Gamete Production

• Corpus luteum


  Formed from a follicle after ovulation; produces progesterone
• Endocrine gland


  Gland that produces and releases hormones
• Endometrium


  Inner lining of the uterus
• Follicle


  A cluster of cells in the ovary that matures to release an ovum
• Gamete


  Sex cell containing the haploid chromosome number
• Hormone


  Protein released by an endocrine gland into the bloodstream; acts as a chemical messenger
• Interstitial cells


  Cells in the testes found between the seminiferous tubules; produce testosterone
• Oestrogen


  Hormone produced by the follicle containing ovum, that stimulates proliferation of the endometrium, preparing it for implantation. Also repairs endometrium post-menstruation
• Ovaries


  Female sex organs which produce ova
• Oviduct


  Tube connecting ovary to uterus; where fertilisation occurs
• Ovulation


  Release of ovum from mature follicle into oviduct
• Progesterone


  Hormone produced by the ovary that thickens and vascularises the endometrium
• Prostate gland


  Produces fluid that contains enzymes to keep semen at the right consistency for sperm to swim efficiently
• Seminal vesicles


  Produce fluid that contributes to the composition of semen
• Seminiferous tubules


  Narrow tubes in the testes where sperm is produced
• Testes


  Male sex organs which produce sperm
• Testosterone


  Steroid hormone produced by interstitial cells
• Zygote


  Fertilised egg cell
• Sexual reproduction involves the fusing together of two sex cells called GAMETES
• Gametes are produced from GERMLINE cells in the testes and ovaries and are haploid
• Haploid


  Contains one set of chromosomes
• The fusion of the two gamete nuclei is known as FERTILISATION and the resulting cell is known as the ZYGOTE
• Somatic body cells are diploid, while germline cells undergo meiosis to form haploid gametes
• The seminiferous tubules unite to form the coiled tubes (epididymis) that connect to the sperm duct
• Interstitial cells


  Cells between the seminiferous tubules that produce the male sex hormone TESTOSTERONE
• The testosterone produced is released straight into the bloodstream
• The female gametes, called OVA, are produced in the OVARIES
• Oviduct (fallopian tube)


  Funnel shaped opening near the ovary, where ova pass after release from the ovary
• Uterus (womb)


  Has walls of smooth (involuntary) muscle and glandular lining called the ENDOMETRIUM
• Females are born with all of their eggs (in immature form)
• Follicle


  Surrounds and protects the ovum, has an endocrine role and produces the hormone OESTROGEN
• Ovulation


  The release of a mature ovum from the follicle into the oviduct
• Corpus luteum


  Develops from the follicle after ovulation and releases the hormone PROGESTERONE
• Oestrogen


  Stimulates proliferation (growth) of the endometrium, preparing it for implantation. Also stimulates endometrial proliferation post-menstruation
• Progesterone


  Promotes further development and vascularisation (formation of blood vessels) of the endometrium, preparing it for possible implantation