sexual reproduction (finished) Flashcards
(56 cards)
Spermatogenesis
The process of sperm production within the seminiferous tubules in the testes.
where does spermatogenesis take place?
takes place in the seminiferous tubules
how many seminiferous tubules are formed in each testis?
around 1000, where spermatozoa are formed
where does the mobility of spermatozoa improve?
the epididymis where they are collected
what do the seminal vesicles secrete?
mucus
what fluids mix during ejaculation?
mucus and prostate fluid
what is the purpose of the mucus and prostate fluids?
helps to maintain sperm mobility, provide nutrients e.g. fructose and are alkaline which neutralises acidity found in urine and the vagina
what are the cells (in order of division and maturation) that are involved in spermatogensis?
germinal epithelial, spermatogonium, primary then secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoon.
how are spermatogonium produced?
diploid germinal epithelial cells divide by mitosis to produce diploid spermatogonium
how do spermatocytes divide to form spermatids?
- primary spermatocytes divide by meiosis I to produce secondary spermatocytes.
- secondary spermatocytes undergo meiosis II forming spermatids
how is spermatozoa formed?
when the spermatids differentiate, they mature into spermatozoa
what is the purpose of Sertoli cells?
provide spermatozoa with nutrients and protect them from male’s immune system
what do interstitial cells (cells of Leydig) secrete?
testosterone which is involved in stimulating the process of spermatogenesis
what is an oocyte?
a developing egg
what is the purpose of cilia in the oviduct?
wafts the secondary oocyte along the- oviduct
where do oocytes develop?
within the follicles, which provide protection and nutrition for the developing oocyte
when are primary follicles formed and mature?
formed - before birth of female child
matures - when FSH increases
what does the primary follicle contain?
a primary oocyte
where do secondary follicles develop from?
primary follicles and contain secondary oocytes
what is a graafian follicle?
fully mature follicle and is formed when secondary oocyte is ready to be released at ovulation
how is polyspermy (entry of additional sperm) prevented to the secondary oocyte?
changes to the zona pellucida is made following the entry of a single spermatazoon
what is capacitation?
glycoproteins are removed by enzymes from the surface of the sperm, making the plasma membrane more permeable to swim more rapidly
what is the acrosome reaction?
hydrolytic enzymes in the
what happens to the egg cell following fertilisation?
completion of the second meiotic division and formation of the ovum/ the cortical reaction.