Week 10 Flashcards
What is a key advantage of sexual reproduction?
Variability
Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity among offspring.
What process leads to genetic recombination?
Meiosis
Meiosis is essential for the formation of gametes and genetic variation.
What are gonads?
Primary sex organs
Gonads include ovaries in females and testes in males.
What structures are involved in the male reproductive system?
- Testes
- Epididymis
- Ductus deferens
- Urethra
- Penis
These structures work together for sperm production and transportation.
What is the function of the testes?
Sperm production and sex hormone secretion
Testes must be maintained at a temperature 3°C lower than body temperature for optimal sperm production.
What is the role of the epididymis?
Storage and maturation of sperm
The epididymis is a 6-meter coiled duct where sperm undergo maturation over about 20 days.
What are the accessory reproductive organs?
- Ducts for gamete transport
- Glands for fluid secretion
- External genitalia
- Organs for embryo nurture
- Organs for newborn nurture
These structures support reproductive functions and processes.
What is the function of seminal vesicles?
Produce 70% of semen volume
Seminal vesicles contribute essential fluids to semen.
What does the prostate gland produce?
Approximately 30% of semen
Prostate fluid helps nourish and transport sperm.
What is the purpose of the bulbourethral glands?
- Produce thick clear mucus
- Provide lubrication
- Neutralize residual urine in the urethra
These glands help prepare the urethra for sperm passage.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a dual-purpose duct for urinary and reproductive systems.
Urethra
The urethra serves both urinary and reproductive functions in males.
What is the volume of ejaculate?
2-5 mL
What are the main components of ejaculate?
- Sperm
- Seminal fluid
- Clotting factors
- Enzymes
What are the ‘sperm factories’ located in the testis?
Seminiferous tubules
What cells in the testis produce androgens?
Leydig cells
What hormone is primarily produced by Leydig cells?
Testosterone
What does ‘2n’ indicate in terms of cell ploidy?
Diploid cell
What does ‘n’ indicate in terms of cell ploidy?
Haploid cell
How many chromosomes are present in a diploid cell?
23 pairs of chromosomes
How many chromosomes are present in a haploid cell?
23 individual chromosomes
What are the three main regions of a sperm structure?
- Head
- Mid piece
- Tail
What is contained in the head of a sperm?
- Genetic material
- Acrosome contains enzymes required for penetration of oocyte
What is the function of the mid piece of a sperm?
Mitochondria
What does the tail of a sperm provide?
Motility