Human Reproduction Flashcards
1
Q
What is puberty?
A
The majority of boys and girls start to feel the effects of sex hormones at the beginning or during their adolescence. Puberty begins when these hormones produce changes in their bodies.
2
Q
What is the pituitary gland?
A
At puberty, the pituitary gland (pea sized gland located at the base of the brain) starts to release sex hormones.
3
Q
What happens to the sex hormones?
A
The sex hormones travel in the bloodstream until they reach the testicles in males and the ovaries in females.
4
Q
What is the main male sex hormone?
A
Testosterone
5
Q
What are the main female sex hormones?
A
Estrogen and progesterone
6
Q
Age where puberty occurs in males ?
A
Starts between 12 And 16
7
Q
Age where puberty occurs in females?
A
Starts between 10 and 14
8
Q
Name some physical puberty changes in males.
A
- Develop Adam’s Apple
- Ejaculation
- Pectoral muscle development
- broadening chest and shoulders
- muscle development increases
9
Q
Name some physical puberty changes in females.
A
- Menstruation
- Breast Development
- Hips widen
10
Q
Name some physical puberty changes that occur in both males and females.
A
- Hair Development
- body odor
- Growth Spurt
- acne
- Perspiration
- voice deepens
- Mood change
- weight change
- genitals become slightly darker
- genitals increase in size
11
Q
What is the role of sex hormones?
A
They travel through the bloodstream and signal the testicles (in males) and ovaries (in females) When to begin producing gametes.
12
Q
Which structure is responsible for releasing the sex hormones?
A
Pituitary gland.
13
Q
How do the sex hormones get to the ovaries and testicles?
A
By travelling through the bloodstream
14
Q
Scrotum
A
Pouch that contains the testicles and is located outside the body.
15
Q
Testes
A
Contain seminiferous tubules that make the male gametes (Spermatozoa ). Males have two testes.
16
Q
Epididymis
A
Elongated pouch located above the testicles that store the Spermatozoa.
17
Q
Vas Deferens
A
Tube the Spermatozoa enter to go from the epididymis to the urethra
18
Q
Prostate gland and seminal vesicle
A
Both produce a fluid called semen that will mix with the spermatozoa. The semen helps the Spermatozoa move and is rich in sugar.
19
Q
Urethra
A
A tube that carries semen (containing spermatozoa) from the vas deferens, out of the body through an opening in the penis called the glans. Urine from the bladder also passes out of the body in this same way.
20
Q
What is the menstrual cycle?
A
The menstrual cycle causes changes to the female reproductive organs.
The cycle lasts 28 days.
One ovum reaches maturity during every cycle.
21
Q
What happens when the ovum reaches maturity?
A
The body acts as if the ovum was about to be fertilized. The endometrium thickens to help the zygote implant in the uterus and begin its development.
22
Q
How does a woman’s body temperature change during the menstrual cycle?
A
A woman’s body temperature increases by about 1°C right before ovulation occurs.
23
Q
What happens on day 1-5 of the menstrual cycle ?
A
Menstruation - If the ovum is not fertilized after a few days, it is expelled from the body along with the cells that line the uterus (endometrium).
24
Q
What happens on day 6-10 of the menstrual cycle?
A
Follicle development - the lining of the uterus starts to thicken.
25
What happens during day 11-18 of the menstrual cycle?
Ovulation - Optimum time for fertilization. The ovum is released from the follicle and then the ovaries into the Fallopian tube.
26
What happens on day 19-28 of the menstrual cycle?
At this time the lining of the uterus continues to thicken. Ovum makes its way to the uterus.
27
What happens on day 24-28 of the menstrual cycle?
The unfertilized ovum dies and the cycle restarts. (Menstruation begins)
28
Why does the lining of the uterus thicken during the menstrual cycle?
The lining of the uterus thickens during the menstrual cycle to help the zygote implant in the uterus and begin its development.
29
When is the best time to have intercourse in order to become pregnant?
A few days before ovulation
30
When is the time in the menstrual cycle when you have the lowest chance of becoming pregnant?
During menstruation
31
What is ovulation?
When the ovum is released from the follicle, leaves the ovary and ends up in one of the Fallopian tubes.
32
What is menstruation?
When the unfertilized ovum is expelled from the body along with the endometrium.
33
When does the temperature go back down in the menstrual cycle?
Right before menstruation
34
Describe the life of a spermatozoon from its birth in a testicle to its death in a Fallopian tube .
After the spermatozoon is born in the seminiferous tubules, it is stored in the epididymis. Then through the vas deferens, then past the seminal vesicle and prostate gland. Then into the urethra and out of the opening in the penis called the gland. Then it enters the vagina and fights its way through to the uterus. But then it it faced with a fork in the road: the Fallopian tubes. It chooses a side, not knowing if it's the one where the ovum is. It waits for 24-48 hours and if it meets no ovum , it dies.
35
Describe the life of an unfertilized ovum from birth to death.
Ovum is born in follicle, located in ovary. Reaches maturity and the follicle breaks open and ovum is released in Fallopian tube. Waits for a few days in Fallopian tubes. If no spermatozoa come, the ovum is excreted during menstruation along with the endometrium. Through cervix then vagina.
36
Cowper's gland
Releases a fluid into the urethra to neutralize the acidity caused by any remaining traces of urine
37
Ovaries
There are 2 ovaries that take turns releasing an ovum about every 28 days.
38
Follicles
Each follicle has one ovum. Follicles are located in the ovaries and they bring the ovum to maturity.
39
Fallopian tubes
Once the ovum has reached maturity it it released by the follicle in the ovary and it travels down the Fallopian tube to reach the uterus.
40
Uterus
A pear-shaped organ where the zygote develops if the ovum is fertilized by a spermatozoon. The inside of the uterus contains a lining called endometrium.
41
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix dilates (widens) during childbirth to allow the baby to pass from the uterus to the vagina.
42
Vagina
Passage where the penis penetrates to release the Spermatozoa. The baby also leaves the uterus to pass through the cervix and through the vagina during birth .
43
How many ova are released each month?
1 ovum per month.
44
How long does an ovum survive in the Fallopian tube?
Between 24-48 hours
45
Where does fertilization occur?
In the female in the Fallopian tube
46
Why is the scrotum located outside of the male's body?
It would be too hot for the Spermatozoa to survive inside the body
47
How many spermatozoa are made in the testicles each day?
400 million spermatozoa
48
Why do you think males need to produce so many spermatozoa if it takes only one ovum?
1) The females body tries to kill spermatozoa so more are needed to increase chances of survival
2) Only ovum but 2 fallopian tubes. Half go one way some go the other way. All those that go the wrong way are lost.
49
What two things does semen provide for spermatozoa?
1) helps them move because they need fluid to swim
| 2) keeps them alive because semen contains sugar which contains nutrients
50
Do you think that a male can urinate and ejaculate at the same time? Why or why not?
No they can't because the acidity of the urine would kill the spermatozoa.
51
How does pregnancy occur?
When male gametes (Spermatozoa) are deposited into a woman's vagina, they must first move towards the cervix, then the uterus and then to the Fallopian tubes. Remember that there will only be one ovum in one of the Fallopian tubes.
52
Which sperm fertilizes the egg?
Of several million Spermatozoa released, only a few thousand will reach the ovum. Only one spermatozoon will succeed in fertilizing the ovum.
53
When the spermatozoon unites with the ovum what does it produce?
A zygote
54
When the zygote reaches the uterus, how big is it?
It's a clump of about 16 cells.
55
When does the zygote become an embryo?
Once it has developed this far (once it became the clump of 16 cells) and has taken the shape of a fluid-filled ball, it will become an embryo
56
What is the typical human gestation period?
38-40 weeks
57
By the fourth week, how much has the embryo grown?
500 times its size
58
When is the first trimester?
Weeks 1-13
59
Name two key aspects of the first trimester
- The sex can be determined
| - Brain, heart, limbs, eyes and spinal cord begin to form
60
When is the second trimester?
Week 14-26
61
Name two key aspects of the second trimester
- the mother can feel her baby
| - the fetus can hear sounds from outside the womb
62
When is the third trimester?
Week 28-36
63
Name two key aspects of the third trimester
- baby can distinguish light from dark
| - baby hiccups very frequently
64
Why shouldn't you smoke when you're pregnant?
Cigarette smoke can prevent the fetus from getting enough oxygen. This can affect its growth and development (High risk of premature babies)
65
Why shouldn't you drink alcohol when you're pregnant?
Alcohol can impair the function of the brain and nervous system of the fetus, as well as its physical development.
Alcohol actually stays longer in the blood of a fetus than it does in the mother.
66
Why shouldn't you take drugs when you're pregnant?
Traces of hazardous substances, such as certain medications, have been found in fetal blood.
These substances can cause physical defects or mental illness
It is important to tell your doctor before he writes you a prescription that you are pregnant
67
What are the three steps of birth ?
1) Dilation
2) expulsion
3) delivery of the placenta
68
What is dilation?
Oxytocin (a hormone) causes uterine contractions and causes the cervix to open and dilate. This stage of labor lasts 2-20 hours
69
What is effacement?
Thinning of the cervix. Effacement happens before dilation
70
How much does the cervix dilate to give birth?
10 cm
71
What is expulsion?
Uterine contractions become very string. The baby moves from the uterus through the cervix and into the vagina
As the baby starts to move into the vagina, its head rotates its body pass more easily
This stage lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours
72
What is delivery of the placenta?
The placenta and umbilical cord are expelled from the uterus. This usually occurs 10-15 minutes after birth.
73
What is the importance of the amniotic fluid?
It protects the baby from shock (from sudden movement) and also keeps temperature constant
74
What is the role of the placenta?
The placent carries nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus through the umbilical cord
75
What is the role of the umbilical cord?
Nutrients and oxygen are carried to the fetus through here. The fetus uses it to expel its waste products
76
At what point in pregnancy does the embryo become a fetus?
At the eighth week
77
If a doctor is prescribing you medication, why should you tell him that you are oregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant?
