HUMAN REPRODUCTION Flashcards
EXPLAIN THE SCHEMATIC OUTLINE OF THE HUMAN LIFE CYCLE
- during meiosis the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid
- therefore gametes have the haploid chromosome number
- two haploid gametes fuse during fertilisation to form a diploid zygote
- the zygote develops into a multicellular diploid organism by mitosis
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE TESTES
- produce and release sperm
- produce male sex hormone, testosterone, that plays a role in spermatogenesis and the development of the secondary sexual characteristics
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE EPIDIDYMIS
- temporarily stores sperm produced by the testes until it is mature and ready to fertilise the ovum
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE VAS DEFERENS
transports sperm, by means of peristaltic movements, from the epididymis to the urethra
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE URETHRA
transports both urine and sperm to the exterior
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE SEMINAL VESICLES
- the energy-rich secretion of the mucous membrane provides fructose, the main soruce of food for the sperm
- the secretion also acts as a lubricant enhancing the motility of the sperm cells
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE PROSTATE GLAND
- secretes prostate fluid that acts as a lubricant for the motility of sperm cells, protects sperm against the low pH in the urethra and vagina, protects sperm against infection
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE COWPER’S GLAND
- the secretions of this gland contribute to greater mobility of the sperm
- clears urethra of urine residue
- lubricates the head of penis
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE PENIS
transfers the sperm from the male to the female during copulation
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE OVARY
- produce and release ova
- produces hormones, oestrogen and progesterone
EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBES
- transports the ovum as well as the developing zygote
- the site of fertilisation and the first divisions of the zygote
DESCRIBE THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE UTERUS
MENTION SPECIFICALY THE ENDOMETRIUM AND THE CERVIX
- wall of the uterus consists of three layers, i.e. an outer serous layer, a muscular layer of smooth, involuntary muscle and the endometrium that lines the uterus on the inside
- every month, the endometrium goes through cyclical changes where it thickens by becoming more vascular and glandular in preparation for the implantation of the fertilised ovum
- the uterus narrows and opens to the vagina through the cervix, a neck region rich in glands that secrete cervical mucous
LIST THE MAIN CHANGES THAT OCCUR DURING PUBERTY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TESTOSTERONE
- increased muscle mass
- development of a deeper voice
- enlargement of the penis and sperm
- production of sperm
- development of sexual drive
- increased production of sweat
- increase in facial and body hair
- skin becomes oily
- behavioural changes
LIST THE MAIN CHANGES THAT OCCUR DURING PUBERTY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF OESTROGEN
- increase in fat deposited below the skin
- widening of hips
- development of breasts
- increase in height
- development of ova in the ovaries
- start of menstruation
- growth of body hair
- skin becomes more oily
- behavioural changes
EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF SPERMATOGENESIS
under the influence of testosterone, diploid cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes undergo meiosis to form haploid sperm cells