Relroduction Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is the male reproductive system adapted for?
The male reproductive system is adapted for the creation of the male gamete, spermatozoa, and sexual reproduction.
What does the vas deferens do?
The vas deferens carries sperm towards the penis during ejaculation.
What is the function of the testes?
The testes produce gametes (spermatozoa) and the hormone testosterone.
What surrounds the testes?
The testes are surrounded in a skin sac called the scrotum.
What is the role of the seminal vesicle?
The seminal vesicle secretes an alkaline, nutrient-rich fluid onto the sperm in the vas deferens, forming semen.
Why is the fluid from the seminal vesicle alkaline?
The alkaline nature serves to neutralise any remaining acidic urine in the urethra and acidic conditions in the vagina.
What does the prostate gland secrete?
The prostate gland secretes an alkaline fluid containing zinc ions onto sperm in the vas deferens.
What is the function of the urethra?
The urethra carries semen and urine out of the body.
What is the function of the penis?
The penis is an organ adapted to transfer sperm into the vagina during sexual intercourse.
Where are spermatozoa made and stored?
Spermatozoa are made in the seminiferous tubules and stored in the epididymis to mature and become mobile.
What is the role of the fallopian tube/oviduct?
The fallopian tube/oviduct is lined with ciliated epithelium which wafts the secondary oocyte from the ovary to the uterus.
What is the function of the uterus?
The uterus is a specialist organ where the embryo implants into the blood-rich endometrial layer and grows to term.
What happens to the endometrial layer if there is no fertilisation?
If there is no fertilisation, the endometrial layer is shed during menstruation.
What do the ovaries produce?
The ovaries produce gametes up to the secondary oocyte stage and also produce hormones progesterone and oestrogen.
What is the cervix?
The cervix is a ring of muscle at the neck of the uterus.
What is the function of the vagina?
The vagina is a muscular walled structure where sperm is deposited during sexual reproduction and the fetus passes through during birth.
