KS3 Human Reproduction Knowledge Organiser

Key Words Male Reproductive System Female Reproductive System

A specific feature that allows a specialised cell sperm duct gland oviduct (fallopian tube) uterus (womb)
adaptation
to carry out a particular function.

Determined by the reproductive organs a

urethra penis
biological sex person has, the sex chromosomes in their body
and the hormone levels they produce.
utherus lining
conception The process of becoming pregnant. testis scrotum ovary
(endometrium)

egg cell The female sex cell, produced by the ovaries.

Part Function cervix vagina
An unborn or unhatched offspring in the early
Allows urine and semen to pass out of the male’s
embryo stages of development. In humans, this is up to penis
body. Part Function
the end of the eighth week after conception.
Produces sperm cells and releases the male sex vagina A muscular tube that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body.
testis
The sex typically given to an individual who hormone testosterone. A ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus. This keeps the baby in
female produces egg cells, has XX chromosomes cervix
A tube that carries urine and semen. It has a ring place during pregnancy.
(biological sex) and produces higher levels of the hormone urethra
oestrogen. of muscle to keep these fluids separate. Contains hundreds of undeveloped egg cells. Every month, an egg cell
ovary
scrotum A bag of skin that contains the testes. matures and is released.
A chemical that is produced naturally within the
uterus Where the baby develops during pregnancy.
hormone body and released into the bloodstream to send Produces fluids that mix with sperm cells to make
gland
messages to other parts of the body. semen. oviduct Carries egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus.

Carries sperm cells from the testes to the uterus A blood-rich layer of tissue in which an embryo implants. This tissue is lost
The sex typically given to an individual who sperm duct
urethra. lining each month during menstruation.
male produces sperm cells, has XY chromosomes
(biological sex) and produces higher levels of the hormone
testosterone. Puberty Puberty Changes in Males Puberty Changes in Females

The main female reproductive hormone, Puberty is a period of time in a person’s life when
oestrogen produced by the ovaries. It is involved in they become sexually mature. Puberty causes
thickening the uterus lining. physical and emotional changes that affect males voice
facial hair grows
and females differently. These changes happen deepens breasts
The period of time when a person becomes because of hormones. develop
puberty sexually mature. It causes physical changes that
Changes that affect both males and females:
affect males and females differently.
• growth of pubic hair shoulders increased hips widen
broaden muscle growth
sperm cell The male sex cell, produced by the testes. • growth of underarm hair
• growth spurts menstrual
The main male reproductive hormone produced
testosterone • acne or occasional pimples cycle starts
by the testes. It stimulates sperm production. testes and testes start to vaginal
• body odour becomes stronger penis get produce sperm discharge is
vulva The external female genitals. • mood changes bigger cells produced

• sexual thoughts and feelings

1 of 2
 KS3 Human Reproduction Knowledge Organiser
Key Words Sperm Cell Adaptations The Menstrual Cycle Development of a Baby

