Gamete production, Fertilisation, Hormonal control of reproduction Flashcards
Where do testes produce sperm
Seminiferous tubules
Where do testes produces testosterone
Interstitial cells
What do prostate gland and seminal vesicles do
Secrete fluids that maintain mobility and viability of sperm
What do the ovaries contain
Immature ova in various stages of development
What does the follicle do
It surrounds the ovum, protecting it and secretes hormones
Where does fertilisation occur
Oviduct
What triggers puberty
Hypothalamus is a released hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland
What does the pituitary gland release
Follicle stimulating hormone
Luteinising hormone (F)
Interstitial cell stimulating hormone (M)
What does FSH promote in males
Sperm production in the ST
What does ICSH stimulate
Production of testosterone in the IC
What does testosterone stimulate
Sperm production and activated the prostate gland and seminal vesicles
What happens when testosterone reaches high concentrations
Inhibits the release of FSH and ICSH. The decreased secretion decreases test and sperm production. Known as negative feedback
How long does the menstrual cycle take
28 days
The two phases of the menstrual cycle
Follicular and lutéal phases
What does FSH stimulate in females
The development of the follicle and the production of oestrogen.
What does oestrogen stimulate
Proliferation of the endometrium preparing it for implantation. This affects the consistency of cervical mucus and makes it more easily penetrated by sperm.
What does peak levels of oestrogen cause
A surge in the secretion of LH. This surge triggers ovulation.
What is ovulation
The release of the ovum from the follicle
What happens in the literal phase
The follicle develops into the corpus luteum
What does the corpus luteum secrete
Progesterone
What does progesterone promote
Further development and vascularisation of the endometrium, preparing it for implantation if fertilisation occurs.
What does negative feedback in females consist of
Oestrogen and Progesterone inhibit the pituitary gland to cause decreased secretion of FSH and LH. This prevents further follicles from developing.
What does the lack of LH lead to
Degeneration of the corpus luteum with a subsequent drop in progesterone levels
How does menstruation occur
Without progesterone maintaining the endometrium, it degenerates and menstruation occurs
What happens if fertilisation does occur
The corpus luteum does not degenerate and progesterone levels remain high, maintaining the endometrium
