egg structure and care

• what is the function of the epididymis in males?

  to store sperm
• what is the function of the vas deferent in males?

  transporting sperm
• what is the function of papillae in males?

  emitting semen into the female cloaca
• what is the function of the male cloaca?

  providing a passageway for digestive and urinary products. also acting as reproductive tract
• before a female reaches sexual maturity, the right ovary and oviduct degenerate.
• what is the function of the infundibulum in females?

  receiving the egg and is where fertilisation takes place
• what is the function of the magnum in females?

  secretes the egg white/albumen, which is layered around the yolk
• what is the function of the isthmus in females?

  where the inner and outer shell membranes are added
• what is the function of the uterus in females?

  secretes the shell and shell pigment
• what is the function of the cloaca in females?

  where the egg and waste products pass out
• the shell is made of calcium carbonate. it is hard and protects the developing chick. it is semi permeable and allow for gas exchange, stopping toxins from entering the egg
• the yolk provides food and nutrition as the embryo forms, the yellow of the egg
• the albumen is the egg white and contains a variety of proteins
• the air cell is a gap located between the shell membranes
• the chalaza is a spiral strand that holds the yolk in the egg white
• the inner and outer shell membranes defend against invading bacteria. they are made up of proteins and lay between the eggshell and albumen
• what are the four embryonic membranes?

  chorion

  amnion

  allantois

  yolk sac
• what is the purpose of the embryonic membranes?

  during development, the embryo receives protection and nourishment from them
• the chorion : surrounds the embryo and allows for gas exchange
• amnion : forms a sack which helps to protect the embryo and help to fold the amniotic fluid which acts as a shock absorber
• allantois : develops a large circulatory system which allows for respiratory, excretory and digestive functions
• yolk sac : has digestive functions as it is used as a food source for the embryo, but is also used by the chick once hatched
• the oviduct is where the egg is developed before it is made.