Reproduction, fertility and contraception Flashcards
What is the site of sperm production?
Seminiferous tubules
What is the site of testosterone production?
The interstitial cells
What is the role of the seminal vesicles?
secrete a fructose rich liquid to provide energy for the mobility of the sperm
What is the role of the prostate gland in sperm production?
secretes an enzyme rich liquid that maintains the fluid at optimum viscosity for sperm mobility
what is the difference between sperm and semen?
semen is the collective term for the sperm produced by the testes and the fluids produced by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles
Where does the development of eggs occur in females?
within a follicle in one of the ovaries
Where in the female reproductive tract does fertilisation take place?
The oviduct
Which part of the brain is responsible for the activation of the pituitary gland at puberty?
The hypothalamus
What are the two pituitary hormones in males?
FSH and ICSH
What are the two pituitary hormones in females?
FSH and LH
What is the function of FSH in males?
Promotes sperm production in the seminiferous tubules
What is the function of ICSH in males?
promotes testosterone production by the interstitial cells
What is the role of testosterone in male reproduction?
Stimulates sperm production and activates the prostate gland and seminal vesicles to secrete their fluids.
Explain the negative feedback effect of testosterone on FSH and ICSH
When testosterone levels in the bloodstream are high this inhibits the production of FSH and ICSH by the pituitary gland. This then leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, resuming the activity of the pituitary gland to produce FSH and ICSH
How long is the menstrual cycle?
28 days
What is the role of FSH in female reproduction?
Stimulates the development of the follicle as well as the production of oestrogen by the follicle