during menstruation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for male sexual characteristics?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a decreased capacity to produce offspring in males?

Infertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the male germ cell known as?

Spermatozoon Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for male characteristics?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

Identify the gland located below the bladder in males.

Prostate Signup and view all the answers

What structure serves as the passage for both the male reproductive and urinary systems?

Urethra Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating sperm cell development in males?

Follicle-stimulating hormone Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gamete' refer to in males?

Spermatozoon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the ductus deferens?

Transports sperm from the epididymis Signup and view all the answers

What process involves the ejection of semen from the male urethra?

Ejaculation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone in males?

Luteinizing hormone Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the surgical removal of the foreskin in males?

Circumcision Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the corpus luteum in the female reproductive system?

To secrete hormones that maintain the endometrium Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating ovulation in females?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Signup and view all the answers

What does menstruation refer to?

The cyclic discharge of blood from the nonpregnant uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of contraception?

To prevent pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'endometriosis' describe?

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the mammary glands?

To secrete milk Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located between the cervix and the vulva?

Vagina Signup and view all the answers

What is a hysterectomy?

Surgical removal of the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What role does estrogen play in the female reproductive system?

Prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the labia majora in the female anatomy?

To form the sides of the vulva Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System

The male germ cells, or spermatozoa, are produced in the paired testes, suspended outside the body in the scrotum.
The reproductive tract develops in close association with the urinary tract.
In females, the two systems are separate, but in males, the reproductive and urinary tracts share a common passage, the urethra.
The two systems are referred to together as the genitourinary (GU) or urogenital (UG) tract.
Urologists treat disorders of both the male reproductive and the urinary system.
The main male sex hormone is testosterone.
The gland below the bladder in males is the prostate.

Female Reproductive System

The female gamete is cyclic, with an egg released midway in the menstrual cycle.
Each month, the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg.
If fertilization occurs, the developing offspring is nourished and protected by the placenta and surrounding fluids until birth.
If the released egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus is sloughed off in menstruation.
The female reproductive system's structures include the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Terminology

Androgen: A hormone producing male characteristics.
Circumcision: Surgical removal of the end of the prepuce (foreskin).
Ductus deferens: A duct that carries spermatozoa from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Also called vas deferens.
Ejaculation: Ejection of semen from the male urethra.
Erection: The stiffening or hardening of the penis.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A hormone that acts on the gonads. In males, it promotes sperm cell development; in females, it stimulates the ripening of ova.
Gamete: A mature reproductive cell (spermatozoon in males, ovum in females).
Gonad: A sex gland (testis or ovary).
Luteinizing hormone (LH): A hormone that acts on the gonads. In males, it stimulates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone; in females, it stimulates ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
Meiosis: The type of cell division that forms the gametes, producing cells with 23 chromosomes, half the number found in other body cells.
Penis: The male organ of copulation and urination.
Pituitary gland: An endocrine gland at the base of the brain.
Prostate gland: A gland surrounding the urethra below the bladder in males that contributes secretions to the semen.
Puberty: The period during which the ability for sexual reproduction is attained, and secondary sex characteristics begin to develop.
Scrotum: A double pouch that contains the testes.
Semen: The thick secretion that transports spermatozoa.
Seminal vesicle: Sac-like gland behind the bladder that contributes secretions to the semen.
Testis: The male reproductive gland.
Testosterone: The main male sex hormone.
Urethra: The duct that carries urine out of the body and also transports semen.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate.
Erectile dysfunction (ED): Inability of the male to perform intercourse because of failure to initiate or maintain an erection.
Infertility: Decreased capacity to produce offspring.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland.
Cervix: Neck of the uterus.
Contraception: The prevention of pregnancy.
Corpus luteum: Small yellow structure that develops from the ovarian follicle after ovulation.
Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus.
Estrogen: A group of hormones that produce female characteristics and prepare the uterus for the fertilized egg.
Labia majora: Two large folds of skin that form the sides of the vulva.
Labia minora: Two small folds of skin within the labia majora.
Uterus: Organ that receives the fertilized egg and maintains the developing offspring during pregnancy.
Vagina: Muscular tube between the cervix and the vulva.
Vulva: The external female genitalia.
Mammary gland: Specialized gland capable of secreting milk in the female.
Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles in the female.
Menopause: Cessation of menstrual cycles in the female.
Menstruation: Cyclic discharge of blood and mucosal tissues from the lining of the nonpregnant uterus.
Ovary: Female gonad.
Ovulation: Release of a mature ovum from the ovary.
Progesterone: A hormone produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta that maintains the endometrium for pregnancy.
Uterine tube (Fallopian tube): Tube extending from the upper lateral portion of the uterus that carries the ovum to the uterus.
Candidiasis: Infection with the fungus Candida, a common cause of vaginitis
Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina
Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
Mammography: Radiographic study of the breast.
Mastectomy: Excision of breast tissue.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of the male and female reproductive systems, including the anatomy and functions of reproductive organs, hormone roles, and the reproductive processes in humans. Test your knowledge on key terminology and structures related to the genitourinary tract.