Dr Sama Mostafa Biology Core Cambridge
Chapter 13
13.1 Sexual reproduction in humans
Sexual reproduction: a process involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form
a zygote and the production of offspring that are genetically different from each other.
Fertilization: fusion of the nuclei from a male gamete/sperm and a female gamete/egg.
A. Male reproductive system
Testis: It contains a thousands of coiled tubes that produces sperms.
Scrotum: sac that holds the testes outside the body, keeping them cooler than
body temperature.
Sperm duct: muscular tube that links the testis to the urethra to contract
allowing the passage of semen containing sperm.
Prostate gland: adds fluid and nutrients to sperm to form semen.
(Semen → fluid rich in nutrients to feed the sperms, the pH is alkaline to neutralize the
acidity of urine remnants in urethra)
Urethra: passes semen containing sperm through the penis; also carries urine
from the bladder.
Penis: can become firm insert into the vagina of the female during sexual
intercourse in order to transfer sperm by ejaculation.
1
Dr Sama Mostafa Biology Core Cambridge
B. Female reproductive system
Ovaries: It contains follicles in which
ova/eggs are produced.
Oviducts/fallopian tubes: the site
of fertilization as it carries the egg to
the uterus, with the movement
provided by tiny cilia in the wall.
Uterus: where the fetus develops and implants due to its thick wall.
Cervix: a ring of muscle separating the vagina from the uterus.
Vagina: receives the male penis during sexual intercourse so sperms are
deposited.
Human gametes
Sperms → Male Egg cell → Female
1. The tip of the cell contain acrosome 1. Released each month while the
that secretes enzymes to digest the woman is fertile.
jelly coat surrounding the egg, so 2. It is surrounded by a jelly coat which
they are heat sensitive and produced protects the contents of the cell and
in cooler temperature. changes to prevent more than one
2. The cytoplasm of the middle piece sperm from entering the egg.
contains many mitochondria for 3. Contains a large amount of
respiration to release energy. cytoplasm which is rich in fats for
3. Contain flagellum to move/swim. energy stores and proteins for
growth of the fertilized egg.
2
Dr Sama Mostafa Biology Core Cambridge
SPERM EGG CELL
SMALLER IN SIZE LARGER IN SIZE
PRODUCED IN LARGER NUMBERS 1 OR 2 EGGS ARE PRODUCED
MOTILE NON-MOTILE
Fertilisation:
The egg cells are present in the ovary from the time of birth,
then at puberty some of the egg cells start to mature and are
released into the oviduct → Ovulation.
When ejaculation deposits the semen at the vagina, sperms
swim through the cervix and into the uterus using their tails to
enter the oviduct/fallopian tube.
If there is an ovum in the oviduct, one of the sperm sticks to its
surface and fertilize the ovum by entering the head containing
the nucleus and the tail stays outside.
the male nucleus of sperm (containing 23 chromosomes) fuses with the female nucleus of
the ovum (containing 23 chromosomes) forming a zygote (containing 46 chromosomes
which is the normal number) → Fertilisation.
Pregnancy and development:
The zygote divides by mitosis to be an embryo which then
passes to the uterus to implant into the lining of the uterus.
The embryo continues to grow and produces new cells and after
8 weeks it becomes a fetus.
Inside the uterus the embryo becomes enclosed in a fluid-filled
sac called the amniotic sac which produces a fluid that protects
the baby from damage/shock absorber and provide suitable
temperature.
The fluid is called amniotic fluid which contain the oxygen and
nutrients (glucose/amino acids/salts) that pass across the placenta (attached to the uterus)
to the embryo’s blood through blood vessels via the umbilical cord.
3
Dr Sama Mostafa Biology Core Cambridge
13.2 Sexual hormones in humans
Puberty:
A. In males → A hormone called testosterone is released into the blood which is
responsible for development of the male secondary sexual characteristics.
Examples: Enlargement of the testes and penis, deepening of the voice, growth of hair
in the pubic region, armpits, chest and the face, and a rapid increase in the rate of muscle
growth.
B. In females → A hormone called oestrogen is released into the blood which is
responsible for development of the female secondary sexual characteristics.
Examples: Increased growth of the breasts, a widening of the hips and the growth of
hair in the pubic region and the armpits, and increase in the size of the uterus and vagina.
The menstrual cycle: in females
Before ovulation/the egg cell is released into the fallopian tube, the uterus wall thickens
Then the follicle in the ovaries bursts releasing the egg cell to be fertilized, so the
embryo formed implants to the uterus wall.
If no embryo implants, the uterus lining breaks down causing a bleeding containing the
dead cells and blood to pass out of the vagina → menstruation
After menstruation, the uterus lining starts to re-form/repair and another ovum starts
to mature to repeat the cycle.
4
Dr Sama Mostafa Biology Core Cambridge
13.3 Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STI): infections that are transmitted by sexual contact.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/AIDS
Definition: a disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus/HIV pathogen.
How? Transmitted through body fluids as semen (during sexual intercourse),
shared contaminated needles with infected blood, through
breastfeeding/placenta into the baby.
N.B: The virus will affect the lymphocytes to decrease in number so no production of antibodies.
All this leads to the entry and spread of the pathogens so the body will be more
susceptible to disease causing a low immunity and may end to death.
Prevention: use condoms (barrier to bacteria/viruses), sterilize needles before
using it, blood screening before transfusion, HIV testing, avoid breastfeeding if
mother is infected, raise awareness and education.