The menstrual cycle is a process that occurs in the The average length of gestation in humans is 40 weeks.
ejaculation The release of semen from the penis. The head is covered The midpiece
female reproductive system. The average length of the
with an acrosome, contains many Week Description
fertilisation The fusion of male and female gametes. menstrual cycle is 28 days.
which releases enzymes mitochondria to
The embryo is about 6mm long. The heart
An unborn offspring after the embryo to digest the egg cell release energy Day Description
4–6 and other organs start to form, and the heart
foetus stage of development. In humans this is membrane. for movement.
The uterus lining breaks down and begins to beat.
from the eighth week after conception.
1–5 passes out of the vagina. This is known as
Arms begin to grow and toes and eyelids begin
gamete A sex cell. menstruation or ‘having a period’. 8–9
to form. The embryo is now called a foetus.
The time between conception and birth, The uterus lining starts to build up again.
5 – 14 The foetus is now fully formed and all the organs,
gestation during which the baby is developing in the An egg cell starts to mature in the ovary.
12 muscles and bones are in place. It is now around
uterus. An egg cell is released from the ovary. This 60mm long and starts to move around.
The nucleus contains 14
The sperm is called ovulation.
The attachment of the embryo to the lining genetic information The foetus is around 250mm long. It has begun
implantation cell has a tail
of the uterus at the start of pregnancy. from the father. The The uterus lining remains thick. During this to kick and can hear sounds outside the uterus.
(flagellum) to 14 – 28 20 – 24
sperm cell carries half time, the egg may be fertilised by a sperm cell. It swallows amniotic fluid and produces urine.
The monthly cycle of changes in the allow it to move
menstrual the genetic information If the egg cell is not fertilised by a sperm Fingerprints have now formed.
ovaries and the lining of the uterus to towards the egg
cycle that will be received by 28 cell, the uterus lining begins to break down The baby has hair and can open its eyes. There
prepare for fertilisation. cell to fertilise it.
the offspring. again and the cycle repeats. 28 is a high chance that the baby would survive if
The process of releasing blood and tissue it was born now.
menstruation from the lining of the uterus as part of the
Egg Cell Adaptations Human Reproduction The baby is fully developed and ready to be
menstrual cycle. Also known as a period.
37 – 40 born. It is now around 520mm long. It rotates
The death of a foetus before 24 weeks of The cell membrane The cytoplasm 1 2 so its head is pointing downwards.
miscarriage
pregnancy. changes after contains nutrients
offspring The children or young of an organism.
fertilisation so no to support the Effect of Maternal Lifestyle
more sperm cells developing embryo
The release of a mature egg cell from an can enter the egg. after fertilisation. Oxygen and nutrients, such as glucose, can pass from the
ovulation
ovary. mother’s blood into the blood of the foetus across the
An organ that develops in the uterus During sexual intercourse, Sperm cells travel through placenta. The placenta is attached to the foetus by the
during pregnancy. It is responsible for semen containing sperm the female reproductive umbilical cord.
placenta transferring oxygen and glucose from the cells is ejaculated from system to meet an egg Other substances, such as alcohol, can pass across the
mother to the developing foetus, as well as the penis into the vagina. cell in the oviduct. placenta during pregnancy. Some substances may increase
removing waste products. the risk of developmental problems in a baby.
3 2
The mixture of sperm cells and fluid Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can increase the risk
semen
released during ejaculation in males. of miscarriage, stillbirth or sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS). Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to
sexual Sexual contact involving penetration, e.g.
be born prematurely and/or have a low birthweight. A lack
intercourse the insertion of the penis into the vagina.
The nucleus contains The large size of the of oxygen passing from the mother to the baby may lead to
The birth of a baby that has died in the genetic information egg cell increases One sperm cell penetrates The resultant zygote problems with brain development.
stillbirth
uterus after 24 weeks of pregnancy. from the mother. The the chance of it the egg cell membrane. divides several times Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the
egg cell carries half the being fertilised and The nucleus of the sperm to form a ball of cells chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or low
umbilical The cord which connects the placenta to
genetic information allows more space cell fuses with the nucleus called an embryo, which birthweight. If a mother drinks heavily during pregnancy,
cord the foetus.
that will be received by for nutrients to be of the egg cell. This is implants in the uterus it may lead to foetal alcohol syndrome, which can result in
zygote A fertilised egg cell. the offspring. stored. called fertilisation. lining. learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

2 of 2
Human Reproduction Revision Mat
Key Words a Male Reproductive System b Female Reproductive System c
Write each key word from the box next to the correct definition. The parts of the male reproductive system are shown below. The parts of the female reproductive system are shown below. Complete the
Complete the missing labels. missing labels.

egg cell ferilisation hormone

oviduct
menstruation oestrogen ovulation
(fallopian tube)
puberty sperm cell testosterone sperm duct gland

Definition Key Word urethra

The fusion of male and female

gametes.
scrotum
The process of releasing blood and
utherus lining
tissue from the lining of the uterus as
(endometrium)
part of the menstrual cycle.

A chemical that is produced naturally Draw one line from each part of the male reproductive system to the
within the body and released into the cervix vagina
correct function.
bloodstream to send messages to
other parts of the body. Carries sperm cells from the
gland Draw one line from each part of the female reproductive system to the correct
testes to the urethra.
The female sex cell, produced function.
by the ovaries.
Where the baby develops during
cervix
The main male reproductive Produces fluids that mix with pregnancy.
penis
hormone produced by the sperm cells to make semen.
testes. It stimulates sperm
Contains hundreds of undeveloped egg cells. Every
production. ovary
month, an egg cell matures and is released.
Produces sperm cells and
The period of time when a person scrotum
releases the male sex hormone
becomes sexually mature. It causes
testosterone. A blood-rich layer of tissue in which an embryo
physical changes that affect males
oviduct implants. This tissue is lost each month during
and females differently.
menstruation.
The male sex cell, produced by the sperm duct A bag of skin that contains the testes.
testes.
A ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus. This
uterus
The release of a mature egg cell from keeps the baby in place during pregnancy.
A tube that carries urine and
an ovary.
testis semen. It has a ring of muscle to
The main female reproductive keep these fluids separate. A muscular tube that leads from the cervix to the
utherus lining
hormone, produced by the outside of the body.
ovaries. It is involved in
thickening the uterus lining. Allows urine and semen to pass
urethra
out of the male body. vagina Carries egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus.

