Male Reproductive System
Main parts and functions:
Testes → produce sperm and testosterone
Scrotum → keeps testes at the right temperature
Sperm duct (vas deferens) → transports sperm
Urethra → carries urine and semen
Penis → transfers sperm into the female body
🔑 Female Reproductive System
Main parts and functions:
Ovaries → produce ova (eggs) and hormones
Fallopian tubes (oviducts) → where fertilisation occurs
Uterus → where the foetus develops
Cervix → opening of the uterus
Vagina → receives sperm
🔄 Menstrual Cycle (±28 days)
Phases:
1. Menstruation (Days 1–5)
Uterine lining breaks down → bleeding
2. Follicular Phase
Egg develops in ovary
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
Ovary releases an egg
4. Luteal Phase
Uterus prepares for pregnancy
👉 If no fertilisation → cycle repeats
🧬 Hormonal Control
Main hormones:
Oestrogen → thickens uterine lining
Progesterone → maintains lining
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) → stimulates egg development
LH (Luteinising Hormone) → triggers ovulation
🧪 Fertilisation
Occurs in the fallopian tube
Sperm + ovum = zygote
👶 Development of the Foetus
Stages:
1. Zygote → fertilised egg
2. Embryo → early development
3. Foetus → later development
Important structures:
Placenta → exchange of nutrients & waste
Umbilical cord → connects foetus to placenta
Amnion → protects foetus
⚠️Birth (Parturition)
Process of giving birth
Stages:
1. Dilation of cervix
2. Birth of baby
3. Delivery of placenta
🚫 Contraception
Methods to prevent pregnancy:
Condoms
Pills
Injections
IUCD (loop)
🦠 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Examples:
HIV/AIDS
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
👉 Prevention:
Use protection
Regular testing
📚 Key Terms
Ovulation
Fertilisation
Zygote
Embryo
Foetus
Placenta
Menstrual cycle
💡 Exam Tips
Learn structures and functions
Understand menstrual cycle phases
Practice labeling diagrams
Know hormones and their roles
Be able to explain fertilisation and development
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✅ Give you labeled diagrams (male & female systems)
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Male Reproductive System
The male system is adapted to produce and deliver sperm.
Main structures:
Testes → produce sperm and the hormone testosterone
Scrotum → keeps testes at a temperature lower than body temperature for sperm
production
Epididymis → stores and matures sperm
Vas deferens (sperm duct) → transports sperm
Seminal vesicles & prostate gland → produce fluids that form semen
Urethra → passage for semen and urine
Penis → transfers sperm into the female reproductive system
🔑 Female Reproductive System
The female system produces ova and supports development of the baby.
Main structures:
Ovaries → produce ova and hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)
Fallopian tubes (oviducts) → site of fertilisation
Uterus → where the embryo implants and develops
Endometrium → inner lining of the uterus
Cervix → opening of the uterus
Vagina → receives sperm and serves as birth canal
🔄 Menstrual Cycle (±28 days)
A monthly cycle controlled by hormones.
Phases:
1. Menstruation (Days 1–5)
o Shedding of uterine lining
2. Follicular Phase
o FSH stimulates development of follicle (egg)
o Oestrogen rebuilds uterine lining
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
o LH triggers release of the ovum
4. Luteal Phase
o Progesterone maintains uterine lining
o If no fertilisation occurs, hormone levels drop
🧬 Hormonal Control
FSH → stimulates egg development
LH → causes ovulation
Oestrogen → thickens endometrium
Progesterone → maintains pregnancy lining
🧪 Fertilisation and Development
Fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube
Sperm + ovum → zygote
Zygote divides → forms embryo → later foetus
Important structures:
Placenta → exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste
Umbilical cord → connects foetus to placenta
Amnion → fluid-filled sac for protection
👶 Pregnancy and Birth (Parturition)
Pregnancy lasts about 9 months.
Stages of birth:
1. Dilation of cervix
2. Expulsion of baby
3. Delivery of placenta
🚫 Contraception
Methods used to prevent pregnancy:
Barrier methods (condoms)
Hormonal methods (pills, injections)
Devices (IUCD)
🦠 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Examples include:
HIV/AIDS
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
👉 Prevention:
Safe sex practices
Regular testing
Education and awareness
📚 Key Terms
Ovulation, fertilisation, zygote, embryo, foetus, placenta, menstruation, hormones
💡 Exam Tips
Learn structures and functions clearly
Understand hormonal control of the cycle
Practice labeling diagrams
Be able to explain fertilisation and development stages
Use correct terminology in long answers