The Reproductive System
ICSE Class 10 Biology • Chapter 10
1. Definitions
- Reproduction: The process by which living organisms produce new individuals of
their own kind for the continuity of the species.
- Fertilization: The fusion of the male gamete (sperm) with the female gamete (ovum)
to form a zygote.
2. Male Reproductive System
- Testes (2): Primary organs located in Scrotum (to maintain temp 2-3°C lower than body
for spermatogenesis). Produce Sperms and Testosterone.
- Vas Deferens: Sperm duct carrying sperms from Epididymis towards Urethra.
- Accessory Glands:
- Seminal Vesicles: Secretes fluid rich in fructose (energy).
- Prostate Gland: Secretes alkaline fluid to neutralize vaginal acidity.
- Cowper's Gland: Lubrication.
- Semen: Mixture of Sperms + Secretions from accessory glands.
CONCEPT CHECK Why are testes located outside the abdominal cavity?
Ans: To maintain a temperature 2-3°C lower than body temperature, optimal for sperm
production.
3. Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries (2): Produce Ovum (Egg) and hormones (Oestrogen, Progesterone).
- Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes): Site of Fertilization. Carry egg to Uterus.
- Uterus (Womb): Hollow muscular organ where foetus develops. Inner lining called
Endometrium.
- Vagina: Birth canal.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM]
Diagram of Female Reproductive System.
Labels: Ovary, Fallopian Tube, Uterus, Fundus, Cervix, Vagina.
(Invert for dark mode).
4. The Menstrual Cycle
BOARD QUESTION Which hormone triggers Ovulation on the 14th day?
Ans: Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
5. Pregnancy and Development
- Implantation: Fixation of the blastocyst to the uterine wall (Endometrium). Occurs
about 7 days after fertilization.
- Gestation Period: Full term of pregnancy (Approx 280 days or 9 months).
- Parturition: Expulsion of the foetus (Childbirth) induced by Oxytocin.
Placenta: A disc-like structure connecting Foetus and Mother.
- Barrier: Prevents mixing of blood.
- Nutrition/Respiration: Transfer of O2, Glucose from Mother to Foetus.
- Excretion: Transfer of Urea/CO2 from Foetus to Mother.
- Endocrine Function: Secretes Oestrogen/Progesterone.
Exam Practice Questions
APPLICATION The placenta acts as an endocrine gland. Justify.
Ans: Besides nutrient exchange, it secretes hormones like Oestrogen and Progesterone needed
to maintain pregnancy.
Q1: What is the function of the Scrotum?
Ans: To keep the testes at a temperature 2-3°C lower than body temperature, which is
necessary for the maturation of sperms.
