Module 3S1 Reproductive Systems

Lesson 2.3.2S1

Lesson 2—The Human Female Reproductive System

 

Get Focused

In Lesson 1 you learned about the important role the male reproductive system plays in the continuation of the human species. While a vital contributor to reproduction, the male cannot reproduce by himself. To understand how the human species is perpetuated, it is vital to understand the other half of the equation—the structures and functions of the female reproductive system. It is the female reproductive system that forms, develops, and delivers a new human organism to functional independence as a newborn baby. This is a complex process that requires all parts of the female system to work in synchronicity.

 

During puberty, the female reproductive system undergoes many changes. Top amongst these changes for most young women is menarche, the start of menstruation. Menstrual cramps, mild to severe pressure or pain experienced in the abdominal and pelvic areas, are an unpleasant symptom of menstruation for many young women.

 

Estimates suggest that 50% of women suffer from cramping, with up to 15% of these women defining their menstrual cramps as severe. The medical term for painful menstrual cramps is dysmenorrheal. Women who have chronic cramping may or may not have trouble with fertility.

 

In addition to the pain experienced in the abdomen and pelvis, menstrual cramps can be associated with one or more of the following ailments: headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. You may have seen advertisements for over the counter menstrual medication to help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Update: A Fertility Case Study

In Lesson 2 you will investigate the female reproductive system and many issues that affect female fertility. You will investigate the following focusing questions:

• What are the essential structures and functions of the female reproductive system?
• How do these structures support continuity of the human species?
• What is the functional unit of the female reproductive system?

 

Module 3: Lesson 2 Assignment

Once you have completed all of the learning activities for this lesson, you can complete the online lesson.

Bio30 2.3.2S1 online assignment

 

Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style.  Bio30 tut#2.3.2S1

** The Self-Check and Try This questions in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however answering these questions will help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons. You can respond to these mentally, write out your response, or record your answer in any other way that works for you.