Reproduction Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the process called when male and female reproductive cells join?
FERTILIZATION
Fertilization is the initial step in sexual reproduction, leading to the formation of a zygote.
List the general steps of fertilization.
- Sperm and egg make contact and recognition
- Sperm and egg cells bind
- Cells fuse together
- Cell activates and becomes a zygote
Define zygote.
Fertilized egg
A zygote is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell.
What hormones cause sexual development during puberty?
Hormones released by the ovaries and testes
These hormones are crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
What is puberty?
A period of rapid growth and sexual maturation that usually starts between ages 9 and 15.
What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?
To produce and deliver sperm.
What are the primary functions of the female reproductive system?
- To produce egg cells
- To prepare the body to nourish a developing embryo
Where is sperm developed in males?
Testes
The testes are located in a sac called the scrotum, which maintains a lower temperature necessary for sperm development.
What is the function of the vas deferens?
Tube-like structure that empties into the urethra.
What is seminal fluid?
Nutrient-rich fluid that nourishes the sperm.
How many mature sperm cells are present in 1 milliliter of semen?
Between 20 million and 150 million.
What hormones are produced by the pituitary gland in males?
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
What does LH do in males?
Stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.
What role does testosterone play in males?
Stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics and, with FSH, stimulates the development of sperm.
What are the ovaries responsible for in females?
Contain clusters of cells called follicles that contain developing egg cells.
How many follicles does each ovary contain?
Approximately 400,000 follicles.
What is the fallopian tube’s function?
Passageway for egg and sperm cells to meet and travel to the uterus.
What is the uterus?
Hollow muscular organ where blastocyst attaches and grows during pregnancy.
What happens during the cervix opening during labor?
Allows baby to pass from uterus to birthing canal.
What are the four phases of the menstrual cycle?
- Follicular phase
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase
- Menstruation
What triggers the release of the egg during ovulation?
Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
What occurs during the luteal phase?
Corpus luteum secretes progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
What happens if the egg is not fertilized?
Uterine lining breaks down and is expelled during menstruation.
What is menopause?
Time when females stop producing the four menstrual hormones.
Menopause typically occurs around age 51 in the US.
