Question 1: Define Puberty
Answer:
- Puberty is the period of life when a child develops into an adult.
- It is characterized by the onset of secondary sex characteristics and reproductive capability.
- Puberty typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 17 in humans.
Question 2: Discuss the role of LH and FSH in development of puberty
Answer:
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) are two key hormones involved in the development of puberty.
- LH stimulates the production of testosterone in males and estrogen in females.
- FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and spermatogenesis in males.
- The increase in LH and FSH levels triggers the development of secondary sex characteristics and the onset of puberty.
Question 3: Explain puberty for its onset and stages and describe the causes for delayed and precocious puberty
Answer:
- The onset of puberty is marked by the appearance of secondary sex characteristics such as breast development in females and testicular growth in males.
- The stages of puberty include:
- Thelarche (breast development)
- Pubarche (growth of pubic hair)
- Menarche (first menstrual period)
- Spermatogenesis (production of sperm)
- Delayed puberty can be caused by genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, or certain medical conditions.
- Precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty, typically before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys, and can be caused by genetic disorders, brain injuries, or certain medical conditions.
Question 4: Describe the structure of male reproductive system
Answer:
- The male reproductive system consists of:
- Testes (produce sperm and testosterone)
- Epididymis (stores sperm)
- Vas deferens (transports sperm)
- Seminal vesicles (produce seminal fluid)
- Prostate gland (produces prostatic fluid)
- Urethra (transports sperm and urine)
- Penis (external genital organ)
Question 5: Explain the function of male reproductive system
Answer:
- The male reproductive system produces, stores, and transports sperm.
- It also produces sex hormones such as testosterone, which regulate sperm production and the development of secondary sex characteristics.
- The male reproductive system is responsible for fertilization and the transmission of genetic material to the offspring.
Question 6: Explain the functions of testis as an endocrine gland
Answer:
- The testis produces testosterone, which regulates:
- Sperm production
- Development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g. facial hair, deep voice)
- Libido (sex drive)
- Bone density and muscle mass
- The testis also produces other hormones such as inhibin, which regulates FSH production.
Question 7: Discuss the role of testosterone
Answer:
- Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone.
- It regulates sperm production, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and libido.
- Testosterone is also involved in the regulation of bone density and muscle mass.
- Abnormal levels of testosterone can lead to reproductive disorders such as hypogonadism or hypergonadism.
Question 8: Discuss the process of spermatogenesis
Answer:
- Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production.
- Step 1: Proliferation (spermatogonia divide to form more spermatogonia)
- Step 2: Meiosis (spermatogonia undergo meiosis to form spermatocytes)
- Step 3: Spermiogenesis (spermatocytes differentiate into sperm)
- The process is regulated by hormones such as FSH and testosterone.
Question 9: Discuss the factors affecting spermatogenesis
Answer:
- Temperature: optimal temperature for spermatogenesis is around 35°C.
- Hormones: FSH and testosterone regulate spermatogenesis.
- Nutrition: adequate nutrition is necessary for spermatogenesis.
- Environmental factors: exposure to toxins, radiation, or certain chemicals can affect spermatogenesis.
Question 10: Describe the structure of female reproductive tract
Answer:
- The female reproductive tract consists of:
- Ovaries (produce eggs and hormones)
- Fallopian tubes (transport eggs)
- Uterus (supports fetal development)
- Cervix (connects uterus to vagina)
- Vagina (external genital organ)
Question 11: Discuss the functions of female reproductive tract
Answer:
- The female reproductive tract produces eggs and hormones.
- It supports fertilization and fetal development.
- The female reproductive tract is responsible for menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Question 12: Discuss the role of ovary as an endocrine gland and list the hormones secreted by ovary
Answer:
- The ovary produces:
- Estrogen (regulates female reproductive cycle)
- Progesterone (supports fetal development)
- Relaxin (relaxes pelvic muscles during childbirth)
- Inhibin (regulates FSH production)
Question 13: Discuss the ovarian changes during menstrual cycle
Answer:
- The ovarian cycle consists of:
- Follicular phase (follicles grow and produce estrogen)
- Ovulation (egg is released from ovary)
- Luteal phase (empty follicle produces progesterone)
- The ovarian cycle is regulated by hormones such as FSH and LH.
Question 14: Discuss the uterine changes during menstrual cycle
Answer:
- The uterine cycle consists of:
- Menstruation (shedding of uterine lining)
- Proliferation (uterine lining grows)
- Secretion (uterine lining prepares for implantation)
- The uterine cycle is regulated by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Question 15: Discuss the vaginal changes during menstrual cycle
Answer:
- The vaginal cycle consists of:
- Changes in vaginal discharge (increased during ovulation)
- Changes in vaginal pH (more acidic during menstruation)
- The vaginal cycle is regulated by hormones such as estrogen.
Question 16: Discuss the gonadotrophin changes during menstrual cycle
Answer:
- FSH and LH levels increase during the follicular phase.
- LH surge triggers ovulation.
- FSH and LH levels decrease during the luteal phase.
- The gonadotrophin changes are regulated by feedback mechanisms involving estrogen and progesterone.
Question 17: Discuss the changes during menopause
Answer:
- Menopause is the cessation of menstruation.
- Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) decrease.
- Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
- Menopause is a natural process, but can also be induced by surgery or certain medical conditions.
Question 18: Describe the contraceptive methods for male
Answer:
- Condoms
- Vasectomy (surgical sterilization)
- Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)
- Contraceptive pills (hormonal)
Question 19: Describe the contraceptive methods for female
Answer:
- Condoms
- Oral contraceptive pills (hormonal)
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Diaphragm
- Tubal ligation (surgical sterilization)
Question 20: Discuss the fertilization and implantation of ovum
Answer:
- Fertilization: sperm meets egg in fallopian tube.
- Implantation: fertilized egg implants in uterine lining.
- Step 1: Fertilization
- Step 2: Cleavage (cell division)
- Step 3: Morula formation
- Step 4: Blastocyst formation
- Step 5: Implantation
Question 21: Explain the role of placenta as an endocrine organ and list the placental hormones
Answer:
- The placenta produces:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- Human placental lactogen (hPL)
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- The placenta regulates fetal development and maternal metabolism.
Question 22: Discuss the process of parturition
Answer:
- Parturition is the process of childbirth.
- Step 1: Onset of labor (contractions begin)
- Step 2: Cervical dilation (cervix dilates)
- Step 3: Fetal descent (fetus moves down birth canal)
- Step 4: Expulsion (fetus is born)
- Step 5: Placental expulsion (placenta is delivered)
Question 23: Describe the role of prolactin hormone
Answer:
- Prolactin regulates lactation (milk production).
- Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- Prolactin inhibits gonadotropin release, suppressing ovulation and menstruation.
Question 24: Explain the process of lactation
Answer:
- Lactation is the production of milk.
- Step 1: Prolactin stimulates milk production
- Step 2: Oxytocin stimulates milk ejection (letdown reflex)
- Step 3: Milk is secreted into alveoli
- Step 4: Milk is released through nipple
- Lactation is regulated by hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin.