Reproductive Health Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the uterus is responsible for cyclic changes in response to ovarian hormones?

Perimetrium

Myometrium

Stratum functionalis (correct)

Stratum basalis

What is the primary function of the uterus during pregnancy?

Secretes hormones

Supports growth and development of the fetus (correct)

Regulates menstrual cycles

Facilitates fertilization

What anatomical feature is described as the rounded part of the uterus located above the entrance of the uterine tube?

Endometrium

Cervix

Fundus (correct)

Body

Which artery supplies blood to the stratum functionalis of the endometrium?

Spiral artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the myometrium layer of the uterus?

Assist in childbirth through contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for prescribing birth control pills for ovarian cysts?

To alter their growth and occurrences. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

An overproduction of hormones by the ovaries. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is defined as painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea Signup and view all the answers

What condition refers to very heavy periods with excess bleeding?

Menorrhagia Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the condition amenorrhea in a girl?

She has not started menstruating by the appropriate age. Signup and view all the answers

Which menstrual abnormality is associated with infrequent periods?

Oligomenorrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment option for cysts that are painful and occur frequently?

Hormonal therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the reproductive system?

Perpetuation of species through reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Which duct develops into the male accessory sex organs if the embryo has an XY chromosome pattern?

Wolfian duct Signup and view all the answers

What happens if fertilization occurs with a sperm containing an X chromosome?

An XX pattern and a genetic female results Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the Wolffian duct in the absence of functioning testes?

It regresses Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of intrauterine life do primitive gonadal cells appear?

During the seventh week Signup and view all the answers

Which chromosome is crucial for determining the sex of the embryo?

Y chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is required for the development of male internal genitalia?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

When can the sex of the fetus typically be identified by ultrasound?

At 16 weeks of gestation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the reproductive system besides reproduction?

Gametogenesis and hormone synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a main function of the female reproductive system?

Maintenance of a developing embryo Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the ovary with the uterine cavity?

Oviduct Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ampulla in the female reproductive system?

Site of fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What condition involves the absence of testis?

Cryptorchidism Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a cause of male sterility?

Polycystic ovary syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the female reproductive system has a funnel-shaped lateral end?

Infundibulum Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a condition of having fewer than normal sperm?

Oligospermia Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of growth hormone in male reproduction?

Stimulates the early division of spermatogonia Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes a narrowest part of the fallopian tube?

Isthmus Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of seminal fluid is produced by the prostate?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common factor contributing to male sterility linked to lifestyle choices?

Smoking and alcohol use Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for the stimulation of spermatogenesis and secretion of testosterone during puberty?

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average sperm concentration in a healthy male ejaculation?

108 million/ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of having a sperm count lower than 20 million/ml?

The individual will be considered sterile Signup and view all the answers

What primary characteristic does testosterone determine during male puberty?

Secondary sexual characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of testosterone in males?

Facilitates fat deposition Signup and view all the answers

Which system primarily controls the process of erection?

Parasympathetic nerve system Signup and view all the answers

What role does testosterone play in relation to the blood volume in males after puberty?

Increases blood and extracellular fluid volume Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of erection during the male sexual act?

Psychic, visual, or tactile stimulations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reproductive System Overview

Reproduction is the process by which organisms create descendants.
This trait distinguishes living things from nonliving things.
The reproductive system is essential for the continuation of a species but not for individual survival.
It is not essential for homeostasis.

Function of Reproductive System

Reproduction (perpetuation of species)
Gametogenesis (formation of sperm and egg cells)
Transport and sustenance of gametes
Nurturing of developing offspring
Endocrine function (synthesis of sex hormones)
Sexual pleasure (coitus, coupling)

Sex Determination

Primitive gonadal cells (PGCs) appear during the 7th week of intrauterine life.
PGCs have both Mullerian and Wolffian ducts.
Mullerian duct develops into female accessory sex organs (vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes) if the sex chromosome is XX.
Wolffian duct develops into male accessory sex organs (epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles) if the sex chromosome is XY.
The sex of an individual is determined by the short arm of the Y chromosome (Sex-determining Region of Y chromosome).

Sex Determination (Continued)

A Y chromosome in the sperm fertilizing the ovum results in an XY zygote developing into a genetic male.
Male cells (XY) contain an X and a Y chromosome
An X chromosome in the sperm results in an XX zygote, which develops into a genetic female.
Female cells (XX) contain two X chromosomes.
In the absence of a Y chromosome, primitive gonadal cells develop into ovaries.
In the absence of functioning testes and testosterone, the Wolffian duct regresses.
The Mullerian duct develops into female internal genitalia (fallopian tubes, uterus, upper vagina).
The urogenital slit remains open.

