Human Reproductive Systems (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

Revision Note

Lára Marie McIvor

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The Male Reproductive System

  • The male reproductive system consists of several key components:

    • Prostate gland: Produces fluid called semen that provides sperm cells with nutrients

    • Sperm duct: Sperm passes through the sperm duct to be mixed with fluids produced by the glands before being passed into the urethra for ejaculation

    • Urethra: Tube running down the centre of the penis that can carry urine or semen. A ring of muscle in the urethra prevents them from mixing

    • Testis: Contained in a bag of skin (scrotum) and produces sperm (male gamete) and testosterone (hormone)

    • Scrotum: Sac supporting the testes outside the body to ensure sperm are kept at a temperature slightly lower than body temperature

    • Penis: Passes urine out of the body from the bladder and allows semen to pass into the vagina during sexual intercourse

Diagram of the male reproductive system

The male reproductive system, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

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The Female Reproductive System

  • The female reproductive system consists of several key components:

    • Oviducts: Connects ovary to the uterus, lined with ciliated cells to push released ovum, fertilisation occurs here

    • Ovaries: Contains ova (female gametes) that mature and develop when hormones are released

    • Uterus: Muscular bag with soft lining where fertilised egg (zygote) implants to develop into foetus

    • Cervix: Ring of muscle at the lower end of the uterus to keep the developing foetus in place during pregnancy

    • Vagina: Muscular tube leading to inside of woman's body, where male's penis enters and sperm are deposited during intercourse

Diagram of the female reproductive system

The female reproductive system, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

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Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.