gamete production and fertilisation Flashcards
gametes
produced from germline cells
testes
the site of sperm (spermatoza) production, also the site of production of the male sex hormone testosterone
seminiferous tubules
the tiny tubes in the testes cells where sperm is formed. the tubules unite form coiled tubes that connect to the sperm duct
interstitial cells
found between the seminiferous tubules. they produce the hormone testosterone. testosterone passes directly into the blood stream
prostate gland
secretes lubricating liquid containing enzymes. these enzymes maintain the fluid at optimum viscosity for sperm motility
seminal vesicles
secretes a liquid rich in fructose to provide energy for sperm motility. this liquid contains hormone-like compounds that stimulate contraction of the female reproductive tract, these contractions help the sperm reach the oviduct quicker
semen
the collective name given to the milky liquid released by males. contains sperm and the fluids from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland
ovaries
contain immature eggs at various stages of development
ovulation
when a mature ovum is released from the ovary into the oviduct
follicle
a structure that surrounds each ovum (egg) to protect it. it secretes the female sex hormone oestrogen after ovulation it secretes the sex hormone progesterone as well as oestrogen
fertilisation
mature ova are released into the oviduct, if sperm is present fertilisation may take place
zygote
the name given to a fertilished egg
