The reproductive system

Question 1

What is a hormone? What is a gland?

Answer 1

Hormones are chemical compounds that are secreted by glands
Glands are chemical structures that secrete hormones

Question 2

What is the importance of the pituitary gland at puberty?

Answer 2

Secretes FSH/LH - provokes the secretion of testosterone and progesterone and estrogen

Question 3

Describe hormone secretion at puberty in males? (glands/organs involved)

Answer 3

Pituitary gland secretes fsh and lh which provokes the secretion of testosterone in the testicles

Question 4

Describe hormone secretion at puberty in females? (glands/organs involved)

Answer 4

Pituitary gland secretes fsh and lh with provokes the secretion of mainly progesterone and estrogen in the ovaries

Question 5

Describe the changes to the male at puberty

Answer 5

Growth of body size
Voice deepens
Hair growth in genital areas
Hair growth
Production of spermatozoa
Descent of testicles
Aggression → Testosterone
Sexual interest/ attraction: Libido

Question 6

Describe the changes to the female at puberty

Answer 6

Hair growth
Development of secondary sexual characteristics (breasts, hips, thighs)
Menstruation
Ovaries start to ovulate “hormones”
Growth (less than men)
Voice change → higher
Libido

Question 7

Describe the functions of the structures of the male reproductive system.

Answer 7

Scrotum: Pouch that contains the testicles - provides an out of body environment for testicles in order to be kept at a lower temperature where gametes can be produced
Testicles: contain the seminiferous tubules
Seminiferous tubules: Produce spermatozoa
Epididymis: stores and develops spermatozoa- lying above testicles
Vas deferens: carry the spermatozoa before it is released out of the body
Prostate and seminal vesicles: produce semen - rich in sugar - provides spermatozoa a liquid environment in order for them to swim up the vagina during ejaculation
Urethra: carries urine and semen out of the body during urination and ejaculation
Cowper’s gland: releases fluid into the urethra, neutralizing acidity caused by remaining urine that could threaten the survival of spermatozoa

Question 8

Describe the functions of the structures of the female reproductive system.

Answer 8

Ovaries: there is two ovaries: they release one ovum every 28 days - called ovulation
Follicles: located in the ovaries, each follicle contains a single ovum, and brings it to full maturity
Fallopian tubes: Ovum travels through these tubes to reach the uterus. An ovum survives 24-48 hours in the fallopian tubes where it can be fertilized
Uterus: A zygote develops in the uterus if the ovum is fertilized by a spermatozoon
Vagina: The passage into which the penis penetrates the release its sperm- the baby also leaves the uterus through the vagina during birth.