Gameto./Fertilization Flashcards
Gametes are formed from…
germ cells that originate very early in the developing embryo and are developmentally different from testicular or ovarian cells
How many meiotic division does spermatogenesis have?
2
Spermatogenesis steps
- Male germ cell (2n)
- Spermatogonium (2n)
- Primary spermatocyte (2n)
First meiotic division - 2 Secondary spermatocytes (n)
Second meiotic division - 4 spermatids (n)
- 4 Sperm cells (n)
Through further development, spermatids become _______, ________, and _________
compact, streamlined, motile
Sperm motility is ___ under _____ conditions and is activated by _______ or slightly _____ pH.
low, acidic, neutral, basic
What is semen?
A mixture of sperm and fluids and molecules to support sperm and facilitate fertilization
Where is sperm produced?
Testes (located in the scrotum, outside body cavity)
Why are the testes outside the body cavity?
To ensure that the optimal temperature for spermatogenesis (slightly below body temp) is maintained
Where does spermatogenesis take place?
seminiferous tubules
What are the germ cells protected by from noxious substances in the blood?
Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules
Where is testosterone produced?
In the clusters of Leydig cells in the seminiferous tubules
When do the four haploid spermatids form into sperm cells?
As they move toward the lumen of the seminiferous tubules
What happens to the nucleus and cytoplasm of spermatids?
The nucleus becomes the head of sperm cells, and the cytoplasm is lost
What also develops from spermatid to sperm cell?
A flagellum (tail) and the mitochondria becomes the midpiece (provides energy for motility)
What is an acrosome cap?
A cap that forms over the nucleus in the head of a sperm cell that contains digestive enzymes to penetrate the protective layers of the egg (also contains actin and bindin)
Where does sperm move to and are stored after being in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules?
to the epididymis
What are the components of semen?
-sperm cells
-mucus, protein, & fructose (2/3 of volume, produced by seminal vesicles)
-thin, milky fluid (produced by prostate gland, makes up rest of volume)
-bulbourethral glands produce a secretion that neutralizes acidity in the urethra
In males, the urethra is a common duct for what two systems?
urinary and reproductive
How do male hormones change during puberty?
Hypothalamus release more GnRH and stimulates the anterior pituitary to release more LH and FSH. LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone while FSH stimulates Sertoli cells to promote spermatogenesis and produce inhibin.