Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Reproduction notes!

On Tuesday we went all the way through structure/function of the Reproductive System.

As humans we have 2 versions of the reproductive system. What is reproduction in humans? - Reproduction is carried out by living organisms to continue the species. Can be asexual (what is this?) or sexual (using male and female gametes).

What are gametes? - Gametes are the sex cells of the reproductive systems. Each one contains 1/2 of the genetics from mom and dad. These gametes combine to create a new person!

Female Gamete = Ovum (Ova - plural). Develops/Matures in the ovaries. A female is born with all the immature ova she will ever have.

Male Gamete = Sperm. Only 1 sperm can fertilize an egg. Produced and develops in the testes. Males make sperm through much of their lives.




Sex Organs      Male=Testes                                   Female=Ovaries
Gametes          Male=Sperm                                   Female=Ovum
Sex Hormone  Male=Predominately Testosterone   Female=Predominately Estrogen

What are hormones?  Hormones are chemical messengers that are made in 1 location but used in another location.
Sex hormones are made in the gonads and sent to the whole body. BUT only some parts of the body will respond. Puberty is the brain deciding to make/pick up on these signals. At puberty, testosterone or estrogen are are sent to the body to tell gonads to make mature sperm or ova. These hormones also cause the manifestation of secondary sex characteristics

Male=facial hair, voice changes, muscle mass       Female=hips, breasts, hair




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