1. Sexual Reproduction in the Human

2. Learning Objectives(1/3)
Outline the general structure of the reproductive system (Male & Female)
State the functions of the main parts of the reproductive system
Outline the role of meiosis to produce sperm & ova (egg) cells
Define the term secondary sexual characteristics
Outline the role of oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone
Outline the nature of birth control to include natural, mechanical, chemical and surgical methods
State the location of fertilisation

3. Learning Objectives(2/3)
Outline the events & outline the role of oestrogen and progesterone of the menstrual cycle
Explain copulation
Outline infertility
State one cause of male infertility
State the availability of corrective measures for male infertility
State one cause female infertility
State the availability of corrective measures for female infertility

4. Learning Objectives(3/3)
Explain implantation, placenta formation & function
Outline the birth process
Explain In-vitro fertilisation & implantation
Outline milk production & breastfeeding including biological benefits

5. Structure of the male reproductive system

6. Bladder
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Sperm duct
Urethra
Epididymis
Testis
Scrotum

7. Testes A gonad is an organ that produces sex cell in animals.
Male gonads are called testes
Testes develop inside the body at first, but a few weeks before birth descend into the scrotum.
This means they are kept at slightly lower than body temperature (35°) which is the ideal temperature for sperm production.

8. Testes
Seminiferous tubules inside the testes are lined with sperm producing cells.
Cells between the tubules produce the hormone testosterone.

9. Internal structure of testes
Seminiferous tubule
Sperm producing cells (2n)
Sperm
Sertoli cell – nourishes sperm
Blood capillary
Interstitial cells – produce testosterone

10. Epididymis
All the seminiferous tubules join to form the epididymis.
Sperm mature and are stored here.

11. Sperm duct and urethra
The epididymis leads to the sperm duct (vas deferens)
The sperm duct brings sperm to the urethra.
The urethra is responsible for carrying sperm and urine out of the body

12. Glands in the male reproductive system
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate Gland
Cowper’s Gland
These glands produce seminal fluid which nourishes the sperm and provides a medium in which to swim.
Seminal fluid + Sperm = Semen

13. Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Produces
1. Sperm 2 Testosterone

14. Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Stores sperm

15. Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

16. Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Produces Seminal Fluid - For sperm to swim in - Nourishment for sperm

17. Tube through which the sperm travel through the penis
Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Tube through which the sperm travel through the penis

18. Keeps testes at a lower temperature
Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Keeps testes at a lower temperature

19. Functions of the main parts of the Male reproductive system
Testis
Epididymis
Sperm duct
Seminal Vesicle
Prostate gland
Bladder
Urethra
Scrotum
Cowper’s Gland
Penis
Places sperm in the females body

20. Seminal vesicles, Cowper’s gland and Prostate gland
Summary of functions of main parts of male reproductive system
Part
Function
Testis
Produces sperm and testosterone
Epididymis
Matures and stores sperm
Sperm duct
Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Seminal vesicles, Cowper’s gland and Prostate gland
Produces seminal fluid which feeds the sperm and allows them to swim. Sperm and seminal fluid are collectively called semen.
Urethra
Allows the passage of either urine or sperm.
Penis
Places sperm inside the body of a female
Scrotum
Keeps testes at a lower temperature (35°). This is the optimum temperature for Meiosis to occur.

21. Sperm

22. Sperm Structure Acrosome (contains digestive enzymes) Head
Nucleus (contains 23 chromosomes)
Collar (contains mitochondria)
Middle
Flagellum (allows sperm to swim)
Tail

23. Role of meiosis in sperm and egg production
Sperm and egg producing cells are diploid i.e. they contain 46 chromosomes.
They divide by meiosis to form sperm and egg cells.
Each sperm and egg cell, therefore, has a haploid number of chromosomes i.e. they have 23 each

24. Role of meiosis in sperm and egg production
As both a sperm nucleus and an egg nucleus are haploid they combine in fertilisation to form a diploid zygote i.e. the new zygote has 46 chromosomes.
23 chromosomes + 23 chromosomes = 46 chromosomes
The zygote now grows by mitosis division ensuring that each new cell has a diploid number of chromosomes.

25. Role of meiosis in sperm and egg production

26. Male Hormone - Testosterone
Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for the development of the primary and secondary male sexual characteristics
The primary sexual characteristics are the presence of the male and female reproductive parts
Secondary sexual characteristics refer to features that distinguish males from females, apart from the sex organs themselves

27. Male Secondary Sexual characteristics
The growth of pubic, facial and body hair
The enlargement of larynx and ‘breaking’ of the voice
Increased muscular development and bone development
A growth spurt at puberty
An increased secretion of sebum in the skin

28. Structure of the female reproductive system

29. The Ovary
These produce the eggs and female hormones.
All the eggs in an ovary are present at birth.
After puberty 20 eggs mature each month. Only one will be released from the ovary – the rest will die.

30. The Fallopian tube (oviduct)
The Fallopian tubes are muscular and approx 12cm long.
Funnels at the tip of each tube catch the egg after it is released from the ovary.
The egg is moved along the tube by cilia and muscular peristalsis.
The egg is either fertilised or dies in the fallopian tube.

31. The Uterus (womb)
Muscular structure approximately the size of your fist.
Outer wall made of involuntary muscle.
Inner lining is called the endometrium
This lining thickens each month with cells and blood vessels to nourish the embryo.
The cervix separates the uterus from the vagina.

32. Is the birth canal for the exit of a baby.
The vagina
Elastic muscular tube 10cm long.
Allows entry of sperm.
Is the birth canal for the exit of a baby.
Lined with cells that produce mucous This serves to protect against the entry of pathogens.

33. Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Structure of the Female reproductive system
Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Funnel
Ovary
Ovarian Ligament
Uterus
Lining of uterus (endometrium)
Cervix
Wall of uterus
Vagina
Vulva

34. Functions of the main parts of the female reproductive system
Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Funnel
Ovary
Ovarian Ligament
Uterus
Lining of uterus (endometrium)
Cervix
Wall of uterus
Vagina
Produces :
Egg
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Vulva

35. Functions of the main parts of the female reproductive system
Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Funnel
Ovary
Ovarian Ligament
Uterus
Lining of uterus (endometrium)
Cervix
Wall of uterus
Vagina
Catches the egg after release from ovary
Transports egg from ovary to womb
Site of fertilisation
Vulva

36. Functions of the main parts of the female reproductive system
Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Funnel
Ovary
Ovarian Ligament
Uterus
Lining of uterus (endometrium)
Cervix
Wall of uterus
Vagina
Implantation
Hold foetus
Forms placenta
Vulva

37. Functions of the main parts of the female reproductive system
Fallopian tube (Oviduct)
Funnel
Ovary
Ovarian Ligament
Uterus
Lining of uterus (endometrium)
Cervix
Wall of uterus
Vagina
Vulva
Allows entry of sperm into female system
Birth canal to allow exit of baby

38. Summary of functions of main parts of female reproductive system
Ovary
To produce the egg (ova). To produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone
Fallopian tube
(oviduct)
Catches the egg from the ovary and transports it to uterus. Site of fertilisation.
Uterus
Site of implantation. Holds the developing embryo. Has a lining (endometrium) enriched with blood vessels to nourish the embryo.
Forms the placenta.
Vagina
Allows entry of sperm and exit of baby at birth.

39. Female Hormones Oestrogen and progesterone are the female hormones
A combination of oestrogen and progesterone at puberty causes the development of the secondary female characteristics:
The maturing and enlargement of the breasts.
The widening of the pelvis to allow for birth.
The growth of pubic and underarm hair.
A growth spurt.

40. The Ovary
The ovaries produce the eggs and the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
The ovaries of a female foetus contains all the potential eggs at birth. These eggs have not yet divided by meiosis and as a result are diploid
After puberty a number of eggs are produced by meiosis each month. Usually only one egg continues to grow … the rest die

41. The Ovary
Once meiosis is complete the egg is surrounded within a structure called the Graafian follicle.
This structure produces the female hormone oestrogen
When mature the follicle forms a swelling on the outside of the ovary. It bursts at ovulation to release the egg
After ovulation the follicle fills with yellow cells and becomes the Corpus luteum (yellow body).
This secretes the hormone progesterone

42. Summary of events in the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a 28 day sequence of events that produces an egg and prepares the body for pregnancy.
This cycle begins at puberty and continues until the menopause (the end of the woman’s reproductive life).
Summary of events in the menstrual cycle
Days 1 – 5
The old lining of the uterus (endometrium) breaks down and is shed from the body. The loss of this blood and tissue is called menstruation (period).
A new egg is produced in the ovary by meiosis. This new egg is surrounded by the Graafian follicle.

43. - Oestrogen also prevents the development of any more eggs.
The Menstrual Cycle
Days
The hormone oestrogen is produced by the developing Graafian follicle. This has two functions:
- It causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to build up again in preparation for implantation.
- Oestrogen also prevents the development of any more eggs.
Day 14
Ovulation. This occurs when the Graafian follicle bursts to release the egg into the fallopian tube.

44. - It causes the endometrium to thicken even further.
Days
The Graafian follicle now develops into the Corpus Luteum (yellow body). This has two functions:
- It causes the endometrium to thicken even further.
- It also prevents new eggs from forming.
The egg that was released will die by day 16 if it is not fertilised. Thus days 12 – 16 of the menstrual cycle are referred to as the Fertile Period.
(Even though the egg is not released until day 14, sperm, which can survive for a period of time in the female body, may already be present. Thus the fertile period begins on day 12).

