MAKING SENSE OF

HUMAN REPRODUCTION
IGCSE Biology Reproduction in humans

Image Depositphotos.com/[julos #4371007]

 Can you label diagrams of the male and female reproductive systems and explain each parts function? How is the developing embryo protected? What is the role of the placenta? How do oestrogen and testosterone cause the development of secondary sexual characteristics? What roles do oestrogen and progesterone each play in the menstrual cycle?

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 When the male gets sexually aroused his penis becomes stiffer, harder and longer. This is because the erectile tissue which runs through the penis fills with blood. This erection allows for sexual intercourse and the sperm to be delivered to the top of the vagina.

 Once they are released into the vagina, they swim through the cervix and into the uterus. They then swim up the oviduct (Fallopian tube). This takes 10 hours of constant swimming! Many sperm die during the journey, only the strongest survive.

 The first sperm to reach the egg pushes its way through the cell membrane and immediately loses its tail. The nuclei of the two cells fuse to make a new cell. This is known as a zygote. This travels down to the uterus where it implants itself.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumaxart/

Sperm race game

 The embryo develops a placenta. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing embryo. It also removes waste such as urea and carbon dioxide. The placenta also secretes female hormones that maintain the pregnancy.

 During pregnancy the encloses the developing embryo. This secretes a fluid called which protects the developing embryo.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Human_Embryo__Approximately_8_weeks_estimated_gestational_age.jpg

Jacopo Werther

 During teenage years boys and girls become sexually mature. This is controlled by various hormones. The sex cells start being produced or released and secondary sexual characteristics develop. It takes several years to complete and can start between 11 14 in girls and 13 16 in boys.

 Every month the female body prepares for pregnancy. This involves releasing an egg and making sure the uterus is in perfect condition for implantation. If pregnancy does not occur, the body will reset and start the process again. This monthly cycle is called the menstrual cycle. It is controlled by hormones.

 The menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days. Its controlled by four hormones.
Luteinising hormone (LH) Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) Oestrogen Progesterone

Oestrogen and progesterone are the two we will focus on.

 An egg is released from an ovary at approximately day 14 of the cycle. This is called ovulation. A sharp rise in oestrogen before day 14 causes an increase in LH which causes ovulation.
Oestrogen Progesterone Ovulation

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 The uterus lining (endometrium) needs to be thickest just after ovulation, so that it is ready for a fertilised egg to implant.

Oestrogen
Progesterone

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 The cycle starts with 6 days of menstruation (the period). Then an increase in oestrogen causes the lining to thicken.

Oestrogen
Progesterone

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 Progesterone then maintains the lining of the uterus for approximately 10 days when implantation can occur.

Oestrogen
Progesterone

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 The fall in progesterone trigger menstruation and the cycle begins again.

Oestrogen
Progesterone

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