Reproduction in Humans Flashcards
Name the Main Components of the female reproductive system.
Fallopian Tube (Oviduct)
Ovary
Uterus
Endometrium
Cervix
Vagina
State the functions of the main components of the female reproductive system
Fallopian Tube (Oviduct) - Transports egg from ovary into the uterus
Ovary - Produces egg cells in follicles
Uterus - where embryo develops
Endometrium - the layer that a zygote implants into and is shed every month (menstrual cycle)
Cervix - tight muscle which protects fetus from outside world
Vagina - Leads from cervix to outside of body
Name the main components of the male reproductive system
Testes
Scrotum
Penis
Urethra
Epididymis
Prostate Gland
Seminal Vesicle
Vas Deferens
State the functions of the main components of the male reproductive system
Testes - production of sperm cells and testosterone
Scrotum -holds and maintains an optimum temperature for testes
Penis - penetrates vagina, releases sperm
Urethra - allows excretion of urine and semen from the body
Epididymis - stores sperm
Prostate Gland - secretes alkaline fluid to counteract vaginal acidity
Seminal Vesicle - secretes fluid (proteins and fructose) to nourish sperm
Vas Deferens - carries sperm from testes to urethra
How does the human body produce gammetes?
Gametogenesis
Name the two types of gametogenesis.
Spermatogenesis
Oogenesis
What is spermatogenesis and where does it occur?
Gametogenesis in males that leads to the production of spermatozoa, this occurs in the seminiferous vesicles.
Outline the stages of spermatogenesis.
Primordial germ cells -> Spermatogonia -> Primary Spermatocytes -> Secondary Spermatocytes -> spermatids -> 4 Spermatozoa
What is the Germinal Epithellium?
A surface layer of cells surrounding the ovaries in females and testicles in males that is involved in gametogenesis
How do primary spermatocytes form?
Primordial germ cells divide by mitosis forming spermatogonia. Growth period without further division forms primary spermatocytes.
How are spermatids formed?
Primary spermatocytes divide in meiosis I to form haploid secondary spermatocytes. Secondary spermatocytes divide in meiosis II
to form four haploid spermatids.
How do spermatozoa form?
Spermatids differentiate to form flagellum, acrosome and many mitochondria.
Name the three types of cells within the testes.
Spermatogonia
Sertoli cells
Interstitial cells (Cells of Leydig)
What are Leydig cells?
Cells located adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testes that secrete testosterone.
What are sertoli cells?
Cells located within the seminiferous tubules in the testes that provide nourishment and protection to cells produced during spermatogenesis
Describe the structure of a mature sperm cell
Acrosome contains digestive enzymes to penetrate the zona pellucida of the egg
Flagellum for propulsion
Many Mitochondria for energy
What is oogenesis? Where does it occur?
Gametogenesis in females that results in the production of secondary oocytes, it occurs in the ovaries
Outline the stages of oogenesis
Primordial germ cell -> oogonia -> primary oocyte -> Secondary oocyte and polar body ->ootid and polar bodies -> ovum
How do primary oocytes form?
Primary germaline cells in the ovaries(and oviduct) divide by mitosis, forming oogonia.
Growth period of oogonia without division forms primary oocytes. Meiosis begins but pauses at prophase I until puberty.
What happens during the first meiotic division of oogenesis?
Primary oocyte divides in meiosis I to form secondary oocyte. Polar body buds off and sticks to oocyte.
What is a polar body?
A haploid cell produced during meiosis in females that doesn’t have the ability to be fertilised