IGCSE BIOLOGY

SECTION 3 LESSON 2
 Content

Section 3
a) Reproduction
Reproduction - Flowering plants
and - Humans
Inheritance
b) Inheritance
 Content

Lesson 2 Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain
the function of the male and female
a) Reproduction – reproductive systems
Humans 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen
and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
3.10 describe the role of the placenta
in the nutrition of the developing
embryo
3.11 understand how the developing
embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen
and testosterone in the development of
secondary sexual characteristics
Human gametes (sex cells)
Human gametes (sex cells)
Male sex cell = sperm
Human gametes (sex cells)
Male sex cell = sperm
Human gametes (sex cells)
Male sex cell = sperm

The chromosomes (genetic

Head information) are tightly packed
together in the nucleus

Tail
Human gametes (sex cells)
Male sex cell = sperm

The chromosomes (genetic

Head information) are tightly packed
together in the nucleus

The tail lashes from side to side

and propels the sperm forwards
Tail
Human gametes (sex cells)
Male sex cell = sperm

The chromosomes (genetic

Head information) are tightly packed
together in the nucleus

The tail lashes from side to side

and propels the sperm forwards
Tail

A single ejaculate may be about

4cm3 of fluid and may contain up to
500 million sperms
Human gametes (sex cells)
Female sex cell = egg (ovum)

Membrane

Nucleus containing
chromosomes

Cytoplasm

Jelly coat
Summary of sexual development
MALE FEMALE
AT BIRTH Testes have descended into scrotal
sac but they do not make sperms yet
Ovaries containing immature eggs
present in abdomen but they do not
produce eggs yet

12-14 years

PUBERTY

45-50

70-75
Summary of sexual development
MALE FEMALE
AT BIRTH Testes have descended into scrotal
sac but they do not make sperms yet
Ovaries containing immature eggs
present in abdomen but they do not
produce eggs yet
PITUITARY GLAND PITUITARY GLAND
12-14 years Gonad-stimulating hormones Gonad-stimulating hormones

PUBERTY Testes Ovaries

Male sex hormones (androgens) Female sex hormones

Testes start producing sperms.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg growth of
body hair, breaking of voice
(oestrogens)
Ovaries start producing eggs.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg. growth of
breasts, fat in thighs

45-50
70-75
Summary of sexual development
MALE FEMALE
AT BIRTH Testes have descended into scrotal
sac but they do not make sperms yet
Ovaries containing immature eggs
present in abdomen but they do not
produce eggs yet
PITUITARY GLAND PITUITARY GLAND
12-14 years Gonad-stimulating hormones Gonad-stimulating hormones

PUBERTY Testes Ovaries

Male sex hormones (androgens) Female sex hormones

Testes start producing sperms.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg growth of
body hair, breaking of voice
(oestrogens)
Ovaries start producing eggs.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg. growth of
breasts, fat in thighs

45-50 MENOPAUSE
Ovaries stop producing eggs

70-75
Summary of sexual development
MALE
AT BIRTH Testes have descended into scrotal
sac but they do not make sperms yet
PITUITARY GLAND
12-14 years Gonad-stimulating hormones
PUBERTY Testes
Male sex hormones (androgens)
Testes start producing sperms.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg growth of
body hair, breaking of voice
45-50
70-75 Testes stop making sperms
FEMALE
Ovaries containing immature eggs
present in abdomen but they do not
produce eggs yet
PITUITARY GLAND
Gonad-stimulating hormones
Ovaries
Female sex hormones
(oestrogens)
Ovaries start producing eggs.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg. growth of
breasts, fat in thighs
MENOPAUSE
Ovaries stop producing eggs
Male and female reproductive
systems
Male and female reproductive
systems
Male and female reproductive
systems
Male reproductive system

TESTES (singular
testis). Sperms are
manufactured here.
The testes are
slightly cooler than
the rest of the body.
Male reproductive system

SCROTAL SAC (or

scrotum). Alters
position to maintain
the optimum
temperature for the
testes.
Male reproductive system

SPERM TUBULES –
where the sperm are
actually made.
Combined length of
over 500 metres!
Male reproductive system

EPIDIDYMIS –
coiled tube where
the sperm are stored
Male reproductive system

URETHRA – tube
which runs down the
centre of the penis –
dual function,
carrying both urine
and sperms
Male reproductive system

PENIS – male
reproductive organ.
During intercourse
it fills with blood to
become stiff and
erect. Tip of the
penis, the GLANS, is
protected by the
foreskin.
Male reproductive system

