Literary Criticism and Theory Quiz

Literary Criticism

• Literary Criticism: comparison, analysis, and evaluation of works of literature based on opinion backed up by evidence
• Literary Theory: the capacity to generalize about phenomena and to develop concepts for interpretation

Reproductive System

• The Reproductive System: a biological system made up of all anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction
• Fertilization: the essence/objective of the reproductive system

Male Reproductive System

• Produces sperm
• Parts of the Male Reproductive System:
  • Internal: testes, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra
  • External: penis, scrotum

Female Reproductive System

• Produces egg and nourishes the fetus until birth
• Parts of the Female Reproductive System:
  • Internal: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix
  • External: vulva, vagina

Hormones and Feedback Mechanism

• Feedback Mechanism: the process through which the level of one substance influences the level of another
• Homeostasis: state of balance within the system
• Hormones in Male Reproductive System:
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): necessary for sperm production
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): stimulates testosterone production
  • Testosterone: most important androgen (male sex hormone)
• Hormones in Female Reproductive System:
  • Estrogen: assists in endometrial regrowth, ovulation, and calcium absorption
  • Progesterone: assists in endometrial regrowth and inhibits FSH and LH production
  • FSH: stimulates egg cell development
  • LH: induces ovulation and stimulates estradiol and progesterone production

Endocrine System and Hormones

• Endocrine System: regulates growth, repair, digestion, homeostasis, and sexual reproduction
• Male Reproductive Hormones: develop and maintain male sex characteristics and aid in sperm production
• Female Reproductive Hormones: develop and maintain female sex characteristics, regulate fertility, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy
• Hypothalamus: stimulates GnRH production

Effects of Hormones and Menstrual Cycle

• Endocrine glands produce hormones that pass throughout the body
• Pituitary growth hormone: necessary for growth and development
• Thyroid Hormone: necessary for normal neck growth
• Reproductive Hormones: play pivotal roles in reproductive system development
• Positive Feedback Mechanism: estrogen stimulates GnRH and LH production
• Negative Feedback Mechanism: progesterone inhibits GnRH and LH production
• Menstrual Cycle:
  • Menstruation: shedding of blood and tissues from the uterus
  • Menarche: first menstrual cycle
  • Menopause: last menstrual cycle, typically between 45 and 55 years old
• Phases of Menstrual Cycle: not specified

Nervous System and Neurons

• Nervous System: major control system that monitors, responds, and regulates all body systems
• Central Nervous System: "main processing center" for the nervous system
• Peripheral Nervous System: includes nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body
• Neurons:
  • Dendrites: receive messages from other neurons
  • Cell Body: in charge of neuron activity
  • Myelin Sheath: covers and protects neuron fibers