Human Reproductive System Overview
Human Reproductive System Overview
Progress Check 1
Question 1
Answer
Question 2
Answer
(i) Seminal vesicles produce a secretion that serves as a medium for the transportation of the sperms.
(ii) It pours an alkaline secretion into the semen as it passes through the urethra. It neutralises acid in
female's vagina.
(iv) Sperm duct (vas deferens) help in the transportation of the sperms from the testes upwards to the
abdomen.
Progress Check 2
Question 1
State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F):
(i) One egg is released from each of the two ovaries every month.
(iii) The egg is passed down through the oviduct by muscular contractions.
Answer
(i) False
Corrected Statement — One egg is released from one of the two ovaries every month.
(ii) True
(iii) True
(iv) True
(v) True
Progress Check 3
Question 1
Name the three main regions of the human sperm, and briefly mention the function of each.
Answer
The three main regions of human sperm and their function are:
1. Head (Acrosome) — It secretes an enzyme (hyaluronidase) which facilitates entry of sperm into the
egg by dissolving the wall of the ovum.
2. Middle Piece (Mitochondria) — It provides energy for the activity of the sperm to swim.
3. Tail (Axial filament) — Lashing movements of tail helps in propulsion.
Question 2
Answer
1. Seminal vesicles
2. Prostate gland
3. Bulbo-urethral gland (or Cowper's gland)
1. Oestrogens
2. Progesterone
1. Fraternal Twins
2. Identical Twins
1. Endometrium
2. Myometrium
Question 3
List the substances which the foetus receives from the mother through placenta.
Answer
The foetus receives following substances from the mother through placenta:
1. Oxygen
2. Glucose
3. Amino acids
4. Lipids, fatty acids and glycerol
5. Vitamins
6. Mineral ions such as Na, K, Ca, Cl, etc.
7. Certain drugs
8. Alcohol, nicotine
9. Antibodies
10. Viruses
Question 4
How are carbon dioxide and urea, excreted by the foetus, removed?
Answer
The placenta is formed of two sets of finger-like projections, the villi. One set is given out by uterine wall
and the other set by allantois from the embryo. These two set of villi are interlocked. The impurities
excreted by foetus are exchanged by their capillaries to the capillaries of uterine wall (mother).
Question 5
Write one sentence each using the following terms pertaining to reproduction in humans.
(i) Gestation
(iv) Placenta
(v) After-birth
Answer
(i) The gestation period refers to the full term of the embryo in the uterus.
(iii) During parturition, the baby is pushed out by powerful contraction, head first.
(iv) Placenta is the disc like structure attached to the uterine wall.
(v) After about 15 minutes of birth of baby, the placenta breaks from the uterus and is expelled out as "after-
birth".
Question 6
Answer
No
Reason — No, the foetus inside the mother's uterus does not breathe in the same way as a born baby or an
adult. The exchange of gases between the mother's blood and the foetal blood takes place in the placenta,
and the foetus obtains the necessary oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide through this process. The actual
breathing, as in inhaling and exhaling air into the lungs, only begins after birth when the baby takes its first
breath.
Question 7
(iii) Heart and blood vessels have been formed by the end of five weeks of pregnancy.
Answer
(i) True
(ii) False
Corrected Statement — Amniotic fluid serves to provide protection to the foetus.
(iii) True
(iv) False
Corrected Statement — Mother's blood and the foetal blood do not directly mix in the placenta. Instead,
the placenta acts as a barrier between the maternal and foetal circulations to allow for the exchange of
oxygen, nutrients, and waste products without direct mixing of blood.
Question 8
The human female gonads are ovaries. A maturing egg in the ovary is present in a sac of cells called
...............(1). As the egg grows larger, the follicle enlarges and gets filled with a fluid and is now called the
............... (2) follicle. The process of releasing the egg from the ovary is called ............... (3). The ovum is
picked up by the oviductal funnel and fertilization takes place in the ...............(4). In about a week the
blastocyst gets fixed in the endometrium of the uterus and this process is called ...............(5).
