Chapter 17 - Reproduction in humans

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  • Created by: E456
  • Created on: 28-03-17 10:30

HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

  • The female gametes (eggs) are made in the two ovaries. Leading away from the ovaries are the oviducts (Fallopian tubes). The two oviducts lead to the uterus (womb). 
  • The male gametes (sperm) are made in the two testes. These are outside the body, in two saces of skin called the scrotum. The sperm are carried away from each testis in a tube called the sperm duct. Where the sperm ducts join the urethra, there is a gland called the prostate gland. This maes a fluid which the sperm swim in. 
  • Sperm develop from cells in the walls of the tubules, which divide by meiosis. 

FERTILISATION AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Muscles in the wall of the oviduct also help to move the egg, by peristalsis. 
  • If the egg is not fertilised by a sperm within 8-24 hours after ovulation, it will die. 
  • The fluid containing the sperm is called the semen. 
  • The zygote divides by mitosis. 
  • The placenta is joined to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Inside the cord are two arteries and a vein. The arteries take blood from the fetus into the placenta, and the vein returns the blood to the fetus. 
  • In the placenta are capillaries filled with the fetus's blood. 
  • In the wall of the uterus are large spaces filled with the mother's blood. The fetus's and mother's blood do not mix. 

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