Science Class 8 - Human Body

Topic : Reproduction in human beings

Introduction

Reproduction is the process by which living things produce young ones of the same kind. Reproduction in human being involves the male sex cells (sperms) and the female sex cells (ova).

Fertilization

Fertilization is the fusion of male sex cells (sperms) and female sex cells (ova). Fertilization takes place in the oviduct or fallopian tube.

The Ovum

This is the female sex cell.

  • It develops in the ovaries

  • Mature ova are released by the ovaries by a process referred to as ovulation.

  • Ovaries release an ovum once every month alternately.

  • The ovum consists of the nucleus surrounded by the cytoplasm.

The sperm

This is the male sex cell

  • It is produced in the testis.

  • A sperm head is ovoid in shape.

  • Sperms are stored in the epididymis.

  • It swims in a fluid secreted in the glands; the mixture of the sperms and these body fluids is referred to as semen. A single shot of ejaculation contains millions of sperms.

  • The sperm consists of the head and the tail.

  • The tail helps the sperm to swim from the vagina to the oviduct through the uterus.