SCIENCE 10

Hormones in Human
Reproduction
The male and female reproductive systems are
regulated by hormones and hormonal interaction.
In order to reproduce, hormonal changes
happen in the body. These hormones pass
through the endocrine glands, into blood
circulation, and target the organ(s) involved in
the reproductive system.
REPRODUCTION MECHANISM IN MALES
External Genitals
In human
males, the
reproductive
system is
mostly outside.
Penis
- the male organ used for sexual reproduction
and urination. Its root is attached to the wall of
the abdomen, while its tube-shaped body or
shaft are comprised of erectile tissues. The
erectile tissues fill with blood during sexual
arousal. This causes the penis to become erect
and rigid, and prepared for coitus.
Glans Penis
- located at the
head of the penis,
which in
uncircumcised males
is partially covered
by the foreskin or
prepuce.
Urethra
- The tip of the glans penis. When the penis is
erect, urine will not be able to come out of the
urethra as only semen will be ejaculated from
the body.
Scrotum
- found behind the penis. It is loose and
pouch-like, and it holds the testicles/testes
inside it. It is located outside the body in order
to provide a cooler temperature for the testes.
Epididymis
- along the back of the testes, where the
sperm cells mature, are carried, and stored.

Vas Deferens
- during sexual arousal, the sperms pass into
the vas deferens to the urethra.
Testicles/testes
- responsible for making sperm and are also
involved in producing a hormone called
testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

Seminiferous Tubules
- inside the testis; produce sperm
Rete Testis - A network of small tubes in the
testicle that helps move sperm cells (male
reproductive cells) from the testicle to the
epididymis.
Tunica Albuginea
- the tough fibrous layer of connective tissue
that surrounds the corpora cavernosa of the
penis.
Lobules - The small compartments that contain
highly coiled seminiferous tubules

Spermatic Cord
- a bundle of nerves, ducts, and blood vessels
connecting the testicles to the abdominal cavity.
Tunica Vaginalis - the pouch of serous
membrane that covers the testes.
ACTIVITY:
Write the correct sequence for the path of
sperm using the words below:

Vas deferens Urethra

Epididymis Penis
Seminiferous Tubules
INTERNAL SEX ORGANS
Seminal Vesicles – small pouches that
make a seminal fluid, which nourishes
and helps sperm travel.
Prostate gland – located under the urinary
bladder, and releases a fluid called
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which
combines with sperm cells and seminal
fluid to form semen. Semen is ejaculated
from the penis at the time of the male
orgasm.
Bulbourethral glands –
located on each side of
the urethra and just below
the prostate gland, produce
clear fluid that helps
lubricate and neutralizes
the acidity of urine that
are left in the urethra.
How much sperm is there in
3.5 ml of semen expelled
during ejaculation?
400 million
When a sperm cell then encounters
an egg cell through coitus,
fertilization can happen.
THE ROLES OF HORMONES IN THE
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

https://ib.bioninja.com.au/_Media/male-sex-development_med.jpeg
Hormones in both males and females are
controlled by feedback mechanisms. Feedback
mechanisms or feedback loops enable the
body to maintain homeostasis or a normal,
steady state. These bring the body toward or
away from homeostasis.
In males, a negative feedback system (which
causes a decrease in function) controls sperm
production. This means that negative feedback
inhibits the release of GnRH (gonadotropin
releasing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating
hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone).
When males enter
puberty, the
hypothalamus in the brain
starts secreting GnRH,
which makes the pituitary
gland start releasing FSH
and LH for the first time.
FSH goes to the testes to stimulate Sertoli
cells, special cells that nourish the sperm cells
that the testes produce. Thus, spermatogenesis
is started. LH also goes to the testes to
stimulate another group of cells called Leydig
cells, in order to make and release testosterone
into the testes and the bloodstream.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone.
It helps in sperm production, and is also
responsible for the development of male
secondary sex characteristics: development of
more angular facial structure, growth of facial
and body hair, deepening of the voice, and an
increase in bone mass, fat distribution, muscle
size, and strength.
The negative feedback mechanism is in place to
ensure that there is no excess in hormones.
The Sertoli cells produce a hormone called
inhibin, which inhibits the release of GnRH and
FSH. Inhibin is released into the blood when
the sperm count is too high. If sperm cell
numbers are not enough, inhibin is not released.
REPRODUCTION MECHANISM IN FEMALES
External Genitals
The external genital organs of the female are known
collectively as the vulva.

