Describe how the mammalian female reproductive system is adapted to performing its functions. (20 mks)

-
Describe how the mammalian female reproductive system is adapted to performing its functions. (20 mks)
-Have ovarian, suspensory and mesovarian ligaments; that hold the ovaries in place.
-Have ovaries; the primary gamete producing  organs of a female.
Ovaries have many latent Graafian follicles with a potential of developing to female reproductive cells and to form corpus luteum which secretes progesterone.
-Have fallopian (uterine) tubes ie oviducts; which receive ovulated oocytes and provide sites for fertilization to occur.
-The funnel/ infindibulum; is an open funnel-shaped structure extending from the fallopian tubes. It bears ciliated finger-like projections called fimbriae that drape over the ovary and guide the oocytes to the oviducts.
-The walls of the fallopian tubes consists of circular and longitudinal layers of smooth muscles; whose rhythmic contractions propel the oocytes/ova by peristalsis towards the uterus.
-The thick highly folded mucosa of oviducts have dense microvilli; and produce a secretion that keeps the oocyte (and sperm if present) moist and nourished.
-Have the uterus, a hollow, thick-walled organ that functions to receive, retain and nourish the fertilized egg.
-The middle layer of the uterus, myometrium, consists of interlacing bundles of smooth muscles
which contract and relax rhythmically during childbirth to force the baby outside the mothers body.
-The innermost layer of the uterine wall, the endometrium, which becomes thickened with blood vessels, forming sites for implantation of the embryo should fertilization occur.
-The vagina, a thin-walled fibromuscular tube, (8-10cm long); provides passageway for delivery of an infant (birth canal) and for menstrual flow.
-The vagina also receives the penis (and semen) during sexual intercourse, hence is also the females' organ of copulation.
-The vaginal mucosa (outer lining) is a stratified squamous epithelium adapted to withstand friction abrasion.
-Have cervical mucus glands or vestibular glands outside the vagina secrete mucus which lubricates the vaginal lining, especially prior to copulation.
-The mucosal cells of the vagina store a lot of glycogen, which is anaerobically metabolized to lactic acid by resident bacteria. Consequently the pH of the vagina is normally quite acidic (PH 3.5-4); and this helps keep the vagina healthy and free of infections.
Note: -However this acidity is also hostile to sperms.
-Have clitoris, a small protruding structure, composed of erectile tissue to facilitate sexual arousal of the female prior to or during sexual intercourse.
(20 marks)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DESCRIBE THE ADAPTATIONS OF THE ILEUM TO ITS FUNCTION (20 MARKS)

-
Has secretory glands/crypts of lieberkuhn which secretes enzymes (maltase/sucrase/lactase/peptidase/lipase to complete digestion of sugars/proteins/lipids. Goblet cells secrete mucus which allows for smooth movement of food and protect wall of ileum from action of digestive enzymes Very long to provide large surface area for absorption. Highly folded/coiled to slow movement of food to allow more time for digestion/absorption/ and to increase surface area for absorption. Has numerous villi which increase surface area for absorption/microvilli which further increase surface area for absorption. Ileum wall/villi have thin epithelium which is only one cell thick to reduce distance over which digested food has to diffuse. Villi are highly vascularised/have a rich network of blood capillaries for rapid transport from small intestines and maintain a steep concentration gradient for rapid absorption. Villi have lacteals for absorption of fatty acids and glycerol Cells of ileum wall h...
Read more

KCSE 2010 Q8. Describe how a finned fish such as Tilapia moves in water. (20 marks)

-
The following describes how  a finned fish such as Tilapia moves in water . v       Water is denser than air. The density of water supports fish and provides a medium in which it swims. v       It has a streamlined body; reducing resistance, thus easily swims in the water. v       The scales overlap pointing backwards allowing water to pass over the fish without obstruction. Mucus is also secreted over the scales reducing friction during movement. v       They have a flexible backbone onto which segments of muscle blocks, myotomes, are attached. The muscles contract and relax bringing about undulating movements. v       The fish have fins that help in steering and balancing fish during swimming. v       The pectoral and pelvic fins are paired. They are used for braking, steering and v   ...
Read more

Explain how structures of the human ear are adapted to their functions. (20 marks)

-
Image
The pinna;- is funnel shaped to trap sound waves; cartilaginous to maintain the funnel shape; collects and directs sound waves into the external auditory meatus ear; The external auditory canal; - a tube connected to the pinna that directs sound waves from the pinna to the eardrum lining the auditory canal; has hair that trap foreign particles; The canal contains wax-secreting cells; and hair which traps dust particles; and pathogenic bacteria hence prevent them from getting into the ear; The eardrum; - has a thin tough membrane; that easily vibrates when hit by sound waves; transferring them into vibrations. The ear ossiscles; - they act like a layer and they easily move forward and backward to amplify sound vibrations that hit them; The suspensory ligaments; - suspends the ear ossicles and prevents excessive vibration that would otherwise damage the inner parts of the ear; The eustachian tube - it connects the middle ear with the pharynx; and it equalises air pressure between...
Read more