bsci202 lab practical 3 - reproductive system

• what is the function of the ovaries?

  they are primary sex organs that carry out oogenesis and produce hormones
• what is the function of the uterine tubes?

  • collect eggs after they are released from the ovary
  • fertilization of egg by sperm occurs in the ampulla of the uterine tube
• what is the function of the uterus?

  site of embryo implantation and development
• what is the function of the cervix?

  narrow, inferior end of the uterus that connects to the vagina
• what is the function of the vagina?


  copulatory organ and the birth canal
• what is the mons pubis?

  fatty pad covering the pubic symphysis
• what is the labia major?

  larger, pigmented skin folds
• what is the labia minora?

  smaller skin folds enclosed by the labia majora
• what is the vestibule?

  area enclosed by labia minor, contains clitoris, urethral orifice and vaginal orifice
• what is the clitoris?

  composed of sensitive erectile tissue
• what is the urethral orifice?

  outline for urine
• what is the vaginal orifice?

  opening into the vaginal canal
• what is hymen?

  thin mucous membrane that partially or completely closes the vaginal opening
• what is the greater vestibular glands?

  secrete lubricant
• what is the first step of oogenesis?

  before birth, oogonia undergo mitosis to produce primary oocytes
• what is a primordial follicle?

  primary oocytes surrounded by pre-granulosa cells
• what is the second step of oogenesis?

  at puberty, monthly cycles begin where one primary oocyte will mature and continue meiosis
• what is the last phase of oogenesis?

  completion of meiosis gives rise to a secondary oocyte:

  • the secondary oocyte is ovulated; called an ovum once it is fertilized
  • secondary oocyte is arrested in metaphase II; will only complete meiosis II if fertilized
• what is the difference between oogenesis and spermatogenesis?

  oogenesis: produces 1 ovum and 3 polar bodies

  spermatogenesis: 1 primary spermatocyte to 4 sperm
• what are the hormones involved in the ovarian cycle?

  • monthly fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone
  • induced by LH and FSH
• what are the hormones involved in the uterine cycle?

  induced by the ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone
• what are the hormones involved in pregnancy?

  Progesterone, estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), prostaglandins, oxytocin
• what are the hormones involved in birth control?

  synthetic versions of estrogen and progestin

  • progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone
• what are the 3 phases of the ovarian phase?

  • follicular phase: follicle is being developed (by FSH) and it turns into dominant follicle that will be ovulated
  • ovulation (day 14): corresponds with fluctuating levels of FSH and LH
  • luteal phase: corpus luteum is active (releases progesterone)
• what are the 3 phases of the uterine cycle?

  • menstrual phase: the functional layer of the endometrium is shed
  • proliferative phase: the functional layer of the endometrium is rebuilt
  • secretory phase: enrichment of blood supply and glandular secretion of nutrients to prepare the endometrium to receive an embryo
• what is the function of the mammary glands?

  produce milk for infants

  • estrogen and progesterone stimulate breast growth during puberty and pregnancy by increasing alveoli and lactiferous ducts
• what is the function of alveoli?

  mammary glands that produce milk during lactation
• what is the function of the nipple?

  structure designed to allow infant to feed
• what is the areola?

  pigment region around the nipple
• what is the function of the lactiferous ducts?


  transport milk from alveoli
• what is the function of the lactiferous sinus?

  stores milk
• how does the birth control pill work?

  uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progestin

  • estrogen stimulates the production of prolactin
  • prolactin suppresses GnRH
  • FSH and LH are not released because they depend on GnRH
  • Without FSH and LH, ovarian follicles don't mature and ovulation does not occur
• what is the function of the testes?

  spermatogenesis and the production of male sex hormones (testosterone and other androgens)
• what is the function of the seminiferous tubules?

  highly coiled tubules inside testes are sites for sperm production
• what is the function of the interstitial cells?

  produce the androgens
• what is the function of the epididymis?

  site of spermiogenesis and sperm storage

  • sperm mature and gain the ability to swim
• what is the function of the vas (ductus) deferens?

  transport sperm from the epididymis to ejaculatory ducts
• what is the function of the ejaculatory ducts?


  during ejaculation, receive sperm from vasa deferentia and secretions from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland
• what is the function of the seminal vesicles?

  make up 70% of seminal fluid; contains fructose, vitamin C, and other substances that nourish and activate sperm
• what is the function of the prostate gland?

  secretes 30% of seminal fluid; milky fluid that activates sperm