Introduction Flashcards
What are ‘gametes’?
Male and female reproductive cells
What are the basic components of reproductive systems?
Gonads
Ducts
Accessory glands
Perineal structures
What are the male gonads called?
Testes
What do male gonads produce?
Sex hormones called androgens
What is the main sex hormone produced by the testes called?
Testosterone
How many spermatozoa do the testes produce each day?
1/2 billion
What happens during the emission of spermatozoa?
The mature spermatozoa travel along a lengthy duct system where they are mixed with the secretions of the accessory glands.
This mixture is known as semen.
What are the female gonads called?
Ovaries
What do female gonads release and how often?
Ovaries release 1 immature gamete called an oocyte once a month
What happens when oocytes are released?
Oocytes travel along one of two uterine tubes, which lead to the muscular organ known as the uterus
What happens if a sperm reaches the oocyte and starts the process of fertilisation?
The oocyte matures into an ovum
Describe the vagina.
The vagina is the short passageway connecting the uterus with the exterior
How is semen introduced into the womb?
Ejaculation introduces semen into the vagina during sexual intercourse
What are ‘gonads’?
Male and female reproductive organs
What happens to the uterus when fertilisation occurs?
The uterus will enclose supporting the developing the embryo as it grows into a foetus
