Chapter 28: The Reproductive Systems and Development
Critical Thinking Questions
- Assume that a 30-year-old male is able to produce sufficientspermatozoa, but because of an obstruction in his duct system, thespermatozoa cannot be discharged through the urethra. If each ductin the system had to be examined to locate the obstruction, explainthe sequence in which the ducts would have to be examined, startingwith the urethra and termination in the seminiferous tubules.
- Make a flowchart explaining the hormonal relationships thatexist among the pituitary gland, ovarian cycle, and uterine(menstrual) cycle.
- Jan has a history of miscarriage in the first trimester. Herphysician thinks that her problem might be hormonal. What hormonescould be implicated in failing to maintain the pregnancy during thefirst trimester?
- Doris wants to have her child born on a particular day. Sheasks her physician if he can induce labor on that day. Is thisprocedure possible? If so, what will the physician have to do? Arethere any negative consequences to having labor induced?
- Based on your knowledge of the reproductive system, describesome possible methods of birth control that would impair ovulation,fertilization or implantation.
