Wella S, VIRINA
BSN- I
Review Question
Reproductive System
1. Describe the spermatogenesis and oogenesis in terms of site, number of
functional cells produced by each cell that undergoes meiosis, and timing of
the process.
2. Spermatogenesis the process of male gamete formation including formation
of a spermatocyte from a spermatogonium, meiotic division of the
spermatocyte, and transformation of the four
resulting spermatids into spermatozoa. These cells (spermatogonia) then
undergo a period of cell growth, becoming spermatocytes. The
spermatocytes undergo two meiotic divisions to form four haploid daughter
cells (spermatids). Oogenesis describes the production of female gametes (ova)
within the ovaries (and, to a lesser extent, the oviduct). The process begins during foetal
development, when a large number of primordial cells are formed by mitosis (~40,000).
These cells (oogonia) undergo cell growth until they are large enough to undergo
meiosis.
In spermatogenesis Follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior
pituitary gland initiates sperm production, and testosterone, secreted by the
testes when stimulated by Luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior
pituitary, promotes the maturation of sperm. In oogenesis FSH initiates the
growth of ovarian follicles, each of which contains an oogonium, a stem cell
for egg cell production.
3. Describe the locations of the testes and epididymides, and explain their
functions.
Testes are located in scrotum, a sac of skin between the upper thighs. The
temperature within the scrotum is about 96 degrees of Fahrenheit, slightly
lower than body temperature, which is necessary for the production of viable
sperm. In the male fetus, the testes develop near the kidneys, then descend
into the scrotum just before birth.
Epididymis is a tube about 20 feet long that is coiled on the posterior surface
of each testis.
4. Name all the ducts, in order, that sperm travel through from the testes to the
urethra.
The testes are located in the scrotum, which is for the production of viable
sperm. Each testis is about 1.5 inches long by 1 inch wide and is divided
internally into lobes. Each lobe contains several seminiferous tubules, in
which spermatogenesis takes place. Sperm from the seminiferous tubules
enter a tubular network called the rete testis, and then enter the epididymis,
the first of the reproductive ducts. Within the epididymis the sperm complete
their maturation, and their flagella become functional.
5. Name the male reproductive glands, and state how each contributes to the
formation of semen.
Semen consists of sperm and the secretions of the seminal vesicles, prostate
gland, and bulbourethral glands. Seminal vesicles’ secretion contains fructose
to provide an energy source for sperm and is alkaline to enhance sperm
motility. The glandular tissue of the prostate secretes an alkaline fluid that
helps maintain sperm motility. The smooth muscle of the prostate gland
contracts during ejaculation to contribute to the expulsion of semen from the
urethra.
6. Explain how the structure of cavernous tissue permits erection of the penis.
Name the structures that bring about ejaculation.
The smooth muscle of the prostate gland contacts during ejaculation to
contribute to the expulsion of semen from the urethra. The bulbourethral
glands’ alkaline secretion coats the interior of the urethra just before
ejaculation, which neutralizes any acidic urine that might be present.
7. State the function of each part of a sperm cell: head, middle piece, flagellum,
and acrosome.
The head also contains enzymes that help the sperm break through the cell
membrane of an egg.
The middle piece of the sperm is packed with mitochondria.
The tail of the sperm moves like a propeller, around and around. This tail is a
long flagella that pushes the sperm forward.
8. Describe the location of the ovaries, and name the hormones produced by
the ovaries.
The ovary is a ductless reproductive gland in which the female reproductive
cells are produced. Females have a pair of ovaries, held by a membrane
beside the uterus on each side of the lower abdomen. It secretes two main
hormones—estrogen and progesterone.
9. Explain how an ovum or zygote is kept moving through the fallopian tube.
Tiny hairlike cilia lining the fallopian tube propel the fertilized egg (zygote)
through the tube toward the uterus. The cells of the zygote divide repeatedly
as the zygote moves down the fallopian tube. The zygote enters the uterus in
3 to 5 days.
10.Describe the function of myometrium, basilar layer of the endometrium, and
functional layer of the endometrium. Name the hormones necessary for
growth of the endometrium.
The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterine wall, consisting mainly of
uterine smooth muscle cells (also called uterine myocytes), but also of
supporting stromal and vascular tissue. Its main function is to induce uterine
contractions.
The basilar layer of the endometrium is Adjacent to the myometrium, is
vascular but very thin sand is a permanent layer.
11.State the functions of the vagina, labia majora and minora, and Bartholin’s
glands.
The vagina is a muscular canal lined with nerves and mucus membranes. It
connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body, allowing for
menstruation, intercourse, and childbirth.
The labia majora function is to cover and protect the inner, more delicate and
sensitive structures of the vulva.
12.Name the parts of the mammary glands, and state the function of each.
The main parts of the female breast are lobules (milk producing glands),
ducts (milk passages that connect the lobules and the nipple), and stroma
(fatty tissue and ligaments surrounding the ducts and lobules, blood vessels,
and lymphatic vessels).
13.Name the hormone that has each of these effects on the mammary glands:
a. Causes release of milk
When a baby sucks at the breast of its mother, the stimulation leads to
oxytocin secretion into the blood, which then causes milk to be let down
into the breast. Oxytocin is also released into the brain to help stimulate
further oxytocin secretion.
b. Promotes growth of the ducts
Mammary gland development during puberty and reconstruction during
pregnancy and lactation is under the control of circulating endocrine
hormones, such as growth hormone, which are released from the
pituitary.
c. Promotes growth of the secretory cells
Progesterone stimulates growth of milk-producing cells in the glands,
while estrogen stimulates growth of duct cells.
d. Stimulates milk production
Prolactin is necessary for the secretion of milk by the cells of the alveoli.
During the first few weeks, the more a baby suckles and stimulates the
nipple, the more prolactin is produced, and the more milk is produced.
14.Name the phase of the menstrual cycle in which each of these actions takes
place:
a. Rupture of a mature follicle
Luteal phase
b. Loss of the endometrium
Menstrual phase
c. Final development of the endometrium
Luteal phase
d. Development of the corpus luteum
Luteal phase
e. Development of several ovarian follicles
Follicular phase
