Human Reproductive System

Why is reproduction important?

What is sexual reproduction?
What are the parts that make up the male and female reproductive
systems?
Reproduction is an important life process that ensures the transfer of
genetic information from one generation to another.
Sexual reproduction involves a male and a female adult.
Male Reproductive System
Sperm duct/vas deferens – muscular tube that carries sperms from the testis
to the urethra.
Male sex glands/prostate – secrete a fluid containing nutrients and enzymes-
provide the sperms with the energy to move.
Penis – is the male reproductive organ which become erect when sexually
excited. Sperms are ejaculated through the penis during sexual intercourse.
Urethra – tube which leads to the outside of the body through the penis.
Testis- produces sperms and male sex hormones.
Epididymis – transport and store sperm cells from testes, site of sperm
maturation.
Scrotum – hold the testicles and help regulate their temperature.
Sperm – male reproductive cell
Sperm cell
Female Reproductive System
Fallopian tube (oviduct) – muscular tube connecting the
ovary to the uterus.
Ovary – produce eggs and females sex hormones.
Uterus (womb) – has thick muscular wall where fetus
undergo development.
Cervix – a ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus.
Vagina (birth canal) – it joins the cervix to the outside of the
body.
Egg cell – the female reproductive cell
Egg cell
 Sexual Reproduction
How does human reproduction happen?
What occurs when a human is sexually matured?
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of the male
reproductive cell (sperm) with female reproductive cell (egg).
This process of fusion is called fertilization.

For a woman to get pregnant, she must first have sexual

intercourse with a male adult.
1. During sexual intercourse, the erect penis is inserted into
the vagina.
2. The penis ejaculates semen (containing sperms) into the
upper end of the vagina. The sperm will then swim into the
uterus.
 Fertilisation
Fertilisation - is the process where the nucleus of the sperm fuses with
the nucleus of the egg.
Pregnancy
1. During pregnancy, the embryo develops into a foetus or
unborn baby.
2. At the end of pregnancy, the muscles of the uterus
contract to push out the fully formed baby.
Twins
Identical Twins (Monozygotic)
Identical twins are “monozygotic” i.e., they developed from a single
fertilized egg that split.
Fraternal twin (dizygotic)
Fraternal twins are “dizygotic,” meaning that they developed from two
different eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells.
 Heredity
Heredity – the passing down of characteristics from parents to an
offspring.
 Puberty
Puberty is the period when an adolescent becomes capable of
reproducing. The adolescent also experiences rapid growth and
development during this period.
During puberty pituitary gland secretes increased amount of two
hormones;
Growth hormones- travels around the body and stimulates growth.
Gonadotrophin – stimulates the production of sex hormones. In
females sex hormones are produced in the ovaries (oestrogen and
progesterone). In male the sex hormones are produced in the testes or
testicles (testosterone).
 Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Male Female

Growth of hair on the face, the armpits Growth of hair in the armpits and the
and the pubic region pubic region

Voice becomes deeper Breast develop

Growth of penis and testicles Growth of vagina and uterus

Pelvis widens
 Menstruation
Menstruation is the discharge of tissues of the uterus when an egg
remains unfertilized.
A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days.
Estrogen- sex hormones that promote the development and maintenance of
female characteristics in the human body.
Progesterone – helps maintain pregnancies and implant egg in the uterus.
 Premarital Sex
What are the consequences of premarital sex?
What are some reasons for abortion?
Premarital sex is the act of having sexual intercourse before a couple is
married.
It creates serious problems.
1. Unwanted pregnancy.
2. Sexually transmitted infections.
As we grow up, we will be exposed to many different ideas and values. We
should think about our own values and feelings to make wise decisions for
ourselves. Only then we can be responsible in our sexual relationship with our
partner. In this way, we prevent unnecessary problems from occurring.
 Abortion
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. It may cause feelings of
guilt in the mother about ending the life of her child. It may also affect
the sexual reproductive system.
 Birth Control Methods
How do temporary and permanent methods of birth control affect the
reproductive system?
What are some of the sexually transmitted infections?
How can we prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections?
Couples who are not ready to have a child need to use some form of birth
control. Birth control methods are used to prevent pregnancies.
Temporary birth control methods
1. Rhythm method
2. Spermicide
3. Diaphragm
4. Condom
5. Intra-uterine device
6. Contraceptive pills
Permanent methods of birth control
7. Vasectomy
8. Tubal ligation
 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
A person can contract STI if he or she has sexual intercourse with an infected
partner.
Common STI’s are:
1. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – caused by Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The infected person will suffer from severe
weight loss, lung infections and brain infection.
2. Syphilis – person infected may suffer from blindness and inability to move
some parts of the body.
3. Gonorrhea – infected person may become unable to bear child if the
disease spreads in the productive system.
Acquired through the exchange of body fluids.
 Debate topic
1. There should be a law to punish teenagers who have premarital sex.
2. Abortion should be legalized.
Drugs affecting reproduction and growth
Controlling Fertility
Contraceptive pills – contains drugs that stop ovulation to take place.
Fertility drugs – contains hormones to allow the female to ovulate.
Drugs which affect the fetus
Taking Thalidomide can affect the fetus
development
Drugs affecting behaviour
1. Caffeine – common in tea and coffee – makes your body more
active.