System Structure: Reproduction - Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Mblex

What is the function of the scrotum in male reproduction?

Thermoregulation for optimal spermatogenesis. Its muscular structure maintains testes at 2-3°C below body temperature, essential for viable sperm production.
What is the function of the uterus in reproduction?

Implantation and fetal development. Its muscular layers and vascular endometrium enable embryo attachment, nourishment, and parturition.
What is the function of the epididymis?

Sperm maturation and storage. It allows sperm to gain motility and fertilizing capacity while being stored prior to ejaculation.
What is the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the female reproductive cycle?

Stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen secretion. Released by the pituitary, it recruits primordial follicles and induces aromatase for estrogen production.
What is the function of the ductus (vas) deferens?

Transports sperm to the ejaculatory duct. As part of the spermatic cord, it propels sperm via peristalsis during ejaculation toward the prostate.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for development of female secondary sex characteristics?

Estrogen. Produced by ovaries, it drives puberty changes like breast development and fat distribution in females.
Which male accessory glands secrete a mucus-like pre-ejaculate that lubricates and neutralizes urethra?

Bulbourethral (Cowper) glands. They produce a clear fluid before ejaculation to clear acidic urine residues and aid lubrication.
What is the usual anatomical site of fertilization in the uterine tube?

Ampulla. Its widest portion allows optimal space and conditions for sperm to meet and fertilize the oocyte.
What is the function of the endometrium?

Site of implantation; sheds during menstruation. This inner uterine layer thickens under hormonal influence for potential pregnancy and is sloughed if no implantation occurs.
Which male accessory gland secretes an alkaline, fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm?

Seminal vesicles. They contribute about 70% of semen volume with nutrients and pH buffers to enhance sperm viability.
What is the function of the uterine (fallopian) tubes?

Transport oocyte; usual site of fertilization. Cilia and peristalsis move the egg while providing an environment for sperm-egg fusion typically in the ampulla.
What is the function of the cervix?

Passage between uterus and vagina; mucus secretion. It dilates during labor and produces mucus to protect against pathogens while allowing passage of sperm and menses.
What is the function of the vagina in reproduction?

Receives penis/semen; birth canal; menstrual outflow. Its acidic environment and muscular walls facilitate copulation, childbirth, and expulsion of menstrual blood.
Which hormone primarily prepares and maintains the endometrium for implantation?

Progesterone. Secreted by the corpus luteum, it promotes vascularization and glandular development in the uterus for embryo support.
Which hormone is the primary signal detected by most pregnancy tests?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Produced by the developing placenta, it sustains the corpus luteum to prevent menstruation during early pregnancy.
What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

Produce oocytes and secrete estrogen and progesterone. As female gonads, they facilitate oogenesis and hormone release to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
What is the function of Leydig (interstitial) cells in the testes?

Secrete testosterone. Located in interstitial spaces, they respond to LH stimulation to produce androgens crucial for male development and spermatogenesis.
What is the primary function of the testes in the male reproductive system?

Produce sperm and secrete testosterone. As male gonads, they serve dual roles in gametogenesis and androgen production to support reproduction and secondary sex characteristics.
Which male accessory gland secretes a milky fluid that contributes enzymes and citrate to semen?

Prostate gland. It adds factors that activate sperm motility and provide energy sources in the seminal fluid.
What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?

Site of spermatogenesis. These coiled structures within testicular lobules house germ cells undergoing meiosis to form spermatozoa.
Identify the correct order of uterine cycle phases starting on day $1$ of menstruation.

Menstrual → proliferative → secretory. This sequence reflects endometrial shedding, estrogen-driven rebuilding, and progesterone-induced preparation for implantation.
What event is triggered by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the ovarian cycle?

Ovulation. The mid-cycle peak in LH from the pituitary causes rupture of the mature follicle to release the oocyte.
What is the function of Sertoli (sustentacular) cells in the seminiferous tubules?

Support and nourish developing sperm cells. These cells form the blood-testis barrier and provide nutrients and structural support during spermatogenesis.
What is the correct sequence of sperm pathway from testes to outside the body?

Testes → epididymis → vas deferens → urethra. This pathway ensures sperm maturation, transport, and delivery through the male tract during ejaculation.

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