BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Human Reproductive System:

The Human Reproductive System mainly consists of:

The Male Reproductive System:

The male reproductive system is positioned in the pelvis region and comprises a pair of testes
in addition to the accessory glands, ducts, and the external genitalia. A pouch-like structure
known as scrotum encloses the testes located outside the abdominal cavity Each testis has
close to 250 testicular lobules(compartments). These lobules comprise 1-3 seminiferous
tubules wherein the sperms are produced. the lining of these tubules consists of two types of
cells – male germ cells and sertoli cells The exterior of these tubules consist of spaces
containing blood vessels and Leydig cells Male sex accessory ducts comprises rete testis, vasa
effrentia, epididymis and vas deferens The urethra opens externally to the urethral meatus The
male external genitalia, the penis is covered by foreskin which is a loose fold of skin.

The Female Reproductive System:

The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs, which
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

consists of a pair of ovaries and oviducts, cervix, uterus, vagina and the external genitalia
situated in the pelvic region. Along with the mammary glands, these female reproductive
organs are combined both structurally and functionally in order to support the complete
processes of reproduction including ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, and the birth of a child.
The female accessory ducts are constituted by the oviducts, vagina and uterus The section
closer to the ovary is funnel-shaped infundibulum that possesses the fimbriae – finger-like
projections facilitating the assimilation of ovum post ovulation The infundibulum directs to a
wider section of oviduct known as ampulla. The last section of the oviduct, isthmus, has a
narrow lumen joining the uterus. Uterus is also known as the womb The cervical cavity is known
as the cervical canal which goes onto form the birth canal along with the vagina Female
external genitalia comprises – mons pubis, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris and hymen Both
the male and female reproductive systems play an important role in the process of
reproduction. Other than these reproductive organs, there are sex hormones which are
produced by the respective glands and are mainly involved in the development of secondary
sexual characteristics and proper functioning of the reproductive tracts.

Gametogenesis:
The process of formation of male and female gametes in testes and ovary respectively is called
gametogenesis.

It is of two types:

 Spermatogenesis in males
 Oogenesis in females

Spermatogenesis:
In testes immature, male germ cells (spermatogonia) produce sperm by spermatogenesis that
begin at puberty.
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

The spermatogonia present at the inner side of seminiferous tubules multiply by mitotic
division and increase in number. Each spematogonium contain 46 chromosomes.
Spermatogonia forms spermatocyte that undergo meiotic division to reproduce secondary
spermatocytes having 23 chromosomes.
The spermatids are transformed into spermatozoa by the process called spermiogenesis. The
sperm heads remain embedded in sertoli cells and are released from seminiferous tubules by
the process of spermiation.

Hormonal control of spermatogenesis:

Spermatogenesis initiated due to increase in secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone by
hypothalamus.
Increase in GnRH act on anterior pituitary and stimulate secretion of two gonadotropins, LH
and FSH.
LH acts on Leydig cells and stimulates them to secrete androgens.
FSH acts on Sertoli cells, stimulates secretion of some factors which help in spermiogenesis.

Structure of sperm:
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Sperm is a microscopic structure composed of a head, neck, a middle piece and a tail. The
sperm head contain elongated haploid nucleus, anterior portion of which is covered by cap like
structure acrosome.
Human male ejaculates about 200-300 million sperms during a coitus. The seminal plasma
along with the sperms constitutes the semen. The function of male sex secondary ducts and
glands are maintained by androgen hormones.

Oogenesis:
The process of formation of mature female gametes is called oogenesis. It started during
embryonic development stage when millions of ogonia (gamete mother cells) are formed in
each fetal ovary.
The gametes mother cells start division and enter into prophase-I of meiotic division and get
temporally arrested at that stage called primary oocytes.
Each primary oocyte get surrounded by a layer of granulosa cell than it is called the primary
follicle.
At puberty, about 60,000- 80,000 primary follicles are left in each ovary.
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Primary follicle gets surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells called secondary follicle that
transform into tertiary follicle that contain fluid filled cavity called antrum.
The tertiary follicles further changes into the mature follicle called Graafian follicle, which
rapture to release secondary oocytes (ovum) from the ovary by the process of ovulation.

