CHAPTER 3

HUMAN REPRODUCTION

3.1 The Male Reproductive

System
3.2 The Female Reproductive As you are aware, humans are sexually reproducing and
System viviparous. The reproductive events in humans include
formation of gametes (gametogenesis), i.e., sperms in males
3.3 Gametogenesis and ovum in females, transfer of sperms into the female
3.4 Menstrual Cycle genital tract (insemination) and fusion of male and female
gametes (fertilisation) leading to formation of zygote. This
3.5 Fertilisation and
is followed by formation and development of blastocyst
Implantation
and its attachment to the uterine wall (implantation),
3.6 Pregnancy and embryonic development (gestation) and delivery of the
Embryonic Development baby (parturition). You have learnt that these reproductive
events occur after puberty. There are remarkable
3.7 Parturition and Lactation
differences between the reproductive events in the male
and in the female, for example, sperm formation continues
even in old men, but formation of ovum ceases in women
around the age of fifty years. Let us examine the male and
female reproductive systems in human.

3.1 THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The male reproductive system is located in the pelvis region
(Figure 3.1a). It includes a pair of testes alongwith
accessory ducts, glands and the external genitalia.

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The testes are situated outside the

abdominal cavity within a pouch
called scrotum. The scrotum helps
in maintaining the low temperature
of the testes (2–2.5o C lower than
the normal internal body
temperature) necessary for
spermatogenesis. In adults, each
testis is oval in shape, with a length
of about 4 to 5 cm and a width of
about 2 to 3 cm. The testis is
covered by a dense covering. Each
testis has about 250 compartments
called testicular lobules Figure 3.1(a) Diagrammatic sectional view of male pelvis
(Figure 3.1b). showing reproductive system
Each lobule contains one to
three highly coiled seminiferous
tubules in which sperms are
produced. Each seminiferous tubule
is lined on its inside by two types
of cells called male germ cells
(spermatogonia) and Sertoli cells
(Figure 3.2 ). The male germ cells
undergo meiotic divisions finally
leading to sperm formation, while
Sertoli cells provide nutrition to the
germ cells. The regions outside the
seminiferous tubules called
interstitial spaces, contain small
blood vessels and interstitial cells
or Leydig cells (Figure 3.2). Leydig
cells synthesise and secrete
testicular hormones called Figure 3.1(b) Diagrammatic view of male reproductive system
(part of testis is open to show inner details)
androgens. Other immunologically
competent cells are also present.
The male sex accessory ducts include rete testis, vasa efferentia,
epididymis and vas deferens (Figure 3.1b). The seminiferous tubules of
the testis open into the vasa efferentia through rete testis. The vasa efferentia
leave the testis and open into epididymis located along the posterior surface
43
of each testis. The epididymis leads to vas deferens that ascends to the
abdomen and loops over the urinary bladder. It receives a duct from seminal
vesicle and opens into urethra as the ejaculatory duct (Figure 3.1a). These
ducts store and transport the sperms from the testis to the outside through
urethra. The urethra originates from the urinary bladder and extends
through the penis to its external opening called urethral meatus.

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Figure 3.2 Diagrammatic sectional view of seminiferous tubule

The penis is the male external genitalia (Figure 3.1a, b). It is made up
of special tissue that helps in erection of the penis to facilitate insemination.
The enlarged end of penis called the glans penis is covered by a loose fold
of skin called foreskin.
The male accessory glands (Figure 3.1a, b) include paired seminal
vesicles, a prostate and paired bulbourethral glands. Secretions of these
glands constitute the seminal plasma which is rich in fructose, calcium
and certain enzymes. The secretions of bulbourethral glands also helps
in the lubrication of the penis.

3.2 THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries alongwith a pair
of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and the external genitalia located in
pelvic region (Figure 3.3a). These parts of the system alongwith a pair of the
mammary glands are integrated structurally and functionally to support
the processes of ovulation, fertilisation, pregnancy, birth and child care.
Ovaries are the primary female sex organs that produce the female
44 gamete (ovum) and several steroid hormones (ovarian hormones).
The ovaries are located one on each side of the lower abdomen
(Figure 3.3b). Each ovary is about 2 to 4 cm in length and is connected to
the pelvic wall and uterus by ligaments. Each ovary is covered by a thin
epithelium which encloses the ovarian stroma. The stroma is divided into
two zones – a peripheral cortex and an inner medulla.