Some drugs (even legal drugs) can cause the baby to be born addicted. Can cause physical defects or mental illness
78
What hormone triggers labor? What part of the body causes this hormone to be produced?
Oxytocin triggers labor. The pituitary gland causes this hormone to be produced.
79
Why might someone have to have a c section instead of a natural birth?
```
Pre-existing medical conditions
Previous or elective C-section
Labor has failed to progress
You or your baby are in distress
Cervix isn't contracted
```
80
What is an epidural?
An injection in your lower back given during labor to numb the pain of contractions. It freezes you from the hip down. It's a medication used to relieve pain during childbirth
81
How do methods of contraception work?
Preventing fertilization, while others prevent the zygote from implanting in the uterus
82
What are condoms?
The only contraceptive that prevents partners from contracting STD's. They work by covering the penis.
83
What is the birth control pill?
A chemical method of contraception that contains female hormones that prevent ovulation. Women need to take one pill at the same time every day in order for it to prevent contraception
84
What is an IUD (intrauterine device)?
Something inserted into the uterus by a doctor or nurse. This method is recommended for women who already have children because it can cause infections in people who have never been pregnant before
85
What is the birth control patch?
It contains two hormones that prevent ovulation. A new patch must be applied every week.
86
What is the diaphragm?
It is inserted into a woman's vagina and fits over the cervix in order to prevent Spermatozoa from reaching the ovum. It can stay in a woman's vagina for 24 hours and then it can be cleaned and used again.
87
What is a Spermicide?
It's a chemical substance that works best when used together with a diaphragm or a condom. It is a chemical that is put onto the condom after it is in place or placed inside the female's vagina after the diaphragm is in place. It works by killing Spermatozoa.
88
What are female condoms?
They prevent fertilization when they are inserted into the vagina to prevent Spermatozoa from reaching the uterus.
89
What is the contraceptive injection?
It's a female hormone that prevents ovulation. Women need to be given 1 needle every 3 months by a healthcare professional.
90
What is a vasectomy?
It's a surgical procedure for men that involves cutting the vas Deferens of each testicle to prevent Spermatozoa from reaching the urethra. Men who undergo this procedure can still ejaculate but the semen does not contain Spermatozoa. This process is usually irreversible
91
What is tubal ligation?
It's a surgical procedure for women that consists of tying the Fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization but not ovulation. The ova produced are prevented from following their natural path in the Fallopian tubes and therefore the spermatozoa cannot find them. This process is usually irreversible.
92
What is the billings method?
One of the least effective methods of contraception. Mucus is formed on the cervix before ovulation. Women watch for the presence of cervical mucus so they know when ovulation is occurring. Once the woman knows this, she will use back-up methods of birth control or abstain from sex 5 days before and after ovulation since Spermatozoa can survive in the Fallopian tubes or uterus for several days
93
What is the basal body temperature method?
Another natural method which uses a woman's body temperature to indicate when she is ovulating. A woman's body temperature increases by 1 degree Celsius when ovulation begins. Once she knows when she is ovulating, the woman would know to abstain from sex or use a back up method of birth control 5 days before and after ovulation since Spermatozoa can survive for several days in the uterus or Fallopian tubes.
94
Why can STD's be especially contagious or dangerous?
Because they are easily and quickly transmitted between people during intercourse. They can be especially dangerous to women who are pregnant. IF left untreated, stds can cause damage to the nervous or cardiovascular systems as well as cause sterility in men and women (prevent them from having any children). If a person is infected with an STD it can take a long time for them to begin experiencing any symptoms. In order to protect yourself from getting an STD a person should either abstain from sex or use a condom during intercourse.
95
What is AIDS?
It's a deadly STD. It attacks the immune system which means a person can no longer fight off bacteria and viruses. This virus is transmitted through a person's blood or from fluids that come from the vagina or penis. A person can Carry the disease for several years before experiencing any symptoms. There is no cure and the prevention is condoms.
96
What is Hepatitis B?
A virus that attacks the liver. It is transmitted by saliva, semen or blood. This is the only STD that can be prevented by a vaccine. It can also be prevented using condoms.
97
What are gonorrhea and and chlamydia?
They have the same symptoms which are: abnormal vaginal discharge, a burning sensation while urinating, painful intercourse, yellowish discharge from the penis and painful or swollen testicles. These stds can be treated by antibiotics and prevented by condoms.
98
What are genital herpes?
Small blisters that appear and eventually burst and develop into painful ulcers. A tingling sensation is felt around the genital area. To treat this disease, the infected areas have to be kept dry and clean. Since this disease is caused by a virus, symptoms disappear and reappear throughout life. To avoid this disease, proper hygiene and condoms should be used
99
What is syphilis?
A bacterial infection with three stages. It begins with painless sores appearing on the génitales 9-90 days after infection. The second stage lasts from 6 weeks to 6 months. In this stage, flu-like symptoms can appear as well as disappearing and reappearing rashes. Years later the final stage can occur if it is left untreated. Problems that would occur would be cardiac problems, blindness, damage to the nervous system and eventually death. It can also cause sterility in women. This disease can be prevented with condoms and the treatment is antibiotics
