Grade 8 human reproduction
42 important questions on Grade 8 human reproduction
What happens in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
- Matured egg follicle releases an egg
- Uterus preparation begins
- Starts another pregnancy preparation
What event begins the menstrual cycle in females?
- Begins with puberty
- Continues until late 40s
- Menopause may occur
What occurs during the ovulatory phase?
- Mid-cycle phase
- Ovulation takes place (days 13-17)
- End of follicular phase defines fertilization period
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What is an egg cell?
- A female gamete.
- Contains nucleus, cytoplasm.
- Surrounded by cell membrane.
- Has follicle cells and zone pellucida.
How long does each menstrual cycle last?
- Approximately 28 days
- Starts with uterine lining shedding
Describe the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle.
- Post-ovulation phase
- Fate of corpus luteum decided
- Fertilization: pregnancy starts; otherwise, cycle restarts
What are the main functions of the female reproductive system?
- Make egg cells (ova)
- Allow fertilization
- Provide embryo nourishment
What is a sperm cell?
- A male gamete.
- Contains nucleus, acrosome.
- Has mitochondria.
- Tail/flagellum for movement.
What happens during the menstrual phase?
- Uterus lining prepared for implantation sheds
- Lasts 3 to 5 days
What is the pathway of sperm from the testes to outside the penis?
- Starts at the testes.
- Moves through the sperm duct.
- Passes into the urethra.
- Exits via the penis.
What is the function of the vagina?
- Canal joining the cervix to the body’s exterior
How many male sperm cells are involved in reproduction?
- Millions are released.
What occurs if the egg is not fertilized?
- Uterus lining and unfertilized ovum shed
- Begins the menstrual cycle
What are key characteristics of the ova?
- Largest cells in the body
- Ova number predetermined at birth
- Released monthly from puberty
What is the size comparison of male sperm in the human body?
- Sperm are the smallest cells.
- Meant for fertilization.
What role does the cervix play?
- Connects the vagina and uterus
- Produces mucus
How many female egg cells are involved in reproduction?
- Only one egg.
What controls the menstrual cycle processes?
- Controlled by various hormones
- Prepares body for childbirth and motherhood
How often do ovaries release an ovum?
- Once a month on day 14 of the cycle
- Alternate production each month
What is the role of the male reproductive system?
- Make sperm cells
- Deliver to female body
- Facilitate fertilization
What are the main parts of a sperm cell?
- Head: Acrosome & nucleus
- Middle piece: Mitochondria
- Tail: Flagellum
Describe the uterus and its functions.
- Hollow, pear-shaped organ
- Expands during fetal development
- Endometrial lining for menstruation
What is the size comparison between sperm and egg cells?
- Sperm: 5μm, very small.
- Egg: Very large.
What happens during days 1-7 of the menstrual cycle?
- Menstruation occurs
- Uterus lining breaks down
What is the function of the penis in the male reproductive system?
- Male sex organ
- Transfers sperm to female
What is the function of the acrosome in sperm?
- Contains digestive enzymes for fertilization.
What is the function of the fallopian tube?
- Tube for ova travel from ovaries to uterus
How many mitochondria are in sperm cells?
- Sperm: 100-200,000 mitochondria.
What is the role of the uterine lining during the cycle?
- Thickens to receive and nourish embryo
- Prepares for pregnancy
What is the scrotum and its function?
- A sac or pouch of skin
- Holds the testes externally
How are millions of sperm produced daily?
- Puberty triggers production in testes.
- 500 million every 24 hours.
Describe the function of the ovary.
- Secretes hormones (oestrogen, progesterone)
- Produces egg cells (ova)
How many mitochondria are in egg cells?
- Egg: 75-100 mitochondria.
Describe the stages between days 8-11 of the cycle.
- Womb lining thickens
- Prepares for the egg
What is produced in the testes?
- Testosterone
- Sperm cells
Why is sperm highly sensitive?
- Sensitive to temperature and pH.
- Requires ideal conditions to fertilize.
What is a special feature of sperm cells?
- Outer jelly coat for protection.
Describe the function of the vas deferens.
- Tube for transporting sperm
- Sperm moves to the urethra
Why do testes hang outside the body in the scrotum?
- To keep sperm at optimum temperature for viability.
What is a special feature of egg cells?
- Tail for propulsion.
Describe the stage from days 18-25 of the cycle.
- If no implantation, the womb lining fades away
What is the role of the urethra in the male reproductive system?
- Tube for sperm ejaculation
- Transports urine and sperm
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