Human reproduction
Reproduction relies on specialised organs and a cycle that prepares the body, month after month, for the possibility of pregnancy.
Part of your national curriculum
- Biology: structure and function: Understand reproduction in humans, including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Understand reproduction in humans, including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle
Key learning points
- • Male reproductive system
- • Female reproductive system
- • The menstrual cycle
This lesson at a glance
- 28 minutes
- 16 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 16
Visual introductionPicture this
Human reproduction
Reproduction relies on specialised organs and a cycle that prepares the body, month after month, for the possibility of pregnancy.
In a nutshell
Understand reproduction in humans, including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle
Learning cycle
Part 2 of 16
Learning cycle 1 of 2
Part 1 · Male reproductive system
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 16
Learn
Male reproductive system
The testes produce sperm cells and the hormone testosterone. Sperm travel through the sperm duct, mixing with fluids from glands to form semen, which passes out through the penis during ejaculation.
Reset break
Part 4 of 16
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Explore the idea
Part 5 of 16
Learn
Female reproductive system
The ovaries release an egg cell roughly once a month. The egg travels down the oviduct (fallopian tube), where fertilisation can occur. If fertilised, the embryo implants in the uterus lining; if not, the lining breaks down.
Quick check
Part 6 of 16
Quick check
Part 7 of 16
Reset break
Part 8 of 16
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Learning cycle
Part 9 of 16
Learning cycle 2 of 2
Part 2 · The menstrual cycle
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 10 of 16
Learn
The menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. It includes menstruation (shedding the uterus lining), a rebuilding phase, ovulation (release of an egg around day 14), and a phase where the lining thickens ready for possible implantation.
Quick check
Part 11 of 16
Reset break
Part 12 of 16
Pause
That's sitting 3 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 13 of 16
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 14 of 16
Game · Recall cards
Where are sperm cells produced?
Card 1 of 4
Mastery quiz
Part 15 of 16
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Human reproduction
4 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Where are sperm cells produced?
2. Where does fertilisation normally occur?
3. Roughly how long is a typical menstrual cycle?
4. Egg cells are produced in the
Lesson round-up
Part 16 of 16
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
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Ask LunaPart 1 of 16 · Watch & discover
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Understand reproduction in humans, including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the menstrual cycle