Sexual Reproduction In Humans
Overview
Every human began as two cells meeting: a tiny, swimming sperm and a large, food-packed egg. The reproductive systems that make, deliver and receive these gametes are beautifully matched to the job, and so are the gametes themselves, right down to the enzymes in a sperm's tip and the energy stores in an egg.
In this lesson you will name the parts of the male and female reproductive systems and what each does, define fertilisation, explain the adaptations of sperm and egg cells, compare the two gametes, and follow the zygote as it becomes an embryo and develops with the help of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac.
Objectives
- Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the following parts of the male reproductive system: testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate gland, urethra and penis
- Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the following parts of the female reproductive system: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and vagina
- Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei from a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (egg cell)
- Explain the adaptive features of sperm, limited to: flagellum, mitochondria and enzymes in the acrosome
- Explain the adaptive features of egg cells, limited to: energy stores and the jelly coat that changes at fertilisation
- Compare male and female gametes in terms of: size, structure, motility and numbers
- State that in early development, the zygote forms an embryo which is a ball of cells that implants into the lining of the uterus
- Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the following in the development of the fetus: umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic sac and amniotic fluid
- [Supplement] Describe the function of the placenta and umbilical cord in relation to the exchange of dissolved nutrients, gases and excretory products between the blood of the mother and the blood of the fetus
- [Supplement] State that some pathogens and toxins can pass across the placenta and affect the fetus
Audio Lesson
Listen to this lesson in the app
Mind map
This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.
Open the mind map in the app
Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
Practise these cards in the app
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Sexual Reproduction In Humans. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Where does fertilisation normally take place in a woman? A. uterus B. ovary C. oviduct D. vagina Answer: C
- What is the function of the scrotum? A. to produce sperm B. to add fluid to sperm C. to hold the testes outside the body to keep them cooler D. to carry urine Answer: C
- Which feature of a sperm provides the energy for swimming? A. acrosome B. flagellum C. many mitochondria D. jelly coat Answer: C
- Which of these correctly compares the gametes? A. eggs are smaller than sperm B. sperm are produced in larger numbers than eggs C. eggs are motile and sperm are not D. sperm have large energy stores Answer: B
- In the placenta, the blood of the mother and the blood of the fetus: A. mix completely B. never mix; substances are exchanged by diffusion C. are the same blood group D. exchange whole cells Answer: B
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Sexual Reproduction In Humans? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
