Reproductive systems

Question 1

Function of the testes

Answer 1

• make spermatozoa

- stored in pouch (scrotum) divided in two (each one containing testis

Question 2

Function of scrotum

Answer 2

-contains smooth muscle
-can contract or relax to regulate the temperature of the testes
OPTIMUM TEMP for sperm production is approx. 2 degrees

Question 3

Difference between secondary and primary organs

Answer 3

prepubescent vs since birth

Question 4

Function of seminiferous tubules

Answer 4

contain cells that make sperm

join to form epididymis

Question 5

Function of the epididymis

Answer 5

highly folded tubule (increase SA)

• fits against rear surface of each testis
• sperm are stored in here to mature

Question 6

Function of the vas deferens

Answer 6

sperm duct

-carry sperm away from testes

Question 7

Function of Urethra

Answer 7

Conducts semen and urine out of the body

Question 8

Function of seminal vesicles

Answer 8

Secretes a fluid rich in sugars and makes up about 60% of semen

Question 9

Function of prostate gland

Answer 9

secretes a alkaline fluid that helps active sperm

Question 10

Function of bulbo urethral gland

Answer 10

secrete clear mucus acting as a lubricant

Question 11

Function of penis

Answer 11

organ for passing urine and for transferring sperm to female

Question 12

Function of acrosome of sperm

Answer 12

flattened, membrane bound vesicle containing glycoproteins and enzymes

Question 13

Function of head of sperm

Answer 13

contains the nucleus with condensed chromatin

Question 14

Function of sperm middle piece

Answer 14

first part of tail that contains mitochondria required to supply energy for motility

Question 15

Function of sperm plasma membrane

Answer 15

Surrounds entire cell

Question 16

Function of principle/main piece

Answer 16

contains the fibres needed for movement

Question 17

What is the pathway of sperm

Answer 17

1. seminiferous tubules (in testes) contain cells that undergo spermatogenesis
2. epididymis
3. vas deferens/sperm duct
4. urethra, products from seminal vesicle, prostate, bulbo-urethral gland form semen that nourishes and activates the sperm
5. vagina
6. cervix
7. uterus
8. fallopian tube/oviduct/uterine duct

Question 18

What is insemination?

Answer 18

Connective tissue in the males penis has a rich blood supply (erectile tissues)

• this tissues fills with blood during arousal
• the penis stiffens, enlarges = erect
• erection allows sperm to be delivered into the vagina = insemination

Question 19

Function of semen

Answer 19

• nourishes the sperm
• neutralises the acidic conditions of the vagina
• contains enzymes that activate the sperm

Question 20

What phase of meiosis is the ovum in during ovulation?

Answer 20

metaphase 2
-ovum is surrounded by two layers of cells
.outer layer=corona radiata
.inner layer=zona pellucida
-outer surface of the acrosome on the sperm head contains an enzyme
-the enzyme breaks down the hyaluronic acid in the cementing material that holds the corona radiate together

Question 21

What is the corona radiata?

Answer 21

consists of follicle cells, held together by cementing materials that contain acid

Question 22

What is the zona pellucida

Answer 22

a glycoprotein matrix that surrounds the plasma membrane of the oocyte

Question 23

What is occurs during acrosomal reaction?

Answer 23

1 single sperm cannot penetrate the ovum layers (needs about 7000)
-once enough sperm loosen 1 may enter the corona radiata
-then encounters zona pellucida which initiates acrosomal reaction
.digestive enzymes released from this breakdown glycoprotein matrix
-sperm now has access to ovum

Question 24

What is the endometrium? it’s purpose?

Answer 24

soft mucous lining of the uterus

• where menstrual cycle takes places
• nourishes the embryo and foetus

Question 25

Endocrine gland

Answer 25

Glands that produce hormones and are released into the blood to travel around our bodies

Question 26

Hormones

Answer 26

Chemical messengers; same components as proteins (steroid amine hormones)

Question 27

Pituitary glands (master gland)

Answer 27

Produce many hormones that influence bodily processes

Question 28

Gonado tropins

Answer 28

(gonad=reproductive systems/organs)

Question 29

Purpose of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer 29

helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries

• highest levels happening just before an egg is released by the ovary
• stimulates both follicle maturation and eostrogen synthesis of granulosa cells

Question 30

Purpose of Oestrogen

Answer 30

regulates the growth, development, and physiology of the human reproductive system

• regulate the development and function of the uterus
• promotes endometrium growth

Question 31

What changes can occur to the hormone concentration of luteinising hormone and progestrone during menstrual cycle?

Answer 31

• Luteinizing hormone stimulates egg release (ovulation) -usually occurs 16 to 32 hours after the surge begins.
• oestrogen level decreases during the surge
• progesterone level starts to increase
• During the luteal phase, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels decrease

Question 32

What changes occur due to Luteinising hormone?

Answer 32

• triggers the start of ovulation (most fertile period)
• sexual development and functioning
• helps control the menstrual cycle
• triggers the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation)

Question 33

What changes does Progestrone cause?

Answer 33

• prepares the endometrium for the potential of pregnancy after ovulation
• regulates endometrium’s condition
• triggers the lining to thicken to accept a fertilized egg
• also prohibits the muscle contractions in the uterus that would cause the body to reject an egg

ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands.

Question 34

What is the ovarian cycle?

Answer 34

A sequence of events, which are controlled by hormones, that occur in the ovaries.
Occur in order to produce a mature ova from an immature follicle and a temporary hormone gland, the corpus luteum.
-between 20-40 days with an average 28 days

Question 35

What hormones are secreted by corpus luteum, corpus albicans, and ovarian follicle? in what order?

Answer 35

Ovarian follicle: oestrogen and progesterone
Corpus luteum: progesterone if fertilisation occurs, if absent=corpus albicans
Corpus albicans:

Question 36

Why is uterine lining thicker in sexually mature women?

Answer 36

-increase oestrogen causes the lining to grow and thicken to prepare the uterus for pregnancy due to an increase in sexual activity

Question 37

Why does ovarian output decrease with age?

Answer 37

lack of follicles in ovary resulting in less oestrogen and progesterone production

Question 38

Stages of ovulation

Answer 38

primordial 
primary follicle
secondary follicles 
Graafian follicle
then release 

after is:
ruptured follicle
corpus luteum formation
degeneration of corpus luteum
corpus albicans