The Reproductive System
Chapter 10
Exploring Science 3rd Edition
Ms. O’Rourke
Aims and objectives
Use wall charts or other illustrative diagrams
to identify and locate the main parts of the
male and female reproductive systems.
Be able to draw and label the diagrams of
the male and female reproductive system
Give the function of each labeled part.
Why do humans reproduce?
Why does reproduction occur?
 Reproduction is the production of new individuals and is
one of the seven characteristics of life.
 Reproduction is very important for the continuity of life.
 Without reproduction species would become extinct.
Human Reproduction
 Humans reproduce sexually.
 Sexual reproduction involves two parents. Each parent
produces sex cells (Gametes)
 Male gametes are called sperm
 Female gametes are called eggs
 In sexual reproduction, the nucleus from a sperm joins
with the nucleus from an egg ( Fertilisation ).
Fertilisation & Pregnancy
 Fertilisation results in the formation of a single cell called
a zygote.
 During pregnancy the zygote grows in the uterus (womb)
of the mother to form an embryo.
 As the embryo grows and develops the embryo is then
called a foetus.
 An embryo or foetus is a baby when fully developed.
 At birth the foetus or fully developed baby passes out of
the uterus.
Fertilisation diagram
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56ZrHcVCQQ
When do humans start to reproduce?
 Humans start to reproduce when they reach
puberty.
Puberty
Puberty is the process of physical changes by
which a child's body matures into an adult body
where they are then capable of sexual
reproduction to enable fertilisation. It is initiated
by hormonal signals from the brain to the organs
that produce sex cells; the ovaries in a girl,
the testes in a boy.
Definitions
Reproduction: is the production of new
individuals.
Puberty: The young age at which young
people reach sexual maturity.
The Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is made up of many
parts:
 The testis (plural testes)
 Scrotum
 Sperm duct
 Penis
Functions
The testis (plural testes) is the male’s organ that produces
sex cell.(__________)
Male gametes are the_________.
Testes develop inside the body at first but a few weeks
before birth they descend into the scrotum( like a sac
outside the body).
Testes are kept slightly lower than body temperature(35°C)
which is the ideal temperature for sperm production.
The testes start to make sperm between the
ages of 12 and 14.
This is the age of sexual maturity in boys
(puberty).
Sperm male sex cells are tiny and are
produced in huge numbers by the testes.
Scrotum: The scrotum is a sac that holds the testes.
Allows temperature to be kept just lower than body
temperature. Allows sperm to be made
successfully.
Sperm Duct: Two sperm ducts carry sperm to the
(urethra) from the testes. Glands beside the sperm
ducts produce a liquid (seminal fluid).
The mixture of sperm and seminal fluid is called semen.
The urethra is responsible for carrying sperm and urine out
of the body.
Penis: Sperm ducts join to the urethra.
Sperm passes through this tube which is
located in the centre of the penis.
The penis allows semen or sperm pass out
of the male body and into the female body.
Secondary Characteristics
Other changes that take place in the male body during
puberty include:
 Rapid growth spurt ( weight, height, muscle & bone
mass)
 Enlargement of the penis and testes.
 The deepening of the voice (“voice breaking” increase in
size of the larynx)
 The growth of hair on the body (facial hair, pubic hair and
body hair)
The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is made up of
many parts:
 Ovary (plural ovaries)
 Fallopian tube(s)
 Uterus
 Cervix
 Vagina
Functions
Ovaries produce eggs (the female sex
cells(__________)) and hormones.
The ovaries start to make eggs at puberty.
Occurs between the ages of 10 and 13 in
girls. All eggs in an ovary are present at
birth.
Eggs are larger than a sperm cell.
Normally, one egg is formed each month in
the female body.
Egg production starts at puberty and ends
at about 50 years of age. This stage is
called the menopause (when females stop
producing eggs).
An egg
Fallopian tubes: The fallopian tube collects the egg
from the ovary and carries it to the uterus.
If sperm are present, one of them may join with the
egg in the fallopian tube. If there are no sperm
present, the egg dies.
The uterus (womb): The uterus (womb) is the
place in which a baby (or embryo) will develop.
It is approximately the size of your fist.
The lining thickens each month with cells and
blood vessels to nourish the embryo.
Cervix: The cervix is the opening or neck of
the uterus. Sperm passes through the cervix
in order to reach an egg.
The cervix separates the uterus from the
vagina.
Vagina: The vagina is a muscular tube into
which the penis releases sperm. It forms the
birth canal when the baby passes down the
vagina at childbirth.
Secondary Characteristics
Other changes that take place in the female body
during puberty include:
 The growth of the pelvis, breasts, vagina and
uterus
 The growth of hair on parts of the body.
 Growth spurt.
Male and female Hormones
Male hormone: testosterone responsible for the
development of primary and secondary male
sexual characteristics.
Female hormones:
Oestrogen and Progesterone a combination
of both hormones are responsible for the
development of the secondary female
characteristics.
Homework
Q1-Q5 page 83
Be able to draw the reproductive system
diagrams and be able to name the parts
and function for test next double
class.