Reproductive System Study Guide
How many mature follicles complete the journey that was started by the primary follicles?
1
How many primary oocytes have survived (on average) upon puberty?
300,000
Progesterone
A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstral cycle Primarily acts in uterus
What is the proliferative phase?
A period of rapid regrowth lasting from about the fifth day of the cycle to the time of ovulation.
When does the oocyte complete meiosis I?
After puberty
When does oogenesis begin?
Before a female infant is born, but is then arrested til puberty
At what stage in her life does a female carry her entire arsenal of primary oocytes?
Before birth (7 months of fetal development)
Typically what day is considered the first day after ovulation?
Day 15
Where in the ducts is the sperm maturation completed? Where are mature sperm stored?
Epididymis
What is the proliferative phase driven by?
Estrogen from the ovaries
Estrogen
Female sex hormone
Where is estrogen made and which hormones stimulate its synthesis (search the web)?
Granulosa cells of ovarian follicles FSH and LH
How many eggs are produced from one primary oocyte?
One
What are the main functions of Leydig cells?
Produce and secrete androgen hormones, mostly testosterone, into the surrounding interstitial fluid
What are the main functions of Sertoli cells?
Produce testicular fluid and support the production of sperm
What are germ cells?
Reproductive cells that give rise to sperm and ovum (sex cells)
What are the roles of the zona pellucida?
Roles of the zona pellucida include: Sperm activation (acrosome reaction) Preventing fertilization by more than one sperm Protection layer for oocytes Assists in interactions between eggs and sperm during and after fertilization
What is the source for the semen's prostaglandins? What is their role?
Seminal vesicles: They are responsible for thinning mucus in female and stimulating contraction which pull the semen farther into the tract and make it easier for the egg to be fertilized.
What is the source for the semen's fructose? What is its role?
Seminal vesicles: a sugar that sperm use as a nutrient to make ATP
Are follicle cells somatic or germ cells?
Somatic cells
Compare and Contrast spermatogenesis and oogenesis
Spermatogenesis - Begins after puberty Sperm is continuously produced Continues til death Oogenesis - Begins before females born Not continuously - one oocyte is released per month Stops at menopause More sperm are needed than eggs because it takes enzymes from multiple sperm to allow them to penetrate the egg.
LH in males
Stimulates interstitial cells to produce testosterone
What are the major functions of the male reproductive system?
The male gonads are the testes The testes produce sperm through a process of meiosis and secrete androgen hormones, most importantly testosterone.
What is the name of the somatic cells that comprise the outer layers of the secondary follicle?
Thecal cells
The pH of the semen is alkaline. Why does it need to be alkaline?
To help neutralize acidic fluids from the male urethra and the female reproductive tract
How are sperm and fluids pushed through the interstitial tubules?
contractions of myoid cells which surrounds the seminiferous tubules
GnRH in males
gonadotropin releasing hormone
What is the name of the somatic cells that comprise the inner layers of the secondary follicle?
granulosa cells
Androgens
male sex hormones
Define atresia
process of degeneration undergone by primary oocytes, ultimately leads to death of follicles
interstitial cells
produce and secrete testosterone
Are Leydig cells germ cells or somatic cells?
somatic cells
Are Sertoli cells germ cells or somatic cells?
somatic cells
GnRH in females
stimulates FSH, LH, estrogen release
FSH in females
stimulates development of ovarian follicles and estrogen by follicles
LH in females
stimulates ovulation
FSH in males
stimulates sertoli cells to release an accessory protein and secrete inhibin, triggers sperm maturation
Define primary oocytes
a maturing ooycte before it completes meiosis I to create two haploid cells
When does the oocyte complete meiosis II?
after fertilization
Define oogonia
an immature female reproductive cell that become primary oocytes by meiosis I
What are somatic cells?
any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.
