Reproductive System

Question 1

What is adolescence?

Answer 1

• Transitional phase from childhood to adulthood
• Teenage year (13-19)
• Increased period of growth and development.

Question 2

What are the two hormones used in the reproductive system?

Answer 2

• Luteinising Hormone (LH)

- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Question 3

Where are the reproductive hormones produced?

Answer 3

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Question 4

What is the function of Luteinising Hormone (LH)?

Answer 4

Girls: increased levels trigger ovulation
Boys: Stimulates Leydig cells to make testosterone

Question 5

What is the function of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?

Answer 5

Girls: Initiates follicular growth
Boys: Induces Steroli cells - spermotogenesis

Question 6

Where is oestrogen made?

Answer 6

Ovaries

Question 7

How does FSH affect oestrogen level?

Answer 7

• FSH stimulates the ovarian production

- FSH promotes development of secondary sexual characteristics

Question 8

What effects do progesterone have on the body?

Answer 8

• Development of the mammary gland in females
• Develops with prolactin during pregnancy
• Thickens endometrium for implantation

Question 9

Where is testosterone secreted?

Answer 9

The testes (some secretion in ovaries)

Question 10

How much higher are testosterone levels in males than females?

Answer 10

7-8 higher than females

Question 11

What effects do testosterone have on the body?

Answer 11

Development of secondary sexual characteristics

• Penile/clitoral enlargement
• Increased libido
• Hair growth
• Increased muscle mass
• Broader shoulders
• Voice deepening

Question 12

What effects do hormones have on emotion?

Answer 12

Mood swings
Frustration/irritability
Sexual desires
Self esteem

Question 13

What is adrenarche?

Answer 13

onset of androgen dependent changes e.g. pubic and axillary hair, BO, acne

Question 14

What is thelarche?

Answer 14

Female breast development

Question 15

What is puberty?

Answer 15

Development of secondary sexual characteristics. Attain reproductive capacity

Question 16

What is menarche?

Answer 16

Menstruation

Question 17

Where are reproductive hormones released from?

Answer 17

Hypothalamus (Gonadotrophin releasing hormone GnRH and LHRH)
Pituitary gland (LH and FSH)

Question 18

In girls, which hormones effect which sexual characteristic?

Answer 18

• LH and FSH act on the ovary
• Oestrogen acts on breast growth, vaginal growth, clitoris growth
• Progesterone acts on vaginal and uterine growth and initiation of the menstrual cycle

Question 19

In what order does sexual development start in girls?

Answer 19

Breast growth -> acceleration in height -> pubic and axillary hair growth -> menarche

Question 20

In boys, which hormones effect which sexual characteristic?

Answer 20

• LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone
• FSH binds to receptors on the Sertoli cells, enhancing
  spermatogenesis

Question 21

In what order does sexual development start in boys?

Answer 21

Testicular growth -> growth of penis, pubic and axillary hair growth -> acceleration in height -> voice deepens, facial hair growth

Question 22

How many stages are there in genital staging?

Answer 22

Five

Question 23

What are the primary and secondary sex organs in females?

Answer 23

Primary - ovaries

Secondary - fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina

Question 24

What are the primary and secondary sex organs in males?

Answer 24

Primary - testes

Secondary - ducts, glands, penis

Question 25

Features of the testes?

Answer 25

- produce sperm cells - developed from germ cells in seminiferous tubules - secrete testosterone by interstitial/Leydig cells

Question 26

Features of Leydig cells:

Answer 26

- found next to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle | - produce testosterone in the presence of Luteinising Hormone

Question 27

Features of the scrotum:

Answer 27

- Protects the testes and maintains the temperature of the testes 2 degrees lower than body temp - dual chambered - located under the penis - one is typically lower than the other

Question 28

Features of the epididymus:

Answer 28

- storage site of sperm cells - absorbs about 90% of the fluid secreted by the testes - sperm remains here for 40-60 days (absorbed if not ejaculated in time)

Question 29

What is semen?

Answer 29

- Fluid expelled during orgasm - Mixture from secretions from the epididymus, seminal vesicle, prostate and bulbourethral gland. - Main constituents are sperm, fructose, clotting and anti-coagulant factors and prostaglandins.

Question 30

Why does semen contain fructose?

Answer 30

- produced by the seminal vesicles | - provides a source of energy for the sperm

Question 31

Why does semen contain clotting and anticoagulant actors?

Answer 31

- produced by the seminal vesicles and prostate | - semen clots like blood, after 15-30 mins, anticoagulant factors dissolve the clot

Question 32

Why does semen contain prostaglandis?

Answer 32

- produced by the prostate and seminal vesicles | - stimulate peristaltic contractions of the female reproductive tract that may help draw semen into the uterus

Question 33

Main parts of a sperm:

Answer 33

- Acrosome - enzymes used to dissolve a path to penetrate the egg - Nucleus - genetics - Mitochondria - produce ATP for sperm motility

Question 34

What is the male sexual response?

Answer 34

- Erection of the penis allows penetration into the female vagina - Ejaculation expels semen into the uterus

Question 35

What is ejaculation?

Answer 35

- It is initiated by sympathetic nervous impulses - the ducts and accessory glands contract, emptying their contents into the urethra - the urethral sphincters constrict - the bulbospongiosus muscles of the penis contract rapidly and rhythmically, propelling semen into the urethra

Question 36

What is the refractory period?

Answer 36

A period following ejaculation and lasting from 10 minutes to a few hours, where it is impossible to attain another erection and orgasm.

Question 37

Features of the ovaries:

Answer 37

- produce oocytes (oogenesis) , most primary oocytes undergo a process of degeneration called atresia. Only one oocyte is ovulated each 28 day cycle.

Question 38

What hormones do the ovaries produce?

Answer 38

- Oestorgen - Progesterone - Inhibin - Androgens

Question 39

Features of the fallopian tubes:

Answer 39

- the cilia beat towards the uterus

Question 40

Features of the uterus:

Answer 40

- harbours the embryo - provides nutrients - expels the foetus at the end of its development

Question 41

Features of the vagina:

Answer 41

- Contain striated squamous epithelium | - Bacteria ferment glycogen to lactic acid, resulting in a low vaginal pH

Question 42

What are the features of accessory glands of the female reproductive system?

Answer 42

They keep the vagina moist and provide most of the lubrication for intercourse

Question 43

What is oogenesis?

Answer 43

Egg production