SEMINAL VESICLE
and PROSTATE
GLAND – these
glands produce a
fluid which keeps the
sperm alive and
swimming vigorously.
Sperm + fluid =
semen
Female reproductive system

OVARIES (singular
ovary). Two, on
either side of the
abdomen. Every 28
days or so an egg is
released.
Female reproductive system

OVIDUCTS (also
known as the
Fallopian tubes)
carry the eggs from
the ovaries to the
uterus. Fertilisation
occurs here.
Female reproductive system

UTERUS – if the egg

is fertilised by the
sperm, then it
develops here into
the baby during
which time it is
known as the womb)
Female reproductive system

CERVIX – the neck

of the uterus.
Becomes dilated
(opens up) just prior
to the birth of the
baby.
Female reproductive system

VAGINA – the birth

canal. Like the lining
of the uterus, the
vagina secretes a lot
of mucus.
Female reproductive system

CLITORIS – the
female equivalent of
the penis, can
become erect during
sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse
The erect penis is
inserted into the
vagina. Drops of
fluid, secreted by
the male’s glands,
emerge from the
tip of the penis
and serve as a
lubricant, as does
the mucus lining of
the vagina.
Sexual intercourse
Rhythmical movement
of the penis eventually
results in ejaculation –
semen is forcibly
expelled from the
penis into the vagina.
The feelings
experienced during
ejaculation are known
as orgasm. Female
orgasm is usually
brought about by
stimulation of the
clitoris.
 Fertilisation

Once inside the

vagina,the sperm swim
up through the uterus
and in to the oviducts.
If an egg is present in
the oviduct then one
sperm will enter the
egg and fuse with the
female nucleus – this is
known as fertilisation.
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 Fertilisation

Once inside the

vagina,the sperm swim
up through the uterus
and in to the oviducts.
If an egg is present in
the oviduct then one
sperm will enter the
egg and fuse with the
female nucleus – this is
known as fertilisation.
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Fertilisation

Once inside the

vagina,the sperm swim
up through the uterus
and in to the oviducts.
If an egg is present in
the oviduct then one
sperm will enter the
egg and fuse with the
female nucleus – this is
known as fertilisation.
 Fertilisation

After fertilisation has

occurred, the egg
divides repeatedly into
a ball of cells which
moves down the oviduct
to the uterus. It now
sinks into the soft
lining of the uterus and
becomes implanted.
The woman is now
pregnant.
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 Content

Lesson 2 Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain
the function of the male and female
a) Reproduction – reproductive systems
Humans 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen
and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
3.10 describe the role of the placenta
in the nutrition of the developing
embryo
3.11 understand how the developing
embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen
and testosterone in the development of
secondary sexual characteristics
 Content

Lesson 2 Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain
the function of the male and female
a) Reproduction – reproductive systems
Humans 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen
and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
3.10 describe the role of the placenta
in the nutrition of the developing
embryo
3.11 understand how the developing
embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen
and testosterone in the development of
secondary sexual characteristics
 “Approximately once a month
from puberty to the menopause,
the human female experiences a
menstrual cycle. This is part of
a cycle of events which occurs
inside her body”
The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle

The cycle starts with

menstruation. During this time the
uterus lining breaks down and
passes out through the vagina.
This is known as menstrual
bleeding, or having a ‘period’.
The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle

Thousands of immature eggs are

present in the ovaries. Following
menstruation, one develops within
a protective structure called the
Graafian follicle. Development
takes about 14 days.
The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle

After about 14 days the follicle

moves to the edge of the ovary
and the mature egg pops out into
the oviduct. This process is called
ovulation.
The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle

During the time the lining of the

uterus has been thickening, with
many blood vessels. If the egg has
been fertilised then it will become
embedded in the lining and the
pregnancy will continue. If not,
then menstruation occurs ….
The Menstrual Cycle

The whole menstrual cycle is

controlled by hormones (special
chemical messengers in the blood).
The Menstrual Cycle

The pituitary gland, at the base of

the brain, releases a hormone
(FSH, or follicle stimulating
hormone), which causes the follicle
to develop in the ovary.
The Menstrual Cycle

The ovary produces oestrogen

which causes the lining of the
uterus to re-build after
menstruation.
The Menstrual Cycle

At the time of ovulation the ovary

produces another hormone,
progesterone, which causes the
uterus to become thicker and full
of blood vessels.
The Menstrual Cycle

