Gametes
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The only cells in the human body
that are not made through the
process of mitosis are ______.
Sperm & Ovum
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In sexually reproducing organisms, some
cells are able to divide by another method
called meiosis. This type of cell division
results in the production of gametes (eggs
or sperm). Meiosis is much more complex
than mitosis. Whereas mitosis involves the
duplication and subsequent division of
chromosomes, meiosis involves two
divisions of genetic material.
Vocabulary
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zy·gote - the cell produced by the union of two gametes,
before it undergoes cleavage.
gam·ete - a mature sexual reproductive cell, as a sperm
or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new
organism.
cleav·age - the act of cleaving or splitting.
blas·to·cyst - the blastula of the mammalian embryo,
consisting of an inner cell mass, a cavity, and an outer
layer, the trophoblast.
troph·o·blast - the layer of extra embryonic ectoderm
that chiefly nourishes the embryo or develops into fetal
membranes with nutritive functions.
The Female
Reproduction System
Female
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Functions
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Produce an ovum (egg cell)
When united with sperm produces a fertilized
ovum
External Reproductive Organs
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Called the vulva
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Clitoris, mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
and vaginal opening
External
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Mons pubis – rounded fatty pad of tissue, covered
with pubic hair, located in front on top of the pubic
bone
Labia majora – outer fold of tissue on either side of
the vaginal opening, also cover with pubic hair
Labia minora – inner folds of skin, this forms a hood
like covering over the clitoris
The labia serve as a line protection against pathogens
and also have a function in sexual arousal
Vaginal Opening
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Hymen – thin membrane that stretches across
the vaginal opening
Clitoris – small knob of tissue in the front of
the vaginal opening, important in producing
sexual arousal.
Internal Female Reproduction
Organs
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Vagina – elastic, tube like passageway. Birth canal
Cervix – neck of the uterus, during childbirth the
cervix dilates to allow the passage of the baby
Uterus – strong, elastic muscle about the size of a fist,
Main Function – hold and nourish the developing
embryo and fetus
Fallopian Tubes – tubes on each side of the uterus
Ovaries – female sex gland situated on both sides of
the uterus at the end of the fallopian tubes, House the
ova and produce the female sex hormones estrogen
and progesterone.
Ovulation
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The process of releasing one mature ovum
each month into that ovary’s fallopian tube is
called ovulation
The ovum can live for two days in the
fallopian tubes
At this time one sperm will enter the ovum and
fertilize the egg
Menstruation
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If an ovum is not fertilized, or if the fertilized ovum
does not attach to the uterine wall, the uterine lining
is not needed
The muscle of the uterine contact, causing the lining
to gradually break down
The lining passes through the cervix into the vagina
and out of the vagina opening
The process of shedding the lining of the uterus
4 to 7 days ( 3 or 9 days )
Varies from female to female
Menstrual Period
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Abdominal cramps
2-3 tablespoons of blood
The rest is other tissues that make up the lining
The cycle repeats itself
10-15 years of age
Menopause – the ceasing of menstruation, 4550
Methods of Predicting Ovulation
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Calendar or Rhythm Method
Basel Body Temperature Method
Sympto-thermal Method
Ovulation Method
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Menstrual Cycle
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Rhonda
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December 25th first day of menstrual flow
December 31st last day of menstrual flow
January 11th mid point of woman’s cycle (January
9th-13th possible ovulation)
January 30th first day of new cycle
Concerns about the Female
Reproductive System
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PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome, two weeks
before or just several days
Symptoms – nervous tension, anxiety,
irritability, bloating, weight gain, depression,
mood swings, and fatigue
Concerns
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Dysmenorrhea – painful contractions, lasting for
days, avoid aspirin
Amenorrhea – lack of a menstrual cycle, a 16 year old
female who has never had a period or one that is
discontinued for over three months
Toxic Shock Syndrome – caused by a bacterial
infection, most cases have been traced to the use of a
super-absorbent tampons which provide an oxygen
rich environment for the bacteria
Vaginitis – vaginal infection which is common, yeast
infection is one example
Concerns
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Sterility –
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Blockage of fallopian tubes
Female does not ovulate
Endometriosis – endometrial tissue grows outside
the uterus areas of the pelvic cavity
Untreated STD’s (Gonorrhea or Chlamydia)
Concerns
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Breast Cancer – Most common form of cancer in
women
Cervical Cancer – Pap smear to detect, but a pap
smear will not detect STD’s
Ovarian Cancer –
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Lining of the ovary
In the egg-making cells in the ovary
Only known risk is a family history of ovarian cancer, two
or more close relatives should seek professional guidance