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Figure 3.3 (a) Diagrammatic sectional view of female pelvis showing

reproductive system

The oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus and vagina constitute the female
accessory ducts. Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends
from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus (Figure 3.3b), the part closer
to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the
infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in
collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider

45

Figure 3.3 (b) Diagrammatic sectional view of the female reproductive system

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 BIOLOGY

part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, isthmus has
a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus.
The uterus is single and it is also called womb. The shape of the uterus
is like an inverted pear. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic
wall. The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of
the cervix is called cervical canal (Figure 3.3b) which alongwith vagina
forms the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissue. The
external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth
muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that
lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during
menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during
delivery of the baby.
The female external genitalia include mons pubis, labia majora, labia
minora, hymen and clitoris (Figure 3.3a). Mons pubis is a cushion of fatty
tissue covered by skin and pubic hair. The labia majora are fleshy folds of
tissue, which extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal
opening. The labia minora are paired folds of tissue under the labia majora.
The opening of the vagina is often covered partially by a membrane called
hymen. The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper
junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening. The hymen is
often torn during the first coitus (intercourse). However, it can also be broken
by a sudden fall or jolt, insertion of a vaginal tampon, active participation
in some sports like horseback riding, cycling, etc. In some women the hymen
persists even after coitus. In fact, the presence or absence of hymen is not
a reliable indicator of virginity or sexual experience.

46

Figure 3.4 A diagrammatic sectional view of Mammary gland

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HUMAN REPRODUCTION

A functional mammary gland is characteristic of all female mammals.

The mammary glands are paired structures (breasts) that contain
glandular tissue and variable amount of fat. The glandular tissue of each
breast is divided into 15-20 mammary lobes containing clusters of cells
called alveoli (Figure 3.4). The cells of alveoli secrete milk, which is stored
in the cavities (lumens) of alveoli. The alveoli open into mammary tubules.
The tubules of each lobe join to form a mammary duct. Several mammary
ducts join to form a wider mammary ampulla which is connected to
lactiferous duct through which milk is sucked out.

3.3 GAMETOGENESIS
The primary sex organs – the testis in the males and the ovaries in the
females – produce gametes, i.e, sperms and ovum, respectively, by the
process called gametogenesis. In testis, the immature male germ cells
(spermatogonia) produce sperms by spermatogenesis that begins at
puberty. The spermatogonia (sing. spermatogonium) present on the
inside wall of seminiferous tubules multiply by mitotic division and
increase in numbers. Each spermatogonium is diploid and contains 46
chromosomes. Some of the spermatogonia called primary
spermatocytes periodically undergo meiosis. A primary spermatocyte
completes the first meiotic division (reduction division) leading to
formation of two equal, haploid cells called
secondary spermatocytes, which have only
23 chromosomes each. The secondary
spermatocytes undergo the second meiotic
division to produce four equal, haploid
spermatids (Figure 3.5). What would be the
number of chromosome in the spermatids?
The spermatids are transformed into
spermatozoa (sperms) by the process called
spermiogenesis. After spermiogenesis,
sperm heads become embedded in the
Sertoli cells, and are finally released from
the seminiferous tubules by the process
called spermiation.
Spermatogenesis starts at the age of
Figure 3.5 Diagrammatic sectional view of a
puberty due to significant increase in the seminiferous tubule (enlarged)
secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone
(GnRH). This, if you recall, is a hypothalamic hormone. The increased 47
levels of GnRH then acts at the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates
secretion of two gonadotropins – luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH). LH acts at the Leydig cells and stimulates
synthesis and secretion of androgens. Androgens, in turn, stimulate the
process of spermatogenesis. FSH acts on the Sertoli cells and stimulates

