2.1 gamete production and fertilisation Flashcards
Where does gamete production take place in males
Gamete production happens in the seminiferous tubules of the testes where spermatozoa (sperm) are made in males.
explain the role of the seminiferous tubules
The seminiferous tubules within the testes are the site of development and maturation of sperm.
explain the role of interstitial cells
The interstitial cells surround the seminiferous tubules and are responsible for the production of testosterone under the direction of hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Explain the role of the prostate gland
Secretes a lubricating liquid containing enzymes which maintain optimum viscosity for motility
Whats the collective name for fluid and sperm
Semen
Describe the role of seminal vesicles
Produce liquid rich in fructose and hormone
Why does the fluid (either prostate and seminal vesicle or semen) contain substrates
The fluids also contain substrates for respiration to ensure that the sperm have an energy source for respiration to keep them alive (viable).
where does the gamete production take place in females
Female gametes called ova (eggs) are produced in the ovaries.
Describe the development of an ovum within the ovary.
Ovaries contain many ova (eggs) in various stages of development. During the course of a menstrual cycle, one of the ova in an ovary will mature. As an ovum matures, the Graafian follicle increases in size protecting the developing ovum and secreting hormones under direction from the pituitary gland in the brain. When the Graafian follicle is fully matured it ruptures releasing the mature ova into the ovary. This process is called ovulation.
Describe the process of ovulation
Ovulation is the release of an ovum (egg) from a mature Graafian follicle in the ovary into the oviduct under the direction of hormones. This normally occurs mid-way through the menstrual cycle (approximately day 14 in an average cycle).
State where fertilisation takes place.
Fertilisation normally happens within the upper section of one of the oviducts.
Define the term zygote
Zygote is the term used to describe a newly fertilised egg.
The zygote then starts to divide by mitosis and is then called an embryo.
gamete production in the testes
The pituitary gland releases fsh, which promotes sperm production in the seminiferous tubules and ICSH which promotes the production of testosterone in the interstitial cells. The testosterone stimulates the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, this stimulates sperm production
are sperm motile?
Sperm are motile- require a fluid to swim in and a source of energy
What comes under accessory glands
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
What are eggs formed from
germline cells in the ovaries
What is each egg surrounded by
Each egg is surrounded by a follicle, which secretes the hormone oestrogen and protects the egg from developing
What does the follicule develop into following ovulation
The follicule develops into a corpus luteum which secretes the hormone proestrogen
Where does fertilisation take place in females
Starts in the ovaries, then the fallopian tube then blastocyst occurs in the uterus
What do celia do
Every month the ovum is released and the Celia waft it towards the uterus
