reproductive systems

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What are gonads?

Primary sex organs that produce gametes.

What are the male and female gonads?

Male: Testes; Female: Ovaries.

What are gametes?

Sex cells (sperm and egg).

What is a zygote?

A single cell formed when a sperm fertilises an egg.

What are the functions of the testes?

Produce sperm and secrete testosterone.

What structures inside the testes produce sperm?

Seminiferous tubules.

What cells secrete testosterone?

Interstitial (Leydig) cells.

What is the epididymis?

A highly coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

What is the function of the epididymis?

Stores and matures sperm.

What is the function of the vas deferens?

Transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

What is the function of the urethra?

Carries urine and semen out of the body.

What is the scrotum?

A skin-covered pouch containing the testes.

Why are the testes located in the scrotum?

To maintain a temperature about 2°C below body temperature for sperm production.

What happens to the scrotum when it is cold?

It contracts and brings the testes closer to the body.

What happens to the scrotum when it is warm?

It relaxes and moves the testes away from the body.

What is semen?

A fluid that transports and nourishes sperm.

Which three glands contribute to semen production?

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s glands.

What do the seminal vesicles secrete?

A thick fluid rich in sugars that provides energy for sperm.

What percentage of semen is produced by the seminal vesicles?

About 60%.

What does the prostate gland secrete?

A thin, milky, alkaline fluid.

Why is the fluid from the prostate gland alkaline?

To neutralise the acidic environment of the vagina and improve sperm survival.

What do Cowper's glands secrete?

A clear lubricating fluid.

What is the function of Cowper's gland secretion?

Lubrication during sexual intercourse.

What is erectile tissue?

Connective tissue with a rich blood supply.

How does erection occur?

Blood fills spongy spaces in erectile tissue, causing enlargement and erection of the penis.

What are the three main parts of a sperm cell?

Head, midpiece, and tail.

What is found in the head of a sperm cell?

The nucleus and acrosome.

What is the function of the acrosome?

It contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg.

What is found in the midpiece of a sperm cell?

Numerous mitochondria.

Why are mitochondria abundant in the midpiece?

They provide energy for sperm movement.

What is the function of the sperm tail?

It propels the sperm forward.

What are the functions of the ovaries?

Produce, mature, and release egg cells.

What is the stroma of the ovary?

Connective tissue that forms the ovary.

What are ovarian follicles?

Structures containing developing egg cells.

What is ovulation?

The release of a mature egg

Where does the egg go after ovulation?

Into the uterine (fallopian) tube.

What are fimbriae?

Finger-like projections that guide the egg into the fallopian tube.

What is another name for the uterine tube?

Fallopian tube or oviduct.

What is the function of the fallopian tube?

Transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus.

How do cilia help in the fallopian tube?

They beat to move the egg towards the uterus.

How do smooth muscles help in the fallopian tube?

Their contractions help propel the egg.

What is the uterus?

A muscular organ where a foetus develops.

What is the endometrium?

The soft mucous membrane lining of the uterus.

What are the functions of the uterus?

Protects, nourishes, and supports a developing foetus.

What holds the uterus in position?

Ligaments.

What is the cervix?

The lower end of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

What is the vagina?

A muscular tube connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.

What are the functions of the vagina?

Receives the penis during intercourse and acts as the birth canal during childbirth.

What is the hymen?

A fold of tissue that partially covers the vaginal opening.

What is the vulva?

The external female reproductive structures.

What are the labia majora?

The outer folds of skin containing fatty tissue and oil-secreting glands.

What are the labia minora?

The smaller inner folds of skin with little or no fat.

What is the clitoris?

A highly sensitive organ containing erectile tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

What happens to the clitoris when stimulated?

It fills with blood and enlarges.

Where does fertilisation usually occur?

In the fallopian tube (oviduct).

Where does a foetus develop?

In the uterus.

Which structure guides the egg into the fallopian tube?

Fimbriae.

Which structure connects the uterus to the vagina?

Cervix.

Which structure transports both urine and semen?

Urethra.

Why is the prostate gland important for sperm survival?

It produces alkaline fluid that neutralises vaginal acidity.