Human reproductive system

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Lesson notes

Male Reproductive System

The **testes** (singular testis) are two oval-shaped organs that produce **sperm** (male reproductive cells) and the hormone **testosterone**.
Sperm travels from the testes through **sperm ducts** to the **urethra** (tube inside the penis).
Along the way, sperm mixes with fluids from glands to form **semen**.
The **penis** delivers sperm into the female reproductive system; during sexual intercourse it becomes **erect** to allow semen transfer.

Female Reproductive System

The **ovaries** produce **egg cells (ova)** and release them during the **menstrual cycle**; they also produce hormones **oestrogen** and **progesterone**.
After release, an egg travels through the **fallopian tube** toward the **uterus**.
**Fertilisation** (sperm joining with egg) usually occurs in the **fallopian tube**.
The **uterus** (womb) is where a fertilised egg implants and develops into a baby; its lining thickens monthly in preparation for pregnancy.
The **vagina** connects the uterus to the outside; it receives sperm during intercourse and serves as the **birth canal** during childbirth.

Key Processes

**Fertilisation** occurs when a sperm cell joins with an egg cell, usually in the fallopian tube.
The **menstrual cycle** is regulated by hormones from the ovaries (oestrogen and progesterone).
Semen is a mixture of sperm and fluids from glands that nourishes and transports sperm.

Male reproductive organs: testes, sperm ducts, penis.

Female reproductive organs: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.

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Practice questions

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1.Which of the following is a function of the testes?
Easy
- AProduce sperm and testosterone
- BProduce ova and oestrogen
- CStore urine
- DDeliver sperm into the female reproductive system
2.Where does fertilisation usually occur in the female reproductive system?
Easy
- AIn the ovary
- BIn the fallopian tube
- CIn the uterus
- DIn the vagina
3.Which organ is also known as the womb?
Easy
- AOvary
- BFallopian tube
- CUterus
- DVagina
4.The ovaries produce which hormones?
Easy
- ATestosterone and adrenaline
- BOestrogen and progesterone
- CInsulin and glucagon
- DFSH and LH
5.The diagram shows the female reproductive system. Which labelled part is the fallopian tube?
Medium
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
6.The diagram shows the male reproductive system. Which part produces sperm?
Medium
- APart 1
- BPart 2
- CPart 3
- DPart 4
7.Sperm is carried from the testes to the urethra through which tubes?
Medium
- AFallopian tubes
- BSperm ducts
- COviducts
- DUreters
8.What is the function of the vagina?
Medium
- ATo produce eggs
- BTo fertilise the egg
- CTo receive sperm and act as the birth canal
- DTo produce hormones

