GRADE 9 LIFE AND LIVING

CELL STRUCTURE

(a) A cell is the fundamental structural unit of organisms.

(b) Cells are responsible for the following activities:
 Providing a structure for the body
 Assist in the growth of organisms by dividing themselves.
 Take nutrients from food and convert them into energy.
(c) Cells are too small to see with a naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope
(microscopic).
PARTS OF THE CELL

 A cell comprises the following organelles:

Cell membrane

 A thin semipermeable layer of protein and fat that surrounds the cell

Function

 It controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell wall

 Cell wall is an organelle made of cellulose and only found in plant cells.

Functions

(a) Protects the cell organelles

(b) Gives the cell strength and structure or shape.
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

Cytoplasm

(a) The word “cyto” means a cell and “plasm” means a fluid.
(b) It is a gel-like appearance mainly composed of water with enzymes, salts, organelles and
organic molecules.
Functions

(a) It houses the cell’s organelles

(b) Give shape to the cell
(c) Supports biochemical reactions like respiration.
Nucleus

(a) A nucleus is an organelle that is enclosed by a membrane.

(b) A nucleus is found in most cells except bacteria and blue
green algae (found in eukaryotic cells).
Functions:

(a) A nucleus contains the DNA or carries the genes of the

organism, e.g. colour of the eyes etc.
(b) It controls and regulates the activities in the cell, e.g. growth and metabolism).

Mitochondria

 Mitochondrion is an organelle with a round to oval shape.

Function

 It generates energy for the activities of the cell or release energy from food.

Vacuole

 It is an organelle in the cell filled with cell sap.

Function

 It stores water, food and metabolic waste.

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

Chloroplast

(a) Chloroplast is a cell organelle found in plants, algae and cyanobacteria and more
concentrated in the leaves.
(b) It has a high concentration of chlorophyll.
(c) It is found in plant leaves surrounded by guard cells.
Functions

(a) Chloroplast contains chlorophyll which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
(b) Produce energy for the cell through photosynthesis.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS

Plant Cell Animal Cell

(a) Chloroplast (a) No chloroplast

(b) Vacuole (b) Small or no vacuole
(c) Cell wall (c) No cell wall
(d) Rigid or regular shape due to cell (d) Irregular shape since it does not have a cell
wall wall

CELLS IN TISSUES, ORGANS AND SYSTEMS

(a) Cells have different sizes and shapes.

(b) Cells are specialized in their functions.
(c) Cells combine and work together form a tissue.
(d) Tissues form an organ.
(e) Organs work together to form a system, e.g. digestive system, excretory system.
(f) Systems work together to form an organism.

STEM CELLS

(a) Stem cells are special human cells from which all other specialized cells are
generated.
(b) Stem cells can develop into different types of cells.
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(c) Stem cells can develop into different specialized cells such as brain, skin, muscle etc.
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 (d) They can renew themselves or multiply / divide.
(e) They are not specialized.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is a cell?
______________________________________________________________________

2. What is the meaning of microscopic?

______________________________________________________________________

3. What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

______________________________________________________________________
4. Which part of the cell holds the genetic code or DNA of the organism?
______________________________________________________________________

5. In what type of cells do we find the nucleus?

______________________________________________________________________
6. Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
7. What happens to the DNA if a cell does not have a nucleus?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
8. In which organelle does respiration take place?
______________________________________________________________________
9. What is another term for cell membrane?
______________________________________________________________________
10. What is the function of the cell membrane?
______________________________________________________________________
11. In what organelle does photosynthesis take place?
______________________________________________________________________
12. Describe what a cell wall is.
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______________________________________________________________________
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

13. What are the two functions of the cell wall?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
14. What are unicellular organisms?
______________________________________________________________________
15. What are the three differences between a plant and animal cells?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
16. Discuss the shape and size of different cells.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
17. Distinguish between a tissue, organ and a system.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
18. What are stem cells?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
19. What do stem cells do?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

OVERVIEW OF SYSTEMS IN THE HUMAN BODY

Body systems

(a) The human body comprises different systems that work together.
(b) There are eleven body systems in a human body but only seven will be studied this year, viz.
nervous, muscular skeletal, excretory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and reproductive.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

(a) A nervous system is a network of neurons that enable the body to respond to stimuli.
(b) The nervous system works like a network that sends messages to different parts of the body.
(c) It also warns and informs the body of possible danger and telling the body how to react in each
case.
(d) The processes include hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling, temperature regulation and
sending and receiving impulses.

