Chapter 15 - Production Of Sex Cells

Question 1

What are Gametes and Gonads?

Answer 1

Gametes - sex cells (eg. sperm & ovum)

Gonads - specialised sex organs that produce gametes (eg. testes & ovaries)

Question 2

What are primary and secondary sex organs?

Answer 2

Primary - gonads (the ones that produce gametes)
Secondary - other sexual organs essential for storing gametes, bringing them together for fertilisation and support of the developing baby

Question 3

Explain the Male reproductive system (up to the epididymis)

Answer 3

• testicles produce spermatozoa
• testes are held in the scrotum
• scrotum is outside of the body due to lower temperature
• each testis is divided into 200-300 lobules
• inside the lobules are the seminiferous tubules
• between the seminiferous tumbles are interstitial cells
• the seminiferous tumbles join to make the epididymis

Question 4

How long can sperm be stored in the epididymis for?

Answer 4

Up to a month while they mature

Question 5

What is the van deferens?

Answer 5

• the epididymis continues to become the van deferens
• the van deferens passes behind and under the bladder
• it joins the urethra and runs through the penis to transport both urine and sperm to the exterior

Question 6

What are the 3 glands that secrete seminal fluid?

Answer 6

1. Seminal Vesicles - secretes a thick liquid that is rich in sugar and makes up 60% of the seminal fluid.
2. Prostate Gland - secretes a milky, thin, alkaline fluid.
3. Bulbo - Urethra Glands - secretes a lubricant like fluid.

Question 7

Explain the Female reproductive system

Answer 7

• each ovary is composed of stroma. This is surrounded by germ cells.
• each germ cell is enclosed in a follicle
• there are two uterine tubes (fallopian tubes) one extending from each ovary.
• fimbriae help guide eggs to the uterus
• the uterine lining is called endometrium.
• the endometrium sheds during menstruation
• the lower end of the uterus, the cervix, protrudes into the vagina

Question 8

Explain the main genital organs of the vagina

Answer 8

The three main genital organs make up the vulva - the external area of the vagina.
Labia Majora - fleshy folds of skin made up of Glands that produce oily secretions. Outer surfaces are pigmented and covered in hair after puberty.
Labia Minora - beneath and between the labia majora. Small folds of skin pinkish in colour. Lack hair. Surround the openings of the vagina.
Clitoris - the female penis. Highly sensitive and engorged with blood when stimulated.

Question 9

What is meant by the production of sperm and eggs?

Answer 9

• gamete development/maturation
• gametogenesis
• spermatogenesis & oogenesis

Question 10

What is Spermatogenesis?

Answer 10

Occurs in the seminiferous tubules.

1. Spermatogonia (sperm mother cells)
2. Mitosis > two daughter cells (one remains to continue dividing)
3. Mitosis > primary spermatocyte
4. Meiosis > secondary spermatocyte
5. Meiosis > spermatid
6. Meiosis > spermatozoa

Question 11

What is Oogenesis?

Answer 11

1. Oogonium
2. Mitosis > primary oocyte
3. Meiosis > secondary oocyte & first polar body (may or may not divide again)
4. Meiosis > ootid & second polar body
5. Meiosis/maturation > mature ovum
   All polar bodies disintegrate