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secretion of some factors which help in the

process of spermiogenesis.
Let us examine the structure of a sperm. It
is a microscopic structure composed of a head,
neck, a middle piece and a tail (Figure 3.6). A
plasma membrane envelops the whole body of
sperm. The sperm head contains an elongated
haploid nucleus, the anterior portion of which
is covered by a cap-like structure, acrosome.
The acrosome is filled with enzymes that help
fertilisation of the ovum. The middle piece
possesses numerous mitochondria, which
produce energy for the movement of tail that
facilitate sperm motility essential for fertilisation.
The human male ejaculates about 200 to 300
million sperms during a coitus of which, for
normal fertility, at least 60 per cent sperms
must have normal shape and size and at least
40 per cent of them must show vigorous
motility.
Figure 3.6 Structure of a sperm
Sperms released from the seminiferous
tubules, are transported by the accessory
ducts. Secretions of epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and
prostate are essential for maturation and motility of sperms. The seminal
plasma along with the sperms constitute the semen. The functions of
male sex accessory ducts and glands are maintained by the testicular
hormones (androgens).
The process of formation of a mature female gamete is called oogenesis
which is markedly different from spermatogenesis. Oogenesis is initiated
during the embryonic development stage when a couple of million gamete
mother cells (oogonia) are formed within each fetal ovary; no more oogonia
are formed and added after birth. These cells start division and enter into
prophase-I of the meiotic division and get temporarily arrested at that stage,
called primary oocytes. Each primary oocyte then gets surrounded by a
layer of granulosa cells and is called the primary follicle (Figure 3.7). A
large number of these follicles degenerate during the phase from birth to
puberty. Therefore, at puberty only 60,000-80,000 primary follicles are
left in each ovary. The primary follicles get surrounded by more layers of
granulosa cells and a new theca and are called secondary follicles.
The secondary follicle soon transforms into a tertiary follicle which is
48 characterised by a fluid filled cavity called antrum. The theca layer is
organised into an inner theca interna and an outer theca externa. It is
important to draw your attention that it is at this stage that the primary
oocyte within the tertiary follicle grows in size and completes its first meiotic
division. It is an unequal division resulting in the formation of a large
haploid secondary oocyte and a tiny first polar body (Figure 3.8b). The

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HUMAN REPRODUCTION

secondary oocyte retains bulk of the

nutrient rich cytoplasm of the primary
oocyte. Can you think of any advantage
for this? Does the first polar body born
out of first meiotic division divide further
or degenerate? At present we are not
very certain about this. The tertiary
follicle further changes into the mature
follicle or Graafian follicle (Figure 3.7).
The secondary oocyte forms a new
membrane called zona pellucida
surrounding it. The Graafian follicle now
ruptures to release the secondary oocyte
(ovum) from the ovary by the
process called ovulation. Can you Figure 3.7 Diagrammatic Section view of ovary
identify major differences between
spermatogenesis and oogenesis? A diagrammatic representation of
spermatogenesis and oogenesis is given below (Figure 3.8).

(a) (b)
Figure 3.8 Schematic representation of (a) Spermatogenesis; (b) Oogenesis

3.4 MENSTRUAL CYCLE

49
The reproductive cycle in the female primates (e.g. monkeys, apes and
human beings) is called menstrual cycle. The first menstruation begins
at puberty and is called menarche. In human females, menstruation
is repeated at an average interval of about 28/29 days, and the cycle of
events starting from one menstruation till the next one is called the
menstrual cycle. One ovum is released (ovulation) during the middle

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Figure 3.9 Diagrammatic presentation of various events during a menstrual cycle

of each menstrual cycle. The major events of the menstrual cycle are
shown in Figure 3.9. The cycle starts with the menstrual phase, when
menstrual flow occurs and it lasts for 3-5 days. The menstrual flow
results due to breakdown of endometrial lining of the uterus and its
blood vessels which forms liquid that comes out through vagina.
Menstruation only occurs if the released ovum is not fertilised. Lack of
menstruation may be indicative of pregnancy. However, it may also be
caused due to some other underlying causes like stress, poor health etc.
50 The menstrual phase is followed by the follicular phase. During
this phase, the primary follicles in the ovary grow to become a
fully mature Graafian follicle and simultaneously the endometrium
of uterus regenerates through proliferation. These changes in the
ovary and the uterus are induced by changes in the levels of
pituitary and ovarian hormones (Figure 3.9). The secretion of
HUMAN REPRODUCTION

