Human Reproductive System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the endometrium in the uterus?

Produces hormones regulating menstrual cycles

Provides support to the myometrium

Serves as a site for sperm transport

Allows for implantation of a fertilized egg (correct)

Which layer of the uterus is primarily involved in muscular contractions during childbirth?

Myometrium (correct)

Perimetrium

Endometrium

Cervix

What anatomical feature defines the fundus of the uterus?

Inner layer that supports implantation

Narrow outlet that connects to the vagina

Muscular layer responsible for contractions

Superior rounded region where the uterine tubes enter (correct)

Which ligament connects the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall?

Broad ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the narrow outlet of the uterus?

Cervix Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is responsible for releasing the secondary oocyte during ovulation?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) Signup and view all the answers

What event occurs if the secondary oocyte is not penetrated by sperm?

The secondary oocyte dies Signup and view all the answers

How many polar bodies are produced during the completion of meiosis after ovulation?

Two polar bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nutrients in the egg?

To nourish the embryo until implantation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference in meiosis between males and females?

Females produce one functional ovum, males produce four sperm Signup and view all the answers

What hormone does the hypothalamus release to initiate the process of spermatogenesis?

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily stimulated by FSH to produce sperm?

Spermatogenic cells Signup and view all the answers

What role does luteinizing hormone (LH) play in male reproductive physiology?

It prompts interstitial cells to release testosterone. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones enhances spermatogenesis after it is released?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of FSH in the male reproductive system?

To stimulate sperm production in spermatogenic cells Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the testis is involved in the production of sperm?

Seminiferous tubule Signup and view all the answers

What primary role does testosterone serve in the male reproductive process?

To enhance spermatogenesis Signup and view all the answers

During spermatogenesis, which happens first in the hormonal regulation sequence?

Release of GnRH from the hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What area is primarily responsible for the production of sperm cells?

Seminiferous tubules Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in the storage and maturation of sperm?

Epididymis Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process occurs when erectile tissue fills with blood?

Erection Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of life does spermatogenesis begin?

Puberty Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the male reproductive system transports sperm from the epididymis?

Ductus deferens Signup and view all the answers

What structure forms the external urethral orifice?

Glans penis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures contributes to the composition of the spermatic cord?

Blood vessels and nerves Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is located near the urethra and produces a slippery fluid that aids in ejaculation?

Bulbourethral gland Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the urethra is surrounded by the prostate?

Prostatic urethra Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bulbourethral glands?

Secretion of pre-ejaculatory fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the urethra travels from the prostatic urethra to the penis?

Membranous urethra Signup and view all the answers

The spongy (penile) urethra runs along which part of the male anatomy?

The length of the penis Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory organ is primarily responsible for producing seminal fluid?

Seminal vesicles Signup and view all the answers

The function of the prostate gland is best described as:

Producing seminal fluid and aiding sperm motility Signup and view all the answers

What structure assists in the transport of sperm from the epididymis during ejaculation?

Ductus deferens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the external urethral orifice is accurate?

It is the exit point for urine and semen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the suspensory ligament of the ovary?

It supports the ovarian blood vessels. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the transport of ova from the ovary to the uterus?

Uterine (fallopian) tubes Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the uterus is primarily responsible for contractions during childbirth?

Myometrium Signup and view all the answers

What forms the boundary around the external genitalia in females?

Labia majora and minora Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures provide lubrication in the female reproductive system?

Greater vestibular glands Signup and view all the answers

Where is the mons pubis located in relation to the pubic symphysis?

Above the pubic symphysis Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the uterus to the sacrum?

Uterosacral ligament Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide sexual pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reproductive System Overview

Gonads are the primary sex organs
Testes are the male gonads
Ovaries are the female gonads
Gonads produce gametes (sex cells) and secrete hormones
Sperm are male gametes
Ova (eggs) are female gametes

Male Reproductive System

Testes: The primary male reproductive organs
Duct system: Includes the epididymis, ductus (vas) deferens, and urethra
- Epididymis: A comma-shaped, tightly coiled tube located on the superior aspect of the testis. It functions in sperm maturation and storage. Sperm are expelled to the vas deferens by muscular contractions.
- Ductus (vas) deferens: Carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct; passes through the inguinal canal and over the bladder. Sperm movement is accomplished by peristalsis. The spermatic cord contains the ductus deferens, blood vessels, and nerves.
- Ejaculatory duct: Formed by the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle; carries sperm into the urethra
- Urethra: Extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis; carries both urine and sperm. Has three regions: prostatic, membranous, and spongy (penile).
Accessory organs:
- Seminal vesicles: Located at the base of the bladder; produces a thick, yellowish secretion (60% of semen), which contains fructose (sugar), vitamin C, prostaglandins, and other substances that nourish and activate sperm.
- Prostate: Encircles the upper part of the urethra; secretes a milky fluid that helps activate sperm. It enters the urethra through several small ducts. Inflammation of the prostate is known as prostatitis; prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in males.
- Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands): Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate; produce a thick, clear mucus that cleanses the urethra of acidic urine prior to ejaculation and acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse.
External genitalia:
- Scrotum: A divided sac of skin outside the abdominal cavity; maintains testes at 3°C lower than normal body temperature to protect sperm viability.
- Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract. The penis has a shaft and glans (enlarged tip). The prepuce (foreskin) covers the glans in some males.

Semen

Mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions
Contains fructose for sperm energy
Its alkalinity neutralizes the acidic environment of the vagina
Inhibits bacterial multiplication
Enhances sperm motility

Testosterone Production

Most important hormone of the testes
Produced in interstitial cells
During puberty, luteinizing hormone (LH) activates the interstitial cells to produce testosterone.
Functions of testosterone: Stimulates reproductive organ development, underlies sex drive, causes secondary sex characteristics (deepening of voice, increased hair growth, enlargement of skeletal muscles, thickening of bones)
Testosterone production is regulated by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Spermatogenesis

Sperm cell production
Begins at puberty
Occurs in the seminiferous tubules within the testes
Spermatogonia (stem cells) divide rapidly to produce more stem cells before puberty. FSH modifies spermatogonia division. One resulting daughter cell is A (a stem cell), and the other becomes a primary spermatocyte, type B.
Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis, producing four haploid spermatids (each with 23 chromosomes).
Spermatids mature into sperm cells through spermiogenesis.

Ovarian Follicle Stages

Ovaries contain ovarian follicles. (sac-like structures)
Primary follicle, contains an immature oocyte
Graafian or vesicular follicle: growing follicle with a maturing oocyte
Ovulation: egg matures, follicle ruptures; occurs about every 28 days
Ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum

Oogenesis

Production of female gametes (ova)
Supply of eggs present at birth
Ability to release eggs begins at puberty
Oogonia are female stem cells in a developing fetus
The production of primary oocytes is achieved by mitosis of oogonia
Primary oocytes are inactive until puberty; FSH causes maturation of some follicles each month; creates cyclic monthly changes known as the ovarian cycle
Meiosis I begins in a primary oocyte during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle .
Meiosis II is completed only if the sperm penetrates the secondary oocyte. The secondary oocyte transforms into an ovum and the sperm’s genetic material combines to form a zygote

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries: The primary female reproductive organs, responsible for producing ova and hormones.
Duct system: Includes uterine tubes (fallopian tubes), uterus, and vagina
- Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes): Receive the ovulated oocyte; provide a site for fertilization; little or no contact between ovaries and uterine tubes; supported by the broad ligament
- Uterus: Hollow, pear-shaped organ; receives fertilized egg; retains fertilized egg; nourishes it; has three layers: endometrium (inner), myometrium (middle muscle), and perimetrium
- Vagina: Extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body; acts as a birth canal; receives the penis during intercourse; hymen partially closes the vagina until it ruptures
External genitalia (vulva): Includes:
- Mons pubis: fatty area above the pubic symphysis, covered with pubic hair
- Labia majora: hair-covered skin folds that enclose labia minora and the vestibule
- Labia minora: delicate, hair-free folds of skin
- Vestibule: enclosed by the labia majora; contains the external openings of the urethra and vagina
- Clitoris: sensitive erectile tissue, homologous to the male penis; hooded by a prepuce
- Greater vestibular glands: located on each side of the vagina; secrete lubricant during intercourse
- Perineum: diamond-shaped region between the anterior ends of the labia, anus posteriorly, and ischial tuberosities laterally

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

Cyclic changes in the endometrium
Regulated by cyclic production of estrogens and progesterone
FSH and LH regulate the production of estrogens and progesterone
28 days in length
Ovulation typically occurs around day 14, usually in the middle of the cycle
Stages of the cycle:
Menstrual phase (days 1-5): functional layer of the endometrium is sloughed off, bleeding occurs
Proliferative phase (days 6-14): Functional layer of the endometrium regenerates, estrogen levels rise, and ovulation happens
Secretory phase (days 15-28): Progesterone rises and increases blood supply to endometrium; endometrium increases in size and readies for implantation. After fertilization, a hormone called hCG will cause the corpus luteum to continue making its hormones If fertilization does not occur, this hormone drops, and the corpus luteum degenerates.

Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands in females
Function: produce milk
Stimulated by sex hormones (mostly estrogens) to increase in size
Anatomy:
Areola: central pigmented area
Nipple: protruding central area of areola
Lobes: internal structures radiating around the nipple.
Lobules: within lobes; contain alveolar glands
Alveolar glands: produce milk during lactation
Lactiferous ducts: connect alveolar glands to the nipple; lead to the nipple

Mammography

X-ray examination that detects breast cancers too small to feel; recommended every 2 years for women between 40 and 49 years old, and yearly thereafter

Pregnancy and Development

Pregnancy: period from conception until birth
Conceptus: developing offspring
Embryo: period from fertilization to week 8
Fetus: period from week 9 until birth
Gestation period: from date of last period until birth (approximately 280 days)
Accomplishing Fertilization: for fertilization to occur, intercourse must happen within 2 days of ovulation at the uterine tube
Mechanisms of Fertilization: Enzymes in sperm break down corona radiata; acrosomal reaction occurs and enzymes digest holes in the oocyte membrane; membrane receptors on oocyte pull sperm head into contact; second meiotic division occurs to form the ovum; genetic material of sperm and oocyte combines to form a zygote.
Zygote: first cell of a new individual, formed by the union of sperm and egg DNA. Rapid mitotic cell divisions begin; moves from the uterine tube toward the uterus.
Cleavage: rapid mitotic divisions that result in the blastocyst. The zygote divides 24 hours after fertilization; floats freely in the uterus for 2-3 days; implants in the endometrium around day 7 after ovulation, as part of the late blastocyst stage
Events of Embryonic and Fetal Development: begins with the zygote (fertilized egg), forming into the 4-cell, morula (16-cell solid ball of blastomeres), and blastocyst (hollow ball of blastomeres); trophoblast cells surround the blastocyst, and the inner cell mass develops inside the cavity. Implantation typically occurs around day 7 and the primary germ layers are formed
Development After Implantation: chorionic villi develop to form the placenta, a structure that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo or fetus. The fluid filled amniotic sac surrounds the embryo and its umbilical cord.
Functions of the placenta: Forms a barrier between mother and embryo; delivers nutrients and oxygen; removes waste from embryonic blood; becomes an endocrine organ by producing estrogen and progesterone to maintain pregnancy.

The Fetus (Beginning of Ninth Week)

In the 8th week, all organ systems have formed
Activities of the fetus are growth and organ specialization
The appearance and the fetus changes tremendously.

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

Anatomical changes: enlargement of the uterus, accentuated lumbar curvature (lordosis), relaxation of pelvic ligaments/pubic symphysis.
Physiological changes: Gastrointestinal (morning sickness, heartburn, constipation); Urinary (increased urine production, stress incontinence); Respiratory (nasal congestion/swelling, increased vital capacity and respiratory rate); Cardiovascular (increased blood volume, blood pressure/pulse increase, varicose veins)

Childbirth (Parturition)

Labor: series of events that expel infant from uterus
- Stages of Labor:
Dilation: cervix dilates; uterine contractions begin and increase, cervix softens and effaces, amniotic sac ruptures
Expulsion: infant passes through the cervix and vagina. Typically lasts 50 minutes (first birth), or 20 minutes(subsequent births).
Placental: delivery of the placenta; usually accomplished within 15 minutes after birth.

Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive System

Gender Determination: determined at fertilization (XY for males, XX for females)
Gonads begin to form in the 8th week
Puberty: ages 10-15 and is signaled by certain developments in males and females:
Males: enlargement of testes and scrotum
Females: budding of the breasts
Both: Menarche (first menstrual period)
Menopause: occurs when a whole year passes without menstruation and the ovaries stop producing hormones. Males do not experience a similar event, but there is a steady decline of testosterone.

A Closer Look: Contraception

Methods Include:
Hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch, shot, ring): reduce ovarian hormone production to prevent ovulation and menstrual flow.
Morning-after pill (MAP): disrupts normal hormone signals to prevent fertilization.
Other hormonal birth control devices: thicken the cervical mucus.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs): prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
Sterilization (tubal ligation in females, vasectomy in males): permanently prevents gamete transport.
Barrier methods: diaphragms, cervical caps, condoms, spermicidal foams, gels, sponges
Withdrawal: (coitus interruptus) involves withdrawal of penis before ejaculation
Rhythm method/fertility awareness: avoiding intercourse during ovulation or fertile period; checking basal temperature or monitoring changes in cervical mucus.
Abortion (RU486/other methods): termination of pregnancy
Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is common; typically occurs before a woman knows she's pregnant.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the human reproductive system with this quiz. Questions cover anatomy, hormonal functions, and reproductive processes. Ideal for students studying biology or health sciences.