Menstrual Cycle:
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Menstrual Cycle: This is the reproductive cycle that starts from one menstruation till the next
one. It mainly occurs in female primates like monkeys, apes, and human beings. The cycle
repeats at an interval of 28-35 days and normally releases one egg per cycle. This cycle is
important for the production of oocytes and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.

Menstruation: In this process, the blood and mucosal tissue are regularly discharged in a
periodic manner. It occurs due to the breakage of the inner lining of the uterus. This process
takes place once a month and is called a period.

Menarche: Menarche is the first menstruation for a human female that begins at puberty. The
actual age for menarche generally differs from person to person. The first menstruation is the
signal of the beginning of reproductive age in females.

Menopause: Menopause is defined as the permanent ceasing of the menstrual cycle in

females. It occurs due to the depletion of oocytes and the loss of the ability of the ovary to
produce estrogen as a result of aging. menopause. The average age of menopause is between
45-50 years, and it varies from person to person.

Menstrual Phase:
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

 In a 28 days menstrual cycle, the menses takes place on cycle days 3-5.
 The production of LH from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is reduced.
 The withdrawal of this hormone causes degeneration of the corpus luteum and,
therefore progesterone production is reduced.
 Production of estrogen is also reduced in this phase.
 The endometrium of uterus breaks down & menstruation begins.
 The cells of endometrium secretions, blood & unfertilized ovum constitutes the
menstrual flow.

Follicular Phase:

 This phase usually includes cycle days 6-13 or 14 in a 28 days cycle.

 The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
stimulates the ovarian follicle to secrete estrogens.
 Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium of the uterine wall.
 The endometrium becomes thicker by rapid cell multiplication and this is accompanied
by an increase in uterine glands & blood vessels.

Ovulatory Phase:

 Both LH & FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14th day).
 Estrogen concentration in blood increases.
 Rapid secretion of LH induces rupturing of graafian follicle and thereby the release of
ovum.
 In fact, LH causes ovulation.

Luteal Phase:

 Includes cycle days 15 to 28.

 Corpus luteum secretes progesterone.
 Endometrium thickens.
 Uterine glands become secretory.

Hormonal Control of Menstrual Cycle:

 FSH stimulates the ovarian follicles to produce estrogens.

 LH stimulates corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.
 Menstrual phase is caused by the increased production of estrogens.
 LH causes ovulation
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

 Proliferative phase is caused by the increased production of estrogens.

 Secretory phase is caused by increased production of progesterone.

Fertilization and Implantation:

The process of fusion of sperm with ovum is called fertilization.
During coitus (copulation) semen is released into vagina. The motile sperms swim rapidly to
reach the junction of isthmus and ampulla of fallopian tube. The ovum also reaches there, and
fusion of gametes takes place in at ampullary-isthmic junction.
In this acrosome of sperm undergoes acrosomal reaction and releases certain sperm lysins
which dissolve the egg envelopes locally and make the path for the penetration of sperm.
These sperm lysins contain a lysing enzyme hyaluronidase which dissolves the hyaluronic acid
polymers in the intercellular spaces which holds the granulosa cells of corona radiata together;
corona penetrating enzyme (that dissolves the corona radiata) and acrosin (which dissolves the
zona pellucida). Then it dissolves the zona pellucida.

