Module 3S1 Reproductive Systems

2.3.1 page 3

Reflect and Connect

Sperm Pathway, Orchitis

Think back to nineteen-year-old Tim who developed a severe case of mumps, which led to orchitis. How might orchitis affect his reproductive system? Assume that Tim is not very aware of his own reproductive system. As a friend, you will use what you have learned in this lesson to help Tim understand his reproductive system, orchitis, and the effects the condition may have on the structures and functions of the male reproductive system.

 

Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 1 Assignment

There are two parts to this assignment. Answer each part through a detailed illustration or diagram, PowerPoint presentation, video, cartoon, animation, written report, podcast, or any other form approved by your teacher. You may respond through a different form for each of the two parts.

 

Retrieve your copy of Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 1 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete the Reflect and Connect questions. Save your completed assignment in your course folder. You will receive instructions later in this lesson on when to submit your assignment to your teacher.

 

Discuss

Write a paragraph to respond to two of the questions below (one paragraph per question). Post your responses to the discussion area for your class. Read the responses of at least two other students. If possible, discuss the responses amongst yourselves.

 

• What does being male mean to you? Is it just about anatomy and hormones?
• What are some of the threats to a healthy male reproductive system? Which threats can you control? How can you deal with the threats that are out of