Male and female reproductive system
Learning objectives:
- Identify the process of gametogenesis
- Describe the hormonal regulation in male and female reproductive cycle.
- Identify the male and female reproductive structures.
Part 1: Male reproductive system
1.1 Identify the missing labels to complete the hormonal regulation in the male reproductive system. (5 points)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
1.2 Identify the function of the following hormones: (4 points)
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH):
- Follicle stimulating hormone:
- Luteinizing hormone:
- Inhibin
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Testosterone
- Androgen –binding protein
1.3 Identify the parts of the human sperm. (3 points)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
1.4 Read the case study. Answer the questions in complete sentences and in your own words.
(3 points)
Sam and Jane were at the doctor’s office since they had been trying to conceive for over 12 months. Examination revealed that Sam’s testicular structure and spermatogenesis was normal but had no spermatozoa in his semen. It was observed that Sam had a developmental defect in which the epididymis of his testicles did not connect to the ductus deferens.
- What is a lobule of the testicle? What does each lobule contain?
- Which structure connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?
- Follow the path taken by sperm from their site of production to the ejaculatory duct.
Part 2: Female reproductive system
2.1 Complete the steps in oogenesis. (4 points)
A.
B.
C.
D.
2.2 Identify the parts of the ovary: (4 points)
Structure | |
A | |
B | |
C | |
D | |
E | |
F | |
G | |
H | |
I |
2.3 Fill in the missing labels to complete the female reproductive cycle. (3 points)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
2.4 Read the case study. Answer the questions in complete sentences and in your own words.
(4 points)
Jane, a 24 year old singer, went to her doctor to discuss contraception. Her doctor educated her of the several options but advised that she could try the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP).
- Which hormone promotes the follicular maturation within the ovary?
- Which hormone stimulates ovulation?
- Which hormone is released by corpus luteum?
- What is COCP? Based on your understanding what would be the hormones that you would suggest for Jane? Why?
Part 1: Male Reproductive System
1.1 Missing labels for hormonal regulation in the male reproductive system:
A. Hypothalamus B. Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis) C. Testes (Leydig Cells) D. Seminiferous Tubules E. Epididymis
1.2 Function of hormones:
a. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary.
b. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates the production of sperm (spermatogenesis) and promotes the maturation of Sertoli cells in the testes.
c. Luteinizing hormone (LH): Stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells and triggers the process of spermatogenesis.
d. Inhibin: Secreted by Sertoli cells, inhibin regulates FSH secretion by negative feedback, helping to maintain a balance in hormone levels.
e. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): Derived from testosterone, DHT is responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics and the prostate gland.
f. Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, secondary sexual characteristics, and overall male physiology.
g. Androgen-binding protein: Binds to testosterone in the seminiferous tubules, maintaining a high concentration of testosterone for spermatogenesis.
1.3 Parts of the human sperm:
A. Head B. Acrosome C. Nucleus D. Midpiece (Mitochondria) E. Tail (Flagellum) F. Axoneme G. Plasma Membrane
1.4 Answers to the case study questions:
- A lobule of the testicle is a small compartment within the testis. Each lobule contains multiple seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis takes place.
- The structure that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct is the vas deferens (ductus deferens).
- Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. From there, they move to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. During ejaculation, sperm travel from the epididymis through the vas deferens, merge with fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland to form semen, and then proceed through the ejaculatory duct.
Part 2: Female Reproductive System
2.1 Steps in oogenesis:
A. Oogonium B. Primary Oocyte C. First Polar Body D. Secondary Oocyte E. Second Polar Body
2.2 Parts of the ovary:
A. Ovarian Surface B. Germinal Epithelium C. Tunica Albuginea D. Cortex E. Medulla F. Follicles (Ovarian Follicles) G. Corpus Luteum H. Corpus Albicans I. Ovulation Site
2.3 Missing labels for the female reproductive cycle:
A. Hypothalamus B. Anterior Pituitary C. Ovary (Follicle) D. Uterus (Endometrium) E. Ovary (Corpus Luteum)
2.4 Answers to the case study questions:
a. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes follicular maturation within the ovary.
b. Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation.
c. Corpus luteum releases progesterone.
d. COCP stands for Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, which contains synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone (or progestin) to prevent pregnancy. Based on Jane’s situation, the doctor might suggest COCP to regulate her menstrual cycle and provide contraceptive protection.