Immediately after the entry of a sperm into the egg, the later shows a cortical reaction to check
the entry of more sperms. In this reaction, the cortical granules present beneath the egg’s
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

plasma membrane release chemical substance between the ooplasm and the plasma
membrane (vitelline membrane). These substances raise the vitelline membrane above the egg
surface. The elevated vitelline membrane is called fertilization membrane. The increased space
between the ooplasm and the fertilization membrane and the chemical present in it effectively
check the entry of other sperm. If polyspermy occurs, that is more than one sperm enter the
secondary oocyte, the resulting cell has too much genetic material to develop normally.
The haploid gametes fuse together to form diploid zygote. As the zygote moves towards the
uterus, the mitotic division starts and form cleavage to change into 2, 4, 8, 16 celled
blastomeres.
The blastomeres with 8 to 16 cells are called morula. Morula divide to change into blastocysts.
The blastomeres in the blastocyst are arranged into an outer layer called trophoblast and an
inner group of cells attached to trophoblast called the inner cell mass. The outer layer of
blastocyst is called trophoblast that attach with endometrium of uterus, called implantation
that leads to pregnancy.

Pregnancy and embryonic development:

The finger-like projections on trophoblast after implantation called is called chronic villi that
along with uterine wall forms functional unit between developing embryo and maternal body
called placenta. Placenta is attached with foetus with an umbilical cord that transport food and
oxygen to embryo.
Hormones hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), hPL (human placental lactogen) and relaxing
are produced in woman only during pregnancy by placenta.
After implantation, the inner cell mass (embryo) differentiates into an outer layer called
ectoderm and an inner layer called endoderm. A mesoderm soon appears between the
ectoderm and the endoderm. These three layers give rise to all tissues (organs) in adults. It is
important to note that the inner cell mass contains certain cells called stem cells which have
the potency to give rise to all the tissues and organs
In human, after one month of pregnancy the embryo’s heart is formed. By the end of 2nd
month limbs and digits are formed. By the end of 12 months, major organs and external genital
organs are well developed. The first movement of foetus is observed in 5 months. By the end of
24 weeks body is covered with fine hair, eye lids and eyeless are formed. At the end of 9
months foetus is fully developed.
BIOLOGY HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Parturition and Lactation:

Parturition-the process of delivery of fully developed foetus is called parturition. Signals for
parturition originate from the fully developed foetus and placenta inducing mild uterine
contractions called Foetal ejection reflex
It triggers the release of oxytocin from maternal pituitary The mammary glands of female, start
producing milk, to the end of pregnancy by the process of lactation. The milk produced during
the initial few days of lactation is called colostrum, which contain several antibodies.
 Mind map : learning made simple Chapter - 3
Ureter Urinary
bladder
Vas deferens Seminal
vesicle Cortex
Prostate
Bulbourethral
gland
Epididymis
Spermatogonia, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Urethra
Vasa efferentia
Rete testis a
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Testicular lobules Testis str

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Medulla

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Foreskin
Glans penis

Ov
Male Reproductive System
Seminal vesicle, prostate,
Rete testis, vasa efferentia, Bulbourethral gland
Seminiferous tubules Epididymis & Vas deferens
Oviduct
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Acce
Uterus · Infundibulum

Vagina · Ampulla
· Isthmus
Ex
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M am
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talia Genita
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· Labia minor

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Gl
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nd · Hymen
Production of milk towards the end of pregnancy Lacta s · Clitoris
tion
· Mammary lobes
Process of giving birth to young · Mammary duct At Puberty
ones after gestation period Human Spermatogonia
· Lactiferous duct
Reproduction Game Mitosis
toge differentiation
nes
is Primary spermatocytes

Sperm 1st meiotic

at ogen division
esis
Secondary spermatocytes

2nd meiotic
division
O
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Estrogen es
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Placental villi Spermatozoa

FSH LH
Pituitary
Hormone levels

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Cavity of sper Oogonia
Umbilical uterus een
cord t w ygo te . Develping Regressing
Yolk sac
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with its nb for m
vessels Embryo sio to differentiation
Fu ova Fetal life Primary Oocyte
Ovarian events

Plasma Ovulation 1st Meiotic

membrane division
Acrosome Estrogen Birth (completed
Plug of mucus Nucleus containing Childhood Prior
Sperm Head chromosomal material
in cervix
Ovarian

puberty ovulation)
Hormone levels

Progesterone First Secondary Oocyte

Neck

Middle piece
poler body
Cells of the Mitochondria Adult
corona radiata (energy source for swimming) Menses reproductive Ovum
Human foetus within uterus.
Zona Ovum life Second
Tail
Uterne events

