Human Reproduction Flashcards
What is puberty?
Stage in human development when the body changes from a child to an adult so that the person can reproduce
What are hormones?
Chemical substances, produced by glands, that regulate the activity of certain cells or organs
What is menstruation?
Monthly bleeding from the vagina causes by the shedding of the lining of the uterus
What are hormones produced by?
Glands such as the pituitary gland in your brain
Why are there emotional changes during puberty?
Your body is influenced by the hormones needed for reproduction. These hormones are causing physical changes in your brain as well as in your body
When do most people start puberty?
Girls- between 8 and 13
Boys- between 10 and 16
What physical changes do males go through during puberty?
. Hair starts growing on the face. Some males start to shave
. Hormones affect the shape of the vocal cords and the voice becomes deeper
. The shoulders become broader and the body becomes more muscular
. Hair also starts to grow under the arms and on the body
. Sex organs enlarge and pubic hair grows
What physical changes do females go through during puberty?
. Underarm hair starts to grow. Some females shave their underarm hair
. The breasts start to grow larger and most females will start to wear a bra
. The hips become wider in preparation for childbirth
. Ovulation takes place for the first time and menstruation begins
. Pubic hair starts to grow
Define ova.
Female reproductive cell (singular: ovum)
Define ovaries.
Female reproductive organ that produces the ova
Define ovulation.
Release of a ripe ovum from the ovary
Define vagina.
Muscular tube that leads to the uterus
Define testes.
Male reproductive organs that produce the sperm cells (singular: testis)
Define penis.
Male genital organ that carries sperm out of the males body
Define sperm cells.
Male reproductive cells
Define epididymis.
Large tube behind the testes that stores the sperm until they are needed
What are the three main parts of the female reproductive system?
The ovaries, uterus and vagina
What does the Fallopian tube do?
It carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilisation may take place in the Fallopian tube
What does the ovary do?
It stores the ova from birth. The ovaries also secrete the female hormones progesterone and oestrogen
What does the uterus do?
It is a muscular organ where the fertilised egg develops into a baby
What does the cervix do?
It is the opening to the uterus and is commonly called the neck of the womb
What does the vagina do?
It is a muscular passage leading to the cervix. The penis is placed in the vagina during sexual intercourse
What are the 2 main parts of the male reproductive system?
The testes and the penis
There are very small tubes called _______ inside the testes.
Tubules
What does the prostate gland do?
Is secretes a fluid that provides the sperm with food for energy
What does the urethra do?
It carries urine and semen out of the body
What does the scrotum do?
It contains and protects the testes
What does the seminiferous vesicles do?
They are small glands that secrete fluids that provide the correct substances to help the sperm to survive and swim to the egg
What happens to the penis during sexual intercourse?
It becomes filled with blood. This causes it to become swollen and erect so that it can be inserted into the female’s vagina