human reproduction

What is the function of the prostate gland?

produces a fluid that neutralizes acidic environments for the sperm to survive in such as vagina

Fucntion of the seminal vesicle?

produces a fluid that allows for energy and nutrients for the sperm to swim

in puberty in boys what hormone leads to secondary sexual characteristics and what are some of these characteristics?

Testosterone causes things like the voice to be deeper, enlargement of sexual organs, increased muscle mass, behavioral changes, increase in facial and body hair.

Why is the temp of the testes lower than body temp?

It ensures optimal sperm production.

Where is the site of sperm production?

The the germinal epithelium that lines the seminiferous tubules

What does the cowpers gland do

Allows for motility of the sperm, clears the urethra of urine (can kill the sperm otherwise) and lubricates the head of the penis

Difference between ejaculation and erection?

Ejaculation is the release of sperm from the penis and erection is the hardening of the penis

Difference between sperm and semen?

Sperm is the male gamete and semen is the fluid that consists of sperm and other fluids from the glands

Functions of the ovary?

Secretes estrogen and progesterone, releases the egg cell

Functions of the vagina?

It’s the birth canal through which babies are born, the space where sperm is released

Why is the vagina acidic?

To prevent diseases

Functions of the falopian tubes?

The transport the egg cell to the uterus and it is the site of fertilization

Functions of the uterus?

Houses and cares for the embryo

What is oogenesis

The process during which ova are produced from the germinal epithelium of the ovary

what is the largest cell in the body

The ovum

What hormones are responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining?

Estrogen and progesterone.

what does increased levels of estrogen inhibit?

Fsh (prevents the development of more follicles)

What does increased progesterone inhibit?

Inhibits fsh and LH (prevents ovulation and the development of more follicles)

Why does a female not menstruate when she’s pregnant?

The progesterone does not decrease and stays constant in order to maintain the uterine lining for the baby. It does not shed but rather continues to become a thicker and more nourishing environment for which the baby can develop

State the functional relationship between fsh and progesterone

And increase in progesterone levels inhibits the release of fsh

What happens after if no fertilization takes place in a female?

The corpus luteum degernerates and progesterone decreases fsh level rises LH level decreases

What is the fucntion of the acrosome of the sperm cell ?

It secretes lytic acid that digests the outer layer of the oocyte

Functions of placenta?

Nutrients transported via the umbilical cord, gaseous exchange, acts as a microfilter,

Functions of the umbilical cord?

Umbilical vein carriez oxygenated blood rich in nutrients from the placenta to the foetus and arteries Carries deoxygenated blood with nitrogenous waste from the foetus to the placenta

What are the functions of the amniotic fluid

Provides a watery medium for the foetus to move freely in. Protects the foetus from shock and dehydration as well as temperature changes

Causes of infertility in women ?

Age stress stds and hormonal imbalance

Infertility causes in men?

Low sperm count, high percentage of abnormal sperm cells

What hormone causes contractions during birth?

Oxytocin

Which hormones help initiate the release of oxytocin in giving birth

Estrogen goes up progesterone goes down oxytocin goes up

What does prolactin do ?

Produces milk

In terms of breastfeeding what does oxytocin do?

Helps release milk through the mammary glands

what do the The mammary glands do?

They produce and secrete milk after birth