Chapter 13 Reproductive System

Progress Check 1 Q2. State very briefly the chief function of each of the following :
(i) Seminal vesicles produce a secretion that serves as a medium for the transportation of the sperms.
(ii) Prostate gland - It pours an alkaline secretion into the semen as it passes through the urethra. It
neutralises acid in female's vagina.
(iii) Cowper's gland - The secretion of Cowper's gland serves as a lubricant.
(iv) Sperm duct (vas deferens) help in the transportation of the sperms from the testes upwards to the
abdomen.

Progress Check 3
Q1. Name the three main regions of the human sperm, and briefly mention the function.
Ans. 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.

Q3. List the substances which the foetus receives from the mother through placenta.
Ans. 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

Q4. How are carbon dioxide and urea, excreted by the foetus, removed?
Ans. 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).

Q5. Write one sentence each using the following terms pertaining to reproduction in humans.
(i) Gestation: The gestation period refers to the full term of the embryo in the uterus.
(ii) 280 days: In humans, the gestation period is 280 days.
(iii) Head first: During parturition, the baby is pushed out by powerful contraction, head first.
(iv) Placenta: Placenta is the disc like structure attached to the uterine wall.
(v) After-birth: After about 15 minutes of birth of baby, the placenta breaks from the uterus and is
expelled out as "after-birth".
(vi) Tied and cut: The umbilical cord is tied and cut after birth.
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.

Q7. Mention if the following statements are True (T) or False (F):
(ii) Amniotic fluid serves to provide oxygen to the foetus.: False
Corrected Statement — Amniotic fluid serves to provide protection to the foetus.
(iv) Mother's blood flows into the foetus through placenta.: 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.

Very Short Answer Type

Q1. Name these: (a) ) 3 accessory glands of the human male reproductive system: Seminal vesicle;
Prostate gland; Cowper's gland
(b) 2 hormones secreted from the corpus luteum are: Oestrogen; Progesterone
(c) 4 phases of the menstrual cycle are: Menstrual phase; Follicular phase; Ovulatory phase; Luteal phase
(d) 2 types of twins are: Fraternal Twins; Identical Twins
(e) 3 membranous, protective layers around the foetus are: Chorion; Amnion; Allantois

Q2. Rewrite the terms in the correct order so as to be in a logical sequence.

(a) Ovulation → fertilization → implantation → gestation → child birth
(b) Sperm → sperm duct → urethra → coitus → vagina
(c) Testes → Sperms → Sperm duct → Semen → Penis
(d) Reproductive age → Puberty → Menarche → Menstruals → Menopause
(e) Ovum → Graafian follicle → Ostium → Fallopian tube → Uterus.

Q1. (a) State whether the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).
1. Fertilisation occurs in vagina.: False (Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.)
2. Uterus is also known as birth canal. : False (Vagina is also known as the birth canal.)
1. Nutrition and oxygen diffuse from the mother's blood into the foetus's blood through amnion.:
False (Nutrition and oxygen diffuse from the mother's blood into the foetus's blood
through placenta.)
Q2. Complete the table by writing the name of the structure or the function of the given structure
Structure Function

(1) Corpus luteum 1. Secretes progesterone & other hormones to prepare the uterine wall for the receival of the embryo.

(2) Testes 2. Produces male gametes in mass

(3) Leydig cells 3. Produce the male hormone testosterone

(4) Epididymis 4. Stores the sperms until they mature and become mobile

(5) Umbilical cord 5. Connects placenta with foetus

(6) Fallopian tube 6. The site of fertilization for the sperm and ovum.

Q3. 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? uterus
  How does it differ from embryo? In foetus, limbs have appeared and resembles the humans
unlike the embryo which is a growing or dividing zygote.
(b) Hyaluronidase: Is it an enzyme or simply a protein? Enzyme
 What is its function? It is an enzyme secreted by the sperm that allows the sperm to penetrate
the egg.
(c) Morula: What is this stage? It is the stage in the development of human embryo which consists of a
spherical mass of cells.
 Name the stage which comes next to it.- Blastocyst
(d) Amniotic fluid: Where is it found? Between amnion and embryo
 What are its functions?
i. It protects the embryo from physical damage by jerks or mechanical shocks.
ii. Keeps an even pressure all around the embryo.
iii. Allows the foetus some restricted movement.
iv. Prevents sticking of the foetus to the amnion.
(e) Placenta: What are the two sources that form placenta? Formed by 2 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.
 Name any two main substances which pass from foetus to mother through placenta.: Carbon
dioxide and Urea pass from foetus to mother through placenta.
 Name any two hormones it produces.: Progesterone and Oestrogens.
(f) Implantation: The development stage that undergoes this process.: Blastocyst
 The approximate time after fertilisation, when it occurs.: 5-7 days after fertilisation.

Q4. Write important functions of (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.

Q5. Write the specific location of each of the following :

(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.
(d) Acrosome - Head of sperm.
(e) Vagina starts from lower end of uterus to outside.

Descriptive Type
Q1. Define the following terms:
(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.

Q2. Distinguish between the following pairs:

(a) Spermatogenesis Oogenesis

It is the process of production of sperms in Oogenesis is the process in which the ova - producing
seminiferous tubules of testes. cells give rise to the mature ovum.
(b) Difference between implantation and gestation —
Implantation Gestation

The process of fixing of the blastocyst to the wall of the The full term of the development of the
uterus/endometrium is termed implantation. embryo in the uterus is called gestation.
(c) Difference between pregnancy and parturition —
Pregnancy Parturition

It is the state of carrying a developing embryo or It is the act of expelling the full term foetus from the
a foetus within the female body. mother's uterus at the end of gestation.
(d) Difference between placenta and umbilical cord —
Placenta Umbilical cord

Placenta is the intimate connection established between the foetal

It is a cord containing blood
membranes and uterine wall permitting diffusion of nourishment from the
vessels which connects the
mother's blood to that of the growing foetus and disposal of wastes from the
placenta with the foetus.
blood of the foetus to that of the mother.
(e) Difference between identical and fraternal twins —
Identical twins Fraternal twins

Identical twins are produced by a single fertilised Fraternal twins are produced by two different eggs
egg getting split into two parts during its early which are released from the ovaries at a time and both
stages of cell division. got fertilised together.

Identical twins are either both boys or both girls. Fraternal twins may be either both boys or both girls
 Identical twins Fraternal twins

or one boy and one girl.

(f) Difference between Menarche and Menopause —
Menarche Menopause

It is the onset of menstruation in a young female It is the permanent stoppage of menstruation in

at about the age of 13 years. females at about the age of 45 years.

Q3. 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?
Ans. 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, draws the testes closer to 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.

Q4. What are the secondary sexual characteristics in the human male and female respectively?
Ans. Secondary sexual characteristics in males: Deeper voice, Hair growth on the face in the form of
beard and moustache, Stronger muscular built
Secondary sexual characteristics in females: High pitched voice, Broad hips, Development of breasts

Q5. What are the accessory reproductive organs?

Ans. 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. For example: Uterus in females, Penis in males.

Q6. Differentiate between the primary and accessory reproductive organs.

Primary Reproductive Organs Accessory Reproductive Organs

The primary reproductive organs do not The accessory organs help in the growth and development of
help in the development of baby. egg up to the birth of baby.

The primary reproductive organs produce The accessory reproductive organs help in the transfer and
sex cells — the sperms and eggs. meeting of two kinds of sex cells leading to fertilization.

Example: Testes in males and Ovaries in

Example: Penis in males, Uterus, Vagina in female.
females.
Q7. Name and describe very briefly, the stages in the development of human embryo.

Q8. Is it correct to say that the testes produce testosterone? Discuss.

Ans: 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.
Structured / Application / Skill Type
Q1. Given below is a diagram of two systems together in the human body.

(c) Functions of the parts are:

 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) What will happen if the part 3 on both sides gets blocked? 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.

Q2. The figure given ahead is an organ system of humans. Study the same and answer the following.

(a) Identify the organ system.: Male Reproductive Organ System

(c) Write one important role of 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.
(d) Name the cells of part 1 that produce testosterone.: Leydig cells
(e) What is the significance of the part 1 being located in a separate sac suspended outside the body ?
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.

Q3. The figure given below is an important gonad of humans. Study the figure and answer the following.

(a) Identify the organ. Write its specific location.: Testis; They are located in scrotal sac.
(c) Write important functions of: Efferent ducts (Part 2) conduct sperm to epididymis.
Sperm duct (Part 4) transmit sperms from testes to urethra.
(d) Name one cellular structure, one hormone which are produced in part 3: Sperms and testosterone.

Q4. Given below is the outline of the male reproductive system. Also name the corresponding structure
of part (4) in the female reproductive system.
Ans. 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.

Q5. The diagram below is that of a developing human foetus in the womb.

(b) What term is the period of development of the foetus in the womb? Gestation
(c) How many days does the foetus take to be fully developed? 280 days
(d) Mention two functions of the parts labelled '2' other than its endocrine functions.: Placenta provides
the foetus with oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the placenta also removes carbon dioxide and waste
products of the foetus.
(e) Name any one hormone produced by the part labelled '2'.: Progesterone

Q6. The figure given below is the human female reproductive system.

(b) What is the normal gestation period in human ? 280 days

(c) Where are the sperms released during coitus ? Vagina
(d) Write two functions of part 2: Ovary releases egg and produces hormones (oestrogen, progesterone)
(e) Mention the technical term for the fixing of developing zygote to the uterine wall.: Implantation

Q7. The diagram below represents two reproductive cells A and B.

(a) Identify the reproductive cells: A → Ovum, B → Sperm

(b) Name the specific part of the reproductive system where the above cells are produced: Sperms are
produced in the testis; The ovum is produced in the ovary.
(c) Where in the female reproductive system do these cells unite? The reproductive cells unite in the
fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system.

(d) Name the main hormone secreted by Ovary → Oestrogen and progesterone; Testis →Testosterone
(e) Name an accessory gland found in the male reproductive system and state the function of its
secretion:
 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.