2A - Human Reproduction Flashcards
Male and female repro
Primary sex characteristics
play a direct role in reproduction:
M: Testes, penis, prostate gland.
F: Ovaries, Uterus, Vagina
Secondary sex characteristics
related to sexual dimorphism and puberty
do not play an actual role in reproduction.
M: Facial hair, increased muscle mass, deeper voice
F: More prominent breasts, wider hios
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is when males and females of the same species look or behave differently beyond just their reproductive organs. This can include differences in size, color, shape, strength, or behavior
Head of the sperm contains what
Acrosome: An acrosome is a special cap-like structure on the head of a sperm cell. It contains enzymes that help the sperm break through the egg’s outer layer during fertilization.
Nucleus: The sperm cell nucleus is the part of the sperm that carries the father’s genetic material (DNA). It’s located in the head of the sperm and contains 23 chromosomes (half of the genetic instructions needed to make a baby).
Mid piece of the sperm had what
mitochondrion for energy to swim
Gonads
a reproductive gland that produce gamete hormone and fluid
ovaries and testis
What’s a Gamete
a mature male or female germ (reproductive) cell (sperm or ovum) either a haploid set of chromosomes (n=23)
What’s a Duct
a tube through the body which body fluids pass
Ductus deferents
ductus deferens (also called the vas deferens) is a muscular tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra during ejaculation.
Urethra
The urethra is a tube that carries fluids out of the body. In males, it transports both urine (from the bladder) and semen (from the reproductive system), but never at the same time. In females, it only carries urine.
penis
The penis is the male reproductive organ that has two main functions:
1. Reproduction – It delivers sperm into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse.
2. Excretion – It carries urine out of the body through the urethra.
glans penis
The glans penis is the tip of the penis. It’s the most sensitive part because it has a lot of nerve endings.
foreskin
The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers and protects the glans penis (the tip of the penis). It is present at birth and can be removed through circumcision, though not everyone chooses to do this.
seminal vesicle
The seminal vesicles are two glands located behind the bladder that secrete:
-fructose. providing sperm with energy, protecting them from the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
-Prostaglandins, which are chemicals that trigger contractions in the female reproductive tract to help sperm reach the ovum
ejaculatory duct
The ejaculatory duct is a short tube formed by the junction of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle, through which semen passes from the seminal vesicles and vas deferens into the urethra during ejaculation, allowing the sperm and seminal fluid to mix and exit the body.
prostate gland
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it produces a milky, alkaline fluid that makes up about 30% of semen, helping to nourish and protect sperm, while also playing a role in the ejaculation process by helping to propel semen into the urethra.
cowpers glands
The Cowper’s glands (also called bulbourethral glands) are two small glands located beneath the prostate that secrete a clear, slippery fluid before ejaculation, which serves to lubricate the urethra and neutralize any acidic urine residue, creating a more favorable environment for sperm during ejaculation.
epididymis
The epididymis is a coiled tube located at the back of each testicle, where sperm mature, become capable of movement, and are stored until they are ready for ejaculation.
LEARN HIW TO SWIM
testes
The testicles (or testes) are two oval-shaped organs located in the scrotum, responsible for producing sperm (the male reproductive cells) and the hormone testosterone, which regulates male characteristics like muscle mass, bone density, and facial hair growth.
scrotum
The scrotum is a sac of skin and muscle that holds and protects the testicles outside the body, helping to regulate their temperature for optimal sperm production by contracting and relaxing to keep the testicles slightly cooler than body temperature.
seminiferous tubules
The seminiferous tubules are tightly coiled tubes inside the testicles where sperm production (spermatogenesis) occurs, containing specialized cells that divide and develop into mature sperm while being nourished by supporting cells.
sertoli cells
Sertoli cells are specialized cells inside the seminiferous tubules that support and nourish developing sperm cells, regulate their growth, and help form the blood-testis barrier, which protects sperm from harmful substances and the immune system.
interstitial cells
Interstitial cells (also called Leydig cells) are located between the seminiferous tubules in the testicles and are responsible for producing testosterone, the hormone that regulates sperm production and male characteristics like muscle growth, deeper voice, and body hair.
What are the main organs of the female reproductive system?
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina
