Human Reproductive Biology Questions - Assignment Example

Human Reproductive Biology Question Assignment Using your own words, describe the path of sperm from the beginning of development until it exits the body. Include in your description all of the glands that contribute to semen, what they contribute, and the function of each, and all structures it passes through. Sperm are produced, deposited, and distributed by the male reproductive system, which is made up of the penis, testes, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, vas deferens, and urethra. The seminiferous tubules push the sperm into the testicular web where they move toward the epididymis. The sperm withdraw from the body through the duct system, which comprises the vas deferens and the epididymis. The epididymis makes up the first portion of the duct system and serves as a short-term storage place for undeveloped sperm. Once the male is sexually aroused, the epididymis’s walls tighten to eject sperm into the subsequent portion of the duct system—the vas deferens. The vas deferens drains into the ejaculatory tube that pushes the sperm out of the urethra. (2) Explain the female ovarian and menstrual cycle mentioning the hormones involved and their functions. Periodic changes in the discharge of female hormones lead to the menstrual cycle. Although progesterone and estrogen discharged by the ovaries are the most commonly recognized female hormones, other hormones produced by the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary also serve a vital function in the female monthly cycle by controlling the discharge of the ovarian hormones. Female hormones are discharged in different amounts at different moments throughout the reproductive cycle. Such periodic system of secretion causes recurrent changes in the breasts, cervix, uterus, and ovaries (Jones & Lopez 75). The female reproductive hormones bringing about such changes are the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) released by the hypothalamus, the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) discharged by the anterior pituitary, and the progesterone and estrogen (Jones & Lopez 6-7). (3) Pick 5 types of birth control and explain them. For each make sure to mention their effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, any risks and whether they offer any protection from STDs. Five types of birth control are (1) male condom, (2) intrauterine device—hormonal type, (3) diaphragm, (4) cervical cap, and (5) Depo-Provera. The (1) male condom is a thin protective covering. It blocks the sperm from the penis. It is quite effective in preventing pregnancy as long as it is used correctly. It is also one of the most effective protections against STDs, especially those made from latex. The potential risks are irritation and allergic reaction. The (2) intrauterine device (IUD) ---hormonal type—is a tiny, T-shaped instrument that is implanted in the uterus. The hormonal IUD has a birth control hormone, progestin. The hormonal IUD is one of the best types of birth control. However, it does not protect from STDs. Possible risks are pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, and cramps (Jones & Lopez 369-70). The (3) diaphragm is circular latex that a woman places inside her vagina. It covers the cervix or blocks the sperm. Just like male condom, it is quite an effective form of contraception if used correctly. It does not have protection against STDs and the possible risks are urinary tract infection, allergic reactions, and irritation. The (4) cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup made from silicone. It covers the cervix. It is an effective type of birth control if used properly or fitted correctly. It has no protection from STDs and potential risks are toxic shock syndrome and allergic reactions. The (5) Depo-Provera is an injection. It employs progestin to prevent the release of an egg. This is a very effective birth control method. It does not offer protection against STDs and the possible side effects are headaches, sore breasts, spotting, and moodiness (Jones & Lopez 370-71). (4) List typical causes of/contributors to infertility in the male, identifying the most common. The most common causes of infertility in male are too much exposure to specific toxins and substances, disorders with sperm delivery, and disordered sperm production. First, too much exposure to specific toxins and substances like alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides adversely affects fertility. Second are disorders with sperm delivery because of sexual issues, like damage to the reproductive organs, genetic illnesses like cystic fibrosis, or premature ejaculation. And lastly is disordered production of sperm because of a variety of problems, like injury to the testicles, previous infections, health issues like diabetes, or genetic problems. (5) List typical causes of/contributors to infertility in the female, identifying the most common. The most common causes of infertility in females are endometriosis, cervical or uterine abnormalities, and ovulation problems. First is endometriosis, which takes place when endometrial tissue embeds and develops outside the womb and usually affecting the health of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. Second are cervical or uterine abnormalities, or irregularities in the uterus’s shape or abnormalities with the opening of the cervical mucus. Usually, fibroids alter the uterine opening preventing implantation of the fertilized egg. Third are ovulation abnormalities which stop the release of eggs from the ovaries, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), tumors, eating problems, or too much exercise. (6) If a couple is having trouble conceiving, what are three treatment options that may be available to them? (Pick three) Describe how each works and any possible complications. Three treatment options that may be available for couples having problems conceiving are in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation, and medicines that have gonadotrophins. IVF refers to external fertilization. It is primarily used in couples who have inexplicable infertility, or clogged Fallopian tubes. It requires taking fertility prescriptions to push the ovaries to produce a larger number of eggs than normal. Once the eggs have developed, egg retrieval or harvesting is carried out. Every egg is combined with the sperm. The combination of egg and sperm is placed at a laboratory dish. The goal is to allow the fertilization of egg so as to produce embryos (Jones & Lopez 448). Second is egg donation, which requires energizing the female donor’s ovaries with fertility medications, and gathering the eggs which develop. The eggs are fertilized by sperm. After a few days, embryos are implanted in the uterus through the cervix. This option is for females who are unable to generate eggs or have ovarian problems. Third are medicines that have gonadotrophins. These medications have to be injected in order to bring about ovulation before IVF. Gonadotrophin medications could enhance male fertility (Jones & Lopez 453-54). However, these three treatment options could have possible complications. Medicines with gonadotrophins could bring about menopause-like symptoms. These medicines could also excessively stimulate the ovaries and result in a disorder called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In such disorder, the ovaries can expand because of several cysts that grow on the ovaries. There is also the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is pregnancy taking place in the fallopian tube (Jones & Lopez 462). (7) List the four stages of sexual response, and the characteristics and events of each. The four stages of sexual response are (1) excitement, (2) plateau, (3) orgasm, and (4) resolution. The excitement phase is somewhat unlikely to be apparent or noticeable, for it can, and usually does, take place prior to any occurrence of contact or stimulation. Once excitement advances, the body climbs to the plateau phase. Here, the physical indications rise—the vaginal regions, penis, and breasts swell and breathing becomes faster (Chadwick & Goode 83). The third phase—orgasm—is the most apparent and remarkable phase of human sexual response. At this point, many things occur in fast progression in a quite brief duration of time. There are noticeable physical events, like fast breathing, discharges of fluids, and strong muscle tightening. The resolution phase is also widely known as the ‘recovery’ phase. Here, the body begins to go back to a normal condition and recuperate from the pleasure and tension of sexual contact. (8) Describe the transmission, symptoms, consequences, treatment and frequency of three STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are illnesses that are passed on through sex with a person who is infected. A person can acquire STDs from sexual intercourse that includes the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. STDs may not show symptoms. If symptoms exist, they could be one or several of the following: excessive itching of the areas around the vagina or penis, painful sexual intercourse, jaundice, fevers, painful urination, warts or bumps near the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth (Chadwick & Goode 71). Numerous STDs are medicated with antibiotics. The American Social Health Organization reports that one out of four teenagers in the U.S. acquires STD every year (Jones & Lopez 491). (9) Choose five hormones and describe where they are produced and their function in the human body. If they affect reproduction be sure to mention it in your answer. (1) Enkephalin or Endorphin comes from the kidneys. It is linked to pain control. (2) Ghrelin originates from the pancreas and stomach. It energizes appetite and controls the discharge of growth hormone. (3) Insulin comes from the pancreas’s beta cells. It regulates the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, contributes to the maintenance of blood glucose by enhancing glucose absorption in the cells of fat tissues, muscle, and liver (Jones & Lopez 6-18). (4) Melatonin originates from the pineal gland. It functions as an antioxidant and serves a vital function in the circadian rhythms. (5) Prolactin comes from the uterus and anterior pituitary. It enhances the secretion of milk in mammary glands. It also influences a person’s sexual behavior (Jones & Lopez 6-18). (10) List and describe three examples of secondary sexual characteristics each for males and females. Testosterone largely enhances the mass and size of bones, vocal cords, and muscles in males, causing changes in the shape of the skeleton and face. It speeds up development of androgen-sensitive body and facial hair, but could inhibit and finally halt the growth of hair in the head. On the other hand, breasts are an indication of greater quantities of estrogen in females; estrogen also expands the pelvis and raises the quantity of body fat in breasts, buttocks, thighs, and hips. Estrogen also enhances menstrual cycle, development of the endometrium, and development of the uterus. Works Cited Chadwick, Derek & Jamie Goode. The Genetics and Biology of Sex Determination. England: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. Print. Jones, Richard & Kristin Lopez. Human Reproductive Biology. UK: Academic Press, 2006. Print. Read More