KA1 - Gamete Production And Fertilisation Flashcards
Where is sperm produced in the testes?
Seminiferous tubules
What is the name given to the tissue between the seminiferous tubules?
Interstitial cells
What do interstitial cells produce?
The hormone testosterone
What is the function of testosterone?
Testosterone stimulates sperm production in the seminiferous tubules
What secrets fluids that maintain the mobility and viability of the sperm?
The prostate gland and seminal vesicles
What do the seminal vesicles secrete?
A liquid rich in fructose, a high energy sugar
What does fructose provide sperm with?
Energy needed for mobility
What else does this liquid contain?
Prostaglandins
What is the function of prostaglandins?
Prostaglandins stimulate contractions of the muscles in the female reproductive tract. These contractions help the sperm reach the oviduct faster than swimming alone
What is the function of the prostate gland?
The prostate gland secrets a thin lubricating liquid which contains enzymes. These enzymes regulates the viscosity of semen
What do the ovaries contain in various stages of development?
Immature ova
What is a follicle?
Each developing ovum is protected by a follicle. The follicle is a fluid filled sac which surrounds the ovum and secrets the hormone oestrogen
Define ovulation
Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum into the oviduct where it may be fertilised by a sperm cell to form a zygote
What is the oviduct lined with?
Small hairs called cilia
What happens to the cilia once ovulation has occurred?
The cilia waft the ovum along the oviduct toward the uterus
