Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the reproductive system?
The organ system responsible for fertilization and production of gametes
What is the purpose of the reproductive system?
To ensure the survival of a species by producing new offspring.
What is the scientific name of sex cells?
Gametes
What is the male gamete called?
Sperm Cell
What is the female gamete called? (Egg)
Ovum
What is the fundamental necessity for sexual reproduction to happen?
The joining of the ovum with the sperm cell
How does puberty start?
When the pituitary gland in the brain releases hormones into the bloodstream. These are chemical messengers that tell the testes and ovaries to start working.
How do ovaries become active?
They become active when the pituitary glands releases hormones that tell the ovum to become active.
What sex hormone do the testes produce?
Testosterone
What sex hormones does the ovary produce?
Oestrogen & Progestorone
Definition of secondary sexual characteristics.
Physical characteristics that develop during puberty which distinguishes between the sexes but is not directly involved in reproduction.
3 Functions of the male reproductive organs
- Produce sperm cells
- Produce
testosterone - Place sperm in the vagina of the female
Where are sperm cells made?
The testes
Where are sperm cells stored?
The epididymis
How does the penis become erect?
By filling up with blood.
Give the pathway of a sperm cell.
From the epididymis to the vas deferens to the urethra and outside the penis to the vagina.
Why do the testes have to be in the scrotum?
To regulate the temperature of the testes to the optimal temperature required for sperm production. The scrotum is outside the body because the inside of the body is too warm.
How does cigarette consumption affect the baby?
- Oxygen starved
- Stressed heart
- Low birth weight
- Difficulty surviving
How does HIV/AIDS affect the baby?
Death is not treated with medicine.
How does German measles affect the baby?
- Born blind
- Heart defect
How does medicine and drugs affect the baby?
Birth Defects
How does alcohol consumption affect the baby?
It may result in the baby having FAD which leads to brain damage and growth problems.
How does a poor diet and lack of exercise affect the baby?
- Diet = Lack of needed nutrients
- Exercise = Difficult birth due to weak motherly vessel
Explain why a pregnant woman gets hungrier and suffers from fatigue faster than a non-pregnant woman.
- A certain portion of the food consumed goes directly to the baby
- The mother’s body consumes more energy and calories because it has to sustain the needs of two organisms.
- Increased progesterone levels make you sleepy.