Perivitelline polar body

Days
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29/1
Menstruation Follicular phase Luteal phase Next cycle
(Proliferative phase) (Secretory phase) begins
Perivitelline space Structure of a Sperm
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
Important Questions
 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Choose the incorrect statement from the following:
(a) In birds and mammals internal fertilisation takes place
(b) Colostrum contains antibodies and nutrients
(c) Polyspermy is prevented by the chemical changes in the egg surface
(d) In the human female implantation occurs almost seven days after fertilisation
2. Identify the wrong statement from the following:
(a) High levels of estrogen triggers the ovulatory phase
(b) Oogonial cells start to proliferate and give rise to functional ova in regular cycles from
puberty onwards.
(c) Sperms released from seminiferous tubules are poorly motile/non-motile
(d) Progesterone level is high during the post-ovulatory phase of menstrual cycle.
3. Spot the odd one out from the following structures with reference to the male reproductive
system:
(a) Rete testis
(b) Epididymis
(c) Vasa effereritia
(d) Isthmus
4. Seminal plasma, the fluid part of semen, is contributed by
(i) Seminal vesicle
(ii) Prostate
(iii) Urethra
(iv) Bulbourethral gland
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (iv)
5. Spermiation is the process of the release of sperms from:
(a) Seminiferous tubules
(b) Vas deferens
(c) Epididymis
(d) Prostate gland
6. Mature Graafian follicle is generally present in the ovary of a healthy human female around:
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(a) 5-8 day of menstrual cycle
(b) 11-17 day of menstrual cycle
(c) 18-23 day of menstrual cycle
(d) 24-28 day of menstrual cycle
7. Acrosomal reaction of the sperm occurs due to:
(a) Its contact with zona pellucida of the ova
(b) Reactions within the uterine environment of the female
(c) Reactions within the epididymal environment of the male
(d) Androgens produced in the uterus
8. Which one of the following is not a male accessory gland?
(a) Seminal vesicle
(b) Ampulla
(c) Prostate
(d) Bulbourethral gland
9. The immature male germ celts undergo division to produce sperms by the process of
spermatogenesis.
Choose the correct one with reference to above.
(a) Spermatogonia have 46 chromosomes and always undergo meiotic cell division
(b) Primary spermatocytes divide by mitotic cell division
(c) Secondary spermatocytes have 23 chromosomes and undergo second meiotic division
(d) Spermatozoa are transformed into spermatids
10.Which among the following has 23 chromosomes?
(a) Spermatogonia
(b) Zygote
(c) Secondary oocyte
(d) Ogonia
11.Which of the following hormones is not secreted by human placenta?
(a) HCG
(b) Estrogens
(c) Progesterone
(d) LH
12.The vas deferens receives duct from the seminal vesicle and opens into urethra as:
(a) Epididymis
(b) Ejaculatory duct
(c) Efferent ductule
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(d) Ureter
13.Urethral meatus refers to the :
(a) Urinogenital duct
(b) Opening of vas deferens into urethra
(c) External opening of the urinogenital duct
(d) Muscles surrounding the urinogenial duct
14.Morula is a developmental stage :
(a) Between the zygote and blastocyst
(b) Between the blastocyst and gastrula
(c) After the implantation
(d) Between implantation and parturition
15.The membranous cover of the ovum at ovulation is :
(a) Corona radiata
(b) Zona radiata
(c) Zona pellucida
(d) Chorion
 Very Short Question:
1. Failure of testes to descend into scrotal sacs leads to sterility. Why?
2. Both vaccine and colostrum produce immunity. Name type of immunity produced by
these.
3. How many sperms will be produced from 10 primary spermatocytes and how many eggs
will be produced from 10 primary oocytes?
4. The spermatogonial cell has 46 chromosomes in human male. Give the number of
chromosomes in
(a) Primary spermatocyte (b) Spermatid
5. In ovary which structure transforms as corpus luteum and name the hormone secreted by
corpus luteum?
6. “Each and every coitus does not results in fertilisation and pregnancy”. Justify the
statement.
7. Why are male testes located outside the abdominal cavity?
8. State the function of leydig cells.
9. Where do we find fimbriae?
