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The Human Reproductive System and Puberty

The document discusses the human reproductive system and puberty. It describes the male and female reproductive organs and their functions. It also explains the changes that occur during puberty for males and females, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

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Benjamin Jerey
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13 views

The Human Reproductive System and Puberty

The document discusses the human reproductive system and puberty. It describes the male and female reproductive organs and their functions. It also explains the changes that occur during puberty for males and females, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Uploaded by

Benjamin Jerey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE HUMAN REPRODUCIVE SYSTEM AND PUBERTY

Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce their young ones. The
human reproductive system in males is different from that of the females.

The male reproductive system

Functions of the male reproductive organs


1. Penis
This is an erectile organ that is placed into the vagina during sexual intercourse
(copulation). The sperms are deposited into the vagina by a process called ejaculation.
The Function of the penis is to deposit sperms into the vagina during sexual intercourse.

2. Testes
They are found in a sac of skin called the scrotum located outside the lower abdomen.
They hang outside the body surface between the thighs. The location of the testes
outside the body is ideal because the normal body temperature is a little bit higher than
the temperature required for sperm reproduction. Sperm production requires low
temperature. The following are the functions of the testes.
a) They produce sperms.
b) They produce male hormones called Testosterone. Testosterone are specific
chemicals in the human body that are responsible for the boy’s development of the
secondary sexual characteristics.

3. Epididymis
This is a long coiled tube that rests on the backside of each testicle. The function of the
epididymis is to stores sperm cells.

4. Sperm duct
This is the tube that connects the epididymis to the urethra. The function of the sperm
duct is to transports sperm cells from the testes to the urethra.

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5. Urethra
This tube is inside the penis and runs through its length. The functions of the urethra
are
a) It is the passage for sperms.
b) It is the passage for urine.

6. Scrotum
This is a skin sac that holds the testes outside the body. The functions of the scrotum
are
a) It protects the testicles.
b) It holds the testes outside the body to keep them slightly below the normal body
temperature. This gives the testes a conducive environment to produce sperms.

The female reproductive system

Functions of the female reproductive organs


1. Ovary
The two ovaries are the main reproductive organs of a woman. They are found on either
sides of the lower abdomen. The functions of the ovaries are
a) They produce the eggs or ova.
b) They produce female hormones called Oestrogen

2. Oviduct (fallopian tube)


The functions of the oviduct are
a) This is where fertilization of the ovum takes place.
b) It is the passage of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.

3. Uterus (womb)
The functions of the uterus are
a) This is where the embryo develops during pregnancy.
b) It is a site of implantation.
c) It houses and protects the developing embryo/foetus from injury.
d) Pushes the baby out at birth through contractions.
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4. Cervix
It is a ring of muscles which connects the lower end of the uterus to the vagina. The
functions of the cervix are
a) It lubricates the vagina during copulation by producing mucus
b) It closes during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage/premature birth.
c) It relaxes and opens wide for the baby to come out when a woman is about to give
birth.
d) It separates uterus and the vagina

5. Vagina
This is the muscular tube which leads to the outside of the uterus. The functions of the
vagina are
a) It receives sperms from the penis during sexual intercourse.
b) It is the passage for the baby during birth.

Puberty
Puberty is the stage in the development of the body when one reaches sexual maturity and
becomes capable of reproduction. It is the period between childhood and adulthood.
Puberty begins when a gland close to the brain starts to release specific hormones into the
blood stream. These hormonescause the tests and ovaries to produce and release sex
hormones. The sex hormones are
1. Testosterone: This male sex hormone is produced and released by the testes.
2. Oestrogen and Progesterone: This female sex hormones are produced and released by
the ovaries. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone.

The time when puberty begins varies greatly among individuals. On average, in girls
puberty starts at ages 10 – 11 years and ends by ages 15 – 17 years. In boys puberty starts
at ages 11 – 12 years and ends by ages 16 – 17 years.
During puberty, the body undergoes some changes. These changes are called secondary
sexual characteristics.

Changes associated with puberty for males


1. Wet dreams
2. The penis enlarges
3. The chest enlarges
4. The testicles grow
5. The voice deepens
6. The muscles become strong
7. Growth of hair around the genital parts and the armpits
8. Pimples may appear on the face

Changes associated with puberty for females


1. Ovulation
2. Menstruation begins. Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus along with
some blood when fertilization does not occur.
3. Hips become wider
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4. Breasts grow
5. Growth of hair around the genital parts and armpits
6. Pimples may appear on the face

The importance of personal hygiene of the reproductive system


It is important to observe personal hygiene of the reproductive organs in order to
1. avoid inflections/diseases
2. avoid bad odours

For women
1. The vagina can clean itself but women must wash their external genitals.
2. Changing sanitary towels regularly during menstruation.
3. Changing underwear regularly and ironing them before wearing.
4. Keeping the reproductive organs dry.
5. Taking a shower every day

For men
1. Washing the reproductive organs regularly with soap and clean water. If you are not
circumcised gently pull back the foreskin and wash with water. This prevents the build
up of smegma.
2. Changing underwear regularly and ironing them before wearing.
3. Keeping the reproductive organs dry.
4. Taking a shower every day.
5. Male circumcision.

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