gonadotropins (LH and FSH) increases gradually during the follicular

phase, and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of Menstrual Hygiene
estrogens by the growing follicles. Both LH and FSH attain a peak level Maintenance of
in the middle of cycle (about 14th day). Rapid secretion of LH leading to hygiene and sanitation
during menstruation is
its maximum level during the mid-cycle called LH surge induces rupture very important. Take
of Graafian follicle and thereby the release of ovum (ovulation). The bath and clean yourself
ovulation (ovulatory phase) is followed by the luteal phase during which regulary. Use sanitary
napkins or clean
the remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform as the corpus
homemade pads.
luteum (Figure 3.9). The corpus luteum secretes large amounts of Change sanitary
progesterone which is essential for maintenance of the endometrium. napkins or homemade
Such an endometrium is necessary for implantation of the fertilised pads after every 4–5 hrs
as per the requirement.
ovum and other events of pregnancy. During pregnancy all events of Dispose of the used
the menstrual cycle stop and there is no menstruation. In the absence sanitary napkins
of fertilisation, the corpus luteum degenerates. This causes disintegration properly wrapping it
with a used paper. Do
of the endometrium leading to menstruation, marking a new cycle. In
not throw the used
human beings, menstrual cycles ceases around 50 years of age; that is napkins in the
termed as menopause. Cyclic menstruation is an indicator of normal drainpipe of toilets or
reproductive phase and extends between menarche and menopause. in the open area. After
handling the napkin
wash hands with soap.
3.5 FERTILISATION AND IMPLANTATION
During copulation (coitus) semen is released by the penis into the vagina
(insemination). The motile sperms swim rapidly, pass through the cervix,
enter into the uterus and finally reach the ampullary region of the
fallopian tube (Figure 3.11b). The ovum released by the ovary is also
transported to the ampullary region
where fertilisation takes place.
Fertilisation can only occur if the
ovum and sperms are transported
simultaneously to the ampullary
region. This is the reason why not all
copulations lead to fertilisation and
pregnancy.
The process of fusion of a sperm
with an ovum is called fertilisation.
During fertilisation, a sperm comes in
contact with the zona pellucida layer
of the ovum (Figure 3.10) and induces
changes in the membrane that block
the entry of additional sperms. Thus, 51 51
it ensures that only one sperm can
fertilise an ovum. The secretions of the
acrosome help the sperm enter into the
cytoplasm of the ovum through the
zona pellucida and the plasma
Figure 3.10 Ovum surrounded by few sperms

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membrane. This induces the completion of the meiotic division of the

secondary oocyte. The second meiotic division is also unequal and results
in the formation of a second polar body and a haploid ovum (ootid). Soon
the haploid nucleus of the sperms and that of the ovum fuse together to
form a diploid zygote. How many chromosomes will be there in the zygote?
One has to remember that the sex of the baby has been decided at this
stage itself. Let us see how? As you know the chromosome pattern in the
human female is XX and that in the male is XY. Therefore, all the haploid
gametes (ova) produced by the female have the sex chromosome X whereas
in the male gametes (sperms) the sex chromosome could be either X or Y,
hence, 50 per cent of sperms carry the X chromosome while the other 50 per
cent carry the Y. After fusion of the male and female gametes the zygote
would carry either XX or XY depending on whether the sperm carrying X
or Y fertilised the ovum. The zygote carrying XX would develop into a female
baby and XY would form a male (you will learn more about the chromosomal
patterns in Chapter 5). That is why, scientifically it is correct to say that the
sex of the baby is determined by the father and not by the mother!
The mitotic division starts as the zygote moves through the isthmus
of the oviduct called cleavage towards the uterus (Figure 3.11) and forms
2, 4, 8, 16 daughter cells called blastomeres. The embryo with 8 to 16

52

Figure 3.11 Transport of ovum, fertilisation and passage of growing embryo through fallopian tube
HUMAN REPRODUCTION

blastomeres is called a morula (Figure 3.11e). The morula continues to

divide and transforms into blastocyst (Figure 3.11g) as it moves further
into the uterus. The blastomeres in the blastocyst are arranged into an
outer layer called trophoblast and an inner group of cells attached to
trophoblast called the inner cell mass. The trophoblast layer then gets
attached to the endometrium and the inner cell mass gets differentiated
as the embryo. After attachment, the uterine cells divide rapidly and covers
the blastocyst. As a result, the blastocyst becomes embedded in the
endometrium of the uterus (Figure 3.11h). This is called implantation
and it leads to pregnancy.