10. What is semen?
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
 Short Questions:
1. Give the function of
(a) Corpus luteum
(b) Endometrium
2. What is meant by L.H. Surge? Write the role of L.H.
3. Explain significance of the condition in which the testes remain suspended in scrotum
outside the abdomen.
4. Describe the structure of a sperm with a diagram.
5. Enlist any two functions of a female placenta.
6. What is the number of chromosomes in the following cells? Primary oocyte, secondary
oocyte, ootid and follicle.
7. What is corpus luteum. How dose it functions as endocrine gland?
8. Where are leydig cells located? What do they secrete?
 Long Questions:
1. Briefly explain the primary male sex organs of man.
2. Draw well-labeled sketches of the front view and sagittal section of the male reproductive
system of man.
3. Explain the events taking place at the time of fertilization of an ovum in a human female.
 Assertion and Reason Questions:
1) For two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and the other labelled Reason. Select
the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
b) Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
c) Assertion is true, but reason is false.
d) Both assertion and reason are false.
Assertion: All copulations do not lead to the fertilisation and pregnancy.
Reason: Fertilisation can occur only if the ovum and sperms are transported simultaneously
to the ampullary-isthmic junction.
2) For two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and the other labelled Reason. Select
the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
b) Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
c) Assertion is true, but reason is false.
d) Both assertion and reason are false.
Assertion: A drop in temperature does not affect spermatogenesis..
Reason: During temperature drop, the smooth muscles contracts and bring the testes closer
to the pelvic cavity.
 Case Study Questions:
1) Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v) given below:
Cleavage is the series of rapid mitotic divisions in zygote and forms blastula. The 2, 4, 8, 16
daughter cells are called blastomeres. Embryo with 64 blastomeres is known as blastocyst and
has blastocoel cavity. Blastocyst gets implanted in uterine wall and leads to pregnancy.
(i) Solid mass of cells with 16 blastomeres is called:
a. Morula.
b. Blastula.
c. Gastrula.
d. Zygote.
(ii) At which stage of embryonic development, trophoectoderm develops?
a. Zygote.
b. Morula.
c. Blastula.
d. Gastrula.
(iii) Site of implantation is:
a. Endometrium of uterus.
b. Cervix.
c. Uterine fundus.
d. Infundibulum of oviduct.
(iv) Correct sequence of various structures formed during embryonic development is:
a. Morula → Embryo → Gastrula → Blastula.
b. Zygote → Embryo → Morula → Blastula.
c. Blastula → Morula → Gastrula → Embryo.
d. Zygote → Morula → Blastula → Gastrula.
(v) Assertion: Side of blastocyst with inner cell mass is called animal pole.
Reason: Inner cell mass gives rise to embryo.
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of
assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
2) Read the following and answer any four questions from (i) to (v) given below:
During copulation, semen is released by the penis into the vagina. 'The motile sperms swim
rapidly, fuse with ovum in the ampullary region, resulting in fertilisation. Haploid nucleus of
sperm fuse with that of ovum to form diploid zygote.
(i) In female genital tract, sperms are made capable of fertilising the egg. This phenomenon
of sperm activation is called:
a. Amphimixis.
b. Cortical reaction.
c. Capacitation.
d. Acrosomal reaction.
(ii) Select the correct sequence of various physical and chemical events that take place
during fertilisation.
A. Fusion of cortical granules with plasma membrane of secondary oocyte.
B. Formation of fertilisation cone to receive sperm.
C. Release of sperm lysin from acrosome.
D. Mixing up of chromosomes of a sperm and an ovum.
a. R→Q→P→S
b. Q→S→R→P
c. Q→R→S→P
d. R→P→Q→S
(iii) Assertion: Only one sperm can fertilise an ovum.
Reason: The secretion of acrosome help the sperm to enter into cytoplasm of ovum
through zona pellucida and plasma membrane.
a. Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of
assertion.
b. Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
