Lecture 31 - Chapter 27 - Reproductive System

Question 1

When does the reproductive system become active?

Answer 1

The reproductive system becomes active at puberty.

Question 2

What are the four shared tasks of male and female reproductive organs?

Answer 2

Male and female reproductive organs share four tasks:
1. forming gametes (sperm and eggs),
2. bringing gametes together through sexual intercourse,
3. combining genetic information through fertilization,
4. and supporting fetal development and birth.

Question 3

What is the HPG axis and what hormones are involved?

Answer 3

The HPG axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) regulates gamete and sex hormone production. It involves hormones like GnRH, FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin.

Question 4

What is the purpose of meiosis in the reproductive system?

Answer 4

Meiosis is a type of nuclear division in the gonads that reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes by half, ensuring the zygote doesn’t have twice the number of chromosomes.

The product of Meiosis is four haploid daughter cells (23 chromosomes in each haploid cell).

Question 5

What is the difference between diploid and haploid?

Answer 5

Diploid refers to the normal number of chromosomes in body cells (two sets), while haploid refers to the number of chromosomes in gametes (one set).

Going from 46 chromosomes in each cell to 23 chromosomes in each cell. This occurs in meiosis 1. From 2n to n.

Question 6

What are the functions of the ovaries?

Answer 6

The ovaries produce female gametes (ova) and secrete female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

Question 7

Where are the internal and external genitalia located in females?

Answer 7

The internal genitalia, including the ovaries and duct system, are located in the pelvic cavity. The external genitalia are the external sex organs. (Labia majora, Labia Minors, clitoris)

Question 8

What are ovarian follicles?

Answer 8

Ovarian follicles are tiny sac-like structures embedded in the cortex of the ovary. They contain an immature egg (oocyte) surrounded by follicle or granulosa cells.

Question 9

What are the stages of follicular development in the ovaries?

Answer 9

The stages of follicular development include primordial follicles (single layer of follicle cells plus oocyte) and more mature follicles (several layers of granulosa cells plus oocyte). The fully mature follicle is called a vesicular or antral follicle.

Question 10

What is ovulation?

Answer 10

Ovulation is the ejection of the oocyte from a ripening follicle. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle develops into the corpus luteum.

Question 11

What is the uterine tube system and its role?

Answer 11

The uterine tube system, also known as fallopian tubes or oviducts, receives the ovulated oocyte and is the usual site of fertilization. It extends from the area of the ovary to the uterus.

Question 12

What are the regions of the uterine tube?

Answer 12

The regions of the uterine tube are:
1. the isthmus (constricted area where the tube joins the uterus),
2. the ampulla (distal end of the tube that curves around the ovary), and
3. the infundibulum (distal expansion near the ovary with ciliated fimbriae).

Question 13

How is the oocyte transported through the uterine tube?

Answer 13

The oocyte is carried toward the uterus through smooth muscle peristalsis and ciliary action. Nonciliated cells in the tube provide nourishment to the oocyte and sperm.

Question 14

What is the function of the uterus?

Answer 14

The function of the uterus is to receive, retain, and nourish a fertilized ovum.

Question 15

What are the regions of the uterus?

Answer 15

The regions of the uterus are the:
1. body (major portion)
2. fundus (rounded superior region)
3. isthmus (narrowed inferior region)

Question 16

What is the role of cervical glands?

Answer 16

Cervical glands secrete mucus that blocks sperm entry except during midcycle.

Question 17

What is a homeostatic imbalance related to the cervix?

Answer 17

Cervical cancer affects many women worldwide, with frequent inflammation and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HPV, being risk factors.

Question 18

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Answer 18

The uterine wall has three layers:
1. perimetrium (outermost serous layer)
2. myometrium (bulky middle layer of smooth muscle)
3. endometrium (mucosal lining)

Question 19

What is the function of the myometrium?

Answer 19

The myometrium contracts rhythmically during childbirth.

Question 20

What is the structure and function of the endometrium?

Answer 20

The endometrium is the mucosal lining of the uterus. It has two chief layers:
* The stratum functionalis, which changes in response to ovarian hormone cycles and is shed during menstruation,
* And the stratum basalis, which forms a new stratum functionalis after menstruation and is unresponsive to ovarian hormones.

Question 21

What is the vagina and its functions?

Answer 21

The vagina is a thin-walled tube that serves as the birth canal, a passageway for menstrual flow, and an organ of copulation.

Question 22

Image of Meiosis 1

Answer 22

Question 23

Image of Meiosis 2

Answer 23

Question 24

What hormone keeps the stratum functionalis of the uterus from shedding?

Answer 24

Progesterone. If progesterone is decreased, the stratum functionalis shreds. If progesterone increases, the stratum functionalis is kept up.