3.6 PREGNANCY AND EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT

After implantation, finger-like projections appear on the trophoblast called
chorionic villi which are surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal
blood. The chorionic villi and uterine tissue become interdigitated with
each other and jointly form a structural and functional unit between
developing embryo (foetus) and maternal body called placenta (Figure 3.12).
The placenta facilitate the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the
embryo and also removal of carbon dioxide and excretory/waste materials
produced by the embryo. The placenta is connected to the embryo through
an umbilical cord which helps in the transport of substances to and from
the embryo. Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces
several hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human
placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progestogens, etc. In the later
phase of pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is also secreted by
the ovary. Let us remember
that hCG, hPL and relaxin
are produced in women
only during pregnancy. In
addition, during pregnancy
the levels of other hormones
like estrogens, progestogens,
cortisol, prolactin, thyroxine,
etc., are increased several-
folds in the maternal blood.
Increased production of these
hormones is essential for
supporting the fetal growth,
metabolic changes in the 53
mother and maintenance of
pregnancy.
Immediately after
implantation, the inner cell
mass (embryo) differentiates Figure 3.12 The human foetus within the uterus

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into an outer layer called ectoderm and an inner layer called endoderm. A
mesoderm soon appears between the ectoderm and the endoderm. These
three layers give rise to all tissues (organs) in adults. It needs to be mentioned
here that the inner cell mass contains certain cells called stem cells which
have the potency to give rise to all the tissues and organs.
What are the major features of embryonic development at various
months of pregnancy? The human pregnancy lasts 9 months. Do you
know for how many months pregnancy last in dogs, elephants, cats?
Find out. In human beings, after one month of pregnancy, the embryo’s
heart is formed. The first sign of growing foetus may be noticed by listening
to the heart sound carefully through the stethoscope. By the end of the
second month of pregnancy, the foetus develops limbs and digits. By the
end of 12 weeks (first trimester), most of the major organ systems are
formed, for example, the limbs and external genital organs are well-
developed. The first movements of the foetus and appearance of hair on
the head are usually observed during the fifth month. By the end of about
24 weeks (end of second trimester), the body is covered with fine hair,
eye-lids separate, and eyelashes are formed. By the end of nine months
of pregnancy, the foetus is fully developed and is ready for delivery.

3.7 PARTURITION AND LACTATION

The average duration of human pregnancy is about 9 months
which is called the gestation period. Vigorous contraction of the uterus at
the end of pregnancy causes expulsion/delivery of the foetus. This process
of delivery of the foetus (childbirth) is called parturition. Parturition is
induced by a complex neuroendocrine mechanism. The signals for
parturition originate from the fully developed foetus and the placenta
which induce mild uterine contractions called foetal ejection reflex. This
triggers release of oxytocin from the maternal pituitary. Oxytocin acts on
the uterine muscle and causes stronger uterine contractions, which in
turn stimulates further secretion of oxytocin. The stimulatory reflex between
the uterine contraction and oxytocin secretion continues resulting in
stronger and stronger contractions. This leads to expulsion of the baby
out of the uterus through the birth canal – parturition. Soon after the
infant is delivered, the placenta is also expelled out of the uterus. What do
you think the doctors inject to induce delivery?
The mammary glands of the female undergo differentiation during
pregnancy and starts producing milk towards the end of pregnancy by
54 the process called lactation. This helps the mother in feeding the new-
born. The milk produced during the initial few days of lactation is called
colostrum which contains several antibodies absolutely essential to
develop resistance for the new-born babies. Breast-feeding during the
initial period of infant growth is recommended by doctors for bringing up
a healthy baby.

