Introduction :
1. Gametogenesis
Formation of sex cells (gametes).
In males → sperm formation
In females → egg (ovum) formation
👉 Simple: Body makes sperm and eggs.
2. Insemination
Transfer of sperm into the female reproductive tract.
👉 Simple: Sperm enters the female body.
3. Fertilisation
Fusion of sperm and egg.
👉 Simple: Sperm meets egg and combines.
4. Zygote
The first cell formed after fertilisation.
👉 Simple: A new single cell (baby’s starting point).
5. Blastocyst
A hollow ball of cells formed after the zygote divides.
👉 Simple: A group of cells that will become the baby.
6. Implantation
Blastocyst attaches to the uterus wall.
👉 Simple: Baby starts growing inside the uterus.
7. Parturition
Process of giving birth.
👉 Simple: Baby is delivered from the mother.
8. Lactation
Production of milk after childbirth.
👉 Simple: Mother produces milk to feed the baby.
🔵 MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Detailed)
1. Primary Sex Organ (Testes)
Testes (present in scrotum), in adults , each testis is oval in shape, with a length of about 4 to 5 cm and width of about 2 to 3 cm.
Function:
- Produce sperms
- Secrete hormone testosterone
Inside testes:
Testicular lobules : Each testis has about 250 compartments called testicular lobules.
Seminiferous tubules →Each testicular lobule contains one to three highly coiled seminiferous tubules in which sperms are produced.(spermatogenesis)
Each seminiferous tubules is lined on its inside by two types of cells called male germ cells ( spermatogonia) and sertoli cells.
Sertoli cells → It provides nutrition to the germ cells.
Lydig cells or interstitial cells : Outside the seminiferous tubules called interstitial spaces, contain small blood vessels and leydig cells. Leydig cells synthesise and secrete testicular harmones called androgens ( main harmones of androgens called testosterone ).
2. Duct System (Path of sperm)
Rete testis → collects sperms
Vasa efferentia → carry sperms out of testis
Epididymis
Sperm maturation & storage
Vas deferens
Long tube carrying sperm to urethra
Ejaculatory duct
Formed by vas deferens + seminal vesicle duct
Urethra
Final passage for semen & urine
3. Accessory Glands (VERY IMPORTANT FOR EXAM ⭐)
(a) Seminal Vesicles
Secrete fructose-rich fluid
Provides energy to sperms
Makes ~60% of semen
(b) Prostate Gland
Secretes milky alkaline fluid
Helps in sperm motility
Neutralizes acidity of female tract
(c) Bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)
Secrete mucus
Lubricates urethra
Neutralizes acidic urine traces
4. External Genitalia
Penis
Organ for sperm transfer
Scrotum
The testes are situated outside the abdominal cavity within a pouch called scrotum. It keeps testes at lower temperature (2–2.5°C less than body temp) necessary for spermatogenesis.
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system consists of:
- Ovaries
- Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Vagina
- External Genitalia (Vulva)
- Mammary Glands (Accessory glands)
Ovaries
Structure:
A pair of primary sex organs,
Located in lower abdomen,
Connected to pelvic wall by ligaments and
Covered by germinal epithelium.
Inner region: Stroma
Peripheral cortex → follicles
Inner medulla → blood vessels
Function:
Produce ova (eggs)
Secrete hormones:
Estrogen
Progesterone
Control menstrual cycle & secondary sexual characters
Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)
Each ovary connects to uterus via a fallopian tube.
Parts of Oviduct:
Infundibulum
Funnel-shaped part near ovary
Has fimbriae (finger-like projections)
Ampulla
Wider region
Fertilization occurs here. (IMPORTANT NEET POINT)
Isthmus
Narrow part connecting to uterus
Function:
Pick up ovum after ovulation
Site of fertilization
Transport ovum/zygote to uterus
Uterus (Womb)
Structure:
Single, pear-shaped organ,
Attached to pelvic wall by ligaments.
Parts:
Fundus (upper part)
Body
Cervix
Wall Layers (VERY IMPORTANT):
Perimetrium – outer layer
Myometrium – muscular layer (smooth muscles)
Endometrium – inner layer (undergoes cyclic changes)
Function:
Site of implantation
Nourishes developing embryo
Supports pregnancy
Cervix
Structure:
Lower narrow part of uterus.
Opens into vagina via cervical canal.
Function:
Allows passage of sperm
Forms birth canal
Produces cervical mucus
Vagina
Structure:
Muscular tube extending from cervix to outside
Function:
Receives penis during intercourse.
Passage for menstrual flow.
Forms birth canal.
External Genitalia (Vulva)
Includes:
Mons pubis – fatty cushion
Labia majora – outer folds
Labia minora – inner folds
Clitoris – erectile organ (homologous to penis)
Hymen – membrane partially covering vaginal opening
Function:
Protect internal genital organs
Assist in sexual arousal
Mammary Glands
Structure:
Present in breasts.
Each gland has 15–20 lobes.
Lobes contain alveoli. (milk-secreting units)
Milk → mammary ducts → lactiferous duct → nipple
Function:
Produce milk after childbirth (lactation)
IMPORTANT NCERT POINTS FOR NEET
- Fertilization occurs in Ampulla region
- Endometrium undergoes cyclic changes
- Myometrium helps in childbirth contractions
- Ovary releases secondary oocyte
- Mammary glands are accessory reproductive organs
- Cervix + vagina form birth canal
