Reproduction
and Development
Mammals:
Homo
sapiens
The following questions
will
help you to review the material from the lecture, the laboratory, as
well
as the text.
-
Describe the anatomy of
the human
male reproductive tract. Make a sketch. Label important structures.
What
is the function of these structures?
-
The prostate gland is
often a
menace for many males. Why?
-
Describe the structure
of the
testis and the epididymis. What are the function/s of these two
structures?
-
"Sperm cells are very
specialized".
True or false? Defend your choice.
-
Describe the composition
of semen.
What is the origin and the role of the different components?
-
When do human males
start to produce
sperms cells? When does the process stop in the life of a man?
-
Describe the process of
spermatogenesis
in the seminiferous tubules.
-
Describe the anatomy of
the human
female reproductive tract. Make a sketch. Label important structures.
What
is the function of these structures?
-
What is the
role/function of the
uterus and the endometrium within the uterus?
-
Describe the process
that occurs
in the ovaries of a female.
-
What is the role of the
hormones
LH and estrogen in the process of ovulation? Where do these two
hormones
originate from?
-
Why are egg cells often
so much
larger than sperm cells?
-
For how long is an egg
viable
after ovulation (i.e. how long is the "window of opportunity" for
fertilization)?
-
Development can often be
viewed
in terms of the following sequence: gamete formation, fertilization,
cleavage,
gastrulation, organogenesis and growth. Briefly explain each component.
-
Can "love" be viewed as
a biological
process? If so, what is its biological purpose? Why did it evolve?
-
After intercourse: for
how long
are sperm cells viable?
-
Where does fertilization
occur?
-
Briefly describe the
process of
fertilization. Can one single sperm cell fertilize an egg cell?
-
What is a zygote? A
blastula?
A gastrula? An embryo? A fetus?
-
How long does it take
before the
embryo implants in the endometrium? What is the purpose of the
implantation
event?
-
Why is the first
trimester of
development such a critical period? What events occur during the last
six
months of gestation?
-
What is the role of the
placenta?
From what tissue/cells does the placenta originate?
-
Does gestation period
among different
mammalian species vary? Give a few examples.
-
Labor is a "positive
feedback"
process. Explain.
-
What is the role of the
hormone
oxytocin in the labor process?
-
How does a woman know
when labor
has started?
-
Is birth a painful
process? Are
there any remedies for such pain?
-
What happens to the
placenta after
the baby is born?
-
Why is it so important
to try
to nurse a baby just after it has been born?
-
Do dolphins and whales
nurse their
young? Why?
-
How does milk
composition vary
among different mammals? Can you explain the observed variation (use an
example)?
-
Summarize:
Briefly describe
the process of development from zygote to a mature baby in the human
species.
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