Chapter 2 Human Reproduction Notes
Chapter 2 Human Reproduction Notes
PART 1: The Male Reproductive System Accessory Glands: Their secretions form the
seminal plasma, which is rich in fructose (energy
The male reproductive system is designed for the for sperm), calcium, and enzymes.
production, maintenance, storage, and delivery of o Seminal Vesicles (Paired): They secrete an
male gametes (sperms). alkaline, viscous fluid that constitutes the major
portion of the seminal plasma.
1.1 Key Components and Functions o Prostate Gland (Single): It secretes a thin, milky
fluid that activates sperm.
The system is located in the pelvic region and o Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands -
consists of a pair of testes, a duct system, Paired): Their secretion lubricates the penis and
accessory glands, and external genitalia. neutralizes any residual acidity in the urethra.
External Genitalia:
Testes (The Primary Sex Organs):
o Penis: It is the organ for copulation and
o Location: A pair of testes are situated outside the ejaculation of semen into the female vagina. It is
abdominal cavity within a pouch called made of specialized erectile tissue that helps in
the scrotum. This ensures the temperature is 2- erection.
2.5°C lower than the body temperature, which is
crucial for spermatogenesis (sperm formation). 📌 Important Note for Exams:
o Internal Structure: Each testis is divided into
about 250 compartments called testicular lobules. Function of Leydig Cells: Secrete Testosterone.
o Seminiferous Tubules: Each lobule contains 1-3 Function of Sertoli Cells: Nourishment of germ
highly coiled seminiferous tubules. This is the cells and spermiogenesis (transformation of
actual site of sperm production. The tubule lining spermatids into sperm).
has two main types of cells: Semen: A mixture of spermatozoa and the
Male Germ Cells (Spermatogonia): These secretions from all three accessory glands.
undergo meiotic divisions to form sperm.
Sertoli Cells (Nurse Cells): They provide
nourishment to the developing spermatogenic
cells.
o Interstitial Spaces: The spaces outside the
seminiferous tubules contain Leydig Cells PART 2: The Female Reproductive
(Interstitial Cells) , which secrete the male System
hormone testosterone .
Accessory Ducts: These ducts store and transport The female reproductive system is designed for
sperms from the testes to the outside. the production of female gametes (ova), reception
o Rete Testis, Vasa Efferentia, Epididymis, Vas of sperms, fertilization, gestation (development of
Deferens, and Ejaculatory Duct. the fetus), and parturition (childbirth).
o The epididymis is the site of sperm maturation
and storage. 2.1 Key Components and Functions
ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- HUMAN REPRODUCTION
The system consists of a pair of ovaries, a pair of genitalia.
oviducts, a uterus, cervix, vagina, and external
Ovaries (The Primary Sex Organs): o Structure: Each ovary is covered by a thin
o Location: A pair of ovaries are located in the epithelium and contains many ovarian follicles in
various stages of development. A mature follicle
abdominal cavity, one on each side of the uterus.
is called a Graafian follicle, which contains a
o Functions: They produce the female gamete
fluid-filled cavity (antrum) and the ovum.
(ovum) and secrete the female
Accessory Ducts:
hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
o Uterus (Womb): It is a hollow, muscular, pear- 3. Isthmus: The narrow part connecting the ampulla
shaped organ where the fetus develops. Its wall to the uterus.
has three layers:
Phases of Spermatogenesis:
The cycle is divided into four main phases, orchestrated by hormones from the hypothalamus (GnRH),
pituitary (FSH, LH), and ovaries (Estrogen, Progesterone).
Days
Phase (approx. Ovarian Events Uterine Events Hormonal Control
)
Menstruation: The
breakdown and
1. Follicles are in early shedding of the
Low levels of estrogen and
Menstrual 1-5 stages of endometrial lining
progesterone.
Phase development. occurs as bloody
discharge, as pregnancy
did not occur.
Growth of
follicles: Primary
Regeneration/
2. Follicular follicle develops into
Proliferation: The FSH stimulates follicle
/ Graafian follicle
6-13 endometrium is development. Estrogen level
Proliferativ under the influence of
repaired and thickens s rise steadily.
e Phase FSH. Estrogen is
due to estrogen.
secreted by the
growing follicle.
Ovulation: The
3. LH Surge: A sudden peak
Graafian follicle
Ovulatory Day 14 No major change. in LH (Luteinizing
ruptures to release the
Phase Hormone) triggers ovulation.
secondary oocyte.