https://gesund.bund.de/assets/vulva-karzinom-definition-en.svg
The vulva includes two skinfolds covered
in hair called the labia majora. The labia
majora extend backward to the mons pubis,
a fatty prominence underlying the pubic
hair.
The labia minora are two small folds lying just
inside the labia majora. They extend forward
from the vaginal opening to encircle and form a
foreskin for the glans clitoris. The glans clitoris
is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia,
and like the penis, contains a shaft of erectile
tissue that becomes engorged with blood during
sexual stimulation.
At birth, the opening of the vagina is partially
blocked by a membrane called the hymen. It is
a thin piece of tissue, a part of the vulva, and
can be disrupted by physical activities and
coitus.
https://i0.wp.com/theperioddoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Teen-Topics-2.png?w=599&ssl=1
Females have two orifices, the urethra and the
vagina. The urethra, located above the vagina, is
connected to the urinary bladder and is
responsible for the removal of urine from the body.
The vagina on the other hand, allows for
menstrual flow, reproduction, and birth. The vagina
receives the penis during coitus between a man
and a woman.
https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/PqELJZi1d2/original.jpg
The clitoris, vagina, and other external genital
parts actively participate in the sexual response
of the female as these areas contain many
nerves and are very sensitive.
During coitus, the Bartholin glands, which are
two small alveolar glands on the left and right
of the opening of the vagina secrete liquid for
lubrication. The moisture thus makes it easier
for the penis to enter during sexual intercourse.
Internal Sex Organs
The ovaries are the primary female reproductive
organs and contain egg cells. The ovaries are
important as they contain and protect the egg cells.
A mature ovum or egg cell is alternately released
by each ovary each month for a possible fertilization
by a sperm cell. The ovaries also secrete the
hormones estrogen and progesterone. Both hormones
help regulate the menstrual cycle, and are important
during pregnancy.
Attached to the ovaries are fallopian tubes, also
known as oviducts. These tubes connect the ovaries
to the uterus. Mature egg cells from the ovaries are
released into the fallopian tubes so that they can
travel to the uterus. After coitus, sperm can reach
the mature egg cell in the fallopian tubes to unite
and become a zygote that will reside in the uterus.
The two fallopian tubes are connected on the
upper left and right of the uterus, which is a
hollow, pear-shaped organ. In case fertilization
happens, they zygote will divide rapidly and
become an embryo after.
The embryo then goes and
implants itself on the lining
of the uterus.
This lining is called the endometrium. It thickens
in preparation for the possibility of a fertilized
ovum. If fertilization does not take place, the
endometrium is shed and becomes part of the
menstrual period blood every month. In case
pregnancy occurs, the uterus stretches in size to
accommodate the growing fetus.
The uterus narrows down into a section called
the cervix. The cervix connects the uterus to
the vagina. During childbirth, the uterus will
contract and the cervix will dilate in order for
the baby to exit through the vagina.
https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/sperm-cells-race-to-fertilize-ovum-human-fertilization-can-complete-44503136.jpg
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/09/health/sperm-choice-female-eggs-wellness/index.html
https://findmymethod.org/am-i-pregnant/how-does-a-pregnancy-happen
The process that leads
to pregnancy starts in
about the middle of the
menstrual cycle (i.e. day
14 in a 28-day cycle),
when a mature egg
leaves the ovary – this
is called ovulation – and
travels through the
fallopian tube to the
uterus.
The mature egg stays alive for about 12 to 24 hours, slowly moving down the
fallopian tube in case there is any sperm in the vicinity. If it doesn’t meet any
sperm during this time, it dies and leaves the body during the next period.
If semen enters the vagina, the
sperm swim through the cervix and
uterus to enter the fallopian tubes in
Search of an egg. They have up
to six days to find an egg before
they die, and when they do meet
an egg, it is called fertilization.

Hence, there can be six days

between sex and fertilization.
Once fertilization takes place, the egg travels through the fallopian tube to reach
the uterus. During this journey, it begins to divide into more and more cells,
forming a ball as it grows. This ball of cells – called a blastocyst – reaches the
uterus three to four days after fertilization.
The ball of cells floats in
the uterus for another two to
three days. If it attaches to
the lining of the uterus, it is
called implantation. Often,
fertilized eggs do not implant
and are flushed out of the
body during the next
menstrual cycle.
The implantation process takes three to four days to complete and
this is when the pregnancy officially begins. What happens next is
that an embryo – an early-stage human – develops from the cells
inside the ball, and placenta – a temporary system which provides
nutrients and other necessary supplies to the embryo – develops
from the cells on the outside of the ball.

Around this time, a pregnancy hormone is released which prevents

the lining of the uterus from detaching and exiting the body, as
happens during the monthly menstrual cycle. This is why people
do not have periods during pregnancy.
Living things need to reproduce in order to propagate the species
and survive. Males and females are set up in such a way that
reproduction is possible, but sometimes humans do not have the
ability to reproduce. Science has advanced technologies
tremendously for the past few decades that artificial reproduction is
now an option.
ASSIGNMENT:
Research and define the 4 Artificial Reproductive Technologies.

Outputs can be handwritten/typewritten.