If the egg is not fertilised then

production of the two hormones
stops, and menstruation continues.
The Menstrual Cycle

If the woman becomes pregnant

then the ovary continues to
produce progesterone and the
lining remains intact and builds up
further. The periods will stop
during pregnancy.
 Content

Lesson 2 Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain
the function of the male and female
a) Reproduction – reproductive systems
Humans 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen
and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
3.10 describe the role of the placenta
in the nutrition of the developing
embryo
3.11 understand how the developing
embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen
and testosterone in the development of
secondary sexual characteristics
 Pregnancy

Placenta
Umbilical
cord

Amniotic sac
Amnion
Foetus
 Pregnancy
Search ……. “What is
the amnion and the
amniotic cavity (sac)?”
 Pregnancy
The amnion is a thin
membrane that
surrounds the
developing embryo.
 Pregnancy
The membrane
encloses a cavity called
the amniotic cavity,
filled with a watery
amniotic fluid.
 Pregnancy
The amniotic fluid
protects the foetus
from bumping and
damage as the mother
moves around
 Pregnancy
Search ……. “How is the
foetus kept alive?”
Pregnancy
Search …….
“How is the
foetus kept
alive?”
Pregnancy
Search …….
“How is the
foetus kept
alive?”

The foetus is
connected to the
placenta by the
umbilical cord.
 Pregnancy
Search …….
“How is the
foetus kept
alive?”

The umbilical cord

brings to the foetus
oxygen and food, and
takes away carbon
dioxide and waste.
Pregnancy
The placenta is attached to
the lining of the uterus. It
has numerous finger-like
projections called villi.
 Pregnancy
The placenta is attached to
the lining of the uterus. It
has numerous finger-like
projections called villi.

Blood space
Placenta Capillary in
villus
Umbilical artery Umbilical vein

Foetus
 Pregnancy
The foetus’s blood and the mother’s blood never
mix. Instead, they come very close, and are
separated by a very thin membrane. At birth,
the placenta is delivered shortly after the baby.

Blood space
Placenta Capillary in
villus
Umbilical artery Umbilical vein

Foetus
 Pregnancy

After about nine

months the uterus
(womb) will undergo
contractions. This is
called labour. The
amniotic sac will
become ruptured
(breaking of the
waters) and shortly
afterwards the baby
will be born.
 Content

Lesson 2 Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain
the function of the male and female
a) Reproduction – reproductive systems
Humans 3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen
and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
3.10 describe the role of the placenta
in the nutrition of the developing
embryo
3.11 understand how the developing
embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen
and testosterone in the development of
secondary sexual characteristics
Summary of sexual development
MALE
AT BIRTH Testes have descended into scrotal
sac but they do not make sperms yet
PITUITARY GLAND
12-14 years Gonad-stimulating hormones
PUBERTY Testes
Male sex hormones (androgens)
Testes start producing sperms.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg growth of
body hair, breaking of voice
45-50
70-75 Testes stop making sperms
FEMALE
Ovaries containing immature eggs
present in abdomen but they do not
produce eggs yet
PITUITARY GLAND
Gonad-stimulating hormones
Ovaries
Female sex hormones
(oestrogens)
Ovaries start producing eggs.
Secondary sexual
characteristics, eg. growth of
breasts, fat in thighs
MENOPAUSE
Ovaries stop producing eggs
 Secondary sexual characteristics
MALE FEMALE
PITUITARY GLAND PITUITARY GLAND
12-14 years Gonad-stimulating hormones Gonad-stimulating hormones

PUBERTY Testes Ovaries

Male sex hormones - Female sex hormones

testosterone oestrogens

Testes start producing sperms. Ovaries start producing eggs.

Pubic hair develops in the Periods begin.
genital region. Pubic hair develops in the
Penis gets larger. genital region.
Voice breaks. Breasts develop
More muscular Fat laid down in the thighs.
Hair starts growing on the legs,
chest and face.
 Reproduction in Humans
3.8 describe the structure and explain the
function of the male and female reproductive
systems
3.9 understand the roles of oestrogen and
progesterone in the menstrual cycle

3.10 describe the role of the placenta in the

nutrition of the developing embryo

3.11 understand how the developing embryo

is protected by amniotic fluid

3.12 understand the roles of oestrogen and

testosterone in the development of secondary
sexual characteristics
 End of Section 3 Lesson 2

In this lesson we have covered:

Human gametes (sex cells)

Male and female reproductive systems

Intercourse and fertilisation

The Menstrual Cycle

Pregnancy