Formation of
Corpus Luteum: The Secretion: Progesteron
remaining part of the e prepares the
4. Luteal / LH maintains the corpus
follicle transforms endometrium for
Secretory 15-28 luteum. Progesterone levels
into the corpus implantation by making
Phase are high.
luteum, which it thick, vascular, and
secretes progesterone secretory.
.
Placenta
hCG Corpus luteum Maintains corpus luteum during early pregnancy
(trophoblast)
Uterus, mammary
Oxytocin Posterior pituitary Uterine contractions; Milk ejection
glands
1. Diagram Practice: Practice all diagrams at least 5 times each. Use pencil and label
neatly.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
2. NCERT Focus: 90% questions come directly or indirectly from NCERT. Read each line
carefully.
Q4. Name the male accessory gland that surrounds the urethra.
Q11. Differentiate between Sertoli cells and Leydig cells on the basis of their location
and function.
Q12. Why are the testes located outside the abdominal cavity in the scrotum?
Q13. Write two functions of the accessory glands in the male reproductive system.
Q14. Draw a labeled diagram of a single testicular lobule showing the arrangement of
seminiferous tubules.
Q15. Arrange the following ducts in correct sequence from testis to outside: Vas
deferens, Epididymis, Vasa efferentia, Rete testis, Ejaculatory duct.
Q16. Describe the structure of a seminiferous tubule. Name the two types of cells
lining it and mention their functions.
Q17. Explain the role of the following in the male reproductive system:
a) Scrotum
b) Prostate gland
c) Epididymis
Q19. Write a note on the accessory ducts of the male reproductive system.
Q20. What is the composition of semen? Explain the contribution of each accessory
gland in its formation.
Q21. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the male reproductive system. Explain the
structure and functions of the testes in detail.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q22. Describe the histological structure of the testis. Add a note on the hormonal
regulation of testicular functions.
Q23. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
*"A 45-year-old man visited a fertility clinic with his wife due to difficulty in conceiving.
Medical examination revealed that his scrotal temperature was 3°C higher than
normal due to a condition called varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum). His semen
analysis showed very low sperm count and poor sperm motility."*
Q24. The diagram below shows a sectional view of the testis. Observe and answer:
(Note: Diagram would show T.S. of testis with seminiferous tubules, interstitial cells,
and epididymis)
Q4. Name the female accessory glands that lubricate the vagina during copulation.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q7. Name the hormones secreted by the ovary.
Q11. Differentiate between the fallopian tube and the uterus based on their functions.
Q13. Name the three layers of the uterine wall and mention one function of each.
Q16. Describe the structure of the fallopian tube. Name its three parts and mention
the function of each.
Q17. Explain the structure of the mammary gland with the help of a labeled diagram.
Q19. Write a note on the external genitalia of the female reproductive system.
Q20. What is the role of Bartholin's glands? Where are they located?
Q21. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the female reproductive system. Describe the
structure and functions of the uterus in detail.
Q22. Explain the structure of an ovary. Describe the different stages of ovarian
follicles with the help of a diagram.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
*"A 28-year-old woman underwent a medical checkup for irregular menstrual cycles.
Ultrasound examination revealed multiple small cysts in her ovaries. She was
diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Her doctor explained that this
condition affects ovulation and hormone production."*
Q24. The diagram shows a section of the female reproductive system. Observe and
answer:
(Note: Diagram would show ovary, fallopian tube with fimbriae, uterus, cervix, and
vagina)
WORKSHEET 3: SPERMATOGENESIS
Q6. Name the hormone that acts on Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone secretion.
Q7. How many spermatids are formed from one primary spermatocyte?
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q8. What is the chromosome number in a secondary spermatocyte?
Q14. Draw a flow chart showing the stages of spermatogenesis with chromosome
numbers.
Q15. Why are Sertoli cells important for spermatogenesis? Give two reasons.
Q17. Explain the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. Name the hormones involved
and their sources.
Q18. Draw a neat labeled diagram showing the sectional view of a seminiferous
tubule with different stages of spermatogenesis.
Q20. What changes occur during spermiogenesis? How does a spermatid transform
into a functional sperm?
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
SECTION D: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS each)
Q21. Describe the complete process of spermatogenesis with the help of a flow chart.
Add a note on the hormonal regulation of this process.