The two parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are:

 The brain and spinal cord

(a) The spinal cord – resembles a cable made up nerves that sends messages between the brain
and the entire body system.
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(b) The brain – works like a computer which controls all the activities of the body.

NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the nervous system?

_______________________________________________________________________
2. Mention the body systems shown in the diagram.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Discuss the importance of the nervous system.
_______________________________________________________________________
4. What are the processes related to the nervous system?
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Which are the two organs that are part of central nervous system?
_______________________________________________________________________

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MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

1. Musculoskeletal system is one of the important systems in the human body.

2. The word musculoskeletal system comprises two systems, viz.
muscular system and skeletal system.
3. The system is responsible for the following:
(a) It houses and protects organs in systems in all vertebrates
(b) Protects internal organs such as the heart, brain and liver.
(c) Give support and shape to the body.
(d) Enables movement to take place.
(e) Storage for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

(f) The musculoskeletal system is made of two kinds of tissues:

1. Soft tissues - muscles, tendons, membranes, joints capsule and ligaments

2. Hard tissues – bones and cartilages

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the two systems that relate to the musculoskeletal system?
_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Discuss the five functions of the musculoskeletal system.

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Identify, with example, the two kinds of tissues.

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the role of bones in the musculoskeletal system?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
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 EXCRETORY SYSTEM

(a) Excretory system is responsible for removing regulating body fluids while removing metabolic
wastes and toxins from the blood.
(b) The excretory system is essential for removing body wastes from different systems.
(c) Excessive water, for instance, is removed through the production of urine.

WASTES EXCRETED BY THE ORGANS

(a) Skin – sweat (Skin is the biggest organ in the human system).
(b) Lungs – Carbon dioxide and water
(c) Kidneys – Urine (urea, sodium, ammonia, uric acid, oxalate and some minerals).
(d) Lower part of the alimentary canal – faeces

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is excretory system?

_____________________________________________________________________
2. What is the role of the excretory system?
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Discuss how the excretory system deals with excess water in your body.
___________________________________________________________________________
4. Mention the four organs that are part of the excretory system.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the wastes secreted by the four excretory organs?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

(a) The respiratory system is system responsible for gaseous exchange between the air and the
bloodstream.
(b) The respiratory system supplies oxygen to the body while getting rid of carbon dioxide.
(c) The organs that constitute the respiratory system assist with the distribution. The alveoli (grape-
like) and the ducts (alveolar) play the main role.

Inhalation

(a) Air is taken in (inhalation) through the nose (nasal cavity) or the mouth.
(b) The air moves through to the pharynx to the larynx to the trachea and into the lungs.
(c) Nasal cavities are lined with fine hairs known as the cilia and the mucus membrane.
(d) The cilia and the mucus membrane purify the inhaled air.
(e) The cilia trap dust. The singular
(f) The mucus traps and kills foreign particles entering through the nose. for cilia is
cilium
(g) The mucus membrane also moistens and warms up the air.
(h) The mucous is antiseptic to kill bacteria on the inhaled air.

Exhalation
(a) ExhalatIion is the process of breathing out or expelling air from the lungs.
(b) The air moves out of the lungs (exhalation) following the same path it came in through.
(c) Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, diffuses out of the blood stream and is transported to the
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

Diffusion

(a) Diffusion is the movement of gas particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of
lower concentration.
(b) The diffusion of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place on the surface of the alveoli.
(c) During diffusion, oxygen enters the blood stream and is transported to the heart.
(d) Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, diffuses out of the blood stream and is transported to the
lungs and exhaled.
(e) The respiratory muscles include the muscles between the ribs and the diaphragm at the base
of the lungs.
(f) When you breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and as you breathe out it relaxes.
(g) Breathing is controlled by a respiratory centre in the medulla oblongata at the base of the

brain.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the importance of the respiratory system?

_________________________________________________________________________
2. Fully discuss the process of inhalation.
_________________________________________________________________________
3. What is exhalation?
_________________________________________________________________________

4. What is diffusion?

_________________________________________________________________________

5. Where in the lungs does diffusion take place? ___________________________________

6. Describe the movement of the diaphragm as you breathe in and out.

_______________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
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HEALTH ISSUES

Health issues related to the respiratory system include asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis and
asbestosis.

