Human Reproduction

Question 1

Name the gamete produced in males.

Answer 1

Sperm cell.

Question 2

Function of the testes?

Answer 2

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Question 3

Function of the epididymis?

Answer 3

Stores and matures sperm, sperm gain ability to ‘swim’.

Question 4

Function of the vas deferens?

Answer 4

Transports sperm from testes to urethra.

Question 5

Function of the prostate gland?

Answer 5

Secretes alkaline fluid to nourish/protect sperm.

Question 6

Name the gamete produced in females.

Answer 6

Ovum (egg cell).

Question 7

Function of the ovaries?

Answer 7

Produce ova, oestrogen, progesterone.

Question 8

Function of the oviduct (fallopian tube)?

Answer 8

Site of fertilisation; transports ovum to uterus.

Question 9

Function of the uterus?

Answer 9

Site of implantation, foetal development.

Question 10

Function of the cervix?

Answer 10

Connects uterus to vagina; dilates during birth, allowing the baby to pass through.

Question 11

Where does spermatogenesis occur?

Answer 11

Seminiferous tubules of testes.

Question 12

End products of spermatogenesis?

Answer 12

4 motile sperm cells.

Question 13

Where does oogenesis occur?

Answer 13

Ovaries.

Question 14

End products of oogenesis?

Answer 14

1 ovum + polar bodies.

Question 15

What hormone stimulates development of the follicle?

Answer 15

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

Question 16

What hormone triggers ovulation?

Answer 16

LH (luteinising hormone).

Question 17

Role of oestrogen?

Answer 17

Thickens endometrium; inhibits FSH; stimulates LH surge.

Question 18

Role of progesterone?

Answer 18

Maintains endometrium for pregnancy; inhibits FSH & LH.

Question 19

What happens if fertilisation does not occur?

Answer 19

Progesterone drops → endometrium sheds (menstruation).

Question 20

Where does fertilisation occur?

Answer 20

Fallopian tube.

Question 21

Define implantation.

Answer 21

Attachment of blastocyst to endometrium.

Question 22

Function of placenta?

Answer 22

Nutrient/gas exchange, hormone secretion, waste removal.

Question 23

Function of amniotic fluid?

Answer 23

Cushions foetus, maintains temperature.

Question 24

Hormone that maintains pregnancy in early weeks?

Answer 24

HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin).

Question 25

What hormones trigger birth?

Answer 25

Oxytocin + relaxin.

Question 26

Give 2 examples of hormonal contraception.

Answer 26

Pill (oestrogen/progesterone), injection, implant.

Question 27

Give 2 examples of barrier contraception.

Answer 27

Condom, diaphragm.

Question 28

How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?

Answer 28

Prevents implantation of fertilised egg.

Question 29

Define infertility.

Answer 29

Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Question 30

Give 2 causes of infertility.

Answer 30

Low sperm count, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance.

Question 31

Give 2 treatments for infertility.

Answer 31

IVF, fertility drugs, surgery.

Question 32

Give one bacterial STI and its treatment.

Answer 32

Gonorrhoea → antibiotics.

Question 33

Give one viral STI and why it is difficult to treat.

Answer 33

HIV → no cure, affects immune system.

Question 34

Name two ways to reduce risk of STIs.

Answer 34

Condoms, abstinence, regular testing.

Question 35

(2024 May) Why does progesterone drop at the end of a cycle if no fertilisation occurs?

Answer 35

Corpus luteum breaks down, stopping progesterone secretion.

Question 36

(2023 May) Explain how oestrogen and progesterone work together to regulate the cycle.

Answer 36

Oestrogen thickens endometrium; progesterone maintains it. Both inhibit FSH/LH to prevent new follicles.

Question 37

(2022 Nov) Why are twins more common when fertility drugs are used?

Answer 37

Drugs overstimulate ovaries → release multiple ova.

Question 38

(2021 Nov) Suggest how blocked fallopian tubes cause infertility.

Answer 38

Sperm and ovum cannot meet for fertilisation.