Human Reproduction

Topic 7.6

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7.6 Reproduction - syllabus
 describe the structures of female and male
reproductive systems
 outline the functions of each system (male and
female)
 discuss the effects of testosterone, oestrogen and
progesterone in the development of sexual
characteristics and puberty
 describe the menstrual cycle and the role of
oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual
cycle
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Home work – Set 1:

1. Name the organ that produces

testosterone.
2. List 5 secondary sexual characteristics of
boys, caused by testosterone.
3. Name the organ that produces oestrogen
and progesterone.
4. List 5 secondary sexual characteristics of
girls, caused by oestrogen and
progesterone.

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Male reproductive system

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Male

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 Seminal
vesicle

Sperm duct

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Functions: Male
 Testes: produce sperm (male sex cells) & Testosterone
 Scrotum: Hold testes & has lower temp (3°C) than body
temp for sperm development
 Epididymis: Coiled tube running from top of testis down
its side. Mature of and store sperm
 Sperm duct/vas deference: Transport sperm from Testes
to urethra.
 Urethra: Transport Urine and semen out of penis.
 Penis: Consists of spongy erectile tissue. Deliver semen
in vagina
 Accessory glands: seminal vesicles, Prostate gland &
Cowper’s gland: Produce semen (fructose-rich fluid &
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sperm)
Sperm production

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Female reproductive system

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Female

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 Functions: Female
 OVARIES:Mature & release ova/egg & oestrogen &
progesterone
 OVIDUCT/FALLOPIAN TUBES: carry egg from ovary to
uterus; where fertilisation takes place
 UTERUS: fertilised egg (ovum), foetus implants and
grows
 CERVIX:Ring of muscle tissue between uterus &
vagina. Widen during birth.
 VAGINA/BIRTH CANAL: sperm is deposited & passage of
baby during birth 2024/10/03 13
 Homework – Set 2

1. Describe the function of the following

hormones in the menstrual cycle:
a) Oestrogen
b) progesterone

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Menstruation

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Menstrual cycle

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The menstrual cycle
 A series of changes to uterus lining (endometrium)
 Repeats approximately every 28 days
 Each month the endometrium becomes thick & filled
with blood vessels to prepare for receiving fertilised
ovum
 No fertilisation = lining lost during menstruation (4-7
days)
 Stages of menstrual cycle occur because of levels of
oestrogen & progesterone
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 Hormones of the menstrual cycle:
 Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman:
 Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the maturation of an egg in the
ovary.
 Luteinising hormone (LH) stimulates the release of the egg. 18

 Oestrogen is involved in repairing and thickening the uterus lining.

 Progesterone maintains the uterine lining.

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 The menstrual cycle
 Day 1-5 (Menstrual & Follicular phase)
= Endometrium breaks down. Menstruation starts as broken
down tissue & blood vessels passes out through vagina
= Both oestrogen & progesterone low

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 The menstrual cycle
 Day 6-13 (Follicular phase)
= Lining of uterus gradually builds up again & thickens into
layer full of blood vessels
= Oestrogen levels start to rise leading to rebuilding of
endometrium
= Progesterone low & constant

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 The menstrual cycle
 Day 14 (Ovulation)
= release of egg from ovaries
= oestrogen levels peak which triggers cervical mucus to
become thinner & sperm can enter easily
= Progesterone low & constant

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 The menstrual cycle
 Day 15 – 28 (Luteal phase)
= endometrium continues to thicken
= Progesterone levels start to rise because it keeps
endometrium thick & well supplied with blood/nutrients. It
also causes cervical mucus to thicken again preventing new
sperm from entering
= Day 23 – Levels of both oestrogen & progesterone drop.
Endometrium thus does not receive nutrients & oxygen causing
cells to die.
= Day 28 – endometrium starts to detach from uterus wall,
breaking down & menstruation starts.
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 The menstrual cycle
 Day 1-5 (Menstrual & Follicular phase)
= Endometrium breaks down. Menstruation starts as broken down tissue & blood vessels passes out
through vagina
= Both oestrogen & progesterone low
 Day 6-13 (Follicular phase)
= Lining of uterus gradually builds up again & thickens into layer full of blood vessels
= Oestrogen levels start to rise leading to rebuilding of endometrium
= Progesterone low & constant
 Day 14 (Ovulation)
= release of egg from ovaries
= oestrogen levels peak which triggers cervical mucus to become thinner & sperm can enter easily
= Progesterone low & constant
 Day 15 – 28 (Luteal phase)
= endometrium continues to thicken & if no implantation takes place, cycle begins again
= Progesterone levels start to rise because it keeps endometrium thick & well supplied with
blood/nutrients. It also causes cervical mucus to thicken again preventing new sperm from entering
= Day 23 – Levels of both oestrogen & progesterone drop. Endometrium thus does not receive
nutrients & oxygen causing cells to die. 2024/10/03 23

= Day 28 – endometrium starts to detach from uterus wall, breaking down & menstruation starts.
What causes menstrual cycle to occur?
Oestrogen & Progesterone
 Different levels of oestrogen & progesterone causes changes in body
 During end of menstruation (day 5), oestrogen levels start to rise leading to
rebuilding of endometrium. Progesterone low & constant
 Ovulation – oestrogen levels peak which triggers cervical mucus to become
thinner & sperm can enter easily
 Day 15 (Luteal) – Progesterone levels start to rise because it keeps
endometrium thick & well supplied with blood/nutrients. It also causes
cervical mucus to thicken again preventing new sperm from entering
 Day 23 – Levels of both oestrogen & progesterone drop. Endometrium thus
does not receive nutrients & oxygen causing cells to die.
 Day 28 – endometrium starts to detach from uterus wall, breaking down &
menstruation starts.

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 Menstrual cycle

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 Menstrual cycle

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FYI: PMS
 If conception didn’t happen, both progesterone and estrogen levels start lowering after
their peak around days 22–24 of the cycle, which can start the onset of premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Many people feel slightly off or unwell during the luteal phase.
 The hormonal fluctuations during the second part of luteal phase may cause irritability,
negative mood or skin issues. A mid-luteal spike in progesterone can cause
constipation because progesterone relaxes smooth muscles, including the bowels.
 How the luteal phase might feel
Common symptoms of the second part of the luteal phase include all of the known symptoms
of PMS, such as:
• Increased appetite
• Tiredness
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Oily hair and skin
• Mood swings 2024/10/03 28
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