*Human
Reproduction/
Purpose of reproduction
o Ensure that individuals produce offspring and the species survive
o Sperm cells (male) and egg cells/ova (female) – gametes
o Gametes fuse during fertilisation to form a zygote
Puberty
o Prepares your body for reproduction
o Controlled by chemicals – hormones (released by pituitary gland)
o Pituitary gland release hormones that stimulate reproductive organs to
release sex hormones:
• Testes – testosterone
• Ovaries – oestrogen
Secondary sexual characteristics
Males Females
Hair grows on face, under arms, Hair grows under arms and in pubic
pubic area area
Grow taller Grow taller
Muscles enlarge Breast develop
Voice deepens Hips widen
Testes and penis enlarge Menstruation starts
Male reproductive organs
1. Testes: produce testosterone and sperm cells
Seminiferous tubules produce sperm cells
Cells of Leydig / interstitial cells produce testosterone
2. Scrotum: the skin that holds the testes away from the body so that
the temperature can be 2-3º C lower for proper sperm production
L/S IS
S T
TE
3. Epididymis: stores sperm until mature
4. Sperm duct (vas deferens) – propels sperm forward from testes to penis
5. Urethra: transport urine and semen out of the body
C/S SEMINIFEROUS TUBULE
SERTOLI: provide nutrients for developing sperm cell
6. Prostate gland: secretes fluid that contains:
o citric acid – provides energy for sperm
o an alkaline fluid – protects sperm against acid environment in the
vagina
7. Seminal vesicles: secrete a liquid that contains fructose that provides
energy
for sperm to swim
8. Cowper’s gland: secretes a fluid that neutralise any acidity in the
9. urethra
Foreskin is the protective skin covering the glans: sometimes removed –
circumcision
o Semen is sperm cells mixed with fluid secreted by the prostate
gland/seminal vesicles
Female reproductive organs
1. Ovaries: produce ova and oestrogen
2. Fallopian tubes(oviduct): carries the ovum to the uterus AND
fertilisation takes place here
3. Uterus: where baby develops. Lined with the endometrium
4. Endometrium: vascular lining of the uterus that is shed during
menstruation AND where embryo implants if fertilisation occurred
5. Cervix: bottom 2 cm of the uterus that needs to stretch during
childbirth
6. Vagina: birth canal
Stages of reproduction
1. Ovulation – release of an egg cell on ± day 14 of the menstrual cycle
2. Thickening of the endometrium – more vascular to prepare for
implantation
3. Menstruation – if fertilisation did not occur the endometrium will
break down and pass out of the body together with the unfertilised
egg cell through the vagina – menstruation (having a period).
Menstrual cycle ± 28 days
4. Copulation – sexual intercourse (release of semen = ejaculation)
5. Fertilisation – fusing of a egg cell and a sperm cell
6. Pregnancy – time from fertilisation until birth = gestation period
a) 9 months/40 weeks/280 days
Pregnancy
• Fertilised egg – zygote embryo foetus
• Implantation – the embryo attach to the endometrium
• A sac – called the amnion – forms around foetus
• Amnion secretes amniotic fluid:
Protects foetus against mechanical shocks / temperature
changes / dehydration
• Placenta – disc shaped structure forming in uterus that connects
to the foetus with the umbilical cord
Acts as a filter – prevent certain harmful substances from
reaching the foetus
Provide nutrients and oxygen to foetus
Removes waste products from foetus
NB – mother’s blood and blood from foetus never mix
Substances that can harm the foetus:
Nicotine in cigarettes will slow down growth in the baby
• Babies often smaller and develop slower
Alcohol can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in baby
• Causes brain damage and stunted growth
Preventing pregnancy
Ways to prevent pregnancy is called: Contraception
Contraceptives work by:
Preventing sperm from reaching the egg (Barrier methods)
• Male or female condom /diaphragm / cervical cap
Preventing ovulation
• Contraceptive pill or injection contains hormones that prevents the
release of an egg cell
Preventing implantation
• IUD
• NB: vasectomy – vas deference is cut / tied
Health issues
Infertility
Inability to have children after regular unprotected sex
Male or female or both
Male could produce abnormal sperm/too little sperm
Female might not produce viable egg cells
Following factors might play a role:
• Age
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight
• STI’s
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Alcohol can cross placenta and lead to stunted growth and
mental development
Leads to:
• Brain damage
• Psychological and behavioural problems
• Kids tend to have poor memory / attention problems /
impulsive behaviour
Sexually transmitted infections (STI’S)
Transmitted through sexual contact an body fluids
Examples:
HIV/AIDS
- cannot be cured
- can take anti-retroviral medication (ARV’s) to slow down the
replication of the virus
Gonorrhoea and syphilis
- caused by bacteria
- treated with antibiotics
- symptoms include:
unpleasant discharge / painful urination / sores on genitals
