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testes:
- The paired, oval male reproductive glands.
- Produce sperm and androgens (primarily testosterone).
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spermatogenesis:
- The production of sperm.
- Takes place in seminiferous tubules of testes.
- Begins during puberty and continues throughout life.
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What role does luteinizing hormone (LH) play in the male reproductive system?
It stimulates the interstitial (Leydig) cells in the testes to secrete testosterone.
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What role does follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) play in the male reproductive system?
It acts together with testosterone to stimulate spermatogenesis.
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What precursor is testosterone synthesized from?
Cholesterol
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What are the functions of testosterone in the male reproductive system?
- 1. Prenatal development of primary male sex characteristics
- 2. Secondary sex characteristics
- 3. Onset of sexual functions & libido
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primary male sex characteristics:
- Penis
- Testes
- Other male reproductive structures
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secondary male sex characteristics:
- Muscle & bone mass
- Tone of voice
- Male hair distribution
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ductus deferens:
- Also called the vas deferens.
- A portion of duct between the epididymis and the short ejaculatory ducts that connect to the urethra.
- Stores sperm up to several months.
- Conveys sperm from epididymis toward urethra during sexual arousal via peristaltic contractions.
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What are the Accessory Glands of the male reproductive system?
- Seminal Vesicles
- Prostate Gland
- Bulbourethral Glands
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What proportion of semen does each accessory gland contribute?
- Seminal vesicles = 60%
- Prostate = 25%
- Bulbourethral glands = 15%
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male erection:
Vasodilation in response to neurotransmitters, hormones, and nitric oxide which relaxes penal artery tissue causing this structure to enlarge and stiffen.
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ovaries:
Paired female reproductive organs that produce secondary oocytes and hormones.
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Where are the primary oocytes found?
Ovaries (ovarian follicles)
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How long after ovulation is the ovum viable?
~ 24 hours
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What type of feedback loop regulates ovulation?
- Positive feedback loop
- Increased estrogen stimulates ↑ GnRH in hypothalamus, which stimulates ↑ FSH in anterior pituitary, which stimulates the rupture of a mature follicle and release of secondary oocyte (i.e., ovulation)
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cervix:
The narrow, inferior portion of the uterus where it connects to the vaginal canal.
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What are the functions of the vagina?
- Receives the penis during sexual intercourse
- Outlet for menstral flow
- Passageway for childbirth
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paraurethral glands:
Glands in the wall of the urethra that secrete mucus via ducts located on either side of the external urethral orifice.
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mammary glands:
Modified sudoriferous (sweat) glands that produce milk.
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What is the role of LH in the female reproductive system?
- It stimulates follicular development
- It results in the production of the corpus luteum
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What is the role of FSH in the female reproductive system?
- It initiates follicular growth
- It stimulates estrogen production
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What is the role of progesterone in the female reproductive system?
It prepares the endometrium for implantation.
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What is the role of relaxin in the female reproductive system?
It softens the pubic symphysis.
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menopause:
A decrease in estrogen which leads to the cessation of menstruation.
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What are some signs/symptoms of menopause?
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Decreased bone density
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
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