Key area 1- Gamete production & Fertilisaton Flashcards
What do the testes produce?
Sperm & the hormone Testosterone.
Where is sperm produced in the testes?
From germline cells in the seminiferous tubules, which are found in the testes.
Where is the hormone Testosterone produced in the testes?
In the interstitial cells found in the tissue between the seminiferous tubules (and passes directly into the bloodstream).
What do the Seminal Vesicles secrete?
It secretes a fluid which is rich in fructose & hormonal like compounds (to stimulate contractions of the female reproductive tract)
Describe Sperm.
They are motile (able to swim) however they need a fluid to swim in.
What does the prostate gland and seminal vesicles secrete?
They secrete fluids which maintain the mobility and viability of the sperm.
What does efficient mobility in Sperm require?
A fluid medium and a source of energy.
Where are ova (eggs) produced?
From germline cells in the ovaries.
What is each ovum surrounded by?
A follicle which protects the developing ovum and secretes hormones.
What happens to the follicle after ovulation?
The follicle develops into a corpus luteum.
What does the corpus luteum secrete?
It secretes the hormone Progesterone which causes changes in the uterus to make it more suitable for implantation.
What is Fertilisation?
When the nucleus of a sperm fuses with the nucleus of an ovum to form a zygote.
What does ovulation result in?
A mature ova being released into the oviduct.
Where does Fertilisation occur?
The oviduct. During sexual intercourse, the sperm is released into the vagina and move through the cervix, the uterus and into the oviducts where they may meet a mature ovum.