If handwritten, use 1 whole piece of intermediate paper. If

typewritten, print it on any size of bond paper.
THE ROLES OF
HORMONES IN THE
FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM

https://www.thelancet.com/cms/attachment/fee
acfd4-5fea-4e80-85a9-655fd994c2d6/gr1_lrg.jpg
During childhood, follicles, or small fluid-filled sacs found in the
ovaries start to develop.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354861
582/figure/fig1/AS:1072653829943298@16327520
10736/A-schematic-representation-of-ovarian-
follicle-development-and-ovulation-At-birth-a.png
When a girl reaches the age of puberty, her
pituitary gland secretes hormones. Her ovaries
begin to produce the female sex hormone –
estrogen – which causes the uterine lining to
grow, her body to undergo physical changes,
controls the menstrual cycle, and helps during
pregnancy.
Enough estrogen in the blood induces one
follicle to absorb liquid rapidly, expand, rupture,
and release an ovum (mature egg cell). This
process is called ovulation.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22354-low-estrogen
After ovulation, the follicle shrinks and the layers
that surround the ovum now form the corpus
luteum. The corpus luteum produces the other
female sex hormone – progesterone, which
together with estrogen causes the uterine lining
to become a soft, blood-rich bed to receive a
fertilized ovum.
FEEDBACK MECHANISM
GnRH from the hypothalamus causes the
pituitary gland to release FSH and LH. Follicles
in the ovaries also release estrogen and
progesterone.
FSH stimulates egg cell production. When egg
cell production needs to be controlled, the
follicles produce inhibin to inhibit FSH. LH on
the other hand, helps in egg cell development,
ovulation, and stimulates estradiol and
progesterone production in the ovaries.
Estradiol is one form of estrogen. Estrogen helps
in endometrium or uterine lining growth, the
menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. It is also
responsible for female secondary sex characteristics
like breast development, changes in body
composition and fat mass, and growth of pubic
hair. Progesterone maintains the endometrium, and
also inhibits FSH and LH to be released.
These hormones need to be carefully
controlled by feedback mechanisms. During the
ovarian cycle, or the preparation of the
release of egg cells, FSH and LH levels rise
in order to grow follicles for ovulation, or
having an egg cell be released from the ovary
into the fallopian tube.
As follicles grow, estrogen and progesterone
are released. Around the middle of the cycle,
a high level of estrogen causes FSH and LH
to quickly rise, and then abruptly fall. This
spike causes ovulation.
https://img.freepik.com/free-vector/fertilization-ovum-by-spermatozoon_1308-127179.jpg
Fertilization

The first sperm cell to reach the ovum’s cell

membrane goes inside. At the same time, a
change in the cell membrane occurs so that
the next sperm cannot enter. Only one sperm
is needed to unite with the ovum.
https://imgk.timesnownews.com/story/EnCaul_birth_Kashmir_Budgam_District_Hospital_1_80000_rare.JPG?tr=w- https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/LB-COMP-C-SECTION.jpg?strip=all&quality=100&w=1500&h=1000&crop=1
1200,h-900
Spermatogenesis – the process of
production and development of
sperm cells.
Sperm cells multiply at the onset of
puberty. The pituitary gland secretes
growth hormones and sex gland
stimulating hormones into the blood
stream. These then activate the testicles
to produce testosterone.
https://images.assetsdelivery.com/compings_v2/udaix/udaix1706/udaix170600053.jpg
The head of human sperm cells are flat
and pointed, and covered by a cap
called an acrosome. The acrosome
contains enzymes that help the sperm
enter an egg cell.
The head of a sperm cell also contains
a nucleus that has genetic material
called chromosome which carries the
genetic information or specific
characteristics of an individual like hair or
eye color.
https://images.ctfassets.net/vrrt8fsfwf0e/1iMuS0XJ6OjsJfdKhn5Nna/d566742e1f66aec29854e310e524ff5b/Intro_to_bio_Fertilization_Art_2.svg
The middle part of the sperm cell is
small and contains mitochondria,
producing energy needed by the sperm
for movement.
The tail (or flagellum) is responsible for
movement and enables the sperm to travel in
search of an egg cell. After the sperm are
deposited in the female reproductive tract, tail
movement is limited until the
sperm are relatively near the
egg so as not to deplete the
energy supply of the sperm.
Once the sperm reaches the egg, the
acrosomal enzymes enable the sperm to
push through the egg cell’s thick
covering. The sperm
then fuses with the
egg.
Sperm are extremely resilient and can
swim long distances. They need to travel
around 15 – 18 cm from the cervix to
reach the fallopian tubes. The sperm
cells that do not merge with the egg cell
die.
Seatwork
1. Differentiate the egg cell from the
sperm cell.

2. Males have testosterone while females

have estrogen and progesterone.Compare
the functions of the three hormones.
3. Draw and describe the journey that
the sperm cells go through to exit the
male body.

4. Draw and describe the journey that

the mature egg cell goes through while
waiting for fertilization.