Answer
The human female gonads are ovaries. A maturing egg in the ovary is present in a sac of cells
called follicle(1). As the egg grows larger, the follicle enlarges and gets filled with a fluid and is now called
the Graafian (2) follicle. The process of releasing the egg from the ovary is called ovulation (3). The ovum
is picked up by the oviductal funnel and fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube (4). In about a week
the blastocyst gets fixed in the endometrium of the uterus and this process is called implantation (5).
Question 1
The male accessory gland whose secretion neutralizes the acidity of the urethra and vagina is:
1. Seminal vesicle
2. Prostate gland
3. Seminiferous tubule
4. Bulbo-urethral gland
Answer
Prostate gland
Reason — The secretion of prostate gland is alkaline in nature and it neutralises the acidity of the urethra
and vagina.
Question 2
1. Parturition
2. Menopause
3. Ovulation
4. Menarche
Answer
Menarche
Reason — The term used for onset of menstruation in young female is called Menarche.
Question 3
1. 7 days
2. 21 days
3. 28 days
4. 14 days
Answer
14 days
Question 4
1. Fallopian tube
2. Uterus
3. Vas deferens
4. Vagina
Answer
Fallopian tube
Question 5
The packing tissues between the coils of the seminiferous tubules are called as :
1. Leydig cells
2. Hymen
3. Graafian follicle
4. Clitoris
Answer
Leydig cells
Reason — The packing tissues between the coils of the seminiferous tubules are called as interstitial cells or
Leydig cells.
Question 6
Which of the following cannot pass readily through the placenta to the foetus ?
1. Antibodies
2. Amino acids
3. Alcohol
4. Haemoglobin
Answer
Haemoglobin
Reason — There is exchange of substances between the capillaries of foetus and mother but their blood
never mixes. Therefore, there is no exchange of Haemoglobin.
Question 7
1. Seminal vesicle
2. Vas deferens
3. Scrotal sac
4. Epididymis
Answer
Scrotal sac
Question 8
1. Choroid
2. Allantois
3. Chorion
4. Amnion
Answer
Chorion
Reason — The outermost layer of uterine wall around the foetus is chorion.
Question 9
1. Parturition
2. Implantation
3. Copulation
4. Gestation
Answer
Gestation
Reason — The duration between fertilization and birth of baby is called gestation period. It is 280 days in
case of humans.
Question 10
The canal through which each testis descends into the scrotum just before the birth of a male baby is :
1. Acrosome
2. Epididymis
3. Efferent duct
4. Inguinal canal
Answer
Inguinal canal
Reason — The canal through which each testis descends into the scrotum just before the birth of a male
baby is inguinal canal.
Question 11
Assertion. The placenta is a vital organ during pregnancy, responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to
the developing foetus.
Reason. The placenta develops from the fusion of the zygote and the endometrial lining, forming a
specialized tissue structure that facilitates the exchange of substances between the maternal and foetal
bloodstreams.
Answer
Explanation
The placenta begins developing from the blastocyst shortly after implantation. The placenta connects to the
fetus via the umbilical cord.
Question 12
Reason. Leydig cells are also called as interstitial cells which are located as packing tissues between the
coils of seminiferous tubules.
Answer
Explanation
Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells, primarily produce testosterone, not oestrogen and progesterone.
Oestrogen and progesterone are mainly produced by the ovaries in females.
Question 13
Assertion. Prostate gland pours an alkaline secretion which neutralizes the acidic pH of the vagina.
Reason. Prostate gland is a lobulated gland located between the posterior surface of the urinary bladder and
the rectum.
Answer
Explanation
Prostate gland is a bilobed gland located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.
Question 14
Assertion. Fertilization of the ovum and sperm occurs in the sperm duct of the female reproductive system.
Reason. Vas deferens carries sperms from the epididymis to the urethra of the male reproductive system.
