B11.5 Human Reproduction Flashcards
What happens during puberty?
During puberty the reproductive hormones control the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
What are primary sexual characteristics?
Primary sexual characteristics are the ones you are born with; ovaries in girls and testes in boys.
What are secondary sexual characteristics?
Any physical changes that occur during puberty that distinguishes between the sexes but isn’t directly involved in reproduction.
What is the main female reproductive hormone?
Oestrogen which are produced by the ovaries.
What does oestrogen do?
Rising oestrogen levels trigger the development of secondary female sexual characteristics, puberty occurs between the ages of 8 and 14.
What are the main changes in females during puberty?
The main changes are: a growth spurt; the growth of hair under the arms and pubic hair; the breasts develop; the external genitals grow and the skin darkens; fat is deposited on the hips, buttocks and thighs; the brain changes and matures; mature ova start to form every month in the ovaries, the uterus grows and becomes active so menstruation begins.
For how many years will a woman (on average) release a mature egg every month?
Once the eggs have matured during puberty the average woman will be fertile for 35-40 years.
What happens when a woman has no more eggs?
When a woman has no more eggs she is infertile. Also before this happens she will go through menopause. Approaching menopause the woman will be less fertile and has a higher risk of having a child with genetic problems.
What are common symptoms of menopause?
Common symptoms include:
hot flushes – short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and sweaty
night sweats – hot flushes that occur at night
difficulty sleeping – this may make you feel tired and irritable during the day
a reduced sex drive (libido)
problems with memory and concentration
vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
headaches
mood changes, such as low mood or anxiety
palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable
joint stiffness, aches and pains
reduced muscle mass
recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis
What is the main male reproductive hormone?
The main male reproductive hormone is testosterone, which is produce by the testes.
What does testosterone do?
Testosterone develops the male secondary sexual characteristics and boys go into puberty between the ages of 9-15.
What happens to boys during puberty?
The main changes include: a growth spurt; pubic, underarm and facial hair growth; the larynx gets bigger and the voice breaks; the external genitalia and skin darkens; the testes grow and become active, producing sperm throughout life; the shoulders and chest broaden as muscles develop; and the brain matures.
Name the different parts of the male reproductive organ?
Seminal vesicle
Sperm duct - carries sperm to the urethra
Prostate gland
Testes - make sperm
Scrotum - keeps the testes out of the body for maximum sperm production
Penis - places sperm into the vagina
Urethra
Name the different parts of the female reproductive organ?
Fallopian tube / oviduct - where the egg travels to the uterus and may be fertilised
Ovary - where eggs mature
Cervix - the entrance to the uterus
Vagina - receives sperm during sexual intercourse
Uterus - where the fetus develops
