Human Reproductive
System
SC.912.L.16.13
Describe the basic
anatomy and physiology
of the human
reproductive system.
Describe the process of
human development from
fertilization to birth and
major changes that occur
in each trimester of
pregnancy.
What do I need to know?
 how the following structures
function in the female reproductive
system: ovaries, oviduct (fallopian
tube), uterus, cervix, and vagina.
 how the following structures
function in the male reproductive
system: testes, scrotum,
epididymis, vas deferens, seminal
vesicle, prostate gland, urethra,
and penis.
 summarize the major changes that
occur during each trimester of
human development
Female Reproductive System
OVARIES
1. The ovaries produce the
female gonads, or eggs.
2. Ovaries also produce
estrogen which maintains
secondary sexual
characteristics.
Female Reproductive System
FALLOPIAN TUBES
1. The fallopian tubes (also
known as the oviducts)
allow passage of the egg
from the ovary to the
uterus.
2. This is where fertilization
occurs.
Female Reproductive System
UTERUS
1. The uterus is a hollow,
pear-shaped organ where
implantation of the
blastocyst and fetal
development takes place.
2. One end, the cervix, opens
into the vagina, while the
other is connected to
the fallopian tubes.
Female Reproductive System
CERVIX
1. The cervix is the lower,
narrow portion of the
uterus where it joins with
the top end of the vagina.
2. The cervix has an opening
to allow sperm and
menstrual fluid to move
through.
Female Reproductive System
VAGINA
1. The vagina is a hollow
muscular organ that joins
the cervix to the outside of
the body.
2. The vaginal walls are lined
in a mucus membrane for
protection and to keep it
moist.
3. Receives sperm
Male Reproductive System
TESTES
1. The testes produce
the male gametes, or
sperm.
2. Testes also produce
testosterone which
maintains secondary
sexual characteristics.
Male Reproductive System
SCROTUM
1. The scrotum is a
pouch-like structure
that hangs behind the
penis.
2. It holds and protects
the testes.
3. It also contains
numerous nerves and
blood vessels.
Male Reproductive System
EPYDIDYMIS
1. The epididymis is a
whitish mass of tightly
coiled tubes cupped
against the testicles.
2. It acts as a maturation
and storage place for
sperm before they
pass into the vas
deferens.
Male Reproductive System
VAS DEFERENS
1. The vas deferens,
also known as the
sperm duct, is a thin
tube that starts from
the epididymis to the
urethra.
2. Allows sperm to travel
out of the testicles.
Male Reproductive System
SEMINAL VESICLES
1. Seminal vesicles are
sac-like structures
attached to the vas
deferens at one side
of the bladder.
2. They produce a sticky,
yellowish fluid that
provides sperm cells
with energy.
Male Reproductive System
PROSTATE GLAND
1. The prostate gland
surrounds the
ejaculatory ducts at
the base of the
urethra, just below the
bladder.
2. Adds alkaline fluid to
help in the production
of semen.
Male Reproductive System
URETHRA
1. The urethra is a tube
that connects the
urinary bladder to the
genitals for the
removal of fluids from
the body.
2. In males, the urethra
travels through the
penis, and carries
semen as well
as urine.
Male Reproductive System
PENIS
1. The penis is the male
sex organ.
2. It releases the sperm
from the body.
What are the major milestones
of the first trimester?
1. All organ systems
begin to form (cell
differentiation)
2. Nervous system
begins forming
(Neurulation)
3. Heart begins beating
4. Embryo begins to
move
5. Ears, eyelids, and
teeth buds are formed
What are the major milestones
of the second trimester?
1. Mostly growth
2. Fetal skeleton forms
3. Mother can feel the
fetus moves
4. Fetus can now hear.
5. Hair forms on the
body
What are the major milestones
of the third trimester?
1. Fetus turn into a
head-down position.
2. Fat is deposited
beneath the skin
3. A greasy substance
forms on the fetus
skin.
4. Lungs mature
5. Fetus can see light
and react to sounds.
Show What You Know
A fertilized egg undergoes
several stages before it is
successfully implanted.
The diagram below shows
these stages as the
fertilized egg travels through the female human
reproductive system.
In which of the following structures of the female human
reproductive system is the blastocyst implanted during
normal human development?
A. ovary
B. uterus
C. vagina
D. amniotic sac
Show What You Know
Which of the following correctly compares the
functions of the vas deferens and the fallopian
tubes?
A. Sperm leaves the body through the vas
deferens, and eggs leave the body through the
fallopian tubes.
B. Sperm travels through the vas deferens, and
eggs travel through the fallopian tubes.
C. The vas deferens produces sperm, and the
fallopian tubes produce eggs.
D. The vas deferens stores sperm and the
fallopian tubes store eggs.
Show What You Know
Which of the following structures in the human
female reproductive system is correctly matched
with its function?
A. ovary – site where fertilization takes place
B. uterus – serves as storage for immature eggs
C. oviduct – serves as the location for blastocyst
implantation
D. cervix – separates the bottom part of the
uterus from the vagina and provides support
for the developing fetus during the pregnancy
Show What You Know
Which of the following describes part of a baby's
development in the second trimester of
pregnancy?
A. The fetus turns into a head-down position
in the uterus.
B. The fetus develops fat under the skin and
practices breathing movements.
C. The fetus is in the embryonic stage, and
the amniotic sac forms.
D. The fetus grows soft hair called lanugo
over its skin and can swallow and hiccup.
Show What You Know
Which of the following pairs of male and
female reproductive structures are most alike
in their function?
A. testes and ovaries
B. prostate gland and vagina
C. vas deferens and uterus
D. seminal vesicle and oviduct