In this chapter, you will learn to: / identify and explain the organs of the male and female reproductive systems
/ describe the menstrual cycle / outline the stages of human reproduction / describe methods of contraception / discuss issues associated with human reproduction, including IVF and stem cells.
Reproduction
Reproduction is a characteristic of life. Reproduction produces offspring, which continues a species into future generations. There are two forms of reproduction: asexual and sexual (see chapter 4). Humans reproduce sexually.
Sexual reproduction involves two parents: a male and a female. Each parent produces a sex cell called a gamete: • The male parent produces a sperm • The female parent produces an egg
? TEST TUBE 1. Explain why the offspring produced by sexual reproduction are different from both of their parents. The male reproductive
system The role of the male reproductive system in human reproduction is to produce sperm (male gametes) and transfer them to the female.
Testes
There are two testes. The testes produce sperm. A fertile male produces millions of sperm each day. Scrotum
Glands
Glands produce fluids that neutralise the acidic environment, nourish the sperm and allow them to swim. Together, these fluids and sperm make up semen.
Elements of Science 117 Glands
Sperm duct
Testes Scrotum
Urethra Penis
:Fig. 12.1 The male reproductive system
The testes lie outside the body, inside a bag of skin called the scrotum. This keeps the temperature slightly lower than body temperature, which is important for sperm production.