Human Reproductive System Flashcards
What is puberty?
It is the stage of human growth and development in which a person becomes physically mature when the sex organs mature and first produce gametes.
Period whereby active growth takes place in the body. Marked by production and maturing of sex cells.
What happens on reaching puberty?
Human reproductive organs start to release sex hormones into the bloodstrem.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical substances produces in minute quantities by organs in the body. It is then transported in the bloddstream to target organs where it exerts its effects.
What are secondary sexual characteristics in males?
Growth of body hair.
Enlargement of larynx.
Growth of Penis.
What are secondary sexual characteristics in females?
Development of breasts
Widening of Hips
Growth of body hair.
How are sex gametes produced?
They are produced by meiosis which is the process in which nuclear division takes place whereby the daughter nuclei has half the number of chromosomes than the parent nuclei.
What are the parts of a sperm?
The head which has a large nucleus.
The middle piece which has numerous mitochondria that provide energy.
The tail allows mobility and propels the sperm towards the ovum.
The Haploid contains 1/2 the number of chromosomes of the diploids.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the process whereby a mature egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation occurs once every 28 to 30 days.
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is the discharge of uterine lining and blood. Menstruation occurs 14 days after ovulation and lasts and lasts for 3-7 days.
What causes menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps is caused by the contractions of the uterine lining.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the cycle of ovulation and menstruation.
What is fertilisation?
Fertilisation is the fusion of the nuclei of a sperm and an egg.
Where does fertilisation occur?
Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes.
What is the role of placenta?
At the placenta, the mother’s blood supply levels is brought alongside that of the foetus to allow for exchange of materials (Food, o2, waste) but the 2 bloods do not mix.
How are substances exchanged at the placenta?
Substances are exchanged through diffusion at the placenta.
