Higher Human Biology

• What is a somatic cell?

  Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells
• What is a germline cell?

  Leads to the formation of sex cells
• What is a stem cell?

  an unspecialised cell that can differentiate and become any type of human cell or self renew
• What is cell differentiation?

  the process by which unspecialised cells develop into their mature forms and functions (specialised)
• What is an embryonic stem cell?

  Pluripotent, which means it is able to develop into any cell
• What does pluripotent mean?

  Ability of a stem cell to develop into any cell type
• What are tissue stem cells?

  Derived from fetal or adult tissues. These cells sustain turnover and repair throughout life in some tissues
• What does multipotent mean?

  cell with limited potential to develop into many types of differentiated cells according to that particular tissue
• Name 3 therapeutic uses of stem cells

  Skin grafts

  bone marrow transplantation

  repair of damaged corneas
• What is the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells?

  They are required for research purposes, and people don't agree as they have the potential for life
• What is a cancer cell?

  It is an abnormal cell that has uncontrollable growth because it does not respond to regulatory signals
• What is a tumour?


  Mass of abnormally growing cells
• How do cancer cells spread?

  They come loose from a tumour and enter the circulatory system and invade other tissues then "seed" new tumours
• What are the male and female gametes?

  Male- sperm

  Female- ova
• What is the function of the testes?

  Produces sperm
• What is the function of the sperm duct?

  Carries sperm from testes to penis
• What is the function of the prostate gland?

  Secretes a lubricating liquid that aids in the movement of the sperm and contains enzymes
• What is the function of the seminal vesicles?

  Secrete a thick, fructose-rich liquid, which is a sperm energy source, and the hormone prostaglandin, which stimulates contraction
• What function do the seminiferous tubules have?

  They produce sperm
• What function do the interstitial cells have?


  They produce testosterone
• What does FSH stand for and what is it's function in males?

  Follicle stimulating hormone - Promotes sperm production from germline cells in seminiferous tubules
• What does ICSH stand for and what is it's function?

  Interstitial cell stimulating hormone - Found between seminiferous tubules and stimulates the interstitial cells production of testosterone
• What is the function of Testosterone?

  Stimulates sperm production and promotes secondary sexual characteristics
• What is negative feedback in male gamete production?

  When there are high levels of testosterone, production of FSH and ICSH are inhibited, the testosterone levels decrease, and when levels are too low anterior pituitary releases FSH and ICSH again
• What is the anterior pituitary?

  The anterior pituitary gland produces hormones and releases them into the bloodstream
• Where are ova produced?

  In the ovaries by meiosis of germline cells
• What surrounds the ova and what is it's function?

  Graafian Follicule - Protects the ova and produces oestrogen
• What happens to the follicule after ovulation?

  The Graafian Follicule turns into a corpus luteum and secretes progesterone
• What is the corpus luteum?

  A gland-like structure that secretes progesterone
• What does FSH stand for and what is it's function in females?

  Follicule stimulating hormone - stimulates development and maturation of the Graafian Follicule and stimulates production of oestrogen
• What does LH stand for and what is it's function?

  Lutenising Hormone - triggers ovulation and brings about development of corpus luteum also stimulates production of progesterone
• What is the function of oestrogen?


  Stimulates cell proliferation (cell division) of endometrium and stimulates secretion of LH
• What is the endometrium?

  The lining of the uterus
• What is the function of progesterone?

  Promotes thickening of endometrium and inhibits secretion of FSH
• What is the menstrual cycle?

  The interaction of the female gonadrophic and sex hormones
• How long does the menstrual cycle last?

  28 days on average
• What is the first stage of the menstrual cycle?

  The follicular phase
• What hormones are involved in the first stage of the menstrual cycle and what are their purposes?

  FSH- stimulates development of the follicle which then produces:

  Oestrogen- stimulates repair proliferation of the endometrium which brings about a surge in:

  LH - Which results in ovulation
• What happens during ovulation?

  Wall of follicule ruptures and the egg is released and the egg is swept along oviduct by cilia. The egg only lasts 3-4 days and if no fertilisation occurs then the egg degenerates.
• What is the second stage of the menstrual cycle?

  The Luteal phase