c. Assertion is true, but reason is false.
d. Both assertion and reason are false
(iv) What is the significance of fertilisation?
a. It restores haploid number of chromosomes.
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
b. It produces offspring genetically identical to parents.
c. It initiates cleavage.
d. Both (b) and (c).
(v) Site of fertilisation in humans is:
a. Endometrium of uterine cavity.
b. Ampullary isthmic junction of oviduct.
c. Cervix of uterus.
d. Infundibulum of fallopian tube.
 Answer Key-
 Multiple Choice Answers:
1. (c) Polyspermy is prevented by the chemical changes in the egg surface
2. (b) Oogonial cells start to proliferate and give rise to functional ova in regular cycles
from puberty onwards.
3. (d) Isthmus
4. (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
5. (a) Seminiferous tubules
6. (b) 11-17 day of menstrual cycle
7. (a) Its contact with zona pellucida of the ova
8. (b) Ampulla
9. (c) Secondary spermatocytes have 23 chromosomes and undergo second meiotic
division
10. (c) Secondary oocyte
11. (d) LH
12. (b) Ejaculatory duct
13. (c) External opening of the urinogenital duct
14. (a) Between the zygote and blastocyst
15. (a) Corona radiata
 Very Short Answers:
1. High temperature of abdomen kills the spermatogenic tissue of the testes, so no sperm
are formed.
2. Vaccine Active immunity Colostrum Passive immunity.
3. 40 sperms, 10 eggs.
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
4. (a) 46 in Primary spermatocyte
(b) 23 in spermatid.
5. Follicular cells of empty Graafian follicle transform as corpus luteum. The corpus luteum
secretes a hormone called progesterone.
6. Ovum and sperm should reach simultaneously to the ampullary – isthmic junction.
7. The male testes are located in the scrotum outside the abdominal cavity as the scrotum
provides low temperature than the normal body temperature required for
spermatogenesis.
8. The leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.
9. Fimbriae are finger like projections found in the edges of the infundibulum.
10. The seminal plasma along with the sperms constitutes semen.
 Short Answer:
1. (a) Corpus luteum: It secretes progesterone which prepares endometrium of uterus for
implantation and normal development of foetus.
(b) Endometrium: It undergoes cyclic changes during menstrual cycle and prepares itself
for implantation of blastocyst.
2. There are three phases in your menstrual cycle – follicular phase, ovulatory phase and
luteal phase. In terms of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, the ovulatory phase is most
important. During the follicular phase the follicle develops at the beginning of the
menstrual cycle. This cycle begins with the menstrual period, the shedding of the iuterine
lining and the shedding cleanses the lining of the uterus in preparation for ovulation
during the ovulatory phase.
3. Human sperm cells cannot develop at body temperature. Spermatogenesis and
maintenance of the seminiferous tubules requires a temperature slightly lower than that
of the body. This is provided by the scrotum, which lies outside the abdominal cavity.
4. The human sperm is a microscopic structure with a head, middle piece and a tail. The head
has the haploid nucleus and an anterior acrosome that contains the enzymes required for
the fertilization of the egg. The middle piece has numerous mitochondria to produce the
energy for the mobility of the tail of the sperm.
5. The structural and the functional unit between the developing embryo and the mother
called placenta facilitates the supply of nutrients, oxygen to the embryo and also the
removal of carbon dioxide and other excretory products produced by the embryo. It also
acts as endocrine tissue and produces several hormones
6. The number of chromosome in the cells is as follows:
Primary oocyte: 23 pairs. Secondary oocyte: 23. Ootid: 23. Follicle: 23 pairs.
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
7. After ovulation, the graffian follicle ruptures & forms corpus luteum. Corpus luteum
functions as endocrine glands as they secrete progesterone & estrogen in large quantities.
8. Leydig cells or interstitial cells are located in between the sominiferous tubules. Leydig
cells secrete male sex hormone TESTOSTERONE which promotes development of
accessory glands & control male secondary sexual characters.

