The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is designed for the production of eggs (ova),
fertilization, and the support of a developing fetus during pregnancy. It includes both
internal and external structures.

1. External Structures:

Vulva:

o Function: The vulva is the external genital region, including the labia
(lips), clitoris, and vaginal opening. It protects the internal reproductive
organs and plays a role in sexual arousal.

Clitoris:

o Function: The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located at the top of

the vulva. It is involved in sexual pleasure.

2. Internal Structures:

Vagina:

o Function: The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the external

genitalia to the uterus. It receives sperm during sexual intercourse and
serves as the birth canal during delivery.
 Cervix:

o Function: The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the
vagina. It allows the passage of menstrual blood and sperm and dilates
during childbirth.

Uterus:

o Function: The uterus is where a fertilized egg implants and develops

into a fetus. It has a thick lining (endometrium) that changes during the
menstrual cycle to support a potential pregnancy.

Fallopian Tubes:

o Function: The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus.

Fertilization of an egg typically occurs here. The cilia in the tubes help
move the egg toward the uterus.

Ovaries:

o Function: The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen
and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and support
pregnancy.
o Structure: The ovaries contain follicles, which hold the developing
eggs. Each month, an egg is released in a process called ovulation.

Key Differences Between Male and Female Reproductive Systems:

Male Female
Produces sperm in the testes Produces eggs in the ovaries
Delivers sperm via the penis Receives sperm in the vagina
External genitalia: Penis and
External genitalia: Vulva
scrotum
Seminal vesicles and prostate Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are involved in
gland produce semen fertilization and pregnancy
Ejaculation occurs in the urethra Menstruation and childbirth are key processes

Images and Diagrams

 Male Reproductive System Diagram: A labeled diagram showing the penis,

scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and
urethra.
 Female Reproductive System Diagram: A labeled diagram showing the
vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
 Menstrual Cycle Overview: A diagram illustrating the phases of the
menstrual cycle (follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, and menstruation).
Function and Significance

 Male System: The male reproductive system’s primary function is the

production, storage, and delivery of sperm to fertilize the female egg.
 Female System: The female reproductive system is involved in egg
production, the site for fertilization, nurturing the fetus during pregnancy, and
childbirth.

Past Paper Questions

1. Question (2019)

a) State two functions of the male reproductive system. (2 marks)

b) Name the part of the female reproductive system where fertilization normally
takes place. (1 mark)

Answer:

 a)
1. To produce sperm.
2. To produce testosterone.
 b)
Fertilization normally takes place in the fallopian tubes.

2. Question (2018)

a) Describe the structure and function of the testes in the male reproductive
system. (4 marks)
b) Name the structure that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
(1 mark)

Answer:

 a)
The testes are oval-shaped organs located in the scrotum. They have two main
functions:

1. Sperm production: Inside the testes are the seminiferous tubules

where sperm cells are produced.
2. Testosterone production: The interstitial cells in the testes produce
the male hormone testosterone, which regulates sperm production and
male secondary sexual characteristics.
  b)
The structure that transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra is the
vas deferens.

3. Question (2017)

a) The diagram below shows part of the male reproductive system. Name the
structure labeled A and state its function. (2 marks)
Diagram: A structure located next to the testes and connected to the vas deferens.
b) Name the part of the female reproductive system where the embryo develops.
(1 mark)

Answer:

 a)
Structure A is the epididymis, and its function is to store and mature sperm.
 b)
The embryo develops in the uterus.

4. Question (2020)

a) State the function of the vagina in the female reproductive system. (1 mark)
b) Describe the role of the fallopian tubes in human reproduction. (2 marks)
c) Explain why the scrotum is located outside the body. (2 marks)

Answer:

 a)
The vagina serves as the passageway for sperm during intercourse and as the
birth canal during delivery.
 b)
The fallopian tubes are the site where fertilization occurs. They transport the
egg from the ovaries to the uterus, and the egg may meet sperm in the tubes
for fertilization.
 c)
The scrotum is located outside the body to maintain a temperature slightly
lower than the body's normal temperature. This lower temperature is essential
for the proper development of sperm.

5. Question (2016)

a) Explain the role of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles in the male
reproductive system. (2 marks)
b) Name the hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates the menstrual
cycle. (1 mark)

Answer:

 a)
The prostate gland and seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid, which
nourishes sperm and helps protect them from the acidic environment of the
vagina. This fluid also helps the sperm move more easily.
 b)
The hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates the menstrual cycle is
estrogen.

6. Question (2015)

a) Label the parts of the female reproductive system on the diagram provided. (3
marks)
b) State one function of the cervix. (1 mark)

Answer:

 a)
The parts to label in the female reproductive system diagram would include:

1. Vagina
2. Uterus
3. Ovary

 b)
The cervix has the function of allowing the passage of menstrual blood
from the uterus and sperm into the uterus. During childbirth, it dilates to
allow the baby to pass through.

Additional Notes on Preparing for the Exam:

1. Key Terminology: Make sure to know the names of all the structures in both
the male and female reproductive systems, as these are often tested in
identification and labeling questions.
2. Functions of Each Structure: Be able to describe the role each part plays in
the reproductive process (e.g., sperm production, egg production, fertilization,
pregnancy, etc.).
3. Hormonal Control: Be familiar with the hormones involved in regulating the
menstrual cycle (e.g., estrogen, progesterone) and their functions in both male
and female systems.