General Human Reproduction

Question 1

Primary sexual characteristics

Answer 1

Gonads (sex organs)
Testis and ovary
Determines an individuals sex/gender

Question 2

Secondary sexual characteristics

Answer 2

Features that distinguish male and females apart form their sex organs

Question 3

Male and Female secondary sexual characteristics

Answer 3

Male: Broad shoulder, Pubic hair, Larger penis, Deep voice (larynx enlarges), Increased muscle and bone development
Female: Growth and development of mammary glands (breasts), Broadening of hips, Pubic hair

Question 4

Birth control def.

Answer 4

Methods employed to limit the number of children born. Involves either contraception or abortion

Question 5

Contraception vs. Abortion

Types of contraception

Answer 5

Contraception: deliberate prevention of fertilisation
Abortion: Is the termination of pregnancy
Types: Mechanical (device), Chemical (tablet), Surgical, Natural

Question 6

Mechanical contraception examples

Answer 6

Male: Condom-covers penis and traps sperm
Female: Use of diaphragms or cap- dome shaped subber device which fits into the vagina before intercourse, preventing sperm entering

Question 7

Chemical contraception examples

Answer 7

Male: Spermicides-kill sperm
Female: Use of the pill- contains oestrogen and progesterone which prevents ovulation and conception.

Question 8

Surgical contraception

Answer 8

Female: Fallopian tubes are cut and ties, sperm can’t reach the egg. (tubal ligation)
Male: Sperm ducts cut and tied-vasectomy. Sperm not present in semen.
100% effective and non reversible

Question 9

Natural contraception

Answer 9

Not having intercourse during fertile period of the menstrual cycle.

Question 10

How is time of ovulation predicted

Answer 10

By monitoring the body temperature-it rises after ovulation

Mucous secreted in the cervix which changes its texture after ovulation

Question 11

Infertility def.

Answer 11

The inability of a couple to produce offspring

Question 12

Male infertility disorders

Answer 12

Low sperm count
Low sperm mobility (if sperm moving slowly or not in a straight line, it may have difficulty passing through cervical mucus or penetrating egg shell)
Endocrine gland failure (failure of testis to produce sperm)

Question 13

Causes of male infertility disorders and treatment

Answer 13

Causes: Persistent use of drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes and anabolic steroids. Stress.
Treatment: Change in lifestyle (stop drinking and smoking)
Reduction in stress levels
Hormone treatments

Question 14

Female infertility disorders
Name
Symptoms
Cause
Prevention and treatment

Answer 14

Name: Fibroids
Symptoms: generally none. can cause heavy menstruation or pain if large.
Cause: Abnormal levels of oestrogen (maybe from pill)
Prevention/Treatment: Regular checkups to monitor growth. Can be removed.

Question 15

Endocrine gland failure (Female infertility)
What
Causes
Treatment

Answer 15

What: Failure of ovaries to produce an egg
Causes: Hormonal imbalance, stress, fibroids
Treatment: Hormonal treatment, stress relief, removal of fibroids, IVF.

Question 16

IVF definition

Answer 16

In Vitro Fertilisation

Involves removing eggs from ovaries and fertilising them outside of the body

Question 17

Steps in IVF

Answer 17

1. Fertility drugs given to female to stimulate ovaries to produce more than one egg.
2. Eggs are taken from females body to a lab
3. Sperm sample taken from male
4. Eggs and sperms mixed together in a lab in hope fertilisation will take place.
5. Fertilised egg is placed back in female for implantatiuon

Question 18

Why higher chance of twins with IVF

Answer 18

Several fertilised eggs are placed in body to increase chance of implantation. This may result in multiple births.

Question 19

Sexual arousel

Answer 19

Penis becomes erect

Vagina become lubricated

Question 20

Orgasm def.

Answer 20

Physical and mental sensations as a result of sexual intercourse.
Male: Sperm released-ejaculation
Female- contraction of uterus and vagina

Question 21

Insemination def.

What happens after

Answer 21

The release of sperm into the female body.
Contractions of uterus and fallopian tubes move the sperm to the fallopian tubes within 5 mins.
If egg present it releases chemicals to attract sperm (chemotaxis)