 Long Answer:
1. The testes, male gonads, produce sperms that are suspended outside the abdominal cavity
in a sac of skin called the scrotum. It results in maintenance of the temperature of the
testis which is lower than the rest of the body. It is a condition favorable to sperm
production.
Each testis is an oval-shaped structure and is composed of a large number of seminiferous
tubules surrounded by connective tissue in which occurs numerous cells called Interstitial
cells or Leydig cells. These cells produce a male sex hormone named testosterone.
Seminiferous tubules are lined by a layer of germinal epithelial cells. In between the
germinal cells, certain large cells called Sertoli cells are present. They are nutritive in
function. The germinal epithelial cells produce sperms by spermatogenesis.
2. The male reproductive system of man:
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
3. Fertilization is the fusion of two gametic nuclei to form a diploid zygote. It involves a series
of chemical and physical steps as follows:
The cortical cytoplasm of the ovum shows the physicochemical reactions called the cortical
reactions:
i. Sperm lysins dissolve the membranes around the egg.
ii. The Head of sperm containing a nucleus and proximal centriole physically passes into
the ovum.
iii. Normally these reactions result in the formation of a fertilization membrane outside
the egg plasma membrane.
iv. Cortical granules burst and release their contents between the egg plasma
membrane and zona pellucida, i.e. perivitelline space (no fertilization membrane
formation). The plasma membrane shows increased permeability for water,
phosphate, and potassium.
v. The electrical potentiality of plasma membrane changes from positive to negative,
NAD kinase enzyme becomes activated after fertilization for the oxidation and
reduction reaction of the cell.
vi. The rate of DNA synthesis increases with great pace after fertilization. Hence the
ovum is now ready for mitosis (cleavage).
vii. Cleavage results in multicellular individuals.
 Assertion and Reason Answers:
1) a) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Explanation:
Fertilisation can only occur if the ovum and sperms are transported simultaneously to the
ampullary-isthmic junction and ovum is released only once a month. This is one of the
reasons why all copulations do not lead to fertilisation and pregnancy.
2) a) Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Explanation:
The normal temperature of the testes in the scrotum is about 2°-2.5°C lower than the
internal body temperature. When the body is chilled, the smooth muscle contracts and
brings the testes closer to the pelvic cavity. This movement towards the pelvic cavity
allows the testes to absorb heat from the rest of the body so that the sperm cells do not
become chilled and get optimum temperature for spermatogenesis.
 Case Study Answers:
1)
(i) (a) Morula.
Explanation:
SCIENCE HUMAN REPRODUCTION
Embryo with 8-16 blastomeres is solid mass of cells, known as morula.
(ii) (c) Blastula.
Explanation:
Embryo with 64 cells is called blastula (blastocyst) and has blastocyst cavity. Blastocyst is
composed of an outer envelope of cells called trophoblast and inner cell mass.
(iii) (a) Endometrium of uterus.
Explanation:
Implantation is the attachment of blastocyst to the uterine wall. The portion of blastocyst
where the inner cell mass is located lies against the endometrium of uterus.
(iv) (d) Zygote → Morula → Blastula → Gastrula.
(v) (b) Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
2)
(i) (c) Capacitation.
Explanation:
The secretions of female genital tract remove coating substances deposited on the surface
of the sperms. This phenomenon of sperm activation is called capacitation.
(ii) (d) R → P → Q → S
(iii) (b) Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
Explanation:
Binding of sperm to the secondary oocyte induces depolarisation of the oocyte plasma
membrane. Depolarisation prevents polyspermy and ensures monospermy.
(iv) (c) It initiates cleavage.
Explanation:
Fertilisation restores diploid number of chromosomes. It introduces variations as it
combines characters of the two parents.
(v) Ampullary isthmic junction of oviduct.