6.Reproductive system Flashcards
Overall function of reproductive system
to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) which fuse together to create offspring, ensuring the ongoing survival of species through procreation
Define puberty
process of physical changes through which a childs body matures into an adult capable of sexual reproduction
Describe primary sexual characteristics
physical traits present at birth, reproductive organs
Describe secondary sexual characteristics
sexual characteristics that develop during puberty
female primary sexual organs
vagina, ovaries and uterus
male primary sexual organs
penis and testes
name 3 female secondary sexual characteristics
mature breast, wider hips, pubic hair
male secondary sexual characteristics
enlarged Adams apple, pubic hair, more facial hair, libido, muscle mass
Identify 5 female reproductive system functions
-to form ova
-receptacle for spermatozoa
-environment suitable for conception and development of foetus
-childbirth
-produce milk to nourish child
What are the ovaries
-female gonads (2)
Describe structure of ovaries
2 layers
-medulla: centre of fibrous tissue, nerves and blood vessels
-cortex: surround medulla to provide framework to hold ovarian follicles in various stages of development
Function of ovaries
-produce /secrete oestrogen and progesterone
-develop and release an ovum during reproductive cycle
Define ovulation
release of mature ova from ovaries into fallopian tubes
function of oestrogen
-develop female secondary sexual characteristics
-onset of menstrual cycle
-stimulate lining of uterus (thickens) to prepare for reception of fertilised ovum
function of progesterone
-promotes final preparation of uterine wall to receive fertilised ovum
-inhibit uterine wall contractions (shedding of uterine wall lining)
-suppress further ovulation
-stimulate milk production
Identify order of hormone release in menstrual cycle
FSH
Oestrogen-ovaries
LH
Progesterone -ovaries
what is fertilisation
-fusion of sperm cell and ova to create a zygote in the FALLOPIAN TUBES
What is implantation
-fertilised egg cell (zygote) starts to divide
-dividing embryo pushed along fallopian tube by muscular contraction -peristalsis
-zygotę reaches uterus and embeds in the lining of uterus wall
-placenta forms
function of placenta
provides nourishment and waste removal
function of umbilical chord
joins foetus to placenta
function of amniotic sac
contains fluid which provides protection and cushioning
Identify external genitaia in females
mans pubis
major and minor labia
clitoris
perineum
Function of mans pubis
-protect pelvic bones
-enhance sexual arousal
Function of labias
-protective covering
-enhance sexual arousal
function of clitoris
-large collection of nerve endings (highly sensitive)
-erectile tissue involved in sexual arousal
Where is the perineum
area of skin between vagina and anus
function of perineum
-structural support for anus and urinary tract
-provides barrier between genitalia and bacteria/pathogens
What is the vagina
muscular tube between cervix and vagina
structure of vagina
-outer layer of areolar tissue
-middle layer of smooth muscle
-inner layer of stratified squamous epithelium that create rugae (ridges)
Function of vagina
-provide passageway for menstrual flow out of body
-expand during childbirth to allow foetus to move
-receive penis for sperm exchange
What is the uterus
hollow smooth muscular organ
structure of uterus
Fundus, body and cervix
3 layers
perimetrium (outer), myometrium and endometrium (inner)
Whats fundus (uterus)
dome shape above uterine tubules
Whats body (uterus)
main part
where is the Cervix
between uterus and vagina
Function of uterus
-provide nourishment and oxygen via placenta (pregnant)
-to shed and allow cycle to begin again (normal)
What are fallopian tubes
uterine tubules or salpinges
Structure of fallopian tube
-extend from sides of uterus between fundus and body
-trumpet shaped ends that penetrate walls of uterus close to the ovaries
-lined with ciliated cells
Function of fallopian tubes
site of fertilisation
receive oocyte from ovary
facilitate transport of eggs from ovary to uterus
What are breast
accessory gland of female reproductive system
structure of breast
-glandular, fatty and fibrous connective tissues
-anchored to chest wall
-each breast has 20 lobes
Function of breast
Provide lactation after pregnancy
-prolactin which stimulates milk production
-oxytocin (stimulated by sucking) which allows for flow of breast milk
What is scrotum
pouch of skin
structure of scrotum
-comprised of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle
-2 compartments seperated by septum (testes and epididymis)
Function of scrotum
-hold testes outside body
-maintains environment (temperature) optimal for production, maturation and storage of sperm
What are testes
male gonads (2)
Structure of testes
suspended in scrotum by spermatic cords
function of testes
produce sperm within seminiferous tubules and produce testosterone
What is the epididymis
tube that connects testicles to the vas deferens
structure of epididymis
-long coiled tube located on top of each testicle
-has a head, body and tail
Function of epididymis
maturation and storage of sperm
what is the vas deferens
-tube connecting epididymis to urethra
-excretory duct of testis
Structure of vas deferens
-fibromuscular tube
-30 to 45 cm in length
Function of vas deferens
transport sperm away from testes /epididymis to the urethra/ ejaculatory duct
What are the seminal vesicles
-small pair of glands
-accessory gland
Structure of seminal vesicles
-coiled folded tubule
-below urinary bladder at end of vas deferens
-3 layers
Outline 3 layers of vas deferens
-inner produces fluid
-middle is smooth muscle
-outer is connective tissue
function of seminal vesicles
-produce and store fluid that makes up 60% of semen
-release fluid into ejaculatory duct
What is urethra
muscular tube
structure of urethra
-fibromuscular tube
-18 to 20 cm long
Function of urethra
transport sperm and urine form vas deferens to outside of body (environment )
What is the penis
male organ of sexual intercourse
Strcture of penis
Root-attaches to wall of abdomen
Body/shaft:
-3 cylindrical layers of erectile tissue and smooth muscle
-Rich vascular supply
Glans/head -covered by foreskin if uncircumcised
Function of penis
-ejaculate sperm into female reproductive tract
-secrete urine
What is the prostate gland
accessory gland of male reproductive system
location of prostate gland
-located between bladder and penis
-anterior to rectum
-urethra runs through centre of prostate
Function of prostate gland
secrete prostate fluid which nourishes and protects sperm
Function of sperm
travel through female vagina into cervix and fertilise and ovum
Function of testosterone
produced by testes
-trigger sperm production
-muscle and bone growth leading to increased height and weight
-hair growth -pubic, facial, chest ,
-enlargement of male genitalia eg penis, scrotum and prostate gland
-deepening of voice
order of sperm through reproductive system
testes, epididymis, vas deferens and urethra
when are progesterone levels low
if a zygote does not implant/no fertilisation into the uterine lining then there are decreased progesterone levels
Follicle stimulating hormone function
controls production of eggs and sperm
Luteinizing hormone function
controls oestrogen and testosterone production as well as ovulation