(a) Asthma
1. Asthma is an incurable chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and
narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing.
2. Asthma is an incurable but treatment alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation in the
airways.
3. During asthma attack, the airways become extremely
narrowed, making it challenging for air to move in and
out of the lungs causing recurring whistling sounds during
breathing, shortness of breath and coughing.
4. Asthma can be deadly if there is no medical assistance.

(b) Lung cancer

1. Lung cancer is a deadly common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lungs.
2. Smoking, exposure to smoking, smoking history and air polluted environment can cause lung
cancer.

(c) Bronchitis
1. Bronchitis is a health condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
2. Bronchitis inflames the air passage between nose, lungs and windpipe usually caused by viral
infection more prevalent in winter and more likely to affect children and the elderly.
3. People who smoke, have heart diseases and lung diseases are more likely to have acute (severe
symptoms) bronchitis.

(d) Asbestosis
 Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres
restricting oxygen entering the blood stream.
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ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. Identify the four health issues related to the respiratory system.

_________________________________________________________________________
2. What is asthma?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. How does asthma attack occur?
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. What is lung cancer?
_________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the possible causes of lung cancer?
_________________________________________________________________________
6. What is bronchitis?
_________________________________________________________________________
7. Who is likely to get bronchitis?
_________________________________________________________________________
8. What is asbestosis?
_________________________________________________________________________

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

(a) The purpose of the circulatory system is to transport nutrients to body cells and remove wastes
from the body.
(b) The process involves blood circulation which happens between the heart, the lungs and the rest
of the body.
(c) The constituents of the circulatory system include veins, arteries, capillaries, blood vessels and
the main organ which is the heart.

THE HEART

(a) The heart is about the size of two hands held together.
(b) It keeps the circulatory system working by continuously pumping blood.

BLOOD VESSELS

(a) The three types of blood vessels are: arteries, veins and capillaries.
(b) Capillaries are very thin blood vessel just one cell thick.
(c) Capillary carries blood to and from the body’s cells.

(d) The veins have thin walls and transport blood under low pressure towards the heart.
(e) Veins have valves that allow blood to flow in the correct direction but close if blood starts to
flow in the wrong direction.
(f) Arteries have thick walls and transport blood under high pressure away from the heart.
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

HEALTH ISSUES

 Health issues related to the circulatory system include; high blood pressure, heart attack and
stroke.
(a) Heart attack Coronary thrombosis) is a condition that occurs when one of the arteries supplying
the heart with blood gets blocked or reduced by a blood clot.
(b) Stroke is medical condition caused by bleeding from a raptured artery in the brain causing
reduced or interrupted blood supply as brain cells begin to die in minutes.
(c) High blood pressure (hypertension) is when blood vessels (arteries) become narrow making the
heart to work harder to pump blood.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. Which body system is responsible for transporting food nutrient to different parts of the body?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Which organs play an important role during blood circulation?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Discuss the difference between veins and arteries.
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. What are the three parts of the blood vessels?
_________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the three health conditions related to the circulatory system?
_________________________________________________________________________
6. What is heart attack?
_________________________________________________________________________
7. What is stroke?
_________________________________________________________________________
8. What causes high blood pressure?

________________________________________________________________________
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BREATHING, GASEOUS EXCHANGE, CIRCULATION AND RESPIRATION

(a) Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged (gaseous exchange) in the lungs on the surface of the
alveoli by diffusion.
(b) Diffusion is the movement of gas particles from the
region of higher concentration to the region of lower
concentration resulting in an even distribution in the
medium.
(c) Oxygen diffuses into the blood stream.
(d) The oxygen-rich blood (oxygenated blood) now travels
from the lungs to the left side of the heart by the
pulmonary vein.
(e) From there, the heart pumps it with force through the
arteries to reach the body.
(f) Pulmonary artery transports deoxygenated blood under high pressure from the heart to the
alveoli in the lungs.
(g) Now oxygen reaches the cells and is used to break /release the energy in food and this is known
as respiration.
(h) The energy is required for body processes.
(i) Respiration takes place in the cells in the organelle known as the mitochondrion.
(j) During respiration carbon dioxide is released.
(k) The heart pumps deoxygenated blood (blood containing carbon dioxide) to the lungs.
(l) Carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood stream into the alveoli and then excreted.

