Sexual Reproduction in Humans
Reproduction is the process of producing new individuals. In human reproduction, the
two sexes, male and female, each produce special types of reproductive cells called
gametes. The male gametes are the sperm and the female gametes are the egg cells.
1. Male Reproductive System
Front view
Side view
● Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
● Scrotum: Sac that holds the testes outside the body to maintain optimal temperature for
sperm production.
● Sperm Ducts (Vas Deferens): Transport sperm from the testes to the urethra.
● Prostate Gland: Secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
● Urethra: Conducts urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
● Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive system.
2. Female Reproductive System
Front view
Side view
● Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and secrete hormones such as oestrogen and
progesterone.
● Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes): Transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus; site of
fertilization.
● Uterus: Nurtures the fertilized egg and supports fetal development.
● Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina; dilates during childbirth.
● Vagina: Receives sperm during intercourse; serves as the birth canal.
3. Structure of a Sperm Cell
● Flagellum: Tail that enables the sperm to swim towards the egg.
● Mitochondria: Provide energy for movement through ATP.
● Acrosome: Contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg.
4. Structure of an Egg Cell
● Energy Stores: Nutrient-rich cytoplasm provides energy for the early development of the
embryo.
● Jelly Coat: Surrounds the egg; changes after fertilization to prevent entry of additional
sperm.
5. Fertilization
● Definition: The fusion of the nuclei from a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete
(egg cell) to form a zygote.
Fertilization and Development
6. Comparison of Male and Female Gametes
● Size: Sperm are much smaller than egg cells.
● Structure: Sperm have a head, midpiece, and tail; egg cells are round and larger.
● Numbers: Millions of sperm are produced daily; females release one egg per menstrual
cycle.
● Motility: Sperm are motile (can move); egg cells are non-motile.
7. Roles of Testosterone and Oestrogen
● Testosterone: Male hormone that stimulates the development of secondary sexual
characteristics such as facial hair, deepening of the voice, and muscle growth.
● Oestrogen: Female hormone that promotes the development of secondary sexual
characteristics such as breast development, widening of hips, and regulation of the
menstrual cycle.
8. Menstrual Cycle
The ovaries release an egg cell about every 4 weeks. In preparation for this the lining of the
uterus wall thickens. This is to enable an embryo to embed itself if the released egg cell is
fertilized. If no embryo implants, the uterus lining breaks down. The cells, along with blood, are
passed out of the vagina. This is called a menstrual period. The appearance of the first
menstrual period is one of the signs of puberty in girls. After menstruation, the uterus lining
starts to re-form and another egg cell starts to mature.
9. Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle
● FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.
● LH (Luteinising Hormone): Triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.
● Oestrogen: Builds up the uterine lining.
● Progesterone: Maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy.
The menstrual Cycle
10. Early Development of the Zygote
● Formation of Embryo: The zygote undergoes cell division to form a ball of cells
(embryo) that implants in the uterine lining.
11. Amniotic Sac and Amniotic Fluid
● Amniotic Sac: Encloses the developing embryo/fetus.
● Amniotic Fluid: Cushions the fetus, maintains temperature, and allows movement.
12. Placenta and Umbilical Cord
● Placenta: Facilitates the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the
mother and fetus.
● Umbilical Cord: Connects the fetus to the placenta; contains blood vessels for nutrient
and waste exchange.
The exchange of substances between the blood of the embryo and the mother
Human embryo, 7 weeks (×1.5). The embryo is surrounded by the amniotic sac. Its limbs, eye
and ear-hole are clearly visible. The amniotic sac is surrounded by the placenta; the
fluffy-looking structures are the placental villi, which are embedded in the lining of the uterus.
The umbilical cord connects the embryo to the placenta
13. Viruses and the Placenta
Some viruses like the rubella virus and HIV can pass across the placenta. Rubella (German
measles), although a mild infection for the mother, can infect the fetus and results in major
health problems. These include deafness, congenital heart disease, diabetes and mental
retardation. HIV is potentially fatal.
Summary Notes:
The male human reproductive system consists of testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate gland,
urethra and penis. Each has a role in reproduction.
The female human reproductive system consists of ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and vagina.
Each has a role in reproduction.
The male reproductive cells (gametes) are sperm. They are produced in the testes and expelled
through the urethra and penis during mating.
The female reproductive cells (gametes) are eggs. They are produced in the ovaries. One is
released each month. If sperm are present, the egg cell may be fertilised as it passes down the
oviduct to the uterus.
Eggs and sperm are different in size, structure, mobility and numbers produced. ✔ Sperm and
eggs have special features to adapt them for their functions. ✔ Fertilisation is the fusion of the
nuclei from a sperm and an egg cell.
The fertilised egg cell (zygote) forms an embryo and becomes embedded in the lining of the
uterus.
The embryo gets its food and oxygen from its mother.
Parts develop to support the fetus.
The embryo’s blood is pumped through blood vessels in the umbilical cord to the placenta,
which is attached to the uterus lining.
The placenta and umbilical cord are involved in the exchange of materials between the mother
and fetus.
Some toxins and viruses can pass across the placenta and affect the fetus. Sexual hormones in
humans.
At puberty, the testes and ovaries start to produce mature gametes and the secondary sexual
characteristics develop.
The hormones testosterone and oestrogen control the development and regulation of secondary
sexual characteristics during puberty.
Each month, the uterus lining thickens up in readiness to receive a fertilised egg cell. If an egg
cell is not fertilised, the lining and some blood are lost through the vagina. This is menstruation.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen and progesterone
control the menstrual cycle.
