The human reproductive systems
Two systems work together: the female makes egg cells, the male makes sperm cells.
Reproduction is how living things produce new individuals of the same kind. In humans, this needs two special sex cells: an egg cell and a sperm cell.
The female reproductive system produces egg cells (also called ova). The main parts are:
- Ovaries β produce egg cells.
- Oviducts β tubes that carry an egg towards the uterus; this is where fertilisation usually happens.
- Uterus β where a baby grows during pregnancy.
The male reproductive system produces sperm cells. Its main parts are:
- Testes β produce sperm cells.
- Sperm ducts β tubes that carry sperm.
- Penis β passes sperm into the female reproductive system.
Each system is built for a different role, but they only create new life when they work together. The egg cell and the sperm cell each carry half of the instructions for a new person β which is why a child inherits features from both parents.
- Reproduction produces new individuals of the same kind.
- Female system: ovaries make egg cells (ova).
- Male system: testes make sperm cells.
- Egg and sperm each carry half the instructions for a new person.