Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Sexual Reproduction in Humans How to make a Human Being Male Reproductive System Testes • Male gonads (animal organs that produce sex cells) • Temperature of testes is maintained at 35°C (optimal temp for meiosis) • Each testis contains spermproducing cells • Testosterone is also produced – stimulates sperm production – promotes sexual maturity – induces secondary sexual characteristics Structure Function Scrotum Sac of skin in which the testes are held Testes Produces sperm and testosterone Epididymis Sperm storage and maturation Sperm Duct (vas deferens) Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra Seminal Vesicles Produce milky seminal fluid (sugary alkaline fluid in which sperm are suspended, nourished and protected from the acidic vagina) Cowper’s Gland Produces clear sticky fluid which neutralises any urine which remains in the urethra. Prostate Produces another milky nourishing fluid which goes to make up part of the semen (semen = sperm plus fluid) Penis Transfer of sperm into the vagina. Becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal. Once hard and erect, it can penetrate the soft tissue of the vagina. Urethra Carries sperm along and out of the penis. Structure of a Sperm Cell Tail Sperm Cells • Diploid cells in the testis divide by meiosis to produce haploid sperm cells • First produced in the testes at the onset of puberty (12-13 years old in males) • The acrosome in the head contains digestive enzymes to allow it to penetrate the ovum. • The collar contains lots of mitochondria to provide energy for movement using the tail • The nucleus contains 23 chromosomes Male Reproductive Hormones • Testosterone – causes primary and secondary male characteristics – produced in the testes – production increases at puberty • FSH – produced by the pituitary gland at puberty – stimulates cells in the testis to produce sperm cells • LH – produced in the pituitary at puberty – stimulates the testes to produce testosterone • HL • OL 2007 Q15 a 2010 Q15 a 2010 Q14 a 2014 Q14 a 2010 Q15 a Female reproductive system Female Reproductive System Ovaries • Each ovary contains many sac-like structures – these are called Graafian follicle • Each follicle produces a potential female gamete by meiosis – female gametes are called ova or eggs • Only one Graafian follicle releases a mature ovum every 28 days – Ovulation is the release of an egg from the Graafian follicle https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dwtFYOLFeNw Female Reproductive System Structure Function Ovary Produce eggs (ova) and female hormones Fallopian Tubes • Have funnel-shaped ends that catch the eggs as they are released from the ovaries • Carry eggs to the uterus by cilia and peristalsis • Site of fertilisation Uterus (Womb) • Site of implantation • Outer muscular wall which contracts to push baby our during birth • Inner lining (endometrium) nourishes and protects embryo. Cervix • Opening between the uterus and the vagina containing a plug of mucus which protects uterus from infection • Dilates during labour to allow passage of baby into the vagina Vagina • Receives penis and sperm during intercourse • It is the birth canal - allows the exit of the baby during birth • Acid produced by normal resident bacteria protect from infection Secondary Sexual characteristics • Features that distinguish males from females, other that the presence of the sex organs Male Female Growth of underarm, facial and pubic hair Growth of underarm and pubic hair Enlargement of the larynx, deepening of the voice Enlargement of breasts Widening of the shoulders Widening of the pelvis Increase in sebum production in the skin Increase in body fat Menstrual Cycle • A series of changes that occurs in the female reproductive system every 28 days on average – changes in hormone levels cause changes in the endometrium • Begins at puberty and ends at menopause – menopause is the end of a womans reproductive life (usually between 45 and 55) • Ranges from 21 to 40 days in length • The Fertile period is the time during the menstrual cycle in which fertilisation is most likely to occur https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=l_wX285vrrU Day 1 to 5 • Meiosis occurs in new oocytes in the ovary • Oestrogen and progesterone levels fall – this allows the pituitary to secrete FSH • Low oestrogen causes menstruation • Menstruation occurs • Menstruation is the shedding of the bloodfilled lining of the womb. Days 6-14 • FSH stimulates the production of an egg within a Graafian follicle • The developing Graafian follicle produces oestrogen • Oestrogen causes the thickening of the endometrium • Rising oestrogen levels inhibit FSH production – this prevents further follicles from maturing – normally only one Graafian follicle is produced