14.1 The Continuance of Human Life

Question 1

Define primary sex characteristics and provide examples

Answer 1

Reproduction organs that are directly involved in reproduction

Female: Ovaries (production of eggs)
Male: Testes (production of sperm)

Question 2

Define secondary sex characteristics and provide examples

Answer 2

Physical traits that develop during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction

Female: Breast development
Male: Facial hair growth

Question 3

Define interstitial cells

Answer 3

Cells found in the testes that produce testosterone

Question 4

Define Sertoli cells

Answer 4

Cells found in the seminiferous tubules that support, nourish, and regulate the development of sperm

Question 5

State the function of the testes

Answer 5

Produce sperm and sex hormones (testosterone)

Question 6

State the function of the epididymides

Answer 6

Mature and store developing sperm

Question 7

State the function of the ductus deferentia

Answer 7

Conduct and store sperm

Question 8

State the function of the seminal vesicles

Answer 8

Contribute fructose and fluid to semen

Question 9

State the function of the prostate gland

Answer 9

Contributes alkaline and mucoid fluids to semen

Question 10

State the function of Cowper’s gland

Answer 10

Contributes alkaline and mucoid fluids to semen

Question 11

State the function of the penis

Answer 11

Carries semen into the female reproductive tract

Question 12

State the function of the urethra

Answer 12

Female: Transports urine out of the body
Male: Transports urine and semen out of body through the penis

Question 13

What is the significance of the acrosome of the sperm?

Answer 13

The acrosome is the cap-like structure on the head of the sperm that contains enzymes. These enzymes help the sperm penetrate the outer layers of the egg for fertilization.

Question 14

Which three glands contribute fluids to semen

Answer 14

1. Seminal vesicles
2. Prostate gland
3. Cowper’s gland

Question 15

In which part of the female reproductive system does fertilization take place?

Answer 15

Oviduct (fallopian tube)

Question 16

What is the endometrium and what is its purpose?

Answer 16

The inner lining of the uterus

Its purpose is to thicken and provide a nutrient-rich environment to support a fertilized egg’s implantation and the early stages of pregnancy

Question 17

What is menstruation and why does it occur?

Answer 17

The shedding of the endometrial lining when an unfertilized egg doesn’t implant

It occurs as part of the menstrual cycle to remove the unfertilized egg and prepare the uterus for the possibility of pregnancy in the next cycle

Question 18

State the function of the fimbriae

Answer 18

Sweep an egg into an oviduct

Question 19

State the function of the vagina

Answer 19

Receives the penis during sexual intercourse

Servesas the birth canal and as the exit for menstrual flow

Question 20

State the function of the ovaries

Answer 20

Produce eggs and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

Question 21

State the function of the oviducts

Answer 21

Conduct an egg from the ovary to the uterus

Place where fertilization occurs

Question 22

State the function of the uterus

Answer 22

Houses the developing fetus

Question 23

State the function of the cervex

Answer 23

The opening to the uterus

Question 24

Which structures contribute to the movement of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus?

Answer 24

Fimbriae: Sweep the ovum from the ovary into the fallopian tube

Cilia: Line the fallopian tube and help propel the ovum along toward the uterus

Peristaltic contractions: Of the smooth muscle in the fallopian tube also assist in moving the ovum toward the uterus

Question 25

Describe the structures of a sperm cell and how the structure of the cell relates to its
function?

Answer 25

Head: Contains the nucleus with genetic material and the acrosome, which contains enzymes to help penetrate the ovum

Midpiece: Packed with mitochondria to provide energy for movement

Tail: Helps the sperm swim toward the ovum

The structure of the sperm, particularly its streamlined shape and tail, enables it to be highly motile and specialized for delivering genetic material to the ovum

Question 26

Describe the structures of an ovum and how the structure of the cell relates to its
function?

Answer 26

Cytoplasm: Contains nutrients to nourish a developing zygote

Zona pellucida: A protective outer layer that the sperm must penetrate for fertilization

The larger size of the ovum provides the necessary resources for early embryo development, and its immobility allows it to wait for sperm to fertilize it

Question 27

A man who is having difficulty conceiving children with his wife is advised by his doctor to wear looser pants. How could a change in clothing make a difference to
this man’s reproductive system?

Answer 27

Looser clothing allows for better temperature regulation, promoting healthier sperm production