Embryonic Sexual Development Regulation

TDF (Testis-Determining Factor) initiates the development of testes.
Testosterone triggers the development of male reproductive structures.
Mullerian-inhibiting factor (MIF) causes the Mullerian duct to regress.
Sex of the fetus is identifiable by ultrasound at 16 weeks of gestation.

Male Reproductive System

The main difference between male and female reproductive systems lies in the Y chromosome and the pair of gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females).
Functions of the male reproductive system include: Production of male gametes (sperm) Synthesis of male sex hormones, such as androgens and testosterone Delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract

Male Reproductive System Structures

1. Gonads (testes)
Primary male sex structures Function: Spermatogenesis (sperm formation), endocrine function (producing testosterone, inhibin, estrogen);
1. Accessory Tubular/duct/structures (genital tracts): involved in transporting sperm.
Epididymis: storage and maturation of sperm.
Vas deferens: connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Ejaculatory duct: connects the vas deferens to the urethra.

Accessory Glands

Provide a fluid medium for sperm protection and nourishment.
Seminal vesicle: secretes fluids containing fructose (energy for sperm), prostaglandins (alter the uterine environment for sperm passage), and coagulating enzyme (turns semen into a bolus).
Prostate gland: makes up 30% of the seminal plasma, contains citrate (food source for sperm) and prostate-specific antigen (liquefies semen and allows sperm to swim freely).
Bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands: secrete a fluid similar to the prostate gland's.
Prostate produces alkaline mucus after erection for urethra neutralization and gland lubrication.

Supporting Structures

Penis: supports the urethra.
Scrotum: supports the testes and epididymis.
Spermatic cord: contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

External Structure of the Penis

Spongy erectile tissue; Gland penis; Prepuce (foreskin)
Male circumcision has significant positive health benefits.

The Testis

Made up of seminiferous tubules (contain spermatogenic epithelium that gives rise to spermatozoa, Leydig cells [secrete testosterone], Sertoli cells [support spermatogenesis])
Seminiferous tubules account for about 90% of testicular mass

Spermatogenesis

Production of sperm cells
Primitive germ cells (spermatogonia) mature into primary spermatocytes (A and B) via mitosis.
Primary spermatocytes undergo two meiotic divisions.
Spermatids mature into spermatozoa (sperms).
In humans, it takes an average of 74 days.

Maturation of Spermatid to Spermatozoa

Golgi apparatus forms the acrosome vesicle.
Centrioles form the flagellum.
Mitochondria collect to form the midpiece.

Mature Sperm Cell

Contains head, neck and tail.
Acrosome contains enzymes (hyaluronidase or proteases) for egg penetration during fertilization.
Maturation occurs in the epididymis and requires testosterone.

Hormones for Spermatogenesis

Testosterone: crucial for testicular germinal cell growth and division.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): stimulates spermatids' conversion to sperm through spermiogenesis.
Growth hormone, T3/T4, and prolactin are vital for controlling testicular metabolic functions.

Semen

fluid ejaculated during the male sexual act
Made of spermatozoa and seminal plasma
The resultant product of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate
An average volume per ejaculation is 2–5 ml with 108 sperms/ml.
Sperm count <20x10^6/ml = infertile or sterile.

Hormonal Regulation of Male Reproduction

-GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates LH (ICSH) and FSH secretion by pituitary.

LH stimulates interstitial cells to secrete androgens (primarily testosterone).
FSH stimulates meiosis in primary spermatocytes to form immature sperm cells.

Function of Testosterone

Develops primary and secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
Stimulates the brain to develop male sexual behavior.
Stimulates spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.
Is an anabolic protein hormone increasing muscle mass and bone matrix.
Facilitates fusion of epiphyseal plates of bone.
Increase Basal Metabolism
Increase RBC
Increase reabsorption of Na+ in distal tubules of kidneys, resulting in increased blood and extracellular fluid volumes after puberty, 5-10%.

Male Sexual Act

Has 3 stages: Erection, Emission, and Ejaculation.

Erection Mechanism

Parasympathetic stimulation dilates penile arteries.
Large volume of blood enters the arteries.
Veins compress.
Erectile tissue stiffens.