Q22. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the T.S. of a testis showing the seminiferous
tubules. Explain the different stages of spermatogenesis that occur within the tubules.
"A research study was conducted on two groups of male rats. Group A was injected
with a chemical that destroys Leydig cells. Group B was injected with a chemical that
blocks FSH receptors on Sertoli cells. After 4 weeks, the sperm count and morphology
were analyzed."
Q24. The diagram shows different stages of spermatogenesis. Observe and answer:
Q4. At which stage is the human egg released from the ovary?
Q7. How many primary oocytes are present at birth in a human female?
Q10. When does the secondary oocyte complete its second meiotic division?
Q14. List the four parts of a sperm and mention one function of each.
Q15. Compare the number of gametes produced from one primary spermatocyte and
one primary oocyte.
Q16. Describe the structure of a human sperm with the help of a labeled diagram.
Mention the function of each part.
Q17. Explain the process of oogenesis with the help of a flow chart. Mention the
changes that occur at each stage.
Q19. Draw a labeled diagram showing the structure of an ovum surrounded by follicle
cells.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q20. Compare and contrast spermatogenesis and oogenesis under the following
heads:
a) Site of occurrence
b) Number of gametes produced
c) Continuity of process
Q21. Describe the complete process of oogenesis from fetal life to fertilization.
Support your answer with a labeled flow chart showing chromosome numbers at each
stage.
Q22. Draw a neat labeled diagram of a human sperm. Explain how its structure is
adapted for its function of fertilization.
"In an IVF laboratory, scientists observed sperm samples under a microscope. They
noticed that in Sample X, most sperms had abnormal heads with poorly developed
acrosomes. In Sample Y, sperms had normal heads but very short or immotile tails.
Both samples showed very low fertilization rates when mixed with eggs."
a) Why would Sample X show poor fertilization despite having motile sperms? (1)
b) Which organelle is deficient in Sample Y sperms, affecting their motility? (1)
c) What is the chromosome number in a normal human sperm? (1)
d) If a secondary oocyte is fertilized by a sperm, what will be the immediate next
event in the egg? (1)
(Note: Diagram would show sequence from oogonium to ovum with polar bodies)
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
WORKSHEET 5: MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Q6. Which hormone is responsible for maintaining the endometrium during the luteal
phase?
Q9. What happens to the corpus luteum if fertilization does not occur?
Q10. During which phase of the menstrual cycle is the endometrium shed?
Q11. Differentiate between the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
Q13. Draw a graph showing the levels of LH and FSH during a 28-day menstrual
cycle.
Q14. What is the fate of the Graafian follicle after ovulation if:
a) fertilization occurs
b) fertilization does not occur
Q15. Name the four phases of the menstrual cycle in correct sequence.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
SECTION C: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS - II (3 MARKS each)
Q16. Describe the changes that occur in the ovary and uterus during the follicular
phase of the menstrual cycle.
Q17. Explain the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. What hormonal changes occur
during this phase?
Q18. Draw a labeled diagram showing the cyclic changes in the ovarian follicles
during the menstrual cycle.
Q19. Write a note on the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle. Name the
hormones involved and their sources.
Q20. What is ovulation? Explain the events that lead to ovulation and the hormonal
changes that trigger it.
Q21. Describe the events of the menstrual cycle with reference to the changes in the
ovary and uterus. Support your answer with a diagram showing hormonal levels (FSH,
LH, Estrogen, Progesterone) during the cycle.
Q22. Draw a well-labeled diagram showing the structure of a Graafian follicle. Explain
the fate of this follicle after ovulation under different conditions.
*"A 32-year-old woman with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle missed her period. She
took a home pregnancy test which was positive. Her doctor confirmed pregnancy and
explained that her corpus luteum is being maintained by a hormone from the
developing embryo."*
Q24. The graph below shows hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Observe and
answer:
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
a) Identify hormones A, B, C, and D. (1)
b) On which day does ovulation occur? (1)
c) Which hormone surge triggers ovulation? (1)
d) Why do progesterone levels rise after day 14? (1)
(Note: Graph would show FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone levels over 28 days)
Q13. Name any two hormones secreted by the placenta and mention their functions.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q16. Describe the events that occur from fertilization to implantation in a human
female.
Q20. What changes occur in the zygote as it moves through the fallopian tube
towards the uterus?
