9 The Reproductive System Free Online FlashCards

Where are sperm produced and where do they mature?

Seminiferous tubules produce sperm; sperm then mature and are stored in the epididymis.

How does the hypothalamus prompt pituitary release of FSH and LH?

The hypothalamus releases GnRH, prompting the pituitary to release FSH and LH.

How many chromosomes are in a human gamete and in the resulting zygote?

Each gamete has 23 chromosomes; when two gametes combine at fertilization, the zygote has 46.

What hormonal event triggers ovulation?

Sustained high estrogen leads to an LH surge, which triggers release of the secondary oocyte.

What is sperm capacitation?

Capacitation is the set of changes sperm undergo during their journey that enables them to fertilize an oocyte.

What is the morula, and what stage follows it?

The morula is a ball of cells that forms after repeated division of the zygote; it is followed by the blastocyst stage.

Which glands add fluids to sperm to form semen?

The seminal vesicles and prostate add fluids that combine with sperm to form semen.

What do LH and FSH do in the testes?

In testes, LH stimulates testosterone production, while FSH supports sperm production.

What happens to spermatids as they develop into mature sperm?

Spermatids change shape into spermatozoa, which then mature further in the epididymis.

How is cytoplasm divided during oogenesis?

Oogenesis divides cell contents unevenly, leaving most of the cytoplasm in the developing oocyte.

What does progesterone from the corpus luteum do to the endometrium?

The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which makes the endometrium more suitable for implantation.

Where does fertilization usually occur?

Fertilization usually occurs in the wider, outer portion of a uterine tube.