1 of 2
 Human Reproduction Revision Mat

Sperm Cells d Puberty f Effect of Maternal Lifestyle h Development of a Baby j

Explain how each adaptation of a sperm cell Place one tick in each row to show whether each Name the structure that allows substances What is the average length of gestation in
helps it to carry out its function. change that takes place during puberty affects males, such as oxygen and glucose to pass from the humans? Tick one box.
females, or both. mother’s blood to the baby’s blood during
28 days
pregnancy.
Change Male Female Both
28 weeks
breasts develop

Adaptation: long tail facial hair grows 40 weeks
growth spurts Which of the following lifestyle factors may lead
Explanation:  to low birthweight and premature birth? 12 months
hips widen
 Tick two boxes.
menstrual cycle starts What is the name given to a developing baby up to
mood changes drinking alcohol the end of the eighth week after conception?

penis and testes get bigger drinking fizzy drinks
Adaptation: many mitochondria pubic hair grows 
eating lots of carbohydrates
testes start to produce What is the name given to a developing baby more
Explanation:  eating lots of fruits and vegetables
sperm cells than eight weeks after conception?
 underarm hair grows smoking cigarettes
vaginal discharge is 
 taking drugs prescribed by a doctor
produced
Draw one line from each week in the development
of a baby to the correct description.
Egg Cells e Human Reproduction g The Menstrual Cycle i

Explain how each adaptation of an egg cell helps Number the stages in the process leading up to The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 The foetus is now fully formed
it to carry out its function. pregnancy in the correct order. The first one has been days. Label on the diagram where the following and all the organs, muscles and
done for you. processes occur: week 4 bones are in place. It is now
around 60mm long and starts
Sperm cells travel through the female • ovulation
to move around.
reproductive system to meet the egg cell in • menstruation
the oviduct.

The embryo implants in the lining of the The baby is fully developed
uterus. The female is now pregnant. and ready to be born. It is now
week 12
Adaptation: large size around 520mm long. It rotates so
During sexual intercourse, semen is its head is pointing downwards.
Explanation:  1 released from the penis into the vagina.
This is called ejaculation.

The baby has hair and can open
 The nucleus of the sperm cell fuses with the
its eyes. There is a high chance
nucleus of the egg cell in a process called week 28
that the baby would survive if it
Adaptation: cell membrane changes after fertilisation.
was born now.
fertilisation
One sperm cell penetrates the egg cell
Explanation:  membrane and enters the cytoplasm.
The embryo is about 6mm long.
 The fertilised egg cell travels down the The heart and other organs
week 39
 oviduct, dividing many times along the way start to form, and the heart
to form a ball of cells called an embryo. begins to beat.

2 of 2
Human Reproduction Practice Exam Questions
0 1 Figure 1 shows a sperm cell.

Figure 1

0 1 . 1 Name the part of the sperm cell that allows it to move towards an egg cell. [1 mark]

0 1 . 2 Name the part of the sperm cell that contains genetic information. [1 mark]

0 1 . 3 Explain how the midpiece is adapted to support the function of the [2 marks]
sperm cell.



1 of 4
 Human Reproduction Practice Exam Questions
0 1 . 4 Figure 2 shows an egg cell.

Figure 2

Explain how the egg cell is adapted to its function. [4 marks]












2 of 4
 Human Reproduction Practice Exam Questions
0 2 Figure 3 shows the female reproductive system.

Figure 3

0 2 . 1 Name the part of the female reproductive system where egg cells are [1 mark]
produced.


0 2 . 2 Name the part of the female reproductive system where the foetus [1 mark]
develops during pregnancy.


0 2 . 3 Describe the function of the cervix in the female reproductive system. [1 mark]



0 2 . 4 Explain the importance of the changes that occur in the female reproductive [4 marks]
system during the menstrual cycle.
You should include the approximate day that each of the changes takes place
in your answer.









7


3 of 4
 Human Reproduction Practice Exam Questions

0 3 Table 1 shows the ages at which ten people started puberty.

Table 1

Males Females

12 8

11 11

9 14

14 10

14 12

0 3 . 1 Calculate the mean age at which the males started puberty. [1 mark]

mean = 

0 3 . 2 Give two differences between the ages at which puberty started in males [2 marks]
and females.

1. 

2. 


0 3 . 3 During puberty, males start to produce sperm cells. [2 marks]

Explain the importance of males producing sperm cells.




0 3 . 4 Explain how the physical changes that take place in females during puberty [6 marks]
prepare the female body to produce offspring.







