Reproductive System Flashcards
Produces eggs, estrogen and progesterone
Ovary
Provides protection, food, oxygen and removal of waste products for the fetus during pregnancy
Uterus
Collects eggs at ovulation, provides a site for fertilization then moves the embryo to the uterus
Oviduct
Protects the fetus during pregnancy and then dilates to provide a birth canal
Cervix
Stimulates penis to cause ejaculation and provides a birth canal
Vagina
Protects internal parts of the female reproductive system
Vulva
A gene regulation protein
Testis Determining Factor
If SRY is present
The embryonic gonads therefore develop into testes and the fetus becomes male
If SRY is absent
TDF is not produced so the embryonic gonads develop as ovaries and the fetus becomes female
The three steroids produced in the reproductive system
Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone
Produced by the developing testes in the fetus. Causes pre-natal development of male genitalia, including the penis, sperm duct and prostate gland. Stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, including growth of the testes, penis and pubic hair. Stimulates sperm production from puberty onwards.
Testosterone
Causes pre-natal development of female reproductive organs if testosterone is not present including the oviduct, uterus and vagina. Causes development of female secondary sexual characteristics including growth of breasts and pubic hair.
Estrogen
Prepares the uterus during the menstrual cycle for the implantation of an embryo and has important roles in supporting a pregnancy.
Progesterone
Transfers sperm during ejaculation
Sperm duct
Secretes and alkaline fluid at the end of ejaculation containing proteins that make the semen sticky.
Seminal vesicle
Secretes an alkaline fluid that is added to sperm at the start of ejaculation and helps sperm to swim
Prostate gland
Stores sperm until ejaculation
Epididymis
Holds testes at lower than core body temperature
Scrotum
Produces sperm and testosterone
Testis
Transfers semen during ejaculation and urine during urination
Urethra
Has erectile tissue that becomes enlarged and hard allowing penetration of the vagina so semen can be ejaculated near the cervix
Penis
Takes a drug to stop her pituitary gland secreting FSH or LH
Step 1 of IVF: Down-Regulation
Injections of FSH and LH are given for about ten days to stimulate follicles to develop
Step 2 of IVF: Artifical doses of hormones
Follicles are stimulated to mature by an injection of hCG. Each egg is mixed with 50,000 to 100,000 sperm cells in sterile conditions in a shallow dish.
Step 3 of IVF: Egg retrieval and fertilizations
If fertilization is successful then one or more embryos are placed in the uterus when they are about 48 hours old. Extra progesterone is usually given as a tablet places in the vagina, to ensure that the uterus lining is maintained.
Step 4 of IVF: Establishing a pregnancy
