Human reproductive systems
The male system
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| testes | make sperm and testosterone |
| scrotum | holds the testes outside, kept slightly cool |
| sperm ducts | carry sperm away from the testes |
| prostate gland | adds fluid to make semen |
| urethra | carries semen (and urine) out through the penis |
| penis | passes sperm into the female |
Practice
The testes make:
The testes produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
The female system
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| ovaries | make egg cells and oestrogen |
| oviducts | carry the egg to the uterus; fertilisation happens here |
| uterus | where the baby develops |
| cervix | ring of muscle at the base of the uterus |
| vagina | receives the penis; also the birth canal |
Practice
In the female system, fertilisation normally happens in the:
The egg meets sperm in the oviduct; the fertilised egg then travels to the uterus to develop.
Practice
The organ where the baby develops is the:
The uterus is where the embryo implants and the baby develops.
You've got it
Key idea
- male: testes make sperm + testosterone; sperm ducts → urethra → penis
- female: ovaries make eggs + oestrogen; oviduct (fertilisation site) → uterus (baby develops)
- the oviduct is where fertilisation happens; the uterus is where the baby grows