45. If fertilisation does not take place the Corpus Luteum starts to degenerate around day 22. This results in a reduction in progesterone levels. As a result the lining of the uterus breaks down again on day 28. The menstrual cycle begins again with day 1.

46. If fertilisation has not occurred the cycle begins again with the breakdown of the endometrium.
The Menstrual Cycle 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
DAY 1-5 : Blood from the womb lining is shed from the body
After day 5 the lining of the uterus repairs and builds up again
Fertile period
Ovulation occurs on Day 14
Implantation may happen

47. Inside the Ovary Developing Graafian follicle – secretes oestrogen
Potential egg
Egg is released from ovary (ovulation)
Graafian follicle now changes to the Corpus luteum which secretes progesterone

48. Graafian follicle Corpus Luteum Hormones Endometrium 5 14 Days 28
Oestrogen________
Progesterone _____
Endometrium 5 14
Days 28

49. Learning Check
Name the main parts of the male reproductive system and give a function for each part named.
Name the main parts of the female reproductive system and give a function for each part named.
Outline what is happening on each of the following days of the menstrual cycle: 1,5,12,14,26?
Outline the role played by oestrogen and progesterone in the cycle

50. Copulation – Sexual intercourse
Sexual arousal
The penis becomes erect
The vagina becomes lubricated
Copulation
The penis is inserted into and moved inside the vagina
Orgasm
Sperm is released from the penis (Ejaculation)
Contraction of vagina and uterus

51. Insemination Insemination is the release of sperm into the female
Contractions of uterus and fallopian tubes move the sperm to the fallopian tubes within 5 minutes
If an egg is present it releases chemicals to attract the sperm this is called chemotaxis

52. Fertilisation
Fertilisation is the fusion of the egg and sperm nuclei to form a diploid zygote.

53. Fertilisation usually occurs in the fallopian tube.

54. Fertilisation A number of sperm may reach the egg at the same time.
The acrosome releases enzymes to digest the egg membrane
A number of sperm may reach the egg at the same time.
The sperm loses its tail and the head enters the egg.
The sperm and egg nuclei fuse to form a zygote
A chemical reaction at the membrane prevents other sperm cells entering.

55. Implantation
Implantation is the embedding of the fertilised egg into the lining of the uterus
This occurs days after fertilisation.
By this time the zygote has grown into an embryo.
During implantation a membrane called the amnion develops around the embryo. This secretes amniotic fluid which will surround the developing embryo and act as a shock absorber.
After implantation the placenta forms.

56. Zygote
Implanted embryo
Implantation is the embedding of the fertilised egg into the lining of the uterus

57. Placenta Formation
After implantation the embryo forms an outer membrane called a chorion
This chorion develops projections (chorionic villi) which, together with the blood vessels of the mother in the endometrium, form the placenta
The placenta allows nutrients, wastes, gases, antibodies and hormones to be exchanged between the blood of the mother and the embryo

58. Placenta Formation The blood of the mother and embryo do not mix
This is important as:
- The blood groups of mother and baby might not be compatible.
- The blood pressure of the mothers system may cause damage to the embryo

59. Placenta Formation The placenta also makes the hormone progesterone
The umbilical cord connects the placenta with the embryo. It contains blood vessels which circulate blood between the embryo and the placenta

60. The Placenta Chorion Embryo Placenta Mother’s blood Amnion
Nutrients, Oxygen, antibodies
Wastes, Carbon Dioxide, Water
Amnion
Amniotic fluid
Umbilical cord
Embryo’s blood
Embryo

62. Birth
The hormones oestrogen and progesterone are produced throughout pregnancy firstly by the corpus luteum (3 months) and then by the placenta. The placenta acts as an endocrine gland.
Immediately before birth the placenta stops making progesterone. The walls of the uterus begin to contract as a result.
The pituitary gland releases the hormone called oxytocin. This causes further contractions of the uterus
Labour has now begun

63. There are three main stages:
Stage 1 - (about 12 hours)
The contraction of the uterus pushes the foetus towards the cervix. This causes the cervix to open (dilate). During this stage the contractions cause the amnion to break releasing the amniotic fluid through the vagina. (The ‘waters break’).

64. Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.

65. Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.

66. Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.

67. Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.

68. Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.

69. The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.
Stage 2 - (20 minutes to 1 hour)
The foetus passes through the cervix and the birth canal head first.
The umbilical cord is tied and cut. This leaves a scar which will eventually become the navel (belly button).

70. Stage 3 - (10 to 15 minutes)
The baby is now born.
The uterus now contracts again and expels the afterbirth (the umbilical cord and placenta.

71. Stage 3 - (10 to 15 minutes)
The baby is now born.
The uterus now contracts again and expels the afterbirth (the umbilical cord and placenta.

