The human reproductive systems

State the main role of the male and female reproductive systems in producing offspring.
Identify the key organs of the male reproductive system and describe their functions in producing and delivering sperm.
Identify the key organs of the female reproductive system and describe their functions in producing egg cells, receiving sperm, and potentially supporting the development of a baby.

The male and female reproductive systems work together to produce a baby.
The main role of the male reproductive system is to produce sperm cells (male sex cells) and release them into the female body during reproduction.
Key Parts of the Male Reproductive System:
- Testes: These are two organs located in a bag of skin called the scrotum. The testes produce sperm cells and the male sex hormone.
- Glands: These produce fluids that help keep sperm alive.
- Sperm Ducts: Tubes that carry sperm from the testes.
- Urethra: A tube that carries semen (a mixture of sperm and fluid) out of the body. It also carries urine out, but not at the same time as semen.
- Penis: During sexual intercourse, the penis becomes firm and releases sperm into the female’s body.

The male reproductive system

The main role of the female reproductive system is to produce egg cells (female sex cells) and, if fertilized, allow a baby to grow inside the body.
Key Parts of the Female Reproductive System:
- Ovaries: These contain egg cells, with one egg being released each month.
- Oviducts (also called fallopian tubes): Tubes that carry the egg to the uterus.
- Uterus (or womb): The place where a baby develops if the egg is fertilized.
- Cervix: A ring of muscle at the entrance of the uterus. It helps hold the baby in place during pregnancy.
- Vagina: The part of the female body that receives sperm during sexual intercourse.
- Urethra: A tube that carries urine out of the body; it is separate from the vagina.

The female reproductive system

Reproductive system: The organs in the body that work together to produce new organisms.
Sperm cells: The male sex cells.
Egg cells: The female sex cells.
Testes: The male organs that produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Penis: The external male organ used for sexual intercourse and releasing sperm.
Ovaries: The female organs that contain and release egg cells.
Oviducts (Fallopian tubes): Tubes that transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus, and where fertilisation usually occurs.
Uterus (Womb): The organ in the female where a fertilised egg can implant and develop into a baby.
Vagina: The part of the female reproductive system that receives sperm during sexual intercourse.

Research the process of fertilisation, describing how a sperm cell and an egg cell combine and the initial stages of development that follow.
Investigate the roles of hormones (like testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone) in controlling the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems.