Human Reproduction

GCE Study Buddy Biology

Sexual Reproduction in Human

testi s meiosis sperm s ovar meiosisy eggs (ova)

fertilization

zygot e embry o foetus bab

Male Reproductive System

ureter seminal vesicle prostate gland urethra epididymis testis scrotum urinary bladder sperm duct Cowpers gland penis

Male Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

seminal vesicle prostate gland Cowpers gland

secrete seminal fluid

Testes
For production of male gametes (sperms) For production of male sex hormones

Epididymis
For temporarily storage of sperms During copulation, muscles of epididymis contract to release sperms

epididymi s vas deferens (sperm duct) sperm tubules

Functions of Seminal Fluid

To provide a medium for the sperms to swim To activate and nourish the sperms To neutralize the acidity in female reproductive tract Sperms + seminal fluid = semen

Penis
Erected during copulation for insertion into vagina
Dilation of arterioles causes the erectile tissue of penis to become turgid Muscles of epididymis contract Semen is squeezed from the penis to the top of vagina

(ejaculation)

Male Gamete (Sperm)

vesicle contains enzymes involved in penetration of ovum during fertilization head middle piece tail brings about movement

Nucleus containing DNA mitochondria which release energy during respiration

Female Reproductive System

oviduct funnel of oviduct uterine lining uterus muscular wall cervix vagina ovary

opening of vagina

Female Reproductive System

Functions of Ovary
For production of female gametes (ova/eggs) For production of female sex hormones

Ovulation
The release of an ovum from an ovary

Oviduct
Carries the ovum forward by the beating action of the cilia on its inner surface the contraction of muscles of oviduct Place for fertilization (upper part)

Human Gametes
Sperm Size Shape Position of nucleus Movement much smaller
(~0.05mm)

Ovum much larger

(~0.1mm)

tadpole-like (with
head & tail)

spherical toward center

in the head

strongly mobile by not able to move its tail by itself

Menstrual Cycle
Once in about 28 days The uterine lining becomes thickened 14 days after menstruation to prepare for the fertilized ovum to implant in it Uterus :
thickening of lining --> menstruation (discharge of lining if no fertilization)

Ovary :
follicle --> mature follicle --> yellow body

Menstrual Cycle
Day 1 - 5 Menstruation starts Uterine lining decreases in thickness to a minimum Day 6 - 14 Lining becomes thicker with increased blood supply Day 14 : ovulation Day 14 - 28 Lining remains thick to ready for implantation of fertilized ovum Day 28 No implantation of fertilization ovum Uterine lining breaks down; menstruation starts

Inside Ovary
Follicle & Yellow body secretes different types of sex hormones No fertilization occurs yellow body disappears after few days no sex hormones secretion menstruation (discharge of uterine lining)

Cycle of Follicle Development

Transfer of semen
1. Sexual stimulation --> Dilation of arteriole in erectile tissue of the penis --> Penis becomes erect. 2. Penis is inserted into the vagina --> Movement --> Muscles of epididymis contract --> Eject semen --> Ejaculation 3. Sperms are transferred from a man into a womans body. --> Copulation

Fertilization
oviduct ovary uterus cervix

vagina

Fertilizatio n

Female nucleus

Clear membrane hardens; no others sperms can enter.

One sperm penetrates the egg membrane.

Male nucleus fuses with the female nucleus.

Events after Fertilization

Sperms (from copulation) reach the upper part of the oviduct Ovum is fertilized at the oviduct Fertilized ovum (zygote) is carried to the uterus After reaching the uterus, the embryo (developed zygote) fixed firmly onto the thick uterine wall
Implantation

Implantation
fertilized egg 2-cell stage a ball of cells

cavity

outer cell layer

future embryo yolk sac

uterine lining inner cell mass amnion

uterine lining

1st day

2nd day

3rd day

4th day

1 week

st

2nd week

3rd week

Development of Human Foetus

uteru s foetus placent a umbilical

cord amnio
n amniotic fluid

Functions of Uterus
During embryo development
Protect the embryo Provide a constant environment for the embryo to develop Allow placenta to attach on

During birth of baby

Push the baby (foetus) out by muscular contraction

Functions of Amniotic Fluid

To keep the foetus moist to prevent dessication As a water cushion to
support the foetus allow it to move freely absorb shock during movement of mother protect the foetus from mechanical injuries

To reduce temperature fluctuation To lubricate the vagina during birth

The Placenta
oxygenated blood from mothers artery deoxygenated blood to mothers vein villus umbilical vein umbilical artery

Functions of the Placenta

As a place for exchange of materials between mother and the foetus For secreting female sex hormones Umbilical cord umbilical artery deoxygenated blood less nutrient than umbilical vein more CO2 & waste than umbilical vein

Adaptations of the Placenta

With villi
to increase surface area for diffusion of materials

Maternal blood and foetal blood flows in opposite direction

to maintain diffusion gradient for the whole length

Maternal blood capillaries and foetal blood capillaries are separated by a thin membrane
to shorten the distance for diffusion of materials

Maternal blood is separated from foetal blood by capillary wall

to prevent high pressure of maternal blood to break the delicate foetal blood vessels to prevent harmful substances (eg. bacteria) to enter the foetus to prevent clotting of maternal and foetal blood if their blood groups are incompatible

Birth Control
Human population increases exponentially
leads to shortage of resources problem of pollution becomes more serious easily overcrowded

Contraception Methods
1. Natural (Rhythm) Method
Prevent copulation during 5 days before and after ovulation (fertile period)

2. Contraceptive pills
Contains female sex hormones which inhibit ovulation Must be taken daily May have side effects

3. Condom
Have male and female condom As a barrier to prevent sperms from entering vagina

4. Diaphragm
Fitted over the cervix To be used together with spermicides

Surgical Methods
Vasectomy Cutting and tying up of sperm ducts Tubal ligation Cutting and tying up of oviducts

Prevention of Implantation
Intra-uterine device (IUD) - A form of coil / loop - Insert it into the uterus - Regular medical examination --> Remain in place - Irritation to the lining of the uterus