Exam 5 (Reproductive System)

Question 1

Function & Component

Answer 1

1. Continuation of the species
2. Increase genetic diversity through sexual reproduction
3. Produce, nourish, store, and transport gametes (reproductive cells)
4. The female reproductive system
   supports and nourishes the developing
   embryo/fetus

Question 2

Testes

Answer 2

descend into scrotum during development, temp needs to be lower & cremaster muscles adjust distance from body, dartos = wrinkles

Question 3

Cryptorchidism

Answer 3

one or both of the testes have not descended into the scrotum by the time of birth

Question 4

Role of Scrotal Septum

Answer 4

separates testes from one another. Keeps infections and tumors isolated to one side

Question 5

Role of Pampiniform Plexus

Answer 5

network of veins from the testes that surrounds the testicular artery and serves as a countercurrent heat exchanger - removes heat from the descending arterial blood to keep the testes cooler

Question 6

Seminiferous Tubules

Answer 6

coiled inside testes, for sperm production & testosterone

Question 7

Function of Nurse (Sertoli) Cells !!!

Answer 7

1. Maintain the blood-testis barrier
2. Support spermatogenesis (sperm production) and spermiogenesis (sperm maturation)
3. Secrete Inhibin for negative feedback control to hypothalamic pituitary axis
4. Secrete androgen-binding protein (ABP) which concentrates androgens in seminiferous tubules
5. Secrete MIF, a factor that prevents the
   development of a female reproductive system

Question 8

Function of intestitial (Leydig) cells

Answer 8

produce androgens (primarily testosterone)

Question 9

Spermatogenisis vs Spermiogenesis

Answer 9

spermatogenesis (sperm production) and spermiogenesis (sperm maturation)

Question 10

Anatomy of Sperm Cell

Answer 10

-Head: contains nucleus and acrosomal cap (contains
enzymes that penetrate egg)
– Middle piece: contains mitochondria for energy
– Tail: flagellum to help with propulsion
– No other organelles, no energy reserves

Question 11

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

Answer 11

-Steady levels of GnRH from the
hypothalamus control release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary
– FSH stimulates nurse (Sertoli) cells to promote spermatogenesis and to produce
inhibin when too much sperm is produced
– LH stimulates Leydig (interstitial) cells to secrete testosterone
– Negative feedback: inhibin decreases release of FSH; testosterone reduces GnRH secretion

Question 12

GnRH

Answer 12

stimulates LH & FSH released from anterior pituitary

Question 13

LH

Answer 13

stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone

Question 14

FSH

Answer 14

stimulates Sertoli cells & spermatogenesis

Question 15

Testosterone Function !!!

Answer 15

main reproductive hormone in male
1. Stimulates spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis
2. Influences sexual behavior (libido)
3. Stimulates protein synthesis RBC synthesis, bone and muscle growth
4. Maintains secondary sex characteristics (facial hair, deeper voice, etc)
5. Maintains reproductive organs and accessory glands

Question 16

Role of Epidymis

Answer 16

where sperm matures until ejaculated

Question 17

Pathway of Sperm

Answer 17

epidymis -> ductus (vas) deferens -> ejaculatory duct -> prostatic urethra -> membranous urethra -> spongy urethra

Question 18

Components of Semen

Answer 18

sperm + fluids (made from accessory glands for sperm activation, nutrition, movement, and buffering)

Question 19

Seminal Vescicle

Answer 19

Produce seminal fluid that contain fructose, prostaglandins (help with peristalsis to propel sperm), fibrinogen (clotting to help keep it in the vagina), and alkaline environment (neutralize acidic)

Question 20

Prostate Gland

Answer 20

produce some semen secretion that contain citrate, PSA (dissolves sperm clot to free sperm to travel from vagina to egg & check for cancer), seminalplasmin (natural antimicrobial substance which reduces infections)

Question 21

Bulbourethral Gland

Answer 21

Produces thick, alkaline mucus that lubricates
the penis tip and neutralizes urine acids in
urethra