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ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is diffusion?
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Where does diffusion take place during respiration? ____________________________________
3. Discuss the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. In which organelle does respiration take place? ________________________________________
5. What is the function of the pulmonary artery? _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. Discuss the difference between oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood.
_______________________________________________________________________________

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

MEASURING AND COMPARING

Using a stop watch compare heart rates before and after exercise.

1. Collect information/data on at least 10 learners

2. Identify the variables
3. Draw a bar graph of the results
4. Discuss your findings about the fitness of the learners based on heart rate.

ACTIVITY: RESEARCHING AND WRITING

Make a research about one of the following:

1. Smoking
2. Alcohol
3. High cholesterol levels

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HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(a) Reproductive system is a system whose main purpose is to produce sex cells for the purpose of
reproducing new species.
(b) Some important terms to take note of:

A. Growth

o It is the physical development of an organism from birth over time.

B. Cell division
o This is the process where a cell after reaching a certain stage, divides into two daughter cells.

C. Maturation
o Maturation is the process of physical and psychological development to reach full potential.
Humans become able to reproduce at maturity.

D. Copulation
o It is the insertion of a male reproductive organ into female reproductive organ.

E. Ejaculation
o The discharge of semen from a male reproductive organ after it has been sexually aroused or
excited.

F. Ovulation
o It is the release of an egg from the ovary.

G. Menstruation
o It is the periodical discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner uterus through the
female reproductive organ except during pregnancy and menopause.
H. Fertilisation
o It is the union of an egg cell and a sperm cell

I. Implantation
o It is when the fertilised egg attaches to the wall of the uterus.
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HEALTH ISSUES INVOLVING THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(a) Infertility: Males and females unable to sexually reproduce.

(b) Foetal Alcohol Syndrome: The long term effect of alcohol on a pregnant woman’s foetus.

(c) STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea can be
transferred during sexual intercourse.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is reproductive system?

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Discuss the following terms:

A. Cell division
______________________________________________________________________
B. Maturation
______________________________________________________________________

C. Copulation
______________________________________________________________________

D. Ejaculation
______________________________________________________________________

E. Ovulation
______________________________________________________________________

F. Menstruation
______________________________________________________________________
G. Fertilisation
______________________________________________________________________

H. Implantation
______________________________________________________________________
3. Discuss the three health issues related to the reproductive system.
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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PURPOSE AND PUBERTY

(a) The primary function of reproduction involves the union of male and female gametes, the sex
cells, to ensure the continuation of the species.
(b) Reproduction helps create new individuals that have genetic traits from their parents.
(c) Puberty is a stage at which one undergoes physical and emotional changes as they reach for
adulthood.
(d) Puberty marks the phase within the human life cycle wherein sexual organs undergo maturation
in preparation for reproduction.
(e) This sequence begins with the pituitary gland releasing hormones into the bloodstream, which
then stimulate the testes and ovaries to release sex hormones such as testosterone and
oestrogen.
(f) Testosterone, coming from the testes, and oestrogen, originating from the ovaries, cause the
development of secondary sexual characteristics like menstruation, breast growth, pubic and
facial hair, as well as the deepening of the male voice.
(g) Changes during puberty:
Females Males

(a) Oestrogen (Sex hormone released by (a) Testosterone (Main sex hormone
ovaries) released by testes)
(b) Sex cells – ovum or egg (b) Sex cells – sperms
PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY

(a) Developing breast (a) Developing testes and scrotum

(b) Body shape changes (hips develop) (b) Deepening voice

(c) Pubic hair develops (c) Pubic hair develops

(d) Armpit hair grows (d) Armpit hair grows

(e) First menstruation occurs (e) Facial hair starts growing

(f) Rapid physical growth (f) Rapid physical growth

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ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of reproduction?

_________________________________________________________________________
2. What is puberty?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Explain the sequence of the initial steps of puberty.
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Where do the testosterone and oestrogen come from?
________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the sex hormones released by males and females respectively?
_________________________________________________________________________
6. Tabulate the physical developments in males and females during puberty.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(a) The collection of organs and structures within the male reproductive system is tasked with the
creation, storage, and transportation of sperm.
(b) The male reproductive organs are as follows: penis, sperm duct (vas deferens), testes. Scrotum
and urethra.
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(a) Prostate
1. It is the gland at the origin of the urethra.
2. The size of a prostate is that of a kiwi fruit.
3. It secretes prostate fluid that nourishes and protects
sperms.
4. It helps make the semen fluid.
5. It helps propel semen during ejaculation.