72. Stage 3 - (10 to 15 minutes)
The baby is now born.
The uterus now contracts again and expels the afterbirth (the umbilical cord and placenta.

73. Stage 3 - (10 to 15 minutes)
The baby is now born.
The uterus now contracts again and expels the afterbirth (the umbilical cord and placenta.

75. Umbilical cord is cut

76. Breastfeeding Lactation The secretion of milk from the mammary glands
The first days after birth colostrum produced
Milk production triggered by release of prolactin by pituitary

77. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding because:
Colostrum and breastmilk provides the baby with essential antibodies protecting it against infection
Ideal balance of nutrients for baby
Has little fat making it is easier to digest than milk

78. Birth control
Birth control refers to the methods employed to limit the number of children that are born
Removing the possibility of conception is called contraception.
This is achieved by preventing the egg and sperm from meeting
There are a number of methods:

79. Mechanical contraception -male
The use of condoms
Surgical contraception
Sperm ducts are cut and tied

80. Mechanical contraception - female
The use of diaphragms

81. Chemical contraception
Use of ‘the pill’. The pill contains oestrogen and progesterone which prevents ovulation and hence conception.
Use of spermicide

82. Surgical contraception
The fallopian tubes and sperm ducts can be cut and tied

83. Natural contraception
Not having sexual intercourse during the fertile period of the menstrual cycle
Natural methods of contraception try to identify the time of ovulation based on:
- monitoring the body temperature This rises slightly after ovulation
- mucous secreted in the cervix (which changes its texture after ovulation)

84. Infertility is the inability of a couple to achieve conception.

85. Male infertility disorders
Low sperm count – Refers to a low number of sperm per ml of seminal fluid.
Low sperm mobility - If movement of the sperm is slow, not in a straight line or both, the sperm may have difficulty passing through the cervical mucous or penetrating the shell of the egg.
Endocrine gland failure – A failure of the testes to produce sperm

86. Low sperm count Causes:
The persistent use of drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes and anabolic steroids.
Abnormalities in sperm production or obstruction of the tubes through which sperm travels.
Stress

87. Low sperm count Treatment A change in diet.
A change in lifestyle e.g. stopping alcohol consumption, smoking.
A reduction in stress levels.

88. Female infertility disorders
Blockage of the Fallopian Tube
Scarring of the fallopian tube can block the passage of the egg to the uterus
Endocrine gland failure
A failure of the ovaries to produce an egg

89. Blockage of the fallopian tubes
Causes:
Fragments of the uterus lining may spread to the fallopian tube
Inflammation as a result of infection
Treatment
In-vitro fertilisation (I.V.F.)

90. In-vitro fertilisation (I.V.F.)

91. IVF is a method of treating infertility It involves removing eggs from an ovary and fertilising them outside the body

92. During the natural menstrual cycle an egg is produced by the ovary every month

93. During IVF fertility drugs are given to the female to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg

94. These eggs are then taken from the females body and into the laboratory

95. In the meantime a sperm sample is taken from the male

96. The eggs and sperm are mixed together in the hope that fertilisation will occur

98. The sample is placed in the most ideal conditions for fertilisation to occur

99. The main aim of the procedure is to obtain a zygote
The main aim of the procedure is to obtain a zygote. If successful, the zygotes development will be monitored closely

100. If successful, the zygote develops into a morula, blastocyst and eventually becomes an embryo

101. The developing embryo can now be placed back into the females body for implantation to take place

102. Babies born as a result of IVF are often incorrectly called ‘test tube’ babies.
While fertilisation takes place in the laboratory (‘in vitro’ – in glass) the fertilised egg is re-inserted into the mother’s body and develops naturally in the uterus

103. If analysis of a couples eggs and sperm suggests that IVF treatment is unsuitable, other methods of assisted fertility treatment are available

104. Syllabus

105. Depth of treatment(1/2)
General structure of the reproductive system – male and female
Functions of the main parts
Role of meiosis in the production of sperm cells and egg (ova)
Definition of “secondary sexual characteristics”
Role of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
The menstrual cycle: the events and outlined role of oestrogen and progesterone

106. Depth of treatment(2/2) Copulation Location of fertilisation
Implantation, placenta formation and function
Birth – outline of process
Milk production and breastfeeding

107. Contemporary Issues and Technology
Birth control – natural, mechanical, chemical and surgical methods of contraception
Infertility
One cause of male infertility from the following disorders: low sperm count, low sperm mobility, endocrine gland failure
Availability of corrective measures

108. Contemporary Issues and Technology
One cause of female infertility from the following disorders: blockage of the Fallopian tube, endocrine gland failure
Availability of corrective measures
In-vitro fertilisation and implantation
Biological benefits of breastfeeding