Human Reproduction Flashcards
What is the scrotum?
A pouch that contains the testicles and it is located outside the body
What do the testicles contain?
They contain seminiferous tubules that make the spermatozoa
How many testicles do males have?
2
What is the epididymis?
An elongated pouch that stores the spermatozoa
What is the Vas Deferens?
A tube that the spermatozoa enter, to go from the epididymis to the urethra
What do the prostate gland and seminal vesicle do?
That produce a fluid called semen that will mix with the spermatozoa
What does the semen help with?
The semen helps the spermatozoa move and it is rich in sugar therefore gives it energy
What is the urethra?
A tube that carries semen from the vas deferens out of the body through the penis opening called the glands. Urine also passes the same way
How many scrotums are there?
Only one
What does the Cowper’s gland do?
It releases a fluid into the urethra to neutralize the acidity cause by the urine
What do the ovaries do?
They take turns releasing an ovum about every 28 days
How many ovaries are there?
2
How many ova are released each month?
Only one
What is a follicle?
The follicle brings the ovum to maturity and burst into the Fallopian tube when mature
How many ova does each follicle contain?
Only one
What are the Fallopian tubes?
When the ovum is released, it travels down the Fallopian tube until it reaches the uterus
What is the uterus?
A pear shaped organ, where the zygote develops when fertilized by a spermatozoon
What does the inside of the uterus contain?
A lining called the endometrium
What is the cervix?
The lower part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina.
How does the child pass through during childbirth?
The cervix widens to allow the baby to pass
What is the vagina?
The passage where the penis penetrates to release the spermatozoa. The baby also leaves through the vagina during childbirth
Why is the scrotum located outside the body?
The temperature is much cooler outside the body. The spermatozoa will die if exposed to too much heat
How many spermatozoa are made in the testicles each day?
400 000 000
Why do the males produce so many spermatozoa if it only takes one spermatozoon to fertilize the ovum
It is a very difficult journey for them to reach the ovum, therefore, more are produced to have a better chance at fertilization
What two things does semen provide for the spermatozoa?
Semen helps them move and is rich in sugar and nutrients
Can a male ejaculate and urinate at the same time?
No because the urines acidity would kill the spermatozoa
How many Fallopian tubes are there?
2
What is ovulation?
When the ovum is released from the follicle and makes its way down the Fallopian tube
How long does the ovum survive in the Fallopian tube?
24-48 hours
Where does fertilization occur?
In the females Fallopian tube
What is the name of the lining of the uterus
The endometrium
Where does a baby develop
The uterus
How long does the menstrual cycle last?
28 days on average
How many ovum reach maturity during every cycle?
One ovum
What happens when the ovum reaches maturity?
The body acts as if the ovum was going to be fertilized and so the endometrium thickens to help the zygot implant in the uterus and begin its development
When does a woman’s body temperature change during the menstrual cycle?
Right before ovulation occurs
Does it increase? By how much?
Yes, by 1°
What if the ovum is not fertilized after a few days?
It is expelled from the body along with the endometrium
In the menstrual cycle, what days are menstruation?
Day 1-5
What happens on day 6-11?
The lining of the uterus starts to thicken
What is ovulation?
The prime time for fertilization
What happens on day 11-18?
Ovulation
What happens on day 19-28?
The endometrium continues to thicken. The ovum makes its way to the uterus
What happens on day 24-28?
The unfertilized ovum dies and the cycle begins again
Why does the lining of the uterus thicken during the menstrual cycle?
To help the zygote implant in the uterus and begin its development
When is the best time to have intercourse in order to become pregnant?
Right before ovulation begins
When is the time during the menstrual cycle where you would have the lowest chance of becoming pregnant?
During menstruation
What is menstruation?
When the ovum is not fertilized after a couple of days, it is expelled from the body along with the endometrium
When does your temperature go back down in the menstrual cycle?
During menstruation
Describe the life of a spermatozoon from birth in the male to death in the female.
It is born in the seminiferous tubules in the testes, stored in the epididymis, travels to the vas deferens, passes the prostate gland and the seminal vesicle, where it is mixed with semen, through the urethra, and out of the opening of the penis, called the glands. It then swims up the vagina, passes through the cervix, and when it reaches the Fallopian tubes, it dies.
Describe the life of and unfertilized ovum.
The ovum is created in the follicle in the ovaries, once a month it is released into the Fallopian tube, it’ll travel down and when it reaches the uterus, it’ll be expelled along with the steps of the endometrium.
