Reproductive System Flashcards
(28 cards)
function of the reproductive system?
The reproductive system is responsible for producing sex cells (sperm in males and eggs in females), secreting hormones, and ensuring the transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring.
What is the chromosome number in human cells?
Human cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), with the 23rd pair being the sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males).
What is the role of the testes in the male reproductive system?
The testes produce sperm and testosterone.
They are located in the scrotum for temperature regulation, which is essential for sperm production.
What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?
Seminiferous tubules (located in the testes) are where sperm are produced, making up about 90% of testicular function.
What is the process of spermatogenesis?
Spermatogonia (stem cells) in the seminiferous tubules develop into spermatocytes, which undergo meiosis to form haploid spermatids.
These spermatids mature into sperm.
What is the structure of a mature sperm cell?
Head: Contains the nucleus with genetic material and an acrosome for breaking down egg barriers.
Midpiece: Contains mitochondria to provide energy for movement.
Tail: Used for propulsion, enabling sperm to swim.
What role do the Leydig cells play in the male reproductive system?
Leydig cells, located in the testes, produce testosterone, which regulates sperm production and the development of secondary male sexual characteristics (e.g., deeper voice, facial hair).
function of testosterone?
Testosterone regulates sperm production, controls male secondary sexual characteristics, and maintains sexual drive.
How is testosterone regulated in the body?
Testosterone levels are controlled by the hypothalamus via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH, regulating sperm production and testosterone secretion.
What is the role of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
The ovaries produce eggs and secrete female sex hormones: oestrogen and progesterone.
They contain 400,000 egg follicles at birth, with about 400 becoming mature over a woman’s lifetime.
oogenesis?
Oogenesis is the process by which primary oocytes (immature eggs) mature into mature ova (eggs).
This process includes meiosis, leading to the formation of a large ovum and smaller polar bodies.
function of granulosa cells during oogenesis?
Granulosa cells supply nutrients and metabolites to the oocyte, and regulate communication between the oocyte and follicle during oogenesis.
what happens during ovulation??
A mature egg is released from the ovary, moves into the fallopian tube, and can be fertilised by sperm.
The corpus luteum forms from the ruptured follicle, secreting progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.
the role of the corpus luteum?
The corpus luteum forms from the ruptured follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone, which supports the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilised egg.
fertilisation?
Fertilisation occurs when a sperm penetrates an egg.
The sperm releases enzymes from the acrosome to break down the egg’s protective layers, and the sperm’s nucleus combines with the egg’s nucleus, forming a zygote.
blastocyst?
The fertilised egg divides into a blastocyst, a ball of cells that will implant into the uterus around day 5 post-fertilisation.
The trophoblast is a thin layer of cells that helps the blastocyst attach to the uterine wall.
role of the placenta during pregnancy?
The placenta allows for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and developing embryo.
It produces chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which supports the corpus luteum and maintains progesterone production during early pregnancy.
What hormones are involved in pregnancy?
Oestrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain the uterine lining.
hCG (chorionic gonadotropin) helps maintain progesterone secretion during early pregnancy.
Prolactin promotes breast milk production.
How does menstruation occur in females?
The absence of fertilisation leads to a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels, triggering shedding of the uterine lining, which is known as menstruation.
How is fertilisation and embryo development influenced by hormones?
Oestrogen and progesterone regulate the ovarian cycle, while hCG supports the early stages of pregnancy by maintaining progesterone levels.
the significance of meiosis in reproduction?
Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid sperm and eggs.
This ensures that fertilisation restores the diploid chromosome number, maintaining genetic stability across generations.
where is the sperm made in the testis??
seminiferous tubules
what cell undergoes meiosis in a male?
spermatocyte
Name 3 functions of testosterone in males?
- Controls the manufacture of sperm
- Regulates the release of sperm
- Maintains ‘sexual drive’
- Determines secondary sexual characteristics (deep voices, beards
etc.)
