The Reproductive System

Question 1

Reproduction

Answer 1

Formation of new individuals. Purpose is to produce new individuals to ensure survival of the species

Question 2

Sexual reproduction

Answer 2

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)

Question 3

Asexual reproduction

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Puberty

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Pituitary gland

Answer 5

LH-ovaries. In brain. Releases hormones and controls other glands

Question 6

Testosterone

Answer 6

Male hormone, high levels in males cause the changes during puberty. Produced in the testes

Question 7

Oestrogen

Answer 7

Female hormone. High levels in females that cause the changes during puberty. Produces in the ovaries

Question 8

Secondary sexual characteristics

Answer 8

Body changes during puberty. Changes include growth of pubic hair, deepening of a man’s voice, breasts developing in women

Question 9

Ovulation

Answer 9

The release of the egg cell (ovum) from the ovary into the oviduct

Question 10

Fertilisation

Answer 10

A male gamete (sperm cell) joins with the female gamete (egg cell/ovum)

Question 11

Menstruation

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

Copulation

Answer 12

Process of sexual intercourse where the penis is inserted into the vagina and sperm in released

Question 13

Erection

Answer 13

The spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood at a high pressure and becomes longer and stiff

Question 14

Ejaculation

Answer 14

The release of semen

Question 15

Gestation

Answer 15

Time taken for fetus to develop fully from fertilization till birth (9 months in humans)

Question 16

Implantation

Answer 16

The embryo attaches itself to the lining of the uterus

Question 17

Amniotic fluid

Answer 17

A liquid contained in the placenta

Question 18

Placenta

Answer 18

The sack like organs that forms in the uterus during pregnancy; it is attached to the wall of the wall of the uterus and provides oxygen and nutrients for the fetus through the um biblical cord.