More questions

9.Which of the following statements is true?
Medium
- AThe testes produce ova.
- BThe ovaries produce testosterone.
- CFertilisation usually occurs in the uterus.
- DThe penis delivers sperm into the female reproductive system.
10.A woman has her fallopian tubes tied (tubal ligation). Which process is directly prevented?
Hard
- AOvulation
- BFertilisation
- CImplantation
- DMenstruation
11.Which hormone is primarily responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics?
Hard
- AOestrogen
- BProgesterone
- CTestosterone
- DAdrenaline
12.During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens. This is primarily stimulated by which hormones?
Hard
- AOestrogen and progesterone
- BFSH and LH
- CTestosterone and adrenaline
- DInsulin and glucagon
13.The diagram shows the male reproductive system. Which labelled part is the sperm duct?
Medium
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
14.The diagram shows the female reproductive system. Which labelled part is the uterus?
Medium
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
15.A woman has her fallopian tubes surgically blocked. Which of the following is directly prevented?
Hard
- AFertilisation
- BOvulation
- CImplantation
- DMenstruation
16.Which of the following is a function of the ovaries?
Easy
- AProduce egg cells and oestrogen
- BProduce sperm and testosterone
- CStore urine
- DProduce semen
17.The table shows the number of sperm cells in semen samples from four men. Which man is most likely to be fertile?
Medium
- AMan A: 5 million sperm per cm³
- BMan B: 15 million sperm per cm³
- CMan C: 25 million sperm per cm³
- DMan D: 35 million sperm per cm³
18.A graph shows the concentration of oestrogen and progesterone in the blood during the menstrual cycle. On day 14, oestrogen peaks. What is the most likely event occurring at this time?
Hard
- AOvulation
- BMenstruation
- CFertilisation
- DImplantation
19.Which part of the female reproductive system is also known as the birth canal?
Easy
- AVagina
- BUterus
- CFallopian tube
- DOvary
20.A researcher measures the thickness of the uterus lining over 28 days. The lining is thinnest on day 1 and thickest on day 21. Which hormone is most responsible for thickening the lining?
Medium
- AProgesterone
- BOestrogen
- CTestosterone
- DFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
21.A couple is trying to conceive. The woman has regular menstrual cycles. Which of the following would be the best advice to increase the chance of fertilisation?
Hard
- AHave intercourse on day 14 of the cycle
- BHave intercourse on day 1 of the cycle
- CHave intercourse only after day 21
- DAvoid intercourse during the entire cycle
22.The diagram shows a sperm cell. Which part contains the genetic material?
Medium
- AA
- BB
- CC
- DD
23.A scientist compares the number of sperm cells produced by a man over two months. In the first month, he had a fever for one week. The sperm count was lower during that month. Which is the most likely reason?
Hard
- AHigh body temperature can reduce sperm production
- BFever increases testosterone production
- CFever causes the testes to produce more sperm
- DFever has no effect on sperm production
24.A student is asked to investigate the effect of temperature on the activity of an enzyme that breaks down starch. Which of the following is the most appropriate method to measure the rate of reaction?
Medium
- AMeasure the time taken for starch to disappear using iodine solution
- BMeasure the change in pH using a pH meter
- CMeasure the volume of oxygen produced using a gas syringe
- DMeasure the change in mass using a balance
25.In an experiment to measure the rate of respiration in yeast, a student sets up a fermentation tube and records the volume of gas produced every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. The results are shown in the table. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the rate of gas production to slow down after 20 minutes?
Hard
- AThe yeast has used up all the glucose
- BThe temperature has increased too much
- CThe carbon dioxide produced is inhibiting the reaction
- DThe yeast cells have died
26.A student wants to test a food sample for the presence of protein. Which of the following reagents should be used?
Medium
- ABenedict's solution
- BIodine solution
- CBiuret solution
- DEthanol
27.The diagram shows a food chain: grass → rabbit → fox. Which of the following statements about the energy transfer in this food chain is correct?
Hard
- AThe fox receives the most energy
- BEnergy is lost at each trophic level mainly as heat
- CThe grass receives energy from the rabbit
- DThe total energy in the fox is equal to the total energy in the grass
28.A student observes a sample of pond water under a microscope and sees a single-celled organism moving using cilia. Which of the following is the most likely organism?
Medium
- AAmoeba
- BParamecium
- CEuglena
- DYeast
29.In an experiment to investigate the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis, a student places a pondweed in a beaker of water and counts the number of bubbles produced per minute. Which of the following is the most appropriate way to vary the light intensity?
Hard
- AChange the temperature of the water
- BMove the lamp closer to or further from the pondweed
- CChange the concentration of carbon dioxide in the water
- DUse different colours of light
30.A student wants to compare the amount of vitamin C in two different fruit juices. Which of the following methods is most suitable?
Medium
- AUse Benedict's test and compare colour change
- BUse DCPIP solution and measure the volume of juice needed to decolourise it
- CUse iodine solution and observe colour change
- DUse biuret test and compare colour intensity
31.The diagram shows a nerve cell. Which labelled part is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the cell body?
Hard
- ADendrite
- BAxon
- CCell body
- DMyelin sheath
32.A student tests a food sample with iodine solution and observes a blue-black colour. Which of the following nutrients is present?
Medium
- AProtein
- BStarch
- CGlucose
- DLipid
33.In a reflex arc, which of the following is the correct order of transmission of a nerve impulse?
Hard
- AReceptor → sensory neurone → relay neurone → motor neurone → effector
- BEffector → motor neurone → relay neurone → sensory neurone → receptor
- CReceptor → motor neurone → relay neurone → sensory neurone → effector
- DSensory neurone → receptor → relay neurone → motor neurone → effector
34.A student is asked to estimate the population of dandelions in a field. Which of the following methods is most appropriate?
Medium
- ACount all dandelions in the field
- BUse a quadrat in random positions and calculate the mean number per quadrat
- CUse a pitfall trap to catch dandelions
- DUse a pooter to collect dandelions
35.A student investigates the effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction. The student uses a pH buffer to maintain the pH. Which of the following is the most important reason for using a buffer?
Hard
- ATo keep the temperature constant
- BTo prevent the pH from changing during the reaction
- CTo provide a substrate for the enzyme
- DTo stop the reaction at the end of the experiment
36.A researcher measures the concentration of oestrogen in a woman's blood over 28 days. On day 14, oestrogen concentration peaks. What is the most likely event occurring around day 14?
Medium
- AOvulation
- BMenstruation
- CImplantation
- DFertilisation
37.A scientist compares the number of sperm cells produced by a man over two months. In the first month, the man had a fever for one week. The sperm count was lower during the month after the fever. Which is the most likely explanation?
Medium
- AFever damaged the sperm cells in the sperm ducts
- BFever temporarily reduced sperm production in the testes
- CFever caused the penis to become less erect
- DFever reduced the volume of fluid from the glands
38.Which of the following is a function of the vagina?
Easy
- AProduces egg cells
- BConnects the ovary to the uterus
- CServes as the birth canal
- DProduces oestrogen
39.A woman is trying to conceive. Her menstrual cycle is regular, and she has a peak in oestrogen on day 14. On which days is she most likely to conceive if she has intercourse?
Hard
- ADay 1 to day 5
- BDay 12 to day 16
- CDay 20 to day 24
- DDay 25 to day 28
40.A student is asked to investigate the effect of temperature on the rate of an enzyme that breaks down starch. Which of the following is the most appropriate method to measure the rate of reaction?
Hard
- AMeasure the time taken for starch to disappear using iodine solution
- BMeasure the volume of gas produced using a gas syringe
- CMeasure the change in pH using a pH meter
- DMeasure the change in colour using a colorimeter