11


4 of 4
KS3 Human Reproduction Glossary
Key Word Definition

A condition characterised by red spots that appear on the face or

acne
body, often during puberty.

amniotic fluid A fluid in the uterus that protects a developing baby from damage.

Determined by the reproductive organs a person has, the sex

biological sex
chromosomes in their body and the hormone levels they produce.

A ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus. This keeps the baby
cervix
in place during pregnancy.

A fluid produced by the cervix. When thick, it blocks the cervix to

cervical mucus
prevent sperm from entering.

Tiny hairs that line the oviduct. They move the egg cell towards the
cilia
uterus.

conception The process of becoming pregnant.

egg cell The female sex cell, produced by the ovaries.

ejaculation The release of semen from the penis.

An unborn or unhatched offspring in the early stages of development.

embryo
In humans, this is up to the end of the eighth week after conception.

The sex typically given to an individual who has a vulva, produces

female
egg cells, has XX chromosomes and produces higher levels of the
(biological sex)
hormone oestrogen.

fertilisation The fusion of male and female gametes.

A condition that can affect a child if the mother drinks alcohol during
foetal alcohol
pregnancy. Symptoms include learning difficulties, behavioural
syndrome
problems, poor growth and distinctive facial features.

foetus An unborn offspring more than eight weeks after conception.

gamete A sex cell.

An individual person’s sense of their gender. This is unique to them and is

gender identity
not determined by their biological sex, but can be influenced by it.

The time between conception and birth, during which the baby is
gestation
developing in the uterus.

1 of 3
 KS3 Human Reproduction Glossary

Key Word Definition

gland (male
A structure that produces fluids that mix with sperm cells to make
reproductive
semen in the male reproductive system.
system)

A chemical that is produced naturally within the body and released into
hormone
the bloodstream to send messages to other parts of the body.

The attachment of the embryo to the lining of the uterus at the start
implantation
of pregnancy.

The sex typically given to an individual who has a penis and testes,
male
produces sperm cells, has XY chromosomes and produces higher
(biological sex)
levels of the hormone testosterone.

The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the
menstrual cycle
uterus to prepare for fertilisation.

The process of releasing blood and tissue from the lining of the
menstruation
uterus as part of the menstrual cycle. Also known as a period.

miscarriage The death of a foetus before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The main female reproductive hormone, produced by the ovaries. It

oestrogen
is involved in thickening the uterus lining.

offspring The children or young of an organism.

Part of the female reproductive system where egg cells mature and
ovary are released. It also produces the female sex hormones oestrogen and
progesterone.

Part of the female reproductive system that carries egg cells from the
oviduct
ovaries to the uterus. Also known as the fallopian tube.

ovulation The release of a mature egg cell from an ovary.

Part of the male reproductive system that allows urine and semen to
penis
pass out of the body.

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It is

responsible for transferring oxygen and glucose from the mother
placenta
to the developing foetus. It also removes waste products from the
blood of the foetus.

premature The birth of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy.

A hormone produced by the ovaries that is involved in maintaining the

progesterone
uterus lining during the menstrual cycle.

2 of 3
 KS3 Human Reproduction Glossary

Key Word Definition

The period of time when a person becomes sexually mature. It

puberty
causes physical changes that affect males and females differently.

pubic hair Hair that appears on and around the genitals during puberty.

reproduction The production of offspring.

reproductive
The organs and tissues involved in producing offspring.
system

scrotum A bag of skin that contains the testes in the male reproductive system.

The mixture of sperm cells and fluid released during ejaculation in

semen
males.

sexual Sexual contact involving penetration, e.g. the insertion of the penis
intercourse into the vagina.

sperm cell The male sex cell, produced by the testes.

Part of the male reproductive system that carries sperm cells from
sperm duct
the testes to the urethra.

The birth of a baby that has died in the uterus after 24 weeks of
stillbirth
pregnancy.

Part of the male reproductive system. It produces sperm and releases

testis
the male sex hormone testosterone.

The main male reproductive hormone produced by the testes.

testosterone
It stimulates sperm production.

umbilical cord The cord which connects the placenta to the foetus.

A tube that carries urine out of the body. In males, it also carries
urethra semen. In males, there is a ring of muscle to keep the urine and
semen separate.

The part of the female reproductive system where the baby develops
uterus
during pregnancy. Also known as the womb.

A blood-rich layer of tissue in which an embryo implants. This lining

uterus lining
is lost every month during menstruation.

A muscular tube that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body in
vagina
females.

vulva The external female genitals.

zygote A fertilised egg cell.

3 of 3
Human Reproduction
The male sex cell is called a sperm cell. Its structure is specifically adapted to carry out its function.

