Human Reproductive System Flashcards
what are sperm
male gametes
what is the urethra (male)?
a tube which carries sperm through the penis during ejaculation (urine also passes through to exit the body)
erectile tissue
swells when filled with blood to make the penis erect
what are the testes?
where sperm are made. they are suspended in the scrotum
glands
produce the liquid that’s added to sperm to make semen
sperm duct
muscular tube that carries sperm from the testes towards the urethra
scrotum
loose sac of skin containing the testes. holds testes outside the abdominal cavity + provides suitable temp for sperm production
epididymis
where sperm are stored. they gain mobility over a period of 18 hrs
where are sperm produced
the testes
how are sperm formed
meiosis
is a sperm cell haploid or diploid
HAPLOID (n) (contains half the number of chromosomes than other body cells)
how long does sperm production take
8-9 weeks
what is the optimum temperature for sperm production
35°C
where do the sperm go once produced
the epididymis, where they develop the ability to swim
what does oestrogen in women cause ( secondary sexual characteristics)
- extra hair on underarms and pubic area
- hips widen
- development of breasts
- ovum release and start of periods
what does testosterone in men cause ( secondary sexual characteristics)
- extra hair on face and body
- muscles develop
- penis and testicles develop
- sperm production
- deepening of voice
what are ova
egg. female gametes
how often are ovum produced
every 28 days from one of the 2 ovaries
what happens if an ova isn’t fertilised
it breaks up and passes out of the vagina
what happens when an ova is fertilised?
- the ovum starts to divide.
- the new cells will travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus and attach to the endometrium.
- a fertilised ovum develops into an embryo
what is the ovary?
the organ that produces ova and sex hormones
oviducts
connects ovary to uterus. lined with ciliated cells which waft an egg cell released monthly from ovary to uterus
uterus
- muscular and expandable.
- embryo embeds into soft lining and develops into foetus until born
cervix
ring of muscle at base of uterus. separates uterus and vagina and helps to keep baby in uterus during pregnancy
vagina
- muscular tube leading from cervix to outside of body.
- male penis enters here.
- opening to vagina has folds of skin (labia) that meet to form a vulva
when does ova production begin
the ovaries of the foetus before birth
what are ovum formed by
meiosis
are ova haploid or diploid?
haploid (n)
what is ovulation
when an ova matures and is released into an oviduct each month, it’s controlled by a number of hormones.
