Human Reproductive Flashcards
Functions of testes
- Produces sperm
- Produces male sex hormone, testosterone, from puberty onwards - responsible for development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics
Functions of epididymis
Stores inactive sperms from the testes temporarily before they entire sperm duct
Functions of scrotum
- Pouch-like sac that holds the testes
- Outside main body cavity to keep testes slightly below body temp for sperm development
Functions of sperm duct/vas deferens
Carries sperms from testis to the urethra
Functions of urethra
A tube which passes from bladder to centre of penis to outside of body
Provides common passage for discharge of semen and urine
Function of prostate gland
Secretes fluid to: activate+nourish sperms, neutralise acidity in female reproductive tract, provide medium for sperm to swim, mixture of fluid and sperms called semen
Function of penis
Erectile organ which enters vagina of woman during sexual intercourse to deposit semen
Function of sperm(head)
Head contains large nucleus with small amount of cytoplasm, carried haploid set of chromosomes, acrosome containing enzymes is present, enzymes break down part of egg membrane to allow sperm to penetrate egg during fertilisation
Function of sperm(middle piece)
Contains many mitochondria to provide energy for sperms to swim towards the egg
Function of sperm(flagellum
Beating movement of flagellum enables sperm to swim towards the egg
Function of ovary
Produces ovum- released from ovaries once matured
Produces female sex hormones, responsible for menstrual cycle and development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in females
Function of oviduct(fallopian tube)
Narrow muscular tube leading from ovaries to uterus, with funnel-like opening lying close to ovaries. Transports ovum to uterus by beating of cilia lining wall of oviduct, site of fertilisation
Function of uterus
Site of implantation of fertilised egg and fetal development
Offers protection + stable internal environment for embryo to develop
Inner lining forms part of placenta to supply nutrients of oxygen to fetus and remove carbon dioxide and nitrogenous waste from fetus
Muscular wall contracts, expels fetus at birth
Functions of cervix
Connects uterus to vagina
Function of vagina
Holds penis during copulation to receive sperm, birth canal for fetus