1. Draw one line from the name of each part of the sperm cell to the correct description.

Cell Part Description

tail contains the nucleus which holds the DNA of the cell

moves like a propeller to allow the cell to move to

midpiece
the egg

head contains many mitochondria that release energy

2. Label the parts of the sperm cell.

Humans are mammals. All mammals reproduce in a similar way; fertilisation occurs within the
body. Sperm is ejaculated from the male into the female and travels to find the egg cell. The
sperm and egg cell fuse together in a process called fertilisation. The fertilised egg cell develops
into an embryo, which is carried inside the uterus (womb) of the female until birth.

3. Label the organs of the female reproductive system. Use words from the box below.

ovary oviduct uterus vagina

1 of 3
 Human Reproduction

4. Read the statements below and write the letters in the boxes to show the correct sequence
of events.

A. The fertilised egg moves along the oviduct into the uterus.

B. A single sperm penetrates the egg cell and the two nuclei fuse.

C. Sperm travels through the female reproductive system towards the egg cell.

D. The fused cells embed into the lining of the uterus and develop into an embryo.

The female reproductive system goes through a series of events called the menstrual cycle.
Menstruation is when the lining of the uterus leaves the body and occurs as bleeding from
the vagina during the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about
28 days.

5. On the diagram of the female reproductive system shown on question 3, shade in the area
which shows the lining of the uterus.

The diagram below represents the days in a typical menstrual cycle.

27 28 1 2
26 3
25 4
24 5
23 6
22 7
Menstrual Cycle
21 8
20 9
19 10
18 11
17 12
16 15 14 13

6. On the diagram above, shade the days in the cycle when menstruation typically occurs.

7. On the diagram above, label the day on which ovulation typically occurs.

2 of 3
 Human Reproduction

8. If a sperm reaches the egg and fertilises it, the fused cells embed into the lining of the uterus
and develop into an embryo, a foetus (developing baby) will begin to grow. Complete the
sentences. Choose answers from the box.

nutrients diffusion physical placenta bloodstream

A baby growing inside the uterus receives blood and from the mother
via an organ called the . Anything the pregnant mother eats, or drinks can
be absorbed into the and passed to the baby by .

Mothers are advised to stop or reduce their alcohol intake while pregnant. Alcohol can lead
to , behavioural, and developmental effects on an unborn baby.

3 of 3
 Menstrual Cycle Practice Exam Questions

0 1 Figure 1 shows a representation of a typical menstrual cycle.

Figure 1

menstruation

Menstrual Cycle

ovulation

0 1 . 1 Part of the menstrual cycle involves the person ‘having a period’.

What is the length of a typical period?

Tick one box.

[1 mark]
1 day

5 days

14 days

28 days

0 1 . 2 Ovulation typically occurs on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Describe what happens during ovulation.
[1 mark]

1 of 4
 Menstrual Cycle Practice Exam Questions

0 1 . 3 Why does the lining of the uterus thicken during the menstrual cycle?

Tick two boxes.

[2 marks]
to prepare for a fertilised egg cell to implant

to ensure females have a period

to produce egg cells

to protect the fertilised egg cell as it develops

0 1 . 4 What symptoms might a person experience prior to menstruation?

Tick three boxes.

[3 marks]
breasts grow larger

cramps in lower abdomen

feeling bloated

headaches

increased pubic hair

wider hips

0 1 . 5 Fertilisation happens if the egg cell meets and joins with a sperm cell.
Describe what happens to the menstrual cycle if fertilisation takes place.
[1 mark]

2 of 4
 Menstrual Cycle Practice Exam Questions

0 2 Figure 2 shows the female reproductive system.

Figure 2

B
A

0 2 . 1 Draw one line from each letter labelled in Figure 2 to the name of
each part.
[2 marks]

cervix
A
ovary
B
uterus

0 2 . 2 Where in the female reproductive system are egg cells produced?

Tick one box.

[1 mark]
cervix

ovary

oviduct

uterus

3 of 4
 Menstrual Cycle Practice Exam Questions

0 2 . 3 Where in the female reproductive system is an egg cell fertilised by a

sperm cell?
[1 mark]
Tick one box.

cervix

ovary

oviduct

uterus

0 2 . 4 Figure 3 shows a human egg cell. The egg cell has several adaptations.

Figure 3

0 2 . 5 Explain how each of the adaptations below helps the egg cell to
carry out its function.
[2 marks]
Adaptation: The membrane hardens after fertilisation.

Explanation:

Adaptation: The cytoplasm contains large amounts of nutrients.

Explanation:

4 of 4