Chapter Summary
Human Reproduction involves male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, menstrual cycle, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and parturition. This chapter explains reproductive anatomy, physiology, and the developmental stages leading to childbirth.
50 Questions and Answers
The male reproductive organ is the testes, which produce sperms and hormones like testosterone.
The female reproductive organs are the ovaries, which produce ova and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm formation in the testes.
Oogenesis is the process of ovum (egg) formation in the ovary.
The epididymis stores and matures sperms before ejaculation.
Semen is the fluid consisting of spermatozoa and secretions of accessory glands.
Seminal vesicles secrete fructose-rich fluid that provides energy to sperms.
The prostate gland secretes alkaline fluid that neutralizes vaginal acidity and increases sperm motility.
Ovaries produce ova (eggs) and secrete female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Fimbriae are finger-like projections of fallopian tubes that help in capturing the ovum released from the ovary.
It is a cyclic process occurring in females every 28 days involving ovulation, preparation of the endometrium, and menstruation.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for ovulation.
Fertilization is the fusion of male gamete (sperm) and female gamete (ovum) to form a zygote.
Fertilization occurs in the ampullary-isthmic junction of the fallopian tube.
Implantation is the attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall.
The placenta is a temporary organ formed during pregnancy that facilitates nutrient, gas, and waste exchange between mother and fetus.
Chorionic villi are finger-like projections from the trophoblast that help in placenta formation.
Amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus in the amniotic sac and protects it from mechanical shocks.
Gestation period is the duration of pregnancy in humans, approximately 9 months (280 days).
Parturition is the process of childbirth initiated by neuroendocrine mechanisms involving oxytocin.
Progesterone is known as the pregnancy hormone as it maintains the endometrium and supports pregnancy.
Colostrum is the first milk secreted after childbirth, rich in antibodies that provide immunity to the newborn.
Puberty is the period during which reproductive organs mature and secondary sexual characters develop.
Spermiogenesis is the process of transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa (sperms).
Spermiation is the release of mature spermatozoa from Sertoli cells into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.
Sertoli cells provide nourishment to developing sperms in the seminiferous tubules.
Leydig cells are interstitial cells in testes that secrete testosterone.
Corpus luteum is formed from the ruptured Graafian follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone.
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles in women, usually occurring between 45-50 years of age.
Acrosome is a cap-like structure in the sperm head that contains enzymes to penetrate the ovum during fertilization.
Capacitation is the physiological process that sperm undergo to gain the ability to fertilize an ovum.
Morula is the solid ball of cells formed after cleavage of zygote before blastula stage.
Blastocyst is the hollow structure formed after morula stage, which implants in the uterus.
Cleavage is the series of rapid mitotic cell divisions in the zygote without growth between divisions.
Gastrulation is the process in which the blastula reorganizes into a three-layered structure (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm).
Quickening is the first movement of the fetus felt by the mother during pregnancy, usually around 16-20 weeks.
Lactation is the secretion of milk from mammary glands after childbirth.
Prolactin hormone induces lactation.
Oxytocin helps in milk ejection during breastfeeding.
Foetal ejection reflex is the neuroendocrine mechanism that initiates uterine contractions during parturition.
Insemination is the deposition of semen into the female reproductive tract during copulation.
Puberty age in males is around 13-14 years, and in females around 11-13 years.
Fallopian tubes transport the ovum and are the site of fertilization.
Zona pellucida is the glycoprotein layer surrounding the plasma membrane of the oocyte, important for fertilization.
Amnion is the innermost membrane around the embryo that secretes amniotic fluid.
Allantois is an extraembryonic membrane involved in respiration and excretion of the embryo.
Chorion is the outermost extraembryonic membrane that contributes to placenta formation.
The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and transports nutrients and oxygen.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique where amniotic fluid is analyzed to detect genetic disorders.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology where fertilization occurs outside the body in a laboratory.