Human Reproduction Flashcards
Penis
External male reproductive organ used in sexual intercourse.
Urethra
Tube which carries semen (and urine) out of the body.
Testes
Organ where sperm is produced.
Epididymis
Stores sperm
Vas deferens / sperm duct
Tube which carries sperm from the testis/epididymis.
Prostate gland
Gland which produces fluid which is mixed with sperm and seminal fluid to produce semen.
Seminal vesicles
Produces seminal fluid, also mixed with sperm and prostate fluid to produce semen.
Vagina
Female external reproductive organ used in sexual intercourse; the birth canal
Cervix
Narrow opening between the vagina and uterus
Uterus
Chamber where the fetus develops
Endometrium
Inner lining of uterus
Fallopian tube / oviduct
Tube which carries the ova from the ovary towards the uterus
Ovary
Organ where ova are developed and stored; produces hormones
Copulation
This is more commonly known as sexual intercourse
Fertilisation
The fusion of a sperm and egg to form a zygote.
Gametes
Sex cells (i.e. ovum or sperm)
Implantation
The embryo attaches to the uterine wall, where it receives nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s bloodstream
Placenta
A structure that allows an embryo/fetus to exchange nutrients and waste with the mother
Umbilical cord
The structure that attaches the fetus to the placenta
Amniotic sac / fluid
protects the fetus in the uterus
C-section
An incision is made through the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby
Menstrual cycle
regular sequence of events in which an egg develops and is released from the body
Condom
contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber/latex/animal sheath worn over the penis during intercourse
Intrauterine device (IUD)
small, T-shaped device inserted by a physician inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy (can be hormonal or made of copper)
Spermicide
chemical that kills sperm that is applied inside the vagina before intercourse (can be a foam, gel, suppository, cream)
Vasectomy
male sterilisation where the vas deferens is cut to prevent the release of sperm into semen
Tubal ligation
female sterilisation that blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization from occurring
Birth control pill
A hormonal pill taken orally to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thinning the endometrium or thickening the cervical mucus
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Stimulates the growth of development of follicles in the ovaries, which contain immature eggs
FSH is released by pituitary gland in the brain at the beginning of the menstrual cycle
Leutinizing hormone (LH)
Surge in LH causes the mature follicle to rupture and release the egg from the ovary
This process is known as ovulation (Typically occurs around day 14 of menstrual cycle)
Estrogen
thickens the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and triggers a surge in LH from the pituitary gland
Progesterone
Prepares the uterus for pregnancy by further thickening the endometrium and making it more receptive to a fertilised egg
List the advantages of oral contraceptives
- Lessens the pain of muscle cramps
- Keeps acne under control
- Protects against certain cancers
- Does not interrupt sex
List the disadvantages of oral contraceptives.
- increased risk of blood clots
- Sore breasts, nausea, headaches
List the advantages of condoms
- They are the most effective protection available against STIs
- They are less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control
- They are widely available without a prescription
List the disadvantages of condoms
- May break or leak
- May interrupt sex
- Failure rates are higher than most methods of other contraceptives
List the advantages of male and female sterilisation
- 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- No longer have to use birth control again
- Doesn’t change your hormones
List the disadvantages of male and female sterilisation.
- Does not protect against STIs
- Cannot be easily reversed
- Can cause health issues
List the advantages of the coil/IUD
- Protects against pregnancy for 5-10 years
- There are no hormonal side effects
List the disadvantages of the coil/IUD
- Bleeding between periods
- Cramps
- Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding
List the advantages of spermicide
- It does not require a prescription
- It does not contain hormones
List the disadvantages of spermicide
- It has to be reapplied every time you have sex
- Does not protect against STIs
- May cause irritation and pain
Describe the process of embryo development
The developing zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions and transforms into an embryo.
The embryo implants itself in the lining of the uterus and starts to form various organs and tissues
During this stage, the embryo is most vulnerable to teratogens or environmental factors that can cause birth deficits
Describe the process of fetal development
the embryo is considered a fetus after 8 weeks oof development
During fetal development, the organs and tissues continue to grow and develop.
The fetus becomes more active, and by the end of fetal development, the fetus is fully formed and ready for birth.
Describe the process of vaginal birth
The fetus passes through the birth canal, assisted by the contractions of the uterus and the mother’s pushing
The doctor or midwife will function the mouth and nose as the body’s head emerges.
Once the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut
