Human Reproduction. Flashcards
Describe sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction is a process involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form a zygote and the production of offspring that are genetically different from each other.
Describe fertilization.
Fertilization is the fusion of the nuclei from a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (egg cell).
The nuclei of gametes are _____ and the nucleus of a _______ are diploid.
The nuclei of gametes are haploid and the nucleus of a zygote are diploid.
What are the three functions of the male reproduction system?
- Produces testosterone.
- Manufactures the male gametes.
- Delivers them to the site of fertilization.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Testes.
- Made up of many coiled tubes which produce the male gametes (sperm).
- The cells between the tubes produce testosterone.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Scrotum.
- Sac of skin that encloses the testes and hang outside of the body between the legs where the testes are protected.
- Temperature is 2 - 3°C lower than the body temperature - ideal for sperm development.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Sperm ducts.
Carries sperm from the testis to the urethra.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Prostate gland.
Produces fluid which makes up most of the sperm.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Urethra.
- Carries semen from the sperm duct to the tip of the penis.
- Carries urine, a valve prevents this happening at the same time.
What is the function of the following male reproductive part:
- Penis.
Erectile tissue can be stiffened by filling with blood. Once erect can be used to deliver sperm to the vagina of the female (ejaculation).
What are the four functions of the female reproductive system?
- Produces oestrogen/progesterone.
- Develops female gametes.
- Accepts sperm.
- Allows development/birth of the fetus.
What is the function of the following female reproductive part:
- Ovaries.
Contains thousands of follicles which develop the ova (eggs) and produce oestrogen and progesterone.
What is the function of the following female reproductive part:
- Oviducts (Fallopian tubes).
Carries the ovum to the uterus.
(Fertilization usually occurs in the first third of the oviduct).
What is the function of the following female reproductive part:
- Uterus.
Site of implantation and development of the fetus.
What is the function of the following female reproductive part:
- Cervix.
Ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus.
What is the function of the following female reproductive part:
- Vagina/ birth canal.
- Receives the penis during intercourse, sperm are deposited here.
- Baby passes down the vagina during birth.
How are sperm cells and egg cells made?
Egg cells and sperm cells are made by meiosis.
What is the function of the following adaptive feature of sperm:
- Flagellum.
Flagellum is a tail used for swimming.
What is the function of the following adaptive feature of sperm:
- Middle piece containing mitochondria.
Middle piece containing mitochondria to release energy so the sperm can swim.
What is the function of the following adaptive feature of sperm:
- Enzymes in the acrosome.
The acrosome is a vesicle containing enzymes to dissolve through the jelly surrounding the egg cell.
What is the function of the following adaptive feature of egg cells:
- The food/ energy stored in the cytoplasm.
Cytoplasm contains a store of energy that provides energy for cell division after fertilization.
What is the function of the following adaptive feature of egg cells:
- Jelly coat.
Jelly coat changes after fertilization to form an impenetrable barrier to prevent other sperm nuclei entering the egg cell.
Compare male and female gametes in terms of:
- Size.
- Sperm cell = Small, very little food store.
- Egg cell = Much larger than sperm cell as it contains a food store in the cytoplasm