Human Reproductive System
Primary 6 · Science and Elementary Technology
Human Reproductive System
Lesson 2 of 6
15 min
Let's begin
Mr Habimana pins a chart on the board for the P6 science lesson. A few pupils giggle. He waits calmly, then says: "These are parts of the body, just like the heart and the lungs. Doctors use these names every day with respect, and so will we."
The class goes quiet and starts to learn. Knowing the right names is part of looking after your own body.
| Part | Where it is | Its job |
|---|---|---|
| Testes (one is a testis) | Two oval organs inside the scrotum | Make sperm cells from puberty onwards, and the hormone that causes boys' puberty changes |
| Scrotum | A bag of skin that hangs outside the body | Holds and protects the testes and keeps them a little cooler than the rest of the body, which sperm need |
| Epididymis | A coiled tube on each testis | Stores sperm while they become mature |
| Sperm duct (vas deferens) | A tube from each testis | Carries sperm towards the urethra |
| Seminal vesicles and prostate gland | Near the bladder | Make a liquid that mixes with sperm to make semen and feeds the sperm |
| Urethra | A tube running through the penis | Carries urine out of the body, and semen at other times, never both together |
| Penis | Outside the body | The organ through which urine and semen leave the body |
| Foreskin (prepuce) | Skin covering the tip of the penis | Protects the tip; it is removed when a boy is circumcised |
The path of a sperm cell, in words: testis → epididymis → sperm duct → urethra → out through the penis.
Most of the female reproductive organs are inside the lower belly, protected by the hip bones.
| Part | Its job |
|---|---|
| Ovaries | Two small organs, one on each side of the uterus. They hold the egg cells, release one egg about once a month from puberty (this is called ovulation) and make the hormones that cause girls' puberty changes. |
| Fallopian tubes (oviducts) | Two tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilisation usually happens here. |
| Uterus (womb) | A hollow organ with strong muscle walls and a thick lining, where a baby grows. Its muscles push the baby out at birth. |
| Cervix | The narrow neck at the bottom of the uterus. It opens into the vagina. |
| Vagina | A muscular tube from the cervix to the outside of the body. Menstrual blood leaves through it, and a baby is born through it. |
| Vulva | The name for the outer parts. It includes folds of skin called the labia, which protect the openings of the vagina and of the urethra. |
In females, the urethra (for urine) has its own opening, separate from the vagina.
The reproductive organs are private parts. Knowing their correct names helps you explain clearly to a parent, nurse or doctor if something hurts or itches, or if someone has touched you in a way that is not right. Nobody should touch your private parts except for a health or hygiene reason, such as a nurse or doctor examining you with your parent or guardian there.
Tip
Makers, carriers and a home
The testes and ovaries are the MAKERS and keepers of the sex cells. The sperm ducts and fallopian tubes are the CARRIERS. The uterus is the baby's first HOME.
Try each one on your own first, then tap Show answer to check.
Which male organ makes sperm cells?
Answer: The testes.
What is the job of the scrotum?
Answer: It holds and protects the testes and keeps them a little cooler than the rest of the body.
Where does fertilisation usually happen?
Answer: In a fallopian tube (oviduct).
Which female organ is also called the womb?
Answer: The uterus.
Why is it useful to know the correct names of the private parts?
Answer: So you can explain clearly to a doctor or trusted adult if something is wrong or if someone has touched you in a wrong way.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
Put the path of a sperm cell in order, starting where it is made.
Tap the cards in the right order.
