Science - Third Prelim

• Both sexes have reproductive organs called Genitals or Genitalia designed for the purpose of intercourse and conception.
• Ovaries - produces female sex hormones Estrogen and Progesterone.
• Estrogen – is responsible for the secondary sex characteristics and the sex drive in females. It spurs the onset of puberty and is responsible for ovulation.
• Progesterone – builds up the lining of the uterus called the endometrium in preparation for the fertilized ovum.
• Ovulation – when the egg is released from the ovary. This happens every 28 days.
• Fallopian Tubes (oviducts) – two tubers attached on either side of the uterus. Carries egg cells toward the uterus and sperm cells toward the egg cell.
• The uterus has one main function – to protect and nourish a fetus.
• Cervix – the neck or opening of the uterus.
• Vagina – female organ used for intercourse, it is an empty passageway leading from the vaginal opening to the uterus.
• Hymen – a membrane that surrounds and partially covers the opening of the vagina.
• Urethra – the opening to the bladder
• Clitoris – a small, pea shaped bump at the front of the labia. It contains a small amount of erectile tissue.
• Scrotum – a sac like pouch located behind the penis that holds each testes and helps regulate temperature for sperm production.
• The two testes are small organs that lie in the scrotum and produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.
• Testosterone – this hormone causes secondary sex characteristics, production of sperm and sexual urge.
• Sperm – the microscopic cells produced by the male’s testicles which can fertilize the female’s ovum.
• Epididymis – the structure that forms a mass over the back and upper part of each testes.
• Vas Deferens – two long, thin tubes that serve as a passageway for sperm and a place for sperm storage.
• Seminal Vesicles – secrete a thick fluid that contains nutrients and rich with sugars.
• Prostate Gland – surround the urethra beneath the bladder. The gland secretes a thick, milky alkaline fluid that neutralizes the acid found in the male urethra and the female reproductive tract.
• Cowper’s Gland or Bulbourethral Gland – they secrete a clear, sticky fluid that helps to neutralize the acidity of the urethra.
• Semen – a combination of fluid that is produced in the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s gland. This fluid nourishes and helps sperm move through the urethra.
• Urethra – a dual purpose tube that both semen and urine pass through to leave the body. Semen and urine never mix.
• Penis – the reproductive purpose of the penis is to deposit semen in the vagina during sexual intercourse.
• Ejaculation – during a male’s arousal, spongy, erectile tissues in the penis are filled with blood, causing the penis to become hard, erect and enlarged.
• Somatic Cells (body cells) – any cell that makes up an organism except for reproductive cells.
• Gametes (sex cells) – male or female reproductive cell that contains half the genetic material of the organism.
• Diploid – a cell or organism having two sets of chromosome (2n) or twice the haploid number.
• Haploid – a cell or organism only one complete set of chromosomes (n).