Unit 2 - Topic 11 - Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception Flashcards
What process produces sperm and egg cells?
Meiosis
How is the sperm cell specialised for its function?
- Haploid nucleus
- Tail for swimming
- Midpiece containing mitochondria
- Acrosome enzyme on the head of the sperm cell
Where does fertilisation occur?
In the oviducts, also known as the fallopian tubes.
By what process does the newly formed zygote divide?
Mitosis
What hormone influences the differentiation of sperm cells in the testes in men?
Testosterone
Definition: Fertilisation
When the haploid sperm cell (male gamete) fuses with the haploid egg cell (female gamete, ovum) to form a diploid zygote.
What is the process by which the newly formed embryo implants into the lining of the uterine wall?
Implantation
Where are the female gametes (egg cells) produced?
Ovaries
Where are the male gametes (sperm cells) produced?
Testes
What process occurs after the newly formed embryo implants into the lining of the uterine wall?
Differentiation into a variety of tissues and organs.
What is the placenta?
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.
Name two protective structures which protect the unborn child from harm.
Amnion
Amniotic fluid
What is the role of the amniotic fluid?
To cushion, protect and support the baby.
How is the placenta adapted for its function?
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.
Name two female sex hormones.
Oestrogen
Progesterone
The classification of the umbilical vessels is in reference to the …
Unborn child
The umbilical vein carries …
Oxygenated blood
The umbilical artery carries …
De-oxygenated blood
What are some of the substances that pass from the mother to the foetus?
Oxygen Glucose Amino acids Fatty acids Glycerol Calcium Iron Vitamin D
What are some of the substances that pass from the foetus to the mother?
Carbon dioxide
Urea
Metabolites
What two blood vessels are present in the umbilical cord?
Umbilical artery
Umbilical vein
Why do the mother’s blood and foetus’ blood not mix?
Different blood types
What harmful materials can potentially diffuse from the mother’s blood to the foetus’ blood?
Nicotine
Alcohol