Reproductive system
Function
Produces sex cells for the purpose of
continuing the species
Male sex cells - Sperm cells
Female sex cells - Egg cells
These cells fuse to ensure that the species
continues
Main processes
Copulation/ Sexual • Male inserts penis into female's vagina
intercourse
Ejaculation • Penis releases sperm cells into female's vagina
• Once a month an egg cell in released into female's
Ovulation fallopian tubes
• If fertilisation does not take place, the lining of the
Menstruation uterus is released through the vagina
Main processes
Fertilisation • One sperm cell fuses with the egg cell
• The fertilised egg divides into more and
Cell division more cells.
• Cell division continues
Growth • More and more cells are formed
Main processes
• The fertilised egg moves from the Fallopian tubes down to the uterus
where it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus
Implantation • The woman is now pregnant
• The baby grows in the uterus
• The baby is born after 40 weeks of pregnancy
Maturation • The baby grows and develops into an adult
• The adult can reproduce
Uterus
Also known as the womb
Found in females
Has a thick lining & muscular
wall
This is where the embryo
develops during pregnancy
Ovaries
Located inside the
woman’s body in the
lower abdomen
Produces the sex cells –
egg cells or ova
Testes
Located in the scrotum
The scrotum is a sac of skin that
hangs between the legs
The testes produce the male sex
cells (sperm cells)
Penis
The external male organ
Used to transfer sperm to
the female
Health issues
Infertility
• Person is unable to produce a baby
• Occurs in men & women
Foetal alcohol syndrome
• Birth defect caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
• Affects the child for the rest of their lives & the damage is irreversible
STDs
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Involve the transmission of infectious organisms such as bacteria and viruses between sex partners.
• HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea
Puberty
It leads to:
• The development of secondary sex
characteristics The age at which puberty
The process of physical and
• An immature individual (child) begins is mainly affected by
physiological changes . becoming capable of reproduction genetic factors.
The period of physical,
Girls: Between ages of 11 and Boys: Between ages of 14 physiological as well as
14. and 16. psychological change is
known as adolescence.
Puberty
Testosterone and oestrogen initiate changes to the gonads and to other parts
of the body.
The results of changes to the gonads are called primary sexual
characteristics as they influence the process of reproduction.
Other physical changes = secondary sexual characteristics as they have
nothing to do with the actual reproductive process.
Girls
► Breast development ► Deposition of fat on hips, thighs, upper
arms, buttocks
► Growth of hair in pubic area & armpits
► Start of the 28-day menstrual cycle
► Increase in size of uterus, ovaries,
primary follicles ► First menstrual bleeding
► Widening of pelvis and hips - provide ► Ovulation
wider birth canal ► Growth spurt lasting 2 to 3 years
► Possible acne as skin gets oilier
Boys
► Enlargement of testes and penis
► Hair growth in the pubic area, armpits, face
► Increase in size of larynx (voice box) & thickening of vocal cords → Deepening
of voice
► Enlargement of skeletal muscles and broadening of shoulders
► Sperm production
► Growth spurt lasting 2 to 3 years
► Acne
Birth control (Contraception)
Contraception = The
prevention of fertilisation
when sexual intercourse takes
place.
The pill
► The birth control pill is one of the most commonly used contraceptive products.
► It is very reliable, provided it is taken every day and the instructions are followed very
carefully.
► The pill contains minute amounts of oestrogen and progesterone and is taken daily,
except for the last 5 days of the 28-day cycle.
► These two hormones prevent ovulation.
► With no egg being released - pregnancy cannot occur.
Sterilisation
► Usually permanent - Individuals who plan to have more children do not use it.
► Advantages:
► Does not affect the reproductive physiological processes
► Not harmful
► Cheap
Prevent sperm reaching egg
► Male sterilisation = Vasectomy.
► Sperm duct is cut, preventing sperm from being expelled.
► The sperm that are made after a while are broken down and
absorbed back into the body.
► Female sterilisation = Tubal ligation
► Fallopian tubes are tied off, which prevents the egg and sperm
from meeting.
Prevent sperm reaching egg
Condom
► Barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and
spreading STDs
► Male condom
► Non-porous, very strong rubber sheath.
WHY???
► Fits over an erect penis and must be put on BEFORE sex begins.
► It catches the sperm and stops it from getting into the vagina.
► Also prevents viruses and bacteria from passing between sexual partners.
Prevent sperm reaching egg
► Female condom
► Known as a Femodom
► Similar to a small, elongated balloon.
► Fits inside the female & lines the vagina.
► Also protects against STDs.
Prevent sperm reaching egg
Spermicide
► Chemicals (creams, foams, gels) that kill sperm
► Put in the vagina and often used with condoms
► Not very effective at preventing pregnancy if used on their own.
Prevent sperm reaching egg
Diaphragm
► Shallow, bendable cup
► Placed over the cervix before sex & left in place
for at least 6 hours after sex.
► Prevents sperm from reaching the egg
► Moderately effective
Prevent embryo implantation/development
MAP (morning-after-pill)
► A course of pills that must be started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
► The oestrogen-progesterone combination completely confuses the normal
hormonal glands.
► As a result, either fertilisation is prevented or a fertilised egg cannot implant.
Prevent embryo implantation/development
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
► A small object made of plastic, copper or stainless
steel that is inserted into the uterus.
► Prevents implantation of the blastocyst
► Recommended for women who have already given
birth.
► Fairly reliable.
Other contraceptive devices
Rhythm method
► Menstrual history must be tracked to predict when ovulation occurs
► Unprotected sex over the period of ovulation must be avoided
► One of the least effective forms of birth control
► Offers no protection against STI’s Another
reason???
► Requires careful record-keeping & persistence
Other contraceptive devices
Withdrawal
► Withdrawal of the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation
► NOT recommended - Very easy to fall pregnant.