Human Reproduction Flashcards
What is a gonad?
An organ that produces sex cells in animals
What is ejaculation?
The release of semen from the penis
What are the associated glands?
Seminal vesicles, prostate and cowper’s gland
What are secondary sexual characteristics?
Features that distinguish males from females, apart from the sex organs themselves
What is the function of FSH in males?
Causes sperm producing cells in testes to divide by meiosis and produce sperm
What the function of LH in males?
Stimulates the testes to produce testosterone
What is infertility?
Inability to produce offspring
Give an example of male infertility?
Low sperm count
What is ovulation?
The release of an egg from the ovary
What is the menstrual cycle?
Series of events that occurs every 28 days on average in the female if fertilisation has not taken place.
Day 1-5 menstrual cycle
Endometrium breaks down and is shed- period. Meiosis occurs in ovary to produce egg. New egg surrounded by graafian follicle.
Days 6-14 menstrual cycle
Developing graafian follicle produces oestrogen. It causes endometrium to thicken again and prevents new egg developing.
Day 14 menstrual cycle
Ovulation occurs when graafian follicle bursts to release egg. Eggs passes to abdomen and then to fallopian tube. Egg available for fertilisation for 48hrs.
Days 14-28 menstrual cycle
Remains of graafian follicle develop into corpus luteum. This makes progesterone which causes endometrium to thicken more. Progesterone prevents new eggs forming. Egg will die by day 16. If not fertilised, corpus luteum starts to degenerate by day 22. This causes drop in progesterone which leads to menstruation on day 28
Example of female infertility?
Endocrine gland failure