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HUMAN REPRODUCTION

SUMMARY
Humans are sexually reproducing and viviparous. The male
reproductive system is composed of a pair of testes, the male sex
accessory ducts and the accessory glands and external genitalia. Each
testis has about 250 compartments called testicular lobules, and each
lobule contains one to three highly coiled seminiferous tubules. Each
seminiferous tubule is lined inside by spermatogonia and Sertoli cells.
The spermatogonia undergo meiotic divisions leading to sperm formation,
while Sertoli cells provide nutrition to the dividing germ cells. The Leydig
cells outside the seminiferous tubules, synthesise and secrete testicular
hormones called androgens. The male external genitalia is called penis.
The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, a pair
of oviducts, a uterus, a vagina, external genitalia, and a pair of
mammary glands. The ovaries produce the female gamete (ovum) and
some steroid hormones (ovarian hormones). Ovarian follicles in different
stages of development are embedded in the stroma. The oviducts, uterus
and vagina are female accessory ducts. The uterus has three layers
namely perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. The female
external genitalia includes mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora,
hymen and clitoris. The mammary glands are one of the female
secondary sexual characteristics.
Spermatogenesis results in the formation of sperms that are
transported by the male sex accessory ducts. A normal human sperm
is composed of a head, neck, a middle piece and tail. The process of
formation of mature female gametes is called oogenesis. The
reproductive cycle of female primates is called menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cycle starts only after attaining sexual maturation (puberty).
During ovulation only one ovum is released per menstrual cycle. The
cyclical changes in the ovary and the uterus during menstrual cycle
are induced by changes in the levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones.
After coitus, sperms are transported to the junction of the isthmus and
ampulla, where the sperm fertilises the ovum leading to formation of a
diploid zygote. The presence of X or Y chromosome in the sperm
determines the sex of the embryo. The zygote undergoes repeated mitotic
division to form a blastocyst, which is implanted in the uterus resulting
in pregnancy. After nine months of pregnancy, the fully developed foetus
is ready for delivery. The process of childbirth is called parturition which
is induced by a complex neuroendocrine mechanism involving cortisol,
estrogens and oxytocin. Mammary glands differentiate during pregnancy
and secrete milk after child-birth. The new-born baby is fed milk by the
mother (lactation) during the initial few months of growth.

EXERCISES
1. Fill in the blanks:
55
(a) Humans reproduce _____________ (asexually/sexually)
(b) Humans are _____________ (oviparous, viviparous, ovoviviparous)
(c) Fertilisation is _____________ in humans (external/internal)
(d) Male and female gametes are _____________ (diploid/haploid)
(e) Zygote is _____________ (diploid/haploid)

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(f) The process of release of ovum from a mature follicle is called

_____________
(g) Ovulation is induced by a hormone called _____________
(h) The fusion of male and female gametes is called _____________
(i) Fertilisation takes place in _____________
(j) Zygote divides to form _____________which is implanted in uterus.
(k) The structure which provides vascular connection between foetus
and uterus is called _____________
2. Draw a labelled diagram of male reproductive system.
3. Draw a labelled diagram of female reproductive system.
4. Write two major functions each of testis and ovary.
5. Describe the structure of a seminiferous tubule.
6. What is spermatogenesis? Briefly describe the process of spermatogenesis.
7. Name the hormones involved in regulation of spermatogenesis.
8. Define spermiogenesis and spermiation.
9. Draw a labelled diagram of sperm.
10. What are the major components of seminal plasma?
11. What are the major functions of male accessory ducts and glands?
12. What is oogenesis? Give a brief account of oogenesis.
13. Draw a labelled diagram of a section through ovary.
14. Draw a labelled diagram of a Graafian follicle?
15. Name the functions of the following:
(a) Corpus luteum (b) Endometrium
(c) Acrosome (d) Sperm tail
(e) Fimbriae
16. Identify True/False statements. Correct each false statement to make
it true.
(a) Androgens are produced by Sertoli cells. (True/False)
(b) Spermatozoa get nutrition from Sertoli cells. (True/False)
(c) Leydig cells are found in ovary. (True/False)
(d) Leydig cells synthesise androgens. (True/False)
(e) Oogenesis takes place in corpus luteum. (True/False)
(f) Menstrual cycle ceases during pregnancy. (True/False)
(g) Presence or absence of hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity
or sexual experience. (True/False)
17. What is menstrual cycle? Which hormones regulate menstrual cycle?
18. What is parturition? Which hormones are involved in induction of parturition?
19. In our society the women are often blamed for giving birth to daughters.
Can you explain why this is not correct?
56
20. How many eggs are released by a human ovary in a month? How many
eggs do you think would have been released if the mother gave birth to
identical twins? Would your answer change if the twins born were
fraternal?
21. How many eggs do you think were released by the ovary of a female dog
which gave birth to 6 puppies?

