4.1 Sexual reproduction in animals (males) Flashcards
What is the scrotum?
A sac which contains testes. It regulates temperature at 35c and protects testes
What is the function of testes?
Spermatogenesis (seminiferous tubules) and produce testosterone
What happens in the epididymis?
Spermatozoa is stored whislt it matures
What is the vas deferens?
Muscular tube that carries spermatozoa from epididymis to urethra
What does the seminal vesicle do?
Secrets a fluid which is 60% of semen, which contains fructose for energy and prostaglandins to stimulate uterine contraction. It includes mucus to make spermatozoa more motile
What does the prostate gland do?
Produces an alkaline fluid to semen which neutralises acid left by urine and protects spermatozoa from acidic vagina
What does the urethra do?
Carries semen and urine out of the body
What does the penis do?
Releases semen and urine
delivers semen to top of the vagina
becomes erect due to blood flow
What is spermatogenesis regulated by?
-Follicle stimulating hormone, produced in anterior pituitary gland
-Testosterone, produced by Leydig cells
What do Sertoli cells do?
-Provide nourishment for spermatids
-Protect spermatids from male immune system
-Engulf cytoplasm left by spermatids
What is the basement membrane?
Connecting tissue surrounding seminiferous tubule
What are Leydig/interstitial cells?
-Found outside seminiferous tubules
-Secretes testosterone, stimulating spermatogenesis
What part of spermatogenesis occurs before puberty?
Spermatogonium undergo mitosis
What part of spermatogenesis occurs at puberty?
-Spermatogonia grow larger (Primary spermatocyte)
-Primary spermatocyte undergoes Meiosis 1 (2 secondary spermatocytes)
-Secondary spermatocytes undergo Meiosis 2 (4 spermatids)
-Spermatids mature into spermatozoa
