Unit 9: Human Regulation and Reproduction
Learning aim C: Understand the role of hormones in the regulation and control of the
reproductive system.
C.P3 Describe the structure and function of reproductive anatomy.
C.P4: Describe how hormones are involved in gamete development and conception.
C.M3: Explain how the regulation of male and female reproductive systems can affect
human reproductive health.
C.D3: Evaluate how conception may be prevented and promoted.
C.P3 Describe the structure and function of reproductive anatomy.
The reproductive system is a system in the human body to produce an
offspring. In females, this system consists of internal and external
organs and secrets hormones responsible for fertility, menstruation
and sexual activities. In males, it is responsible for urination,
reproduction as well as sexual intercourse.
Human reproductive system (no date) Encyclopædi
Female reproductive system:
Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Available
at: https://www.britannica.com/science/human-
Structure Function reproductive-system (Accessed: March 10, 2023).
Ovary Contain reproductive hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) and oocytes
(eggs) for fertilisation.
Fallopian tube (oviduct) Transport the ova from the ovaries to the uterus every month. Uterine tubes
transport the fertilised eggs to the uterus for implantation purposes in the
presence of the sperm and fertilisation.
Uterus Main function is to develop the foetus prior birth.
Uterine horn Assisting the transportation of the sperm. Also responsible for assisting hormone
production, placental development, embryonic development and parturition.
Fimbriae Allows a cell to bind to other surfaces and those of other cells. Used for
attachment and aids in the colonisation of microbes.
Endometrium Keeps the uterine cavity open by preventing adhesions between the opposing
walls of the myometrium. Develops into a thick, blood, vessel-rich, glandular
tissue layer, during the menstrual or oestrous cycle.
Cervix Serves as a portal to the uterus to allow the sperm to enter to fertilise the egg.
Helps to keep dangerous substances out of the body when the body is
developing an offspring. Keeps the baby in position until fully developed whilst
pregnant.
Vagina Has three major functions. During sexual activity, where the penis is inserted.
Passageway of birth by which the offspring exits a woman’s body. Cycles in which
the menstrual blood exits the body.
Labia Shields internal parts of the female reproductive system (labia minora and labia
majora) as well as for sexual arousal and stimulation (clitoris). Provides
lubrication and cushioning to stimulate intercourse. (Bartholin’s glands) (Mons
pubis).
Male reproductive system:
, Structure Function
Epididymis Responsible for transporting the sperm from testes to the vas deferens.
Seminal vesicle Site of constituent ingredients needed to produce the sperm. Approximately,
have about 70% of the total volume of the sperm.
Cowper’s gland Prior to ejaculation, contains a dense, transparent mucus which drains into the
spongy urethra. The secretions from this gland neutralise traces of acidic urine
in the urethra.
Prostate gland Proteolytic enzymes are secreted into the sperm to break down clotting factors
in the ejaculation. Keeps the sperm in a fluid state and allows it to move freely
around the female reproductive tract for fertilisation.
Testes Responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Seminiferous tubes (coiled
masses of tubes) are located inside the testes. Through spermatogenesis, these
tubes are responsible for producing sperm cells.
Penis Male organ used for sexual intercourse and urination. In the urethra, the
sperm and urine exit the penis. Testes are located in the scrotum (a loose
pouch like sack) which hangs behind the penis.
Scrotum Skin bag which contains and protects the testes. Provides a temperature
controlled environment for the testes, allowing for optimal sperm production.
Vas deferens Transports the matured sperm to the urethra, in preparation for ejaculation.
Erectile tissue Smooth muscles which are contracted in a flaccid state, allowing a limited
amount of arterial flow for nutritional purposes.
C.P4: Describe how hormones are involved in gamete development and conception.
Hormonal Regulation of Human Reproduction:
The male and female reproductive cycles are controlled by the
interaction of hormones through the hypothalamus and the
anteriority pituitary with hormones from the reproductive organs
and tissues. In both genders, the hypothalamus monitors the
regulation of hormones and signals the release of hormones from
the pituitary gland. When a hormone is required, the Rye, C. et al. (2015) 24.4. hormonal control
hypothalamus secretes the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). To of human reproduction, Concepts of Biology 1st
the pituitary. As a result, this causes the release of follicle-stimulating Canadian Edition. BCcampus. Available at:
https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/24-4-
hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland hormonal-control-of-human-reproduction/
into the blood. The body must reach puberty in order for the adrenal (Accessed: March 11, 2023).
glands to release hormones which must be present for GnRH
production. Although, FSH and LH are mainly targeted after their functions in the female
reproductive system, they are produced in both genders and have major roles in controlling
reproduction. Additionally, other hormones have specific functions in male and female reproductive
systems.
The regulation of male hormones:
When puberty occurs, the hypothalamus causes the release of FSH and LH into the male for the very
first time. The FSH successfully enters the testes which stimulates the Sertoli cells and begins
spermatogenesis using negative feedback. The LH also enters the testes to stimulate the interstitial
cells of Leydig and make and release testosterone inside the testes and the blood. The negative
feedback system occurs in the male with rising levels of testosterone which acts on the
hypothalamus and pituitary gland to inhibit the release of GnRH, FSH and LH. Sertoli cells produce a