Orgasm

Ejection of seminal plasma (spermatozoa) from the male ductal system.
Sympathetic stimulation of the smooth muscles in the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate.

Ejaculation

Ejaculation propels sperm from the epididymis to vas deferens.
Vas deferens runs from scrotum and behind the urinary bladder.
Each vas deferens joins with a duct from seminal vesicle to form ejaculatory duct.
Ejaculatory ducts open into the urethra.
Urethra drains excretory and reproductive systems.

Resolution

Reversion of erection; sympathetic stimulation constricts arteries.
Blood leaves erectile tissues; penis becomes flaccid

Testicular Problems

Testicular trauma: severe pain, bruising, swelling after impact.
Varicocele: abnormally swollen testicular vein (commonly develops during puberty and is usually harmless).
Testicular cancer: abnormal cell division forming a tumor; curable if detected early.
Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis (often caused by sexually transmitted infections).
Hydrocele: fluid collections in membranes surrounding the testes; usually painless.
Disorders of the Penis:
- Inflammation of the penis, redness, itching, and swelling.
Hypospadias: urethra opens underneath the penis' tip.
Phimosis: tightness of the foreskin.
Paraphimosis: boy's uncircumcised penis is retained but cannot return to unrestricted position.
Ambiguous genitalia: unclear male or female genitals at birth.
Micro penis: significant smaller than average penis.

Disorders of the Male Sexual Act

Impotence: inability to produce or maintain an erection.
Hypogonadism: lack of function of the gonads in regards to hormones or gamete production.
Hypoactive sexual desire: low level of sexual desire and interest.
Premature ejaculation: lack of voluntary control over ejaculation.
Periapism: persistent undesired erection.
Absence of emission

Causes of Male Sterility

Congenital absence of testes
Cryptorchidism (hidden testes)
Sexually transmitted infections
Seminiferous tubule destruction
Radiation
Oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenospermia
Drugs, alcohol, smoking.
Impotence
Hypogonadism
Genetic defects
Functional disorders of prostate and seminal vesicles.
Genital tract obstruction
Spermatogenesis arrest due to hypovitaminosis
Testicular failure

Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

Production of female gametes (ova), female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone).
Reception and maintenance of a developing embryo and fetus.
Feeding of the new-born with milk (lactation).

Female Reproductive System Structures

1. Gonads (ovaries): - The gametogenic potential is established early in fetal development; the endocrine role is established during puberty.
Medullary part (central portion): contains blood vessels, connective tissues (elastin and collagen).
Cortical part (peripheral portion): contains actively proliferating ovarian follicles.
1. Oviduct/fallopian tubes/uterine tubes:
Paired organs, approximately 4 inches long.
Connect the ovary to the uterine cavity. – Four parts: - Infundibulum– Ampulla--Isthmus–Intra mural part
Function: Site of fertilization; transport of ovum and sperm; move zygote to implantation; receive ovum from ovary; secretory function.
1. Uterus (womb):
Hollow, pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls.
About 3 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 2 inches thick.
Divided into 3 parts: Fundus, Body, Cervix.
Function: site of pregnancy, embryo and fetal growth, menstrual cycle, and childbirth.
3 layers: perimetrium (outer layer), myometrium (middle layer), endometrium (inner layer).
1. Vagina (birth canal):
Thin-walled tube between the bladder and rectum that extends from the cervix to the body exterior.
Contains mucosa and smooth muscle
Lined with non-keratinized stratified epithelium
Glands secrete glycogen and lactate, harbors Lactobacillus species that maintains acidic vaginal pH.
Copulatory organ of the female
Birth canal
Allows passage of menstruation

Female External Genitalia (Vulva)

Clitoris: homologous to the penis, sensitive to tactile stimuli, involved in sexual arousal.
Labia majora: outer folds of tissue surrounding the vaginal and urinary openings.
Labia minora: inner folds of tissue on each side of the vestibule.
Mons pubis: fatty tissue covering the pubic bone.
Vestibule of vagina: area enclosed by the labia, including the openings of the vagina and urethra.

The Ovaries

Secrete four hormones
Estrogen (E1 = estrone, E2 = estradiol, E3 = estriol)
Progesterone
Androgens
Inhibin

Progesterone

Source: corpus luteum, follicular cells, adrenal cortex, placenta, and testes
Rate of secretion: 1 mg/day (early follicular phase), 4 mg/day (before ovulation), 25 mg/day (mid-luteal phase)
Function: prepares the uterus for pregnancy; inhibits FSH and LH release; increases uterine blood flow; stimulates secretion of thick cervical mucus; promotes breast development.

