Reproductive System Review

1. What are two functions of the seminiferous tubules and epididymis?

2.What are the components of semen and what purpose does each serve?

3. Explain how each of the following could be seen as an adaptation that helps to ensure fertilization: seminal fluid, production of millions of sperm, cilia lining the walls of the oviducts.

4. What is the function of the ejaculatory duct?

5. What hormone stimulates the testes to produce sperm?

6. Which female structure is analogous to the male testes?

7. Which female structure is analogous to the male vas deferens?

8. It is important that only one sperm fertilize an egg. What would be the result if multiple sperm fertilized a single egg?

9. What is the purpose of the placenta and umbilical cord?

10. Sometimes physical trauma to the mother can affect the fetus. How would partial detachment of the placenta from the endometrium affect the fetus?

11. When is the fertile period during the menstrual cycle? Why is the female only fertile during this period?

12. The time when adult females permanently stop their menstrual cycle is called _______

13. Why is estrogen at its highest just before ovulation and why is this important?

14. Summarize the events associated with the flow phase, follicular phase, and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

15. What occurs when the production of estrogen and progesterone drop?

16. The fetus is unable to breathe oxygen or eat in utero. How does it get oxygen and nutrients?

17. Before birth, the male testes descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Explain why testes that fail to descend cannot produce sperm.

18. The menstrual cycle is interrupted during pregnancy. Explain how this occurs and why it is important.

19. What would happen if the corpus luteum disintegrated during pregnancy?

20. Explain how negative feedback regulates the level of FSH during the menstrual cycle.

21. How does the birth control pill prevent pregnancy? Why would a woman not take birth control pills for the entire 28 days of the menstrual cycle? On which days of the menstrual cycle would the pill not be taken?

22. Identify the functions of estrogen in the menstrual cycle and in the birth process.

23. Suppose a woman’s oviducts were blocked. Would she produce ova? Could she become pregnant?

24. Why do you think doctors recommend that women avoid most medications and alcohol duringpregnancy?

25. Can a woman who has reached menopause ever become pregnant? Explain.

26. How would oxytocin injections affect labor?

27. Describe what happens during childbirth.