Unit 2 - Topic 11 - Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception Flashcards

1
Q

What process produces sperm and egg cells?

A

Meiosis

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2
Q

How is the sperm cell specialised for its function?

A
  1. Haploid nucleus
  2. Tail for swimming
  3. Midpiece containing mitochondria
  4. Acrosome enzyme on the head of the sperm cell
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3
Q

Where does fertilisation occur?

A

In the oviducts, also known as the fallopian tubes.

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4
Q

By what process does the newly formed zygote divide?

A

Mitosis

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5
Q

What hormone influences the differentiation of sperm cells in the testes in men?

A

Testosterone

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6
Q

Definition: Fertilisation

A

When the haploid sperm cell (male gamete) fuses with the haploid egg cell (female gamete, ovum) to form a diploid zygote.

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7
Q

What is the process by which the newly formed embryo implants into the lining of the uterine wall?

A

Implantation

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8
Q

Where are the female gametes (egg cells) produced?

A

Ovaries

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9
Q

Where are the male gametes (sperm cells) produced?

A

Testes

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10
Q

What process occurs after the newly formed embryo implants into the lining of the uterine wall?

A

Differentiation into a variety of tissues and organs.

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11
Q

What is the placenta?

A

A flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant women which is rich in maternal blood vessels, which nourishes and maintains the foetus through the umbilical cord.

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12
Q

Name two protective structures which protect the unborn child from harm.

A

Amnion

Amniotic fluid

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13
Q

What is the role of the amniotic fluid?

A

To cushion, protect and support the baby.

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14
Q

How is the placenta adapted for its function?

A

Large surface area for exchange of dissolved nutrients.
Placental villi increase surface area.
Thin membranes between placenta and umbilical cord for short diffusion distance.
Rich blood supply.
Mother’s blood and foetus’ blood do not mix.

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15
Q

Name two female sex hormones.

A

Oestrogen

Progesterone

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16
Q

The classification of the umbilical vessels is in reference to the …

A

Unborn child

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17
Q

The umbilical vein carries …

A

Oxygenated blood

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18
Q

The umbilical artery carries …

A

De-oxygenated blood

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19
Q

What are some of the substances that pass from the mother to the foetus?

A
Oxygen
Glucose
Amino acids
Fatty acids
Glycerol
Calcium
Iron
Vitamin D
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20
Q

What are some of the substances that pass from the foetus to the mother?

A

Carbon dioxide
Urea
Metabolites

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21
Q

What two blood vessels are present in the umbilical cord?

A

Umbilical artery

Umbilical vein

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22
Q

Why do the mother’s blood and foetus’ blood not mix?

A

Different blood types

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23
Q

What harmful materials can potentially diffuse from the mother’s blood to the foetus’ blood?

A

Nicotine

Alcohol

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24
Q

Name one male sex hormone.

A

Testosterone

25
Q

How are the oviducts adapted for their function?

A

Contain ciliated cells which waft the egg cell(s)/embryo(s) towards the uterus for potential implantation (if fertilisation has occurred) or expellation from the body.

26
Q

How is the egg cell (ovum) adapted for its function?

A

Cytoplasm contains nutrients to sustain the embryo’s growth until implantation.
Larger in size than sperm cell, increasing the probability that fertilisation will occur.
Barrier (egg cell membrane) prevents anymore sperm entering after fertilisation has occurred.

27
Q

What secondary sexual characteristics arise during puberty in men?

A
Sexual organs (genitals) enlarge
Pubic hair and body hair develops
Voice deepens
Sexual awareness and drive increases
The body becomes more muscular
28
Q

Where is testosterone produced?

A

In the testes

29
Q

Where is oestrogen produced?

A

In the ovaries

30
Q

What secondary sexual characteristics arise during puberty in women?

A

Hair grows in pubic regions and in armpits
Sexual organs enlarge and the breasts develop
The pelvis and hips widen
Menstruation begins
Sexual awareness and drive increase

31
Q

How long is the menstrual cycle?

A

28 days

32
Q

What is menstruation?

A

The cycle begins with menstruation (days 1-5). This is when the blood rich uterine lining breaks down and is passed out of the body.

33
Q

For how long does the menstrual cycle occur in females during their life?

A

The menstrual cycle occurs in females from puberty until the end of reproductive life (usually some time between the ages of 45 to 55).

34
Q

What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle?

A

The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system for pregnancy by controlling the monthly release of an egg and renewing and replacing the uterine lining.

35
Q

When does ovulation occur?

A

Around day 14

36
Q

What is ovulation?

A

Ovulation is when an egg is released by an ovary.

37
Q

What are the four different types of contraception?

A
  1. Mechanical (physical)
  2. Chemical
  3. Surgical
  4. Rhythm/Natural Method
38
Q

What is mechanical (physical) contraception?

Give an example of one.

A

Method
- Acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm entering the woman.

Example
- Condom.

39
Q

What is chemical contraception?

Give an example of one.

A

Method
- Taken regularly by the woman and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs by changing hormone levels.

Example
- Contraceptive pill.

40
Q

What is surgical contraception?

Give two examples.

A

Vasectomy
- Cutting of sperm tubes, preventing sperm from entering the penis.

Female sterilisation
- Cutting of oviducts, preventing ova from moving through the oviduct and being fertilised.

Example

  • Vasectomy
  • Female sterilisation
41
Q

What is the natural method/ rhythm?

A

Some people are opposed to contraception but may want to reduce their chances of having children. They can do this by avoiding having sex around the time when the woman releases an ovum each month - this has been called the rhythm or natural method of contraception.

42
Q

Why do some people choose the rhythm/ natural method?

A

Religious reasons

Ethical reasons

43
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mechanical (physical) contraception?

A

Advantages

  • Easily obtained.
  • Protects against STIs

Disadvantages
- Unreliable if not used properly.

44
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using chemical contraception?

A

Advantages
- Very reliable.

Disadvantages
- Side-effects such as weight gain and may increase the risk of blood clots.

45
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using surgical contraception?

A

Advantages
- Virtually 100% reliable.

Disadvantages
- Very difficult or impossible to reverse.

46
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the rhythm/natural method of contraception?

A

Advantages

  • No side-effects.
  • No surgery required.

Disadvantages
- Unreliable, many women have irregular menstrual cycles.

47
Q

What are some of the cause of infertility in women?

A
  1. Failure of ovary to produce eggs.
  2. The oviducts may be blocked or twisted, possibly due to infection.
  3. Complications of some sexually transmitted infections.
  4. The lining of the uterus does not develop properly to enable implantation to occur.
  5. The vagina may be hostile to sperm entering, e.g. the lining may be too thick or too acidic.
48
Q

What are some of the causes of infertility in men?

A
  1. Complications of some sexually transmitted infections.
  2. Males may not produce enough sperm or the sperm may not be healthy - this can be affected by smoking or taking alcohol in excess.
  3. Sexual impotence, i.e. erectile dysfunction.
49
Q

What are fertility drugs?

A
Fertility drugs (hormone treatment)
These are given to the woman to increase production of eggs. This may solve the problem if low egg production is the issue but if there are other problems such as blocked oviducts then in vitro fertilisation may be necessary.
50
Q

Name two types of fertility treatment.

A

Fertility drugs

In vitro fertilisation

51
Q

Describe the steps taken during in vitro fertilisation.

A
  • The woman is given fertility drugs so that several eggs are produced.
  • These are collected from the ovaries surgically.
  • Sperm is donated and the sperm and eggs are mixed in the laboratory in a Petri dish (or other apparatus).
  • Successful embryos are placed in the mother’s uterus (she will have undergone hormonal treatment to ensure her uterus lining is ready). If the process is successful an embryo (or possibly more than one) will implant in the uterus lining.
  • Usually only a small number of embryos are placed in the mother’s uterus to give a balance between ensuring a successful pregnancy and avoiding multiple births.
52
Q

Fertility research and treatment is a controversial issue. Why?

A

It is now possible to screen embryos to check for abnormalities and even to check the sex of embryos before they are placed in a woman’s uterus.

  • Playing God.
  • Screening of embryos for abnormalities.
  • Checking the sex of the embryo before implantation.
  • What is done with left over embryos?
53
Q

The male gamete and female gamete fuse nuclei to form a …

A

Zygote

54
Q

What is gestation and how long does it last?

A

Gestation is the time from conception to birth.

38 weeks.

55
Q

Give an example of a harmful virus which can pass from mother to foetus.

A

Rubella virus

56
Q

What occurs during day 6-13 of the menstrual cycle?

A

Uterus lining builds up in preparation for implantation.

57
Q

What occurs during day 14-28 of the menstrual cycle?

A

The uterus lining continues to thicken in preparation for implantation of a fertilised egg.

58
Q

Name and label the parts of the male reproductive system.

A
Bladder
Glands
Penis
Sperm duct
Urethra
Testis (Testes)
Foreskin
Scrotum
59
Q

Name and label the parts of the female reproductive system.

A
Oviduct (oviducts)
Ovary (ovaries)
Uterus
Bladder
Cervix
Vagina
Urethra