🧠 Human Reproduction (Procreation) — Grade 12 CAPS Summary
👩⚕️1. Purpose of Reproduction
Reproduction ensures the continuation of a species by producing offspring.
In humans, it’s sexual reproduction — involving male and female gametes.
🧬 2. Male Reproductive System
🌟 Main Functions:
Produce sperm cells.
Produce male sex hormone (testosterone).
Deliver sperm to the female.
Organs and Functions
Structure Function
Testes (Testicles) Produce sperm (in seminiferous tubules) and
testosterone.
Scrotum Sac that holds testes outside body — keeps temperature
slightly lower for sperm production.
Epididymis Stores and matures sperm.
Vas deferens (Sperm duct) Transports sperm from epididymis to
urethra.
Seminal vesicles Add fructose (energy) and fluid to sperm → forms
semen.
Prostate gland Adds alkaline fluid to neutralize acidic vaginal
conditions.
Cowper’s (Bulbourethral) glands Secrete mucus for lubrication before
ejaculation.
Urethra Carries semen and urine out of body (never at same time).
Penis Organ for transferring sperm into female vagina.
👩 3. Female Reproductive System
🌸 Main Functions:
Produce ova (eggs).
Provide site for fertilization and development of embryo.
Organs and Functions
Structure Function
Ovaries Produce eggs (ova) and female hormones: oestrogen and
progesterone.
Fallopian tubes (Oviducts) Transport egg; site of fertilization.
Uterus (Womb) Muscular organ where embryo implants and develops.
Endometrium Inner lining of uterus; thickens monthly for possible
implantation.
Cervix Narrow opening between uterus and vagina; produces mucus
aiding sperm movement.
Vagina Receives sperm; birth canal.
🩸 4. Menstrual Cycle (±28 days)
Controlled by hormones: FSH, LH, Oestrogen, and Progesterone.
Stage Days What Happens Main Hormones
1. Menstruation 1–5 Endometrium sheds → menstrual bleeding.
Drop in oestrogen + progesterone
2. Follicular phase 6–13 FSH stimulates follicle in ovary to mature;
oestrogen repairs endometrium. FSH ↑, Oestrogen ↑
3. Ovulation 14 LH causes mature follicle to release an ovum
(egg).LH surge
4. Luteal phase 15–28 Corpus luteum secretes progesterone to
maintain endometrium. If no fertilization → corpus luteum breaks down →
menstruation restarts. Progesterone ↑ then ↓
🧫 5. Fertilization and Development
Fertilization
Occurs in fallopian tube.
Sperm + Ovum = Zygote (diploid cell).
Zygote divides by mitosis → forms blastocyst → implants in uterus wall
(endometrium).
Pregnancy
Implantation triggers release of hormone hCG (human chorionic
gonadotropin).
Progesterone and oestrogen levels stay high to prevent menstruation.
Placenta forms → connects mother and fetus:
Supplies oxygen & nutrients,
Removes wastes,
Produces hormones.
Amniotic sac and fluid
Protects fetus from shock, drying, and temperature changes.
👶 6. Birth (Parturition)
Labour begins: Oxytocin causes uterine contractions.
Cervix dilates → amniotic sac breaks (“water breaks”).
Baby is pushed out head first through the vagina.
Afterbirth: Placenta and membranes expelled.
🍼 7. Hormones in Reproduction
Hormone Produced by Function
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Pituitary gland Stimulates egg and
sperm production.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Pituitary gland Triggers ovulation; forms
corpus luteum.
Oestrogen Ovaries Repairs endometrium; develops female features.
Progesterone Corpus luteum Maintains endometrium; prevents
ovulation during pregnancy.
Testosterone Testes Develops male features; stimulates sperm
production.
Oxytocin Pituitary gland Causes contractions and milk ejection.
Prolactin Pituitary gland Stimulates milk production after birth.
⚖️8. Contraception (Birth Control)
Method Type How it Works
Pill / Injection Hormonal Prevents ovulation (contains oestrogen &
progesterone).
Condom Mechanical Prevents sperm entering vagina; prevents STIs.
Diaphragm Mechanical Covers cervix to stop sperm entry.
IUD (Intrauterine Device) Mechanical/Chemical Prevents
implantation in uterus.
SterilizationSurgical Vasectomy (male) / Tubal ligation (female).
Abstinence BehaviouralNo sexual intercourse.
🧠 9. Common Exam Concepts
✅ Know the path of sperm and egg.
✅ Understand hormonal control of menstrual cycle.
✅ Know where fertilization and implantation happen.
✅ Be able to label diagrams of male & female systems.
✅ Explain how contraceptives affect ovulation.
✅ Know differences between sperm and ovum.
✅ Understand structure and role of the placenta.