Reproductive System – Outcomes Identify and locate the main parts of the male and

female reproductive systems.

Recall the length and parts of the menstrual cycle.

Discuss fertile period in the menstrual cycle, sexual

intercourse, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth, growth, and

puberty in relation to human reproduction.

Understand various forms of contraception.

1

Identify Parts of Female Reproductive

System

2

by C

DC

–p

ub

lic d

om

ain

Identify Parts of Female Reproductive

System

Part Function

ovary produce eggs

fallopian

tube

carry egg to womb

womb /

uterus

hold foetus

cervix womb entrance

vagina hold penis during

intercourse, allow

childbirth

3

Identify Parts of Male Reproductive

System

4

by T

saitg

ais

t–

CC

-BY

-SA

-3.0

Identify Parts of Male Reproductive

System

Part Function

testes produce sperm

scrotum hold testes

outside body

sperm

duct

carry sperm from

testes to penis

prostate

gland

produce fluid to

nourish sperm

penis deliver sperm to

outside

5

Recall the Menstrual Cycle6

Recall the Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle is ~28 days long on average.

Menstruation (a.k.a. period), the shedding of the lining of

the uterus, is day zero.

Ovulation occurs around day 14, when the ovaries

release an egg.

Ovulation is the most fertile stage of the menstrual cycle.

7

Discuss Sexual Intercourse In the context of human

reproduction, sexual

intercourse is when a male’s

erect penis is placed inside a

female’s vagina.

If sperm reach the fallopian

tube during ovulation, this may

result in fertilisation.

Fertilisation is the fusion of male

and female gametes (sex

cells), resulting in a zygote.

8

Discuss Pregnancy If fertilisation occurs, the woman may become

pregnant.

A zygote begins as a single cell, but will divide shortly

after fertilisation.

A zygote divides into an embryo.

Implantation occurs if the embryo reaches the uterus

and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus.

9

Discuss Pregnancy At the implantation site, the

placenta develops.

Placenta connects the embryo to

the mother’s bloodstream, allowing

nutrients and waste to be

exchanged.

Placenta connects to the embryo

via the umbilical cord.

After ~8 weeks, the embryo

becomes recognisably human and

is called a foetus.

Pregnancy typically lasts ~40 weeks.

10

Discuss Birth The process of birth begins with the muscles in the uterus

contracting.

The amniotic sac surrounding the foetus ruptures,

allowing amniotic fluid to escape (a.k.a. “water

breaking”).

The cervix dilates (widens).

The baby is pushed through the cervix.

The umbilical cord is cut.

The mother begins to lactate (produce milk).

11

Discuss Growth and Puberty In girls, puberty:

1. Increases the size of ovaries and womb.

2. Marks the start of the menstrual cycle.

3. Causes a number of other physical changes, such as

pubic hair, wider hips, growth spurts, breast growth, etc.

In boys, puberty:

1. Increases the size of the penis and testes.

2. Marks the start of semen production.

3. Causes a number of other physical changes, such as

pubic (including facial) hair, larger muscles, growth

spurts, deeper voice, etc.

12

Understand ContraceptionContraception refers to the actions and devices used to

prevent pregnancy.

Condoms are latex covers for the penis, preventing

semen from exiting.

Hormone supplements oestrogen and/or progesterone

(“the pill”, “the patch”, “the implant”, intrauterine

devices, injections, vaginal ring) prevent ovulation and

may make the female reproductive system unsuitable

for sperm or egg implantation.

Diaphragm / female condom physically block sperm

from entering the womb.

13