during each cycle • Very high oestrogen levels eventually stimulate the production of LH just before day 14 Day 14 • LH causes the release of the egg from the Graafian follicle – Ovulation occurs • The egg passes into the funnel of the Fallopian tube and begins to move along towards the uterus • LH causes the remains of the Graafian follicle to become the corpeus luteum Days 15-26 • Oestrogen and progesterone are secreted by the corpeus luteum (in the ovary) • High progesterone levels – further causes the building and up of the endometium and maintains it – inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland – prevents uterine contractions • An unfertilised egg will die by day 16 • The corpus luteum starts to degenerate (day 22) Days 26-28 • The corpeus luteum dies if implantation does not occur by day 26 • This causes a drop in progesterone (and oestrogen) – the corpus was producing these hormones • Low levels of progesterone and oestrogen eventually cause (day 28) – – – – uterine contractions loss of the endometrium a new cycle begins with menstruation a rise in FSH production (no more FSH inhibition) Egg Graafian Follicle Oestrogen Degenerating Corpus luteum Role of Oestrogen • Produced in the ovary (by the Graafian follicle) • Causes the endometrium to thicken for first 14 days • Inhibits FSH production (negative feedback) – prevents further Graafian follicles from maturing – this ensures only one egg produced per cycle • High levels stimulate the pituitary to produce LH Role of Progesterone • Produced in the ovary (by the corpus luteum) • Causes the endometrium to thicken for last 14 days and maintains its structure • Inhibits FSH production (negative feedback) – stops the development of more Graafian follicles • Inhibits LH production – prevents ovulation • Prevents muscular contractions of the uterus Role of Follicle Stimulating Hormone • Produced in the pituitary • Causes Graafian follicles (containing eggs) to develop and mature • Indirectly causes the production of oestrogen – since the Graafian follicle produces oestrogen Role of Luteinising Hormone • Produced in the pituitary gland • Causes ovulation • Causes the remains of the Graafian follicle to become the corpus luteum • Indirectly results in the production of progesterone – since the corpus luteum produces progesterone Menstrual Disorder - Fibroids • Benign tumours of the uterus • Most common in 35-45 year olds • If they grow too large they can cause pain, heavy bleeding, miscarriage, infertility • Cause is thought to be abnormal response to oestrogen • Treatment – if small, no treatment – if large, surgery to remove them – hysterectomy in severe cases Infertility • Infertility (male or female) is the inability to produce offspring • Affects 1 in 6 couples, but 50% are successfully treated Infertility Cause Treatment Male Low sperm count due to smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, stress. Stop or reduce smoking, drugs, alcohol, stress. Female Failure to ovulate (due to hormone disorder). Hormone treatment (e.g. FSH stimulates ovulation) Male Infertility • Male infertility is the inability to produce sperm capable of fertilizing an egg cell • Cause: low sperm count – due to excessive alcohol or drug use; stress • Treatment: avoidance of possible reasons for low sperm count – alcohol and drug use – stress Female Infertility • Female infertility is the inability to conceive. • Cause: failure to ovulate – due to hormone deficiency • Treatment: hormone therapy 2009 Q14 a In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) • Method of treating infertility • Eggs are removed from the ovary • Fertility drugs are given to encourage egg development. • Eggs are surgically removed on day 14. • Sperm and eggs are incubated together in vitro (in a glass dish). • If fertilisation occurs, a number of embryos are placed in the uterus to implant. Stages in Sexual Intercourse • Sexual Arousal – penis becomes erect – vagina becomes lubricated • Copulation – coitus or sexual intercourse • Orgasm - involuntary muscle spasms cause – ejaculation in males – uterine and vaginal contractions in female • Insemination – Release of semen into the vagina Fertilisation • Fertilisation is the fusion of the sperm nucleus with the nucleus of the egg to form a diploid zygote • Occurs in the Fallopian tube, usually at the top near the ovary • Digestive enzymes produced by acrosome in the head of the sperm make an opening in the egg • Once the sperm nucleus enters the egg, the membrane of the egg changes to prevent entry of other sperm. Conception • Implantation is the embedding of the fertilised egg into the lining of the womb • Occurs 6-9 days after fertilisation • Fertilisation followed by implantation is called conception • The embryo then secretes a hormone (hCG) – this prevents