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Questions and Answers
Which hormone levels rise after ovulation and are maintained if pregnancy occurs?
Which hormone levels rise after ovulation and are maintained if pregnancy occurs?
What initiates the thickening of the endometrial lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy?
What initiates the thickening of the endometrial lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy?
During which day of the menstrual cycle is ovulation expected to occur?
During which day of the menstrual cycle is ovulation expected to occur?
What is the primary role of estrogen during puberty?
What is the primary role of estrogen during puberty?
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What effect does progesterone have on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands?
What effect does progesterone have on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands?
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What physiological change occurs around Day 28 of the menstrual cycle?
What physiological change occurs around Day 28 of the menstrual cycle?
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How does estrogen help in maintaining blood cholesterol levels?
How does estrogen help in maintaining blood cholesterol levels?
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What role does luteinizing hormone (LH) play in the female reproductive cycle?
What role does luteinizing hormone (LH) play in the female reproductive cycle?
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What role do the follicle cells surrounding the developing egg play each month?
What role do the follicle cells surrounding the developing egg play each month?
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Which of the following correctly describes the function of the oviduct?
Which of the following correctly describes the function of the oviduct?
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What triggers the contraction of the uterine muscles during labor?
What triggers the contraction of the uterine muscles during labor?
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What is the primary function of the endometrium?
What is the primary function of the endometrium?
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What happens to the endometrium if a pregnancy does not occur?
What happens to the endometrium if a pregnancy does not occur?
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Which structure acts as the narrow opening of the uterus?
Which structure acts as the narrow opening of the uterus?
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Which part of the female reproductive system is involved in the delivery of menstrual flow and infants?
Which part of the female reproductive system is involved in the delivery of menstrual flow and infants?
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What is a significant function of the clitoris in the female reproductive system?
What is a significant function of the clitoris in the female reproductive system?
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What is the role of inhibin in male reproductive physiology?
What is the role of inhibin in male reproductive physiology?
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Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating spermatogenesis in males?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating spermatogenesis in males?
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Which of the following describes a major physiological effect of testosterone?
Which of the following describes a major physiological effect of testosterone?
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What distinguishes the reproductive strategy of females from males?
What distinguishes the reproductive strategy of females from males?
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Which hormones are produced by the ovaries?
Which hormones are produced by the ovaries?
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How are ovarian follicles selected for maturation?
How are ovarian follicles selected for maturation?
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At which developmental stage are women born regarding their eggs?
At which developmental stage are women born regarding their eggs?
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What physiological change does testosterone cause apart from promoting spermatogenesis?
What physiological change does testosterone cause apart from promoting spermatogenesis?
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Study Notes
Male Reproductive System
- The male reproductive system includes organs like testes, located within the scrotum, and the penis.
- Ducts within the system include the epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.
- Accessory glands include seminal glands (2), prostate (1), and bulbourethral glands (2).
- Sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs in the testes.
- Meiosis is the specialized cell division process.
- 100 million sperm are produced daily.
- Immature sperm mature within the epididymis.
- The scrotum houses the testes, regulating temperature for sperm viability (lower than body temp).
- The position and size of the scrotum can change through muscle contractions.
- Sperm cells require less energy to produce compared to egg cells.
- The penis delivers sperm to the female reproductive tract, and also eliminates urine.
- Erectile tissue in the penis fills with blood, leading to erection.
- Semen is a mixture of sperm and fluids from accessory glands.
- Semen is propelled through ducts during ejaculation by smooth muscle contractions.
Female Reproductive System
- The female reproductive system includes organs like ovaries (2), located on either side of the uterus.
- The oviducts (fallopian tubes) carry the egg to the uterus, where fertilization usually occurs; implantation also occurs here.
- The uterus is a pear-shaped organ.
- The uterine wall has smooth muscle, contracting during childbirth (oxytocin).
- The endometrium is the blood-rich lining of the uterus.
- The cervix is the opening of the uterus, often closed and sealed with thick mucous.
- The vagina is a thin-walled tube connecting the uterus to the outside, allowing for delivery of infants and menstrual flow. It also serves as the site of sperm deposition.
- The clitoris and labia are external genital organs.
- Ovaries produce eggs.
- Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and maintain throughout pregnancy, dropping otherwise.
- Estrogens and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle.
Functions of the Reproductive Systems
- Produce gametes (sperm and eggs).
- Bring gametes together for fertilization.
- Nurture the development of the zygote into an embryo, then fetus, and provide postpartum care.
Primary Sex Organs: Gonads
- Testes in males produce sperm and testosterone.
- Ovaries in females produce eggs and estrogen, progesterone.
- Gonad function is ultimately controlled by the hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus-pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis
- The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland.
- The anterior pituitary releases LH and FSH triggering the gonads' activity and sex hormone production.
- Sex hormone production and release is auto regulated.
Spermatogenesis
- Immature sperm are formed in the testes using meiosis.
- Sperm travel from the seminiferous tubules via the epididymis to the ducts.
Reproductive Strategies
- Males produce millions of sperm for delivery to the female.
- Females produce nutrient-rich eggs (about 500 in a lifetime).
Male Accessory Glands
- Seminal glands produce the majority of semen's volume with nutrients for sperm.
- The prostate gland secretes a fluid that activates sperm neutralizing acidity in the female reproductive tract.
- Bulbourethral glands produce a fluid that cleanses the urethra before ejaculation.
Female Reproductive Tract
- Uterine tubes transport oocytes or fertilized embryos to the uterus.
- The uterus is the site of embryonic and fetal development.
- The vagina serves as a passageway for childbirth and menstrual flow, for sperm delivery and for receiving the penis during sexual activity.
Monthly Cycle
- Female cycles average 28 days.
- Ovulation typically occurs around day 14.
- Menstruation occurs when no pregnancy happens, releasing the uterine lining.
Estrogen
- A steroid hormone.
- Promotes female sexual development.
- Stimulates development of female reproductive structures.
- Regulates the menstrual cycle.
- Involved in maintaining blood cholesterol levels.
Progesterone
- Also a steroid hormone.
- Enhances development of the uterine lining.
- Crucial for maintaining pregnancy (and a pregnancy-like state)
- Regulates hormone release.
- Inhibits uterine muscle contractions.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Emotional and physical changes before menstruation
- Symptoms vary, including mood swings, tenderness, and headaches.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Severe form of PMS.
- Symptoms severely interfere with daily life.
- Likely increased sensitivity to progesterone in the limbic system.
Oral Contraceptives
- Supplement hormones or progestogen
- Inhibits ovulation by affecting the HPG axis.
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Description
Explore the intricate workings of the male reproductive system, including the roles of the testes, ducts, and accessory glands. This quiz covers processes like spermatogenesis and the physiological functions necessary for sperm delivery and urine elimination.
