TheLucidSTEM‹ Biology simulationsBiology · IGCSE 0610 · 16 Reproduction: sexual reproduction in humans, sex hormones and STIs
0610 IGCSE Biology/Topic 16 Reproduction: sexual reproduction in humans, sex hormones and STIs/7 interactive simulations/drag to rotate the 3D models

Human reproduction, made interactive

Seven 3D simulations covering Topic 16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans, 16.5 Sex hormones and 16.6 Sexually transmitted infections. Explore the reproductive systems, watch fertilisation and implantation, see how the fetus is supported, step through the menstrual cycle and test ways of controlling HIV. Tabs marked Extended cover the Supplement.

1. The reproductive systems 3D · 16.4-16.5

Diagrammatic 3D models of the male and female reproductive systems. Click a part, or pick it from the list, to see its function.

click a part · drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

System

2. Gametes and fertilisation 3D · 16.4

The sperm and the egg cell are shown at the same scale. Fertilisation is the fusion of the nucleus of a sperm with the nucleus of an egg cell. Release the sperm and watch.

drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Gametes

spermegg cell
sizevery small (head about 5 µm)large (about 0.1 mm)
structurehead with acrosome, midpiece, flagellumcytoplasm with energy stores, jelly coat
motilityswims using its flagellumcannot move by itself
numbersmillions releasedusually one a month

3. From zygote to implantation 3D · 16.4

An egg released from the ovary is fertilised in the oviduct. The zygote divides into a ball of cells, the embryo, which moves down to the uterus and implants in its lining. Move through the first week.

drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Day

WHERE
CELLS

4. The developing fetus 3D · 16.4

The embryo develops into a fetus inside the uterus. Click the structures that support it.

click a part · drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Structures

5. Exchange at the placenta 3D · 16.4Extended

In the placenta the blood of the mother and the blood of the fetus come very close but do not mix. Substances diffuse across. Watch which way each one goes, and see what else can cross.

drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Substances

6. The menstrual cycle 3D · 16.5

Each month an egg matures in the ovary and the lining of the uterus thickens, ready for a fertilised egg. Move through the 28 days and watch the ovary, the uterus lining and (Extended) the hormones that control them.

drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Day of the cycle

7. Sexually transmitted infections 3D · 16.6

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is passed on through sexual contact. HIV is a virus that causes an STI and may lead to AIDS. Run the model of a community and switch on ways of controlling the spread.

drag to rotate · wheel to zoom

Control measures

INFECTED
YEARS
Built for Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610, Topic 16 (parts 16.4 to 16.6). Reproduction in plants is in the previous lab. Models are diagrammatic, simplified and not to scale.

About this lab: Human reproduction

Seven interactive 3D simulations for Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 topic 16 Reproduction, humans: clickable diagrammatic male and female reproductive systems with puberty hormones, sperm and egg cells at the same scale with fertilisation, the first week from zygote to implantation, the fetus with placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac, exchange across the placenta, the menstrual cycle with FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone, and a model of HIV spread and its control.

Seven 3D simulations covering Topic 16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans, 16.5 Sex hormones and 16.6 Sexually transmitted infections. Explore the reproductive systems, watch fertilisation and implantation, see how the fetus is supported, step through the menstrual cycle and test ways of controlling HIV. Tabs marked Extended cover the Supplement.

Human reproduction is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (topic 16 Reproduction, sections 16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans, 16.5 Sex hormones in humans, 16.6 Sexually transmitted infections). The course is assessed in Paper 1/2 (Multiple choice), Paper 3/4 (Theory), Paper 5 (Practical Test), Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Syllabus for examination in 2026-2028. There are 7 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

Full syllabus map: IGCSE Biology 0610 topic 16.

How to use this simulation

  1. 1. The reproductive systems. Diagrammatic 3D models of the male and female reproductive systems.
  2. 2. Gametes and fertilisation. The sperm and the egg cell are shown at the same scale.
  3. 3. From zygote to implantation. An egg released from the ovary is fertilised in the oviduct.
  4. 4. The developing fetus. The embryo develops into a fetus inside the uterus.
  5. 5. Exchange at the placenta. In the placenta the blood of the mother and the blood of the fetus come very close but do not mix.
  6. 6. The menstrual cycle. Each month an egg matures in the ovary and the lining of the uterus thickens, ready for a fertilised egg.
  7. 7. Sexually transmitted infections. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is passed on through sexual contact.
  8. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

All simulation labs · IGCSE Biology 0610 · TheLucidSTEM home