This guide covers IGCSE Biology topic 16 (part 2): reproduction in humans. You will revise the male and female reproductive systems, fertilisation (sperm and egg), pregnancy (placenta, umbilical cord), and the menstrual cycle (ovulation, menstruation).

Key concepts to revise

• Male – Testes (sperm, testosterone); sperm duct; urethra; penis. Sperm: head (nucleus), tail (movement).
• Female – Ovaries (eggs, oestrogen); oviduct (fertilisation); uterus (implantation, pregnancy); vagina.
• Fertilisation – Sperm meets egg in oviduct; nuclei fuse; zygote forms; divides; implants in uterus.
• Placenta – Exchange of nutrients, oxygen, waste between mother and fetus; umbilical cord; no direct mixing of blood.

Exam tips and command words

• Label – Male and female reproductive systems; state function of testes, ovaries, oviduct, uterus.
• Describe – The path of sperm (testes to sperm duct to urethra); the path of egg (ovary to oviduct to uterus); fertilisation in oviduct.
• State – Where fertilisation occurs (oviduct); where the embryo develops (uterus).
• Explain – The role of the placenta (exchange of substances; barrier to some pathogens).

Common mistakes

• Saying fertilisation occurs in the uterus (it occurs in the oviduct).
• Confusing placenta (exchange organ) with umbilical cord (connects fetus to placenta).
• Not stating that the placenta allows exchange of substances but mother’s and baby’s blood do not mix.

Revision checklist

• Label male and female reproductive systems and state the function of main organs.
• Describe fertilisation (where, what fuses) and early development (zygote to embryo to implantation).
• State the role of the placenta and umbilical cord.
• Describe the menstrual cycle (ovulation, menstruation; link to hormones if on syllabus).

Next steps

Book a free trial with an IGCSE Biology tutor to practise human reproduction questions, or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal for more revision resources.

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