Reproductive System PDF

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: What are the functions of the reproductive system? 1.​ To produce hormones 2.​ To produce egg and sperm cells 3.​ To transport and sustain these cells 4.​ To nurture the developing offspring ​ Spermatogenesis - The process of sperm cell production in ma...

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: What are the functions of the reproductive system? 1.​ To produce hormones 2.​ To produce egg and sperm cells 3.​ To transport and sustain these cells 4.​ To nurture the developing offspring ​ Spermatogenesis - The process of sperm cell production in males, occurring in the testes. It involves the transformation of diploid spermatogonia into haploid spermatozoa through mitosis, meiosis, and maturation. ​ Oogenesis - The process of egg cell production in females, taking place in the ovaries. It involves the development of diploid oogonia into haploid mature ova through mitosis, meiosis, and growth, with most stages occurring before birth and completing upon fertilization. MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: 1.​ Testes 2.​ Network of excretory ducts 3.​ Accessory glands (Seminal Vesicles, Prostate Gland, and Bulbourethral Gland) 4.​ Penis Testes: ​ the male gonad ​ within the scrotum (pouch) ​ thermoregulation of sperm ​ where Testosterone and Spermatogenesis is produced Duct System: ​ epididymis - how sperm leaves, contains mature sperm cells ​ vas deferens - connects epididymis to urethra ​ ejaculatory duct - passes through prostate gland then empties into urethra ​ urethra - passageway for sperm, fluids, and urine Accessory Glands: *secrete seminal fluids to nourish sperm and so the sperm can move* ​ seminal vesicles ​ prostate ​ bulbourethral gland Penis: ​ anterior to the scrotum, transfers sperm to the vagina FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: 1.​ Ovaries 2.​ Fallopian Tube 3.​ Uterus 4.​ Vagina 5.​ Accessory Glands 6.​ External Genitalia Ovaries: ​ the female gonad ​ shape of an almond Fallopian Tube: ​ fingerlike extensions (fimbriae) ​ channels for oocyte transport and fertilization Uterus: ​ a muscular organ ​ receives fertilized oocyte ​ appropriate environment for fetus Cervix: ​ protects the uterus from outside environment Vagina: ​ birth canal ​ fibromuscular tube ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Hormones: ​ testosterone - produced by the male sex gland (testes)  ​ estrogen - produced by female sex gland (ovaries) ​ progesterone - assists in endometrial regrowth and FSH and LH release FSH: ​ female - stimulates the growth of ovarian follicle (contains egg) ​ male - stimulates sperm production LH: ​ female - stimulates ovulation (release of mature egg from the ovary), stimulates production of estrogen and progesterone ​ male - stimulates production of testosterone Testosterone: ​ a hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis ​ controls developmental changes in men ○​ deeper voice ○​ facial and pubic hair ○​ muscle growth ○​ bone strength ○​ beginning of sex drive ​ High Testosterone: ○​ acne ○​ high muscle mass ○​ low sperm count (seems odd) ○​ prostate enlargement ​ Low Testosterone: ○​ less body hair ○​ less muscle mass ○​ reduction of prostate enlargement (prostate cancer) Estrogen: ​ assists in endometrial regrowth, ovulation, and calcium absorption ​ controls developmental changes in women ○​ breast development ○​ release of egg cells ​ High Estrogen: ○​ heavy or irregular menstruation ○​ breast tenderness ○​ weight gain ​ Low Estrogen: ○​ mood swings ○​ missed menstruation cycle ○​ hot flashes and night sweats MENSTRUATION *prepares women for pregnancy* ​ ovaries : fertilizes eggs ​ pituitary gland : signals hormones ​ estrogen : builds endometrial lining ​ progesterone : maintains endometrial lining ​ Day 1-5 : menstruation occurs when egg is not fertilized ​ Day 5-14 : FSH causes the egg to MATURE in the ovary ​ Day 14 : LH stimulates the RELEASE of an egg ​ Day 14-28 : progesterone MAINTAINS the lining of the uterus; ready for a fertilized egg ​ The menstruation cycle begins at hormones, then ends when no more eggs need to be released. ​ Menopause is when the ovaries begin to lose sensitivity to fsh and lh; periods become less frequent and finally cease; can’t produce a viable egg to be released; can’t have children anymore. ​ Hypothalamus in the brain releases (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary glands to release FSH and LH, affecting the ovaries of a woman. 