Chapter

10

1. Illustrate and describe the process of spermatogenesis.

In the seminiferous tubules
• Spermatogonia (sperm forming cells) undergo rapid mitosis to produce
more stem cells before puberty.
• At puberty, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) initiates spermatogenesis
& testosterone production by Leydig cells.
• Spermatogonia cells division trough mitosis produce one cell – a stem
cell.
• Primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis.
• First meiosis – secondary spermatocytes.
• Second meiosis – haploid spermatids (4) further differentiate into sperm.
• Spermatogenesis takes 64 to 72 days.
• Low temperature.

2. Explain the hormonal regulation over the spermatogenesis.

Hypothalamus
• Release gonadotropin – releasing hormone (GnRH) at onset of puberty.
• GrRH stimulates pituitary to release: Lutenizing hormone (LH) and Follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH).
• LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.
• FSH stimulate sertoli cells.

3. Distinguish meiosis I and II process in oogenesis.

Meiosis I
• The ovaries produce gametes and sex hormones. Oogenesis occurs in
ovaries.
• Each primary oocyte and the cells surrounding to form a follicle.
• Primary oocytes are inactive until puberty.
• Each month a primary oocyte completes the first meiotic division forming
secondary oocyte.
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes some primary follicle to
mature.
• Meiosis start inside maturing follicle. Produces a secondary oocyte and
the first polar body.
• Meiosis is completed after ovulation only if sperm penetrates
(fertilization occur). Two additional polar bodies are produced.

Meiosis II
• The first polar body may undergo a further division or may not; in either
event the polar bodies ultimately disintegrate.
• The secondary oocyte remains in meiosis II until fertilization.
• Oogenesis results in one haploid ovum.

4. Compare spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

Spermatogenesis Oogenesis
The production of sperms from The production of eggs from oogonia
spermatogonia
Occurs inside the testis in males Occurs inside the ovary in females
Semoli cells are found in germinal cell No semoli cells are found in the
epithelium germinal cell epithelium
All spermatogonia are divided by Some of the oogonia divide during the
meiosis, producing sperm all the times production of eggs, 1 at a time

5. Explain the phases in the uterine cycle.

Follicle phase
• Matured follicle forming a bulge near ovary surface.
• LH surge begins 24 hours before ovulation.
• Follicle and adjacent wall of ovaries rupture releasing secondary oocyte
(ovulation).
• Follicle tissue left behind undergo another phase Luteal phase.

Luteal phase
• Follicular tissue transform into corpus luteum.
 • Corpus luteum: secrete progesterone and estrogen.
• End of luteal phase, corpus luteum disintegrates (unless if fertilization
occur).
• Concentration of progesterone and estrogen decline sharply.

6. List the structures in male reproductive system.

• Testes (a pair)
• Duct system: epididymis, vas deferens, urethra.
• Accessory organs: seminal vesicle, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland.
• External genitalia: penis. Scrotum

7. Describe the phase of fertilization of an ovum by sperm.

• The sperm squeezes through cells at left over from the follicle.
• The sperm’s acrosomal enzymes digest the egg’s jelly coat.
• Proteins on the sperm head bind to egg receptors.
• The plasma membranes of sperm and egg fuse.
• The sperm nucleus enters the egg cytoplasm.
• A fertilization envelope forms.

8. Differentiate between ovarian and uterine cycle.

Ovulation Menstruation
th
Occurs on each 14 day of menstrual Occurs on the first day of the
cycle menstrual cycle
Body temperature increases Body temperature decreases
Estrogen, FSH, and LH levels are high Estrogen. Progesterone, FSH and LH
levels are low
Beginning of the secretory period of Creates pain, cramps, tiredness and
the uterus emotional diturbances