Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
This domain tests the names, locations, and functions of reproductive organs, how gametes are made, and the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle. Questions often use diagrams in class, but here everything is described in words.
Core rules
- External female anatomy: vulva includes labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The vagina is the internal canal; the uterus is where a fetus grows; fallopian tubes carry the egg; ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
- Male anatomy: testes produce sperm and testosterone; epididymis stores and matures sperm; vas deferens transports sperm; seminal vesicles and prostate add fluid to form semen. Sperm exit through the urethra, which also carries urine.
- Menstrual cycle: menstrual phase, follicular phase (egg matures), ovulation (egg released, often near mid-cycle but not always day 14), luteal phase. FSH and LH from the pituitary control the ovaries; estrogen and progesterone control the uterine lining.
- Fertilization usually occurs in a fallopian tube; the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. If no implantation occurs, the lining sheds as menstruation.
Worked example
A student says, 'Ovulation is always on day 14.' Reasoning: day 14 is an average for a 28-day cycle, not a rule. A 32-day cycle may ovulate around day 18. Cycle length varies, especially in the first years after menarche. Sperm can survive several days, so the fertile window can begin before ovulation. The accurate answer is that ovulation timing varies with cycle length and is not a fixed calendar date.
Traps
- Using 'vagina' for the whole external area; the correct term is vulva.
- Claiming urine and semen travel through the same tube in the penis but confusing the source: urine comes from the bladder, semen from the reproductive tract.
- Saying the testes are inside the abdomen after puberty; they are in the scrotum.
- Treating the menstrual cycle as only the bleeding days.