General Human Reproduction Flashcards
Primary sexual characteristics
Gonads (sex organs)
Testis and ovary
Determines an individuals sex/gender
Secondary sexual characteristics
Features that distinguish male and females apart form their sex organs
Male and Female secondary sexual characteristics
Male: Broad shoulder, Pubic hair, Larger penis, Deep voice (larynx enlarges), Increased muscle and bone development
Female: Growth and development of mammary glands (breasts), Broadening of hips, Pubic hair
Birth control def.
Methods employed to limit the number of children born. Involves either contraception or abortion
Contraception vs. Abortion
Types of contraception
Contraception: deliberate prevention of fertilisation
Abortion: Is the termination of pregnancy
Types: Mechanical (device), Chemical (tablet), Surgical, Natural
Mechanical contraception examples
Male: Condom-covers penis and traps sperm
Female: Use of diaphragms or cap- dome shaped subber device which fits into the vagina before intercourse, preventing sperm entering
Chemical contraception examples
Male: Spermicides-kill sperm
Female: Use of the pill- contains oestrogen and progesterone which prevents ovulation and conception.
Surgical contraception
Female: Fallopian tubes are cut and ties, sperm can’t reach the egg. (tubal ligation)
Male: Sperm ducts cut and tied-vasectomy. Sperm not present in semen.
100% effective and non reversible
Natural contraception
Not having intercourse during fertile period of the menstrual cycle.
How is time of ovulation predicted
By monitoring the body temperature-it rises after ovulation
Mucous secreted in the cervix which changes its texture after ovulation
Infertility def.
The inability of a couple to produce offspring
Male infertility disorders
Low sperm count
Low sperm mobility (if sperm moving slowly or not in a straight line, it may have difficulty passing through cervical mucus or penetrating egg shell)
Endocrine gland failure (failure of testis to produce sperm)
Causes of male infertility disorders and treatment
Causes: Persistent use of drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes and anabolic steroids. Stress.
Treatment: Change in lifestyle (stop drinking and smoking)
Reduction in stress levels
Hormone treatments
Female infertility disorders Name Symptoms Cause Prevention and treatment
Name: Fibroids
Symptoms: generally none. can cause heavy menstruation or pain if large.
Cause: Abnormal levels of oestrogen (maybe from pill)
Prevention/Treatment: Regular checkups to monitor growth. Can be removed.
Endocrine gland failure (Female infertility)
What
Causes
Treatment
What: Failure of ovaries to produce an egg
Causes: Hormonal imbalance, stress, fibroids
Treatment: Hormonal treatment, stress relief, removal of fibroids, IVF.
