4.1 - Sexual Reproduction in Humans Flashcards
Define acrosome
An organelle in the tip of a sperm containing hydrolase enzymes which digest the zona pellucida of a secondary oocyte.
What is the amniotic fluid?
The liquid surrounding the embryo in the amniotic sac that protects the foetus and acts as a shock absorber.
What is the blastocyst?
A ball of cells that arises from the repeated mitotic divisions (cleavage) of a zygote
Explain what the cervix is
A neck of tissue that connects the uterus and the vagina and protects the fetus
What is the chorionic villi?
Finger-like projections that arise from part of the placenta known as the chorion and provide a large surface area for the exchange of products between maternal and fetal blood
What is the corona radiata?
An outer layer of follicular cells that protect the secondary oocyte in the oviduct
Define what the corpus luteum is
A mass of cells that forms from the Graafian follicle after ovulation. It serves as a temporary endocrine structure during pregnancy, secreting progesterone.
What are the cortical granules?
secretory organelles found in oocytes that, upon entry of a sperm, fuse with the plasma membrane and harden the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy.
Explain what the endometrium is
The inner lining of the uterus, which, during the menstrual cycle, thickens in preparation for embryo implantation
What is the epididimis?
A coiled tube in the male reproductive system that links a testicle to a vas deferens and stores sperm prior to ejaculation
Define the female reproductive system
An organ system that includes the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, endometrium, cervix and vagina
What is fertilisation?
The fusion of the nuclei of a male and female gamete to form a zygote
What is the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that binds to follicle cells, stimulating them to mature and secrete oestrogen
What is gametogenesis?
A sequence of nuclear and cellular divisions that result in the production of gametes
Define the germinal epithelium
A surface layer of cells surrounding the ovaries in females and testicles in males that is involved in gametogenesis
What is the Graafian follicle?
A mature fluid-filled follicle in the ovary within which an egg cell develops
Explain what the Human Choronic Gonadotropin (HCG) hormone is?
A hormone secreted by the developing embryo that maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy
Define implantation
The early stage of pregnancy in which the blastocyst adheres and sinks into the endometrium
What are intervillous spaces?
Spaces between the chorionic villi that contain maternal blood
What are leydig cells?
Cells located adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testes that secrete testosterone. Also known as interstitial cells of Leydig.
Define the Luteinising Hormone (LH)
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that initiates ovulation and stimulates the development of the Graafian follicle into a corpus luteum
Explain what the male reproductive system is
An organ system in males which includes the scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles and prostate gland
What is the menstrual cycle?
The monthly cycle in women that involves the development of the endometrium, ovulation and the shedding of the endometrium