16.4 Sexual Reproduction in Humans

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  1. Identify the parts of the male reproductive system and describe their functions
  2. Identify the parts of the female reproductive system and describe their functions
  3. Explain how the structure of a sperm cell relates to its function
  4. Explain how the structure of an egg cell relates to its function
  5. Describe fertilisation as the fusion of nuclei from a sperm and an egg cell
  6. Compare male and female gametes in terms of size, structure, numbers, and motility
  7. Describe the roles of testosterone and oestrogen during puberty
  8. Describe the menstrual cycle in terms of egg development, release, and changes in the uterus lining
  9. Explain the roles of FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone in controlling the menstrual cycle
  10. Describe the early development of the zygote
  11. State the functions of the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid
  12. Identify the placenta and umbilical cord and describe their functions
  13. State that some viruses can cross the placenta and affect the fetus

Main Content

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Section 1: The Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is designed to produce, store, and deliver sperm cells — the male sex cells (also called male gametes). A gamete is a sex cell involved in reproduction.

Parts and Their Functions

PartFunction
Testes (singular: testis)Produce sperm cells by a process called meiosis. They also produce the hormone testosterone. The testes are located outside the body in the scrotum because sperm production works best at a temperature slightly lower than normal body temperature.
ScrotumA pouch of skin that hangs outside the body and holds the testes. It keeps the testes at the correct (cooler) temperature needed for sperm production.
Sperm ducts (also called the vas deferens)Tubes that carry sperm from the testes towards the urethra. Muscular walls push the sperm along.
Prostate glandProduces a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid provides nutrients (food) for the sperm and helps them move.
UrethraA tube that runs through the penis and carries both urine and semen out of the body (but not at the same time).
PenisThe organ that delivers semen into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse. It also carries urine out of the body.

💡 Remember: Sperm are made in the testes → travel along the sperm ducts → mix with fluid from the prostate gland → travel along the urethra → leave through the penis.

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