the degeneration of the corpus luteum – progesterone continues to be produced – the endometrium is maintained – the menstrual cycle stops Stages to Implantation BIRTH CONTROL • Abortion – the termination of a pregnancy. • Contraception – using methods to prevent fertilisation. Natural contraception • – intercourse is avoided at times in the menstrual cycle when it may result in fertilisation. Body temperature recorded – rises after ovulation. Mucus secreted by cervix – texture changes after ovulation. Past menstrual cycles – rhythm method. Mechanical contraception • – using physical barriers to stop the sperm and egg meeting. Condom – male on penis, female in vagina. Diaphragm – dome shape fitted into vagina before intercourse. Cap – small rigid rubber device, covers cervix. Chemical contraception • – using chemicals to kill sperm or hormones to prevent ovulation. Spermicides – used along with mechanical methods. The ‘Pill’ – oestrogen and progesterone, prevents ovulation Surgical contraception - involves surgery (usually irreversible). Female sterilisation – cutting tying the fallopian tubes. Vasectomy – The vas deferens (sperm duct) is cut. Sperm is not present in the semen. • Early Development of the Zygote • The zygote divides several times to form a ball of cells called the morula • 5 days after fertilisation the morula develops a cavity and further divides to become a blastocyst • The outer cell layer of the blastocyst is the trophoblast which later forms the membranes surrounding the embryo – i.e. the chorion and the amnion • The inner cell mass of the blastocyst later forms the embryo Development of the Blastocyst Embryonic Development • The inner cell mass of the blastocyst forms 3 germ layers • Each germ layer gives rise to different tissues Germ Layer Tissue/Organ Ectoderm Nervous system, epidermis of skin Mesoderm Muscles, skeletal and circulatory system, kidneys. Endoderm Digestive system, liver, pancreas Formation of the Placenta • After implantation, the embryo forms an outer membrane – this is called the chorion – It later forms the placenta along with tissue from the mothers of the endometrium. • Therefore the placenta is formed from the tissue of 2 different individuals, the mother and the embryo The Placenta • Pancake-shaped temporary organ • Contains blood vessels of mother and foetus • Mothers blood and foetal blood do not mix – blood groups may not be compatible – mother’s blood pressure would be too great • Vessels are close enough to allow exchange of materials • Waste is transferred from foetus to mother • Nutrients and antibodies are transferred from mother to foetus Functions of the Placenta 1. Supply of Nutrients 2. Gas exchange – O2 and CO2 3. Production of Hormones 4. Removal of Waste – Urea, CO2 etc. The first 8 weeks • Heart forms and is beating after 4 weeks • By week 5, other internal organs are forming • By week 6, ears, nose, eyes and mouth are distinguishable • By week 8 – ovaries and testes have formed – ossification of cartilage to bone starts to occur • The tail is no longer a feature and we now refer to the embryo as a foetus By 12 weeks • • • • • All major organs are formed Nerves and muscles become co-ordinated Limbs begin to move, the foetus can kick Teeth grow, breathing starts Urinary system begins to work Week 12 to birth • No new organs are formed • Growth and development is rapid • Gestation is the length of time spend in the uterus from fertilisation to birth • Gestation time is 38 weeks from the day of fertilisation https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=-jlPdMKPyZY Hormones during Pregnancy • The corpus luteum produces progesterone and oestrogen during the first 10 weeks • The placenta takes over this role after this • Just before birth – Progesterone production stops – Oestrogen production increases Birth • Stage 1 - Dilation – – – – Cervix dilates to allow passage of the baby Amniotic fluid is released from the amniotic sac Muscular contractions begin The mucus plug in the cervix is lost • Stage 2 - Delivery – Contractions increase as oxytocin levels increase – Baby passes through the birth canal head first • Stage 3 - Placental – Release of the placenta and foetal membrane Lactation • Milk Production by the mammary glands • Colostrum is the first milk produced in the days just after the birth – rich in protein and antibodies (passive natural immunity) • Prolactin is produced – this hormone promotes milk production – progesterone inhibits prolactin secretion during pregnancy Benefits of Breast-feeding • Mother milk is the perfectly balanced source of nutrients for the baby • Contains antibodies which provide natural passive immunity to the baby • Helps the mother recover after the birth by helping the uterus to tighten again • Helps the mother lose fat put on during pregnancy