Estrogen

Source: ovarian follicular cells, corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, placenta, and testes
Rate of secretion varies throughout the menstrual cycle; high in mid-luteal phase.
Function: develops primary and secondary sex characteristics; enhances bone ossification and protein anabolism, lowering cholesterol, retains salt and water.

Pregnancy and Fertilization

Ovum released from Graafian follicle of ovary into abdominal cavity at ovulation.
Sperm and ovum unite in fallopian tube.
Zygote develops into a blastocyst, implants in uterine wall.
Placenta forms from trophoblast cells.

Cleavage and Blastocyst Formation

Zygote divides in fallopian tube or uterine wall by mitosis.
Blastocyst forms.

Implantation

Zygote travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Zygote (develops into blastocyst) remains freely in the uterine cavity for 2-4 days prior to implantation.
Implantation takes about 1 week after fertilization.

Development of Placenta & Embryo

A cavity in the morula develops.
A blastocyst develops on the wall; blastocyst is the initial stage for embryo development.
Trophoblast cells and other underlying cells proliferate to form the placenta.

Placenta Structure

Maternal blood; Syncytiotrophoblast; Cytotrophoblast; Connective tissue stroma of villus; Fetal blood vessels.

Amniotic Fluid

Clear, slightly yellowish fluid surrounding the fetus
Produced by mother's placenta (first trimester and early second trimester).
Baby swallows and excretes fluid to maintain circulation
Filtered by mother's kidneys.

Amniotic Fluid Function

Protective cushion for the fetus
Allows fetal movement
Stabilizes fetal temperature
Permits proper lung development
Exchange of water and chemicals
Uniform growth of baby's body parts and organs
Proper bone and muscle development

Abnormalities of Amniotic Fluid

Too much = polyhydramnios, possibly due to abnormal digestive system or CNS issues.
Too little = oligohydramnios, possibly due to abnormal urinary system.

Puberty, Menarche, Menopause

Puberty: period (typically between ages 10 and 15) of reproductive system growth.
Menarche: first menstrual period.
Menopause: cessation of menstruation between ages 46 and 54
Hormonal changes include decrease in estrogen, progesterone, and release in FSH and LH.

Menopause Symptoms

Vaginal dryness.
Genital atrophy.
Hot flushes.
Psychological and emotional symptoms.
Decrease in bone density; fractures (osteoporosis)
Increased incidence of cardiovascular disease

Birth Control

Regimen of actions, devices, or medications to prevent pregnancy.
Contraception: methods that reduce the likelihood of sperm fertilizing ovum.
Birth control methods include:
- Intrauterine devices
- Contraceptive pills
- Progestin implant (under skin)
- Safe period (natural family planning)
- Postcoital contraceptives (large dose)
- Barrier methods (including vaginal diaphragm, and condoms), surgical methods like vasectomy (surgical interruption of the vas deferens)

Twin Pregnancy

Pregnancies with two or more fetuses.
Non-identical twins or Dizygotic Twins:
Spontaneous release from two seperate ova
Have two placentas and separate amniotic cavities
Identical Twins or Monozygotic Twins:
A single fertilized egg splits into two identical structures.
Always of the same sex

Classification of Twin Pregnancy

Number of fetuses.
Number of fertilized eggs.
Number of placentas (chorionicity).
Number of amniotic cavities (amniocity).

Ectopic Pregnancy

Fertilized egg doesn't travel to the uterus, it implants in the fallopian tube.
Surgery required.

Ovarian Cysts

Noncancerous sacs filled with fluid.
Common but can cause pain if large
Most pass on their own, but surgery may be required.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Hormone disorder causing enlarged ovaries and fluid-filled cysts
Often appears in teenage years.
Treated with hormones to restore balance

Menstrual Abnormalities

Anovulatory Cycle: no ovulation in a menstruating woman (infertility).
Dysmenorrhea: painful periods.
Menorrhagia: excessive menstrual bleeding.
Oligomenorrhea: infrequent or absent menstrual periods
Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation.
Hypomenorrhea: scanty flow.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the physiology and functions of the uterus, menstrual abnormalities, and related conditions. This quiz covers important topics such as ovarian hormones, pregnancy roles, and common reproductive health issues. Perfect for students studying human biology or reproductive health.