Unit 3.3 The Reproductive System Flashcards
(158 cards)
Which system functions to ensure that survival of the species and the genes of an individual are passed on to the next generation?
The reproductive system!
What do specialised sex cells or gametes contain?
Half of the chromosome number of the adult.
What happens to these gametes at fertilisation?
At fertilisation these gametes fuse together to form a new, genetically unique cell known as the zygote.
What does the fusion of two gametes producing a genetically unique cell introduce to a species?
Genetic variation which is key to the survival of a species.
In humans, what are the primary reproductive organs or gonads? what are these responsible for?
The ovaries and testes responsible for producing the gametes and for production of hormones.
What are the female and male gametes?
The female gametes are the egg cells and the male gametes are the sperm cells or spermatozoa
What two things are hormones important in the development of?
In both sexes the hormones are important i the development of secondary sexual characteristics (for example facial hair and deep voice in men or wider hips and breasts in women) and in the development and function of the reproductive system.
What are the structures called that sustain or transport the gametes and nurture the developing foetus?
All other organs, ducts and glands in the reproductive system are considered secondary or accessory reproductive organs.
What is the role of the female in mammalian reproduction?
- To produce a relatively small number of large gametes (eggs) ready to be fertilised by a male.
- To provide the developing embryo with food, oxygen and protection and remove its waste products.
- To give birth to the foetus at the end of pregnancy
- Too provide the baby with food (milk) for a period of time.
What makes up the female reproductive system?
The vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes (oviduct) and ovaries.
What is the vagina?
A fibro-muscular tube about 7 to 9 cm long which can stretch a great deal during the birth process. Its structure varies with age and hormonal activity.
What does the vagina produce?
Lubricating sections.
What is the vagina home to that helps maintain vaginal health?
Millions of bacteria.
What is the pH of the vagina? what helps maintain this? Why this pH?
Lacterobacilli produce lactic acid which helps to maintain an acid pH in the vagina of less than 4.5. This reduces the chances of invasion by external bacterial pathogens and fungi.
What is the cervix? what is its size and function?
The cervix is the entrance to the uterus which extends into the vagina. It is about 3cm long and 2-2.5cm in diameter. with an opening normally less than 1cm but during childbirth expands to allow passage of the baby (about 10cm diameter) after delivery the cervix returns to normal in a very short time.
What is the cervix covered in for much of the monthly menstrual cycle?
thick acidic mucus to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus.
What happens to the cervix mucus during the fertile stage of the cycle? What is this thought to help?
It becomes thinner and plentiful with an alkaline pH - this is thought to help the sperm move through the cervix into the uterus. After ovulation the mucus thickens and becomes acidic again.
What is the uterus?
The organ in which a baby grows and develops.
What is the uterus made from?
The body and fundus (top section) of the uterus have thick walls of smooth muscle.
What is the body of the uterus lined with?
The body of the uterus is linked by endometrium which thickens and becomes more vascular each month in preparation of pregnancy
What happens in the uterus after fertilisation?
The developing embryo implants itself into the endometrium where it continues to grow and develop in the uterus and after 10 week is known as a foetus.
What happens if fertilisation does not take place?
The thickened endometrium is lost during menstrual bleeding
What are the fallopian tubes (oviducts)? How long are they? what are they lined with?
These are found either side of the uterus and are the site of fertilisation of the ovum by the sperm. they are about 10-12 cm long and linked with specialised ciliated epithelium.
When the ovum is released from the ovary how is it guided into the fallopian tubes?
By the wide ends of the tubes known as the funnels of the oviduct or the fimbria.