Answer
Explanation
Fertilization of the ovum and sperm occurs in the fallopian tube of the female reproductive system.
Question 1
Name these:
Answer
1. Seminal vesicle
2. Prostate gland
3. Cowper's gland
1. Oestrogen
2. Progesterone
1. Menstrual phase
2. Follicular phase
3. Ovulatory phase
4. Luteal phase
1. Fraternal Twins
2. Identical Twins
1. Chorion
2. Amnion
3. Allantois
Question 2
Question 3
Answer
(a) Menarche
(b) Ovulation
(c) Menstruation
(d) Fertilization
(e) Implantation
Question 4
Match the items in column I with those in column II and write down the matching pairs (some may not
match)
Column I Column II
Answer
Column I Column II
(b) Gestation (vii) Time taken by a fertilized egg till the delivery of baby
Question 5
Given below are some groups of terms. In each group, one pair indicates the relationship between the two
terms. Rewrite and complete the second pair on a similar basis.
Answer
Question 6
Choose the odd one out from the group of terms given below and write the category for the remaining terms:
Answer
Question 1
(a) State whether the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).
(b) Rewrite any two of the wrong statements by correcting only one word either at the beginning or at the
end of the sentence.
Answer
(a)
1. False
2. False
3. False
(b)
Question 2
Complete the following table by writing the name of the structure or the function of the given structure:
Structure Function
(4)............... 4. Stores the sperms until they mature and become mobile
Answer
Structure Function
(1) Corpus 1. Secretes progesterone & other hormones to prepare the uterine
luteum wall for the receival of the embryo.
(4) Epididymis 4. Stores the sperms until they mature and become mobile
(5) Umbilical
5. Connects placenta with foetus
cord
(6) Fallopian
6. The site of fertilization for the sperm and ovum.
tube
Question 3
Given below are the names of certain stages/substances related to reproduction and found in human body.
Answer the questions related to them.
(a) Foetus
Where is it contained?
How does it differ from embryo?
(b) Hyaluronidase
(c) Morula
Where is it found?
What are its functions?
(e) Placenta
(f) Implantation
Answer
(a) Foetus —
(b) Hyaluronidase —
Enzyme
It is an enzyme secreted by the sperm that allows the sperm to penetrate the egg.
(c) Morula —
It is the stage in the development of human embryo which consists of a spherical mass of cells.
Blastocyst
(e) Placenta —
Placenta is formed by two sets of minute finger like processes called the villi. One set of villi is
from the uterine wall and the other set is from the allantois.
Carbon dioxide and Urea pass from foetus to mother through placenta.
Two hormones produced by Placenta are Progesterone and Oestrogens.
(f) Implantation —
Blastocyst
It occurs in about 5-7 days after fertilisation.
Question 4
(b) Testis
(c) Ovary
(d) Oviduct
(e) Uterus
Answer
(a) Inguinal canal allows the descent of testes into scrotal sac.
(b) Testis produce and store sperms and also secrete testosterone hormone.
(c) Ovaries produce the egg cells, called the ova. The corpus luteum in the ovary secretes two hormones —
Oestrogen and Progesterone.
(d) Oviducts (Fallopian tubes) carry the released ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilisation also occurs
in the Oviduct.
(e) The uterus is responsible for nurturing and housing a developing fetus during pregnancy.
Question 5
(b) Uterus
(c) Placenta
(d) Acrosome
(e) Vagina
Answer
(a) Seminal vesicles are located between the posterior surface of the urinary bladder and the rectum in
males.
(b) Uterus is situated in the pelvic cavity between the urinary bladder and the rectum in females.
(c) Placenta is attached to the uterine wall.
Descriptive Type
Question 1
(a) Reproduction
(b) Hernia
(c) Ovulation
(d) Puberty
(e) Fertilization
(f) Hymen
Answer
(a) Reproduction — Reproduction is the process of formation of new individuals by sexual or asexual
means, which can repeat the process in their own turn.
(b) Hernia — Hernia is an abnormal condition which is caused when the intestine due to the pressure in
abdomen bulges into the scrotum through the inguinal canal.
(c) Ovulation — Ovulation is the rupture of the follicle releasing the egg .
(d) Puberty — Puberty is the period during which immature reproductive system in boys and girls matures
and becomes capable of reproduction.
(e) Fertilization — The fusion of the male gamete (sperm) and the female gamete (ovum) to form a zygote
is called fertilisation.
(f) Hymen — Hymen is a thin membrane which partially covers the opening of the vagina in young
females.
Question 2
Answer
Spermatogenesis Oogenesis
It is the process of production of sperms in Oogenesis is the process in which the ova -
seminiferous tubules of testes. producing cells give rise to the mature ovum.
Implantation Gestation
Pregnancy Parturition
It is the state of carrying a developing It is the act of expelling the full term foetus
embryo or a foetus within the female from the mother's uterus at the end of
body. gestation.
Identical twins are produced by a single Fraternal twins are produced by two different
fertilised egg getting split into two parts eggs which are released from the ovaries at a
during its early stages of cell division. time and both got fertilised together.
Identical twins are either both boys or Fraternal twins may be either both boys or
both girls. both girls or one boy and one girl.
Menarche Menopause
Question 3
What is the significance of the testes being located in the scrotal sacs outside the abdomen? Can there be
any abnormal situation regarding their location? If so, what is that and what is the harm caused due to it?
Answer
Testes are responsible for the production of male gametes i.e. sperms. The normal body temperature does
not allow the maturation of the sperms. Being suspended outside the body cavity, the temperature in the
scrotal sac is 2 to 3°C lower than that of the body which is the suitable temperature for the maturation of the
sperms.
When it is too hot, the skin of the scrotum loosens so that the testes hang down away from the body. When
it is too cold, the skin contracts in a folded manner and draws the testes closer to the body for warmth.
In an abnormal condition, in the embryonic stage, the testes do not descend into the scrotum. It can lead to
sterility or incapability to produce sperms.
Question 4
What are the secondary sexual characteristics in the human male and female respectively?
Answer
1. Deeper voice
2. Hair growth on the face in the form of beard and moustache
3. Stronger muscular built
Question 5
Answer
The accessory reproductive organs include all those structures, ducts and glands which help in the transfer
and meeting of two kinds of sex cells leading to fertilization and in the growth and development of the egg
up to the birth of the baby.
Question 6
Answer
The primary reproductive organs do The accessory organs help in the growth and
not help in the development of baby. development of egg up to the birth of baby.
The primary reproductive organs The accessory reproductive organs help in the
produce sex cells — the sperms and transfer and meeting of two kinds of sex cells
eggs. leading to fertilization.
Question 7
Name and describe very briefly, the stages in the development of human embryo.
Answer
The different stages in the development of human embryo are described below:
Question 8
Answer
Testosterone is the male reproductive hormone produced by the interstitial cells or the Leydig cells. These
cells are located in the testes. They serve as a packing tissue between the coils of the seminiferous tubules.
Therefore, it can be said that the testes produce the male hormone testosterone.
Question 1
(d) What will happen if the part 3 on both sides gets blocked?
Answer
1 → Kidney
2 → Ureter
3 → Fallopian Tube
4 → Oviducal Funnel
5 → Ovary
6 → Uterus
7 → Urinary Bladder
8 → Cervix
9 → Vagina
10 → Vulva
Fallopian Tube (part 3) — The fallopian tubes carry the ovum released from the ovary to the
uterus.
Oviducal Funnel (part 4) — It is the funnel shaped distal end of the ovary which picks up the
released ovum and pushes it further on its passage into the fallopian tube.
Ovary (part 5) — Ovary produces female gametes i.e. ova.
Uterus (part 6) — Uterus allows the growth and development of the embryo.
(d) If fallopian tube (part 3) on both sides gets blocked, the ovum released by the ovary will not be pushed
into the oviduct and hence, there will be no possibility of fertilisation.
Question 2
The figure given ahead is an organ system of humans. Study the same and answer the following questions.
(e) What is the significance of the part 1 being located in a separate sac suspended outside the body ?
Answer
(b)
1 → Testes
2 → Scrotal sac
3 → Epididymis
4 → Sperm duct
5 → Seminal vesicle
6 → Bulbo-Urethral Gland
7 → Urethra
(c) Part 3 (Epididymis) — It stores the sperms for some days during which they mature and become motile.
Part 6 (Bulbo-Urethral Gland) — Their secretion serves as a lubricant.
(e) The normal body temperature does not allow the maturation of the sperms. Being suspended outside the
body cavity, the temperature in the scrotal sac is 2 to 3°C lower than that of the body which is the suitable
temperature for the maturation of the sperms.
Question 3
The figure given below is an important gonad of humans. Study the figure and answer the following
questions.
(a) Identify the organ. Write its specific location in the body.
(d) Name one cellular structure and one hormone which are produced in part 3.
(e) Draw a neat and labelled diagram of the cellular structure mentioned by you in (d).
Answer
(a) Testis.
They are located in scrotal sac.
(b)
1 → Epididymis
2 → Efferent ducts
3 → Seminiferous tubules
4 → Sperm duct
(e) Labelled diagram of the cellular structure of the sperm is given below:
Question 4
Given below is the outline of the male reproductive system. Name the parts labelled 1 to 8. Also name the
corresponding structure of part (4) in the female reproductive system.
Answer
1 → Urinary bladder
2 → Ureter
3 → Bulbo-urethral glands
4 → Sperm duct/Vas deferens
5 → Urethra
6 → Testis
7 → Scrotum
8 → Epididymis
Fallopian tubes (oviducts) in females are analogous to sperm ducts in males. Sperm ducts carry sperms to
the urethra, while fallopian tubes carry ova to the uterus.
Question 5
The diagram below is that of a developing human foetus in the womb. Study the same and answer the
questions that follow:
(a) Name the parts '1' to '5' indicated by guidelines.
(b) What term is given to the period of development of the foetus in the womb?
(c) How many days does the foetus take to be fully developed?
(d) Mention two functions of the parts labelled '2' other than its endocrine functions.
(e) Name any one hormone produced by the part labelled '2'.
Answer
1 → Umbilical cord
2 → Placenta
3 → Amnion
4 → Mouth of uterus
5 → Muscular wall of uterus
(b) Gestation
(d) Placenta provides the foetus with oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the placenta also removes carbon
dioxide and waste products of the foetus.
(e) Progesterone
Question 6
The figure given below is the human female reproductive system. Study the same and answer the following
questions.
(a) Label the guidelines 1 to 6 shown in the figure.
(e) Mention the technical term for the fixing of developing zygote to the uterine wall.
Answer
1 → Vagina
2 → Ovary
3 → Funnel of Oviduct
4 → Fallopian tube
5 → Uterus
6 → Uterus lining
(c) Vagina
(e) Implantation
Question 7
The diagram below represents two reproductive cells A and B. Study the same and then answer the
questions that follow:
(a) Identify the reproductive cells A and B
(b) Name the specific part of the reproductive system where the above cells are produced.
(d) Name the main hormone secreted by the (1) ovary (2) testes.
(e) Name an accessory gland found in the male reproductive system and state the function of its secretion.
Answer
A → Ovum
B → Sperm
(b) Parts of the reproductive system where the above cells are produced are:
(c) The reproductive cells unite in the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system.
(e) Accessory glands found in the male reproductive system along with their functions are mentioned below:
Seminal vesicle — They produce a secretion which serves as a medium for the transportation of the
sperms.
Prostate gland — It produces an alkaline secretion which mixes with the semen and helps neutralise
acid in female's vagina.
Bulbo-urethral gland — They produce a secretion which serves as a lubricant.
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