Humans Flashcards
what is fertilisation
fusion of the nuclei
from a male gamete (sperm) and a female
gamete (egg cell)
Function of the testes
production of sperm cells (by meiosis) and testosterone
What is testosterone?
male hormone involved in primary: sperm production- and secondary: penis enlargement, deep voice, body hair, shoulder enlargement, “aggressiveness” (sexual male characteristics)
What is the function of the scrotum?
sac enclosing testes outside of the body - protection and to ensure a proper temperature in testicles (35-33 deg.C)
What is the function of the sperm duct?
sperm passes to urethra
What is the function of the prostate gland?
lubricating secretion for semen: releases fluid rich in sucrose, which sperm cells will use as a source of energy in aerobic respiration)
What is the function of the urethra?
releases urine from urinary bladder for excretion and during ejaculation releases semen
What is the function of the penis?
penis becomes erect and can be inserted inside the vagina
What is the function of the ovaries?
production of egg/follicle cells by meiosis and oestrogen + progesterone
What is progesterone?
female hormone involved in primary - follicle production - and secondary - breast development, hips enlargement, body hair and fat deposits develop (sexual female characteristics)
What is the function of the oviducts?
tube that moves follicle cells from the ovary towards the uterus using peristalsis and ciliated cells, usual site for fertilisation
What is the function of the uterus?
muscular organ where embryo implants, foetus grows and further contracts during birth/labour so baby is delivered
What is the function of the cervix?
muscular opening for uterus: dilates for birth, acts as a barrier against sperm cells, opens when a woman is ovulation so it increases chance of fertilisation
What is the function of the vagina?
muscular tube where blood is released out of the body during menstruation, semen is deposited during sexual intercourse, passageway of natural child birth
How are sperm adapted to their function?
flagellum: important for movement
mitochondria: important for aerobic respiration to keep flagellum moving
enzymes in acrosome: break down jelly coat present in the egg
How is an egg cell adapted to its function?
- jelly coat: changes stiffness when sperm cell penetrates, avoiding penetration of other sperm cells, avoiding polyspermy
- energy stores in cytoplasm: allows egg to survive for several days + nourishes zygote if fertilisation occurs until it can implant in the wall of the uterus
Compare male and female gametes in terms of: size, mobility and numbers
Female: large cell size, doesn’t move (is moved), one per menstrual cycle
Male: small cell size, moves using flagellum, millions per ejaculation (live for up to 5 days)
What happens to the zygote in early development?
the zygote forms an embryo which is a ball of cells that implants into the lining of the uterus