Human Reproduction

• FSH- follicle stimulating hormone: causes production of sperm by meiosis.
• LH- Luteinising hormone: stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.

• At pregnancy testosterone causes the development of primary male sex characteristics.
• They include the development of the penis and other male reproductive parts.

• At puberty testosterone causes the enlargement of the reproductive parts as well as the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• These are the characteristics that distinguish males from females other than sex organs.

• 1. Hair growth on face, underarm, chest and pubic region.
• 2. Enlarged larynx producing a deeper voice.
• 3. Wider shoulders
• 4. Greater skeletal muscular development
• 5.Growth in height and weight.

Low sperm production

• Stress
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Higher temperature of the testes
• Low testosterone production

• To produce the egg
• To produce oestrogen and progesterone
• The haploid egg cell is called the ovum and is surrounded by the Graafian follicle which produces oestrogen
• (Meiosis occurs here)

• Catches the egg from the ovary and transports it to the uterus.
• Site of fertilisation
• Cilia and peristalsis move the egg along the tube.
• The egg will die in the tube if it is not fertilised.

Oviduct

Cilia and peristalsis move egg along.

Fallopian tube

Uterus

Involuntary muscle

Uterus

• Site of implantation
• The embedding of fertilised egg is in wall of uterus- holds embryo.
• Endometrium ( lining of uterus) is enriched with blood vessels to nourish the embryo.
• Forms placenta.
• Made of involuntary muscle.

Cervix

The uterus

Endometrium

• Allows entry of sperm and exit of baby at birth.
• The vagina is protected by folds of skin called the vulva.

The vulva.

• Menstrual cycle: a series of changes undergone by the uterus in preparation for receiving a fertilised egg (takes 28 days) controlled by hormones.
• If the egg is not fertilised menstruation occurs.

Menstruation: the discharge through the vagina over a period of about 5 days of menstrual fluid consisting of blood, endometrium and an unfertilised egg, which occurs monthly from puberty to menopause.

Menopause: the end of a females reproductive life.