(b) Epididymis
1. It lies behind the testes.
2. It stores and transports sperms produced by the testes.

Semen is a white
(c) Testes fluid produced by
1. If it is one is called a testis and testes is in plural form. male sexual glands
2. Testes produce sperms. which might contain
sperms.
3. They produce hormones, especially testosterone.

(d) Scrotum
1. The scrotum houses the testes.
2. They maintain the required temperature of sperms (below body temperature).

(e) Urethra

1. It is a passage for urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
2. It is also a passage for semen and sperms.
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ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. Give a list of the male reproductive organs.

_______________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the role of the prostate?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the function of the Epididymis?
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. Where are sperm cells produced?
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the male hormone produced in the testes?
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. Why is the scrotum hanging outside the body?
_______________________________________________________________________________
7. Discuss the two functions of the urethra in reproduction and excretion.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

 Parts of the female reproductive organs include the cervix, ovaries, urethra, uterus, vagina and
fallopian tubes.

(a) Cervix
 Connects the uterus to the vagina.
 Allows the flow of menstrual blood from the uterus to the vagina.
(b) Ovaries – they release the egg or ovum.
(c) Fallopian tubes (also known as uterine tube or oviduct):

1. They transport the egg from the ovaries to the uterus each month.
2. Fertilization takes place in the third end of the fallopian tube in the Ampulla.
3. Fertilization must occur within 12 – 24 hours after ovulation or the egg will die.
4. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
5. The egg must be mature before it can be fertilized.
6. The fertilized egg then travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb).
7. The egg is then implanted in the uterus resulting in
pregnancy.

(d) Uterus (womb)

Functions of the uterus:
1. To accept the embryo.
2. To house the embryo while it develops into a
feutus.
3. Uterus also delivers a newborn.
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 (e) Placenta
1. The developing embryo is attached to the uterus by the placenta.
2. The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the foetus.
3. The placenta also removes waste products from the foetus through the umbilical cord.
(f) Gestation
1. The period from conception to birth is called gestation.
2. Gestation in humans is nine months or 40 weeks.

(g) Urethra
1. transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
2. The urethra does not take part in reproduction in females

PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY:

(a) Contraceptives such as condoms, pills and injections can be used to prevent pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases.
(b) Abstaining is, however, the best method.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. List the parts of the female reproductive system.

___________________________________________________________________________
2. In which part of the female reproductive system is the egg cell stored?
___________________________________________________________________________
3. Discuss the role of the fallopian tubes.
___________________________________________________________________________
4. Where does fertilisation take place?
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Discuss the role of the placenta.
___________________________________________________________________________
6. What is gestation?
___________________________________________________________________________
7. What is the period of gestation in human beings?
___________________________________________________________________________
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 DEBATING

1. Work in teams of ten (five aside)

2. Choose one of the following topics:
(a) Abortion
(b) Infertility
(c) Surrogacy
(d) Contraception
(e) Population control
3. Appoint a spoke person for the group.
4. Focus your debate ethical issues.
5. Make your presentation in 3 minutes for each group.
6. Use the other 4 minutes for questions and answers.

THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

(a) The females reproductive cycle is 28 – 30 days and it repeats almost over the same
period to release an egg cell to be fertilised if sperm cells are present. The cycle repeats
from puberty to menopause.

(b) After ovulation, if fertilisation does not occur, the reproductive organs 'reset' through
menstruation to start the process again.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the importance of the nervous system?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. What are the five main sense organs?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. What is the function of each of the five sense organs?
___________________________________________________________________
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 HUMAN REPRODUCTION

(a) Reproduction is a biological process that leads to the production of new species
(young ones) that resemble or look like the parents.
(b) Male and female sex organs are responsible for reproduction.

(c) A male contributes a sperm cell and a female contributes an egg cell in the

formation of a zygote.

(d) A zygote is formed from the fusion (coming together) of the male and the female

gametes or when a sperm fertilizes the ovum.

(e) An ovum is the egg cell or female reproductive cell.

(f) Reproduction is important for the survival of all organisms.

PUBERTY
 It is a stage at which one undergoes physical and emotional changes as they reach
for adulthood.

