Reproduction in Humans
Science: KS3, topic 1.2.1
Human Reproduction
Humans reproduce sexually. Sexual reproduction involves the fusing of different cells to form a new life.
From sex cells to life
- Gametes - these are the cells that are given from each partner.
- The male will supply a sperm cell and the female will supply an egg cell.
Fertilisation of gametes
- Fertilisation - this is what happens when the sperm and egg (the gametes) fuse, or join together.
- Fertilisation normally happens in the fallopian tubes.
Gestation and birth
- Gestation - this is the period of time where the fertilised egg fully develops into a foetus.
- Birth - this is the process whereby the baby is delivered, or born.
How humans reproduce
- Humans, like all mammals, reproduce sexually.
- At fertilisation (when the two cells fuse together) a new life begins.
- The female carries the offspring through gestation until they are born.
Test yourself on Reproduction in Humans
What is gestation?
Which statement in each pair is correct?
Phases of Human Reproduction