Q21. Describe the process of fertilization in humans. What changes occur in the egg
after sperm entry? Explain the journey of the zygote from the fallopian tube to
implantation.
Q22. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the placenta. Explain its role in nutrition,
respiration, excretion, and hormone production for the developing fetus.
*"A woman undergoing IVF treatment had her eggs fertilized in the laboratory. The
embryologist observed that 8 fertilized eggs developed into 2-cell, 4-cell, and then 16-
celled structures. These were transferred to the woman's uterus on day 5 after
fertilization."*
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
a) Label parts A and B. (1)
b) What is the fate of part A? (1)
c) What is the fate of part B? (1)
d) Where does this structure get implanted? (1)
(Note: Diagram would show blastocyst with inner cell mass and trophoblast)
Q3. Name the hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
Q10. Name the duct that carries milk from the alveoli to the nipple.
Q11. Differentiate between prolactin and oxytocin with reference to their functions.
Q13. Draw a labeled diagram showing the structure of a lactating mammary gland.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q16. Describe the process of parturition in humans. Name the hormone involved and
explain its role.
Q17. Explain the process of lactation. What hormonal changes occur in a woman after
delivery to initiate milk production?
Q18. Draw a neat labeled diagram showing the internal structure of the mammary
gland.
Q20. What changes occur in the mammary glands during pregnancy and after
delivery?
Q21. Describe the process of parturition with emphasis on the hormonal control.
Explain the positive feedback mechanism that leads to childbirth.
Q22. Draw a well-labeled diagram of the mammary gland. Explain the process of
lactation and the significance of breast milk for the newborn.
*"A pregnant woman at 40 weeks of gestation was admitted to the hospital with mild
uterine contractions. Her doctor informed her that the contractions will gradually
become stronger and more frequent. After delivery, the doctor placed the baby on her
chest for skin-to-skin contact and encouraged breastfeeding within the first hour."*
a) What is the hormone responsible for the strong uterine contractions during labor?
(1)
b) Why are contractions described as a "positive feedback mechanism"? (1)
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
c) What is the first milk produced called and why is it important? (1)
d) How does suckling by the baby help in milk ejection? (1)
(Note: Diagram would show positive feedback loop of parturition: fetal ejection reflex
→ oxytocin release → uterine contractions → more pressure on cervix)
Q11.
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Feature Sertoli Cells Leydig Cells
Q12. To maintain temperature 2-2.5°C lower than body temperature, essential for
spermatogenesis.
Q17.
Q23.
a) Spermatogenesis requires 2-2.5°C lower temperature
b) Spermatogenesis
c) Testosterone
d) Defect in mitochondria/middle piece or tail structure
Q1. Ovary
Q2. At the vaginal opening
Q3. Collect the ovum after ovulation
Q4. Bartholin's glands
Q5. Ampullary-isthmic junction
Q6. Endometrium
Q7. Estrogen and Progesterone
Q8. Strong contractions during parturition
Q9. Thoracic region (chest)
Q10. Wider part of mammary duct that stores milk
Q23.
a) Ovarian follicles
b) Ovulation
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
c) Estrogen and Progesterone
d) Graafian follicle releases secondary oocyte
WORKSHEET 3: SPERMATOGENESIS
Q23.
a) Testosterone levels would decrease as Leydig cells are destroyed
b) Spermiogenesis (as FSH acts on Sertoli cells)
c) 400 sperms (1 primary spermatocyte → 4 sperms)
d) Maturation phase/Meiosis I
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
Q9. Head
Q10. After fertilization by a sperm
Q15.
Q23.
a) Acrosome contains enzymes needed to penetrate egg
b) Mitochondria (for energy production)
c) 23 (haploid)
d Completion of second meiotic division
Q11.
Q23.
a) Day 14
b) hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
c) It would degenerate into corpus albicans
d) Progesterone (from placenta later)
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ADITYA VIDYASHRAM – PDY Ch- Sexual Reproduction of Flowering Plants
WORKSHEET 6: FERTILIZATION, IMPLANTATION & PREGNANCY
Q23.
a) Morula
b) Day 6-7 after fertilization
c) To reach blastocyst stage which can implant
d) Trophoblast
Q23.
a) Oxytocin
b) Contractions stimulate more oxytocin release, which causes stronger contractions
c) Colostrum - provides antibodies and passive immunity
d) Suckling stimulates release of oxytocin which causes milk ejectio
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