Females Males
(a) Oestrogen (Sex hormone released (a) Testosterone (Main sex
by ovaries) hormone released by testes)
(b) Sex cells – ovum or egg (b) Sex cells – sperms
PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY
(a) Developing breast (a) Developing testes and scrotum

(b) Body shape changes (hips develop) (b) Deepening voice

(c) Pubic hair develops (c) Pubic hair develops

(d) Armpit hair grows (d) Armpit hair grows

(e) First menstruation occurs (e) Facial hair starts growing

(f) Rapid physical growth (f) Rapid physical growth

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

 Reproductive organs are sex organs within an organism responsible for sexual
reproduction.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(a) The female reproductive system refers to a group of

organs in a female that work together to enable
reproduction.
(b) The female reproductive system is made of internal and
external organs.
(c) Most of the female reproductive organs are internal.
(d) Parts of the female reproductive organs include the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina
and fallopian tubes.
(e) Cervix
i. Connects the uterus to the vagina.
ii. Allows the flow of menstrual blood from the uterus to the vagina.
(f) Ovaries – they release the egg or ovum.
(g) Fallopian tubes (also known as uterine tube or oviduct):
i. They transport the egg from the ovaries to the uterus each month.
ii. Fertilization takes place in the third end of the fallopian tube in the Ampulla.
iii. Fertilization must occur within 12 – 24 hours after ovulation or the egg will die.
iv. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary.
v. The egg must be mature before it can be fertilized.
vi. The fertilized egg then travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb).
vii. The egg is then implanted in the uterus resulting in pregnancy.

(h) Uterus (womb)

Functions of the uterus:
i. To accept the embryo.
ii. To house the embryo while it develops into a feutus.
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iii. Uterus also delivers a newborn.

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 (i) Placenta
i. The developing embryo is attached to the uterus by the placenta.
ii. The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to
the feutus.
iii. The placenta also removes waste products
from the feutus blood.
iv. The period from conception to birth is called
gestation.
v. On average gestation in humans is nine month
(40 weeks or 280 days).
(j) Urethra – transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY:

i. Contraceptives such as condoms, pills and injections can be used to prevent

pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
ii. Abstaining is, however, the best method.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. What is puberty?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. What are the TWO differences between males and females during puberty?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. What are the physical similarities between males and females during puberty?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. What is reproduction?
____________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 5. Give details of a zygote.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
6. What is the function of the cervix?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
7. What are the hormones released by females and males reproductive organs
respectively?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
8. What are the females and males specialized sex cells?
____________________________________________________________________
9. Where does fertilization take place?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
10. What is ovulation?
____________________________________________________________________
11. What are the functions of the uterus?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
12. What are the functions of the placenta?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
13. What is gestation?
____________________________________________________________________
14. What is the period of gestation in human beings?
____________________________________________________________________
15. What is the function of the urethra?
____________________________________________________________________
16. How can pregnancy be prevented?
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____________________________________________________________________
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

1. The male reproductive system is a group of organs in males that are responsible for
reproduction.
2. The male reproductive system is made of internal and external organs.
3. Most of the male reproductive organs are located outside the body.
4. The male reproductive organs are as follows: penis, sperm duct (vas deferens),
testes, scrotum and urethra.

(f) Prostate
1. It is the gland at the origin of the urethra.
2. The size of a prostate is that of a kiwi fruit.
3. It secretes prostate fluid that nourishes and protects sperms.
4. It helps make the semen fluid.
5. It helps propel semen during ejaculation.

(g) Epididymis
1. It lies behind the testes. Semen is a white fluid
produced by male
2. It stores and transports sperms produced by the testes. sexual glands which
might contain sperms.
(h) Testes
1. If it is one is called a testis and testes is in plural form.
2. Testes produce sperms.
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3. They produce hormones, especially testosterone.

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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC

 (i) Scrotum
1. The scrotum houses the testes.
2. They maintain the required temperature of sperms (below body temperature).

(j) Urethra
1. It is a passage for urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
2. It is also a passage for semen and sperms.

ACTIVITY

Answer the following questions:

1. Describe the composition of the male reproductive system.

_____________________________________________________________________
2. Describe the position of most of the male reproductive organs.
_____________________________________________________________________
3. What is a prostate?
_____________________________________________________________________
4. What is the importance of the prostate?
____________________________________________________________________
5. What is the function of the epididymis?
____________________________________________________________________
6. What is the name of the hormone produced in the testes?
____________________________________________________________________
7. What are the functions of the following?
7.1 Scrotums
________________________________________________________________
7.2 Urethra
________________________________________________________________
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NS Grade 9 Term 1 DEJAC