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 Class 12 Chemistry
class 12 Physics
NCERT Books
 Notes for Class 12
 Chemistry MCQ
Physics
Questions for Class
 NCERT Exemplar
12 Chapterwise with
Class 12 Physics
Answers
 HC Verma Solutions
 Class 12 Biology  NCERT Solutions for
NCERT Books class 12 Chemistry
 Biology MCQ  Notes for Class 12
Questions for Class Chemistry
12 Chapterwise with  NCERT Exemplar
Answers Class 12 Chemistry
NCERT Geography NCERT Solutions for
Book Class 12 class 12 English
  Class 12 NCERT  NCERT Solutions for
Accountancy Books class 12
 Accountancy MCQ Accountancy
Questions for Class  TS Grewal
12 Chapterwise with Accountancy Class
Answers 12 Solutions
 NCERT Solutions for
class 12 Business
Class 12 NCERT Studies
Business Studies Books  Notes for Class 12
Business Studies
 NCERT Solutions for
Class 12 Introductory class 12 Economics
Microeconomics  Notes for Class 12
Economics
NCERT Solutions for
Class 12 Introductory
class 12
Macroeconomics
Entrepreneurship
Class 12 NCERT NCERT Solutions for
Kaleidoscope class 12 Sociology
Class 12 NCERT NCERT Solutions for
English Books class 12 Psychology
NCERT Solutions for
NCERT Sanksrit Books
class 12 Political
Class 12
Science
 NCERT Solutions for
Class 12 Khayaban-e-
class 12 Computer
Urdu
Science – C++
NCERT Solutions for
NCERT Class 12 History
class 12 Computer
Book
Science – Python
Class 12 Social Change
Class 12 Psychology
and Development in
NCERT Books
India NCERT Books
Class 12 Contemporary
Class 12 Indian Society
World Politics NCERT
NCERT Books
Books
Class 12 Human
Class 12 Craft Tradition Ecology and Family
in India NCERT Books Sciences NCERT
Books
Class 12 Towards A Class 12 Political
New Age Graphic Science Part-II NCERT
Design NCERT Books Books
Students can easily download the PDF file of these questions and solve them offline as well. For
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 Important Questions for Class 12 Maths Chapter

Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 Physics with
Answers
  Important Questions for Class 12 Chemistry
Chapter Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 Biology Chapter
Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 English Chapter
Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 Accountancy
Chapter Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 Economics
Chapter Wise
 Business Studies Class 12 Important Questions
Chapter Wise
 Important Questions for Class 12 Computer
Science Chapter Wise
 Political Science Class 12 Important Questions
 Physical Education Class 12 Important Questions
 Geography Class 12 Important Questions
 Informatics Practices Class 12 Important
Questions
 Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter
Wise
NCERT Solutions for Class 12
NCERT Solutions for all the subjects in Class 12 can be found from the following table. Working
on Class 12 NCERT solutions is really important as the class 12 syllabus is more or less the same
as the competitive exam syllabus such as JEE, NEET etc., So students who have strong
command over class 12 NCERT Solutions can easily crack the competitive exams without any
difficulty. Just click on the link in following NCERT Class 12 Solutions table and practice away the
questions which you want to.

 Class 12 Maths
 Physics Class 12
 Chemistry Class 12
 Class 12 Biology
 Class 12 English
 Class 12 English Vistas
 Class 12 English Flamingo
 Class 12 Hindi
 Class 12 Hindi Aroh (आरोह भाग 2)
 Class 12 Hindi Vitan (वितान भाग 2)
 Class 12 Sanskrit
 Class 12 History
 Class 12 Geography
 Class 12 Economics
 Class 12 Macro Economics
 Class 12 Micro Economics
 Class 12 Political Science
 Class 12 Business Studies
 Class 12 Accountancy
 Class 12 Sociology
 Class 12 Psychology
 Class 12 Entrepreneurship
 Class 12 Computer Science (C++)
 Class 12 Computer Science (Python)