50 HORMONES (CHEMICAL MESSENGERS) MADE UP BY 12 DIFFERENT ENDOCRINE GLANDS Regulates processes such as: ​ breakdown of chemical substances into metabolism ​ fluid balance and urine production ​ body growth and development ​ sexual reproduction Thyroid Gland: ​ butterfly-shaped gland ​ produces T3 & T4 hormones ​ produces calcitonin hormone: calcium loss in bones Parathyroid Gland: ​ 4 tiny glands found behind thyroid gland ​ produces parathyroid hormone (parathormone) ​ regulates calcium level in the body Adrenal Gland: ​ structures found on top of kidneys ​ aldosterone (regulates sodium-potassium levels and adjusts blood pressure)  ​ cortisol (helps the body resist stress) Pineal Gland: ​ pinecone-shaped gland; near the center of brain ​ produces melatonin: responsible for sleep cycle Pancreas: ​ digestive and endocrine systems ​ islets of langerhans (cells that produces hormones) ○​ Beta Cells - secrete insulin ○​ Alpha Cells - secretes glucagon ○​ Delta Cells - secretes somatostatin ​ produces insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels) for glucose to make ATP NERVOUS SYSTEM 1.​ brain 2.​ spinal cord 3.​ nerves ​ control center of the body ​ receive and process information ​ coordinate a response Sensory Network - gathers information ➡️ spinal cord sends ➡️ brain processes ➡️ motor reasons Brain: ​ processes information; control center Spinal Cord: ​ relays messages; contains nerves that branches throughout the entire body 1.​ Central Nervous System a.​ Brain b.​ Spinal Cord 2.​ Peripheral Nervous System a.​ Somatic Nervous System “Fight or Flight” - voluntary movement i.​ brain ii.​ spinal cord b.​ Autonomic Nervous System “Regular State” - involuntary movement i.​ Sympathetic Nervous System - expends energy ii.​ Parasympathetic Nervous System - maintains energy HOMEOSTASIS = BALANCE STATE FEEDBACK = POS/NEG RESPONSE ​ Positive Response - adds more; intensifies the variable ○​ HOT - blood vessels expand (sweats off heat) ​ Negative Response - counterattacks the variable’s changes ○​ COLD - blood vessels contract (maintains heat) How do feedback mechanisms, like positive and negative feedback, help maintain balance during processes such as temperature regulation? Provide an example. Feedback mechanisms such as positive and negative, help maintain balance during processes such as temperature regulation as it triggers the body's response to certain changes. The body is in a constant regular state or homeostasis. When this is disrupted, the body reacts either positively or negatively to help balance the body's response. For example, in hot temperatures, our body tends to sweat and redden due to our blood vessels expanding. Because the variable is being intensified, this is a positive response. Meanwhile, in cold temperatures, our body's blood vessels contract in order to maintain heat. Because the variable is being decreased and our body is trying to counterattack the variable, it is a negative response. Why do the endocrine glands regulate the reproductive system, and what are the essential hormones involved in males and females? The endocrine glands regulate the reproductive system by releasing hormones that control the development, maturation, and function of reproductive organs. In females, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, maintain pregnancy, and influence secondary sexual characteristics. In males, the testes produce testosterone, which governs sperm production, libido, and secondary sexual characteristics. These hormones ensure proper reproductive function and overall reproductive health. How is positive and negative feedback applied in the menstrual cycle? The menstrual cycle is regulated by positive and negative feedback mechanisms that control hormone levels. During the early follicular phase, low levels of estrogen and progesterone create a negative feedback loop, suppressing the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn limits luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from the pituitary gland. As the follicle matures, increasing estrogen levels initiate a positive feedback loop in the late follicular phase, leading to a surge in LH and FSH that triggers ovulation. After ovulation, the corpus luteum secretes high levels of progesterone and estrogen, which reinstate negative feedback to suppress further GnRH, LH, and FSH secretion, preventing another ovulation in the same cycle. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels decline, ending the negative feedback and allowing the cycle to restart.