Human Reproductive System Quiz

Male Reproductive System

• The urethra is a tube that passes through the penis, carrying urine and sperm.
• The penis is the external sexual organ that delivers sperm to the female reproductive system. It has erectile tissue that stiffens during ejaculation.
• Testes produce sperm cells.
• Sperm are stored in the coiled epididymis.
• The vas deferens carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
• The scrotum houses and protects the testes, keeping the temperature slightly lower for sperm survival.
• Seminal vesicles secrete a fluid to nourish sperm.
• Ejaculatory ducts contract during ejaculation to expel semen.

Sperm and Semen

• Sperm are produced in the testes and stored in the epididymis.
• Sperm mix with fluids from glands (prostate and seminal vesicles) to form semen.
• Semen is transported through the urethra and expelled during ejaculation.

Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries are almond-shaped organs that produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and egg cells.
• Ovulation occurs approximately every 28 days.
• Fallopian tubes receive the egg and are where fertilization may occur.
• The uterus is a muscular organ where a fertilized egg develops.
• The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina.
• The vagina is a hollow tube connecting the cervix to the external body.
• The vulva is the external female genitalia including the mons veneris, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris.

Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Systems

• Hormones regulate the reproductive systems, impacting puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, and development.
• Testes produce testosterone, influencing male sex organs, secondary sexual characteristics, and sex drive.
• Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, influencing female secondary sexual characteristics, sex drive, and the menstrual cycle.
• The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin.

Menstrual Cycle

• The menstrual cycle is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining.
• The cycle begins with the maturation of an egg in the ovary.
• If fertilization doesn't occur, the uterine lining sheds (menstruation).

Development of Life

• Gametogenesis is the formation of sperm and egg cells.
• Fertilization occurs when the sperm joins the egg.
• The fertilized egg divides and forms a blastocyst.
• Gastrulation is where three germ layers form, developing into organs.
• Organs acquire their structure and function.

Endocrine and Nervous Systems Overview

• The endocrine system uses glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• Hormones regulate the body's activities, development, and internal balance.
• The hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands are examples.

Early Human Development

• Fertilization unites sperm and egg to form a zygote, which travels through the fallopian tube.
• Within a week a blastocyst and then a morula are formed, and these settle in the uterus.
• The umbilical cord and placenta support the developing embryo from the uterine wall.

Positive Feedback Mechanisms

• Positive feedback amplifies processes to achieve a goal.
• Blood clotting and uterine contractions during childbirth are examples.

Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

• Homeostasis maintains the body's internal stability.
• Negative feedback mechanisms reduce changes to restore balance.
• Pancreas releases insulin to lower blood sugar, and glucagon to raise it.

Heritable Mutations in Sex Cells

• Mutations are changes in genetic material.
• Mutagens are physical or chemical factors that disrupt DNA.
• Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells, not passed to offspring.
• Germinal mutations occur in sex cells, potentially passed to offspring.
• Chromosome mutations involve changes in chromosome structure or numbers.

Human Genetic Syndromes

• Genetic syndromes result from chromosomal abnormalities leading to physical and mental defects.
• Examples: Cri du chat, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, Patau's syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome, and Turner's syndrome.

Impact of Mutations

• Germ cell mutations are inherited, whereas somatic mutations are not.
• Some mutations can be beneficial to a species, while others are harmful.
• Common causes of mutations include smoking, old age, chemotherapy, and radiation or hazardous chemicals.