The Reproductive System Flashcards
Reproduction
Formation of new individuals. Purpose is to produce new individuals to ensure survival of the species
Sexual reproduction
Involves two individuals donating genetic information to their offspring in the next generation (in humans, 23 chromosomes were donated by the male and 23 chromosomes by the female)
Asexual reproduction
Happens in lower organisms and plants. Genetic information is copied and cell devision happens to produce new cells. The result will be that the new individual has the same DNA as the original (a clone of the original is produced). A plant cutting can grow into a new individual that will have the exact same DNA as the original individual from which the cutting was taken.
Puberty
A phase in life when changes in the body happen as a result of hormones. In humans, puberty happens in the teen years. Purpose of this process is to prepare the body for sexual reproduction
Pituitary gland
LH-ovaries. In brain. Releases hormones and controls other glands
Testosterone
Male hormone, high levels in males cause the changes during puberty. Produced in the testes
Oestrogen
Female hormone. High levels in females that cause the changes during puberty. Produces in the ovaries
Secondary sexual characteristics
Body changes during puberty. Changes include growth of pubic hair, deepening of a man’s voice, breasts developing in women
Ovulation
The release of the egg cell (ovum) from the ovary into the oviduct
Fertilisation
A male gamete (sperm cell) joins with the female gamete (egg cell/ovum)
Menstruation
If an egg is not fertilized, the thick lining of the uterus breaks down and comes out of the body as a bloody liquid (with the unused egg). Lasts about 5 days(your period)
Copulation
Process of sexual intercourse where the penis is inserted into the vagina and sperm in released
Erection
The spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood at a high pressure and becomes longer and stiff
Ejaculation
The release of semen
Gestation
Time taken for fetus to develop fully from fertilization till birth (9 months in humans)