Question

Give the function of the following:

(a) Corpus luteum

(b) Endometrium

(c) Acrosome

(d) Sperm tail

(e) Fimbriae

Answer 1

Humans reproduce sexually. The different reproductive structures present in male and females aid in carrying out the process of reproduction.

Complete answer:

Human reproduction events include the production of gametes, i.e. sperm and ovum, the movement of sperm to the female genital tract, and the fusion of the male and female gametes that results in the formation of zygote. This is accompanied by the formation and development of blastocyst and its implantation, development of the embryo and birth of the baby.

The functions of the given structures are:

(a) Corpus luteum: Corpus luteum is formed by a ruptured Graafian follicle. It produces hormone progesterone, which causes the uterus to thicken ever further in preparation for the implantation of a fertilised egg.

(b) Endometrium: The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. It undergoes cyclical changes during the different stages of the menstrual cycle in order to prepare for embryo implantation.

(c) Acrosome: It is a cap-like elongated haploid nucleus that covers the sperm head. The acrosome is packed with enzymes that serve to fertilise the ovum.

(d) The sperm tail: It is the longest part of the sperm that enables the movement of sperm into the female reproductive tract.

(e) Fimbriae: Fimbriae are finger-like projections at the end of the ovarian tube. They aid in collecting the ovum after ovulation.

Note: Semen is released into the vagina by penis during copulation. The motile sperms swim easily, move through the cervix, penetrate the uterus and finally reach the ampullary area of the fallopian tube. The ovum that the ovary releases is also transferred to the ampullary area where fertilisation takes place.