Revision notes

## Human Reproductive System ### Male Reproductive System - **Testes**: produce sperm (male reproductive cells) and the hormone testosterone. - **Sperm ducts**: carry sperm from testes to urethra; sperm mixes with fluids from glands to form semen. - **Penis**: delivers sperm into female reproductive system; becomes erect during intercourse. ### Female Reproductive System - **Ovaries**: produce egg cells (ova) and release them during menstrual cycle; also produce hormones oestrogen and progesterone. - **Fallopian tubes**: carry egg from ovary to uterus; fertilisation (sperm joining egg) usually occurs here. - **Uterus (womb)**: where fertilised egg implants and develops into a baby; lining thickens monthly for possible pregnancy. - **Vagina**: connects uterus to outside; sperm enters through it; also birth canal. ### Key Processes - **Fertilisation**: joining of sperm and egg, normally in fallopian tube. - **Menstrual cycle**: regulated by oestrogen and progesterone from ovaries. ### Quick Facts - Testes produce sperm and testosterone. - Ovaries produce eggs and oestrogen/progesterone. - Sperm travels via sperm ducts, not fallopian tubes. - Fertilisation occurs in fallopian tube, not vagina.

Testes: Two oval-shaped organs that produce sperm and testosterone.
Sperm ducts: Tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra.
Penis: Organ that delivers sperm into the female reproductive system.
Ovaries: Organs that produce egg cells (ova) and release them during the menstrual cycle; also produce oestrogen and progesterone.
Fallopian tubes: Tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus; site of fertilisation.
Uterus: Organ where a fertilised egg implants and develops into a baby; also called the womb.
Vagina: Passage connecting the uterus to the outside; receives sperm and serves as birth canal.
Fertilisation: The joining of a sperm cell with an egg cell, usually occurring in the fallopian tube.
Semen: Fluid containing sperm and secretions from glands, released during ejaculation.
Menstrual cycle: Monthly cycle regulated by oestrogen and progesterone, involving egg release and uterine lining changes.

Flashcards

What are the main organs of the male reproductive system?

The testes, penis, and sperm ducts.

What is the function of the testes?

The testes produce sperm (male reproductive cells) and the hormone testosterone.

What is the function of the penis?

The penis delivers sperm into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse.

What are sperm ducts?

Sperm ducts carry sperm from the testes to the urethra.

What is semen?

Semen is a mixture of sperm and fluids from glands, carried through the urethra.

What are the main organs of the female reproductive system?

The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

What is the function of the ovaries?

The ovaries produce egg cells (ova) and release them during the menstrual cycle; they also produce oestrogen and progesterone.

What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes transport an egg from the ovary to the uterus; fertilisation usually occurs here.

What is the function of the uterus?

The uterus is where a fertilised egg implants and develops into a baby; its lining thickens monthly for possible pregnancy.

What is the function of the vagina?

The vagina connects the uterus to the outside; it receives sperm and serves as the birth canal.

Where does fertilisation usually occur?

In the fallopian tube.

What do the ovaries produce besides egg cells?

The hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

What is the male reproductive cell called?

Sperm.

What is the female reproductive cell called?

Egg cell (or ovum).

What happens to the lining of the uterus each month?

It thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

True or false: The testes produce sperm and testosterone.

True.

True or false: The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus.

True.

True or false: Fertilisation usually occurs in the vagina.

False. Fertilisation usually occurs in the fallopian tube.

True or false: Sperm is carried from the testes to the urethra through the fallopian tubes.

False. Sperm is carried through the sperm ducts.

True or false: Ovaries produce egg cells.

True.

Name three organs of the male reproductive system.

Testes, penis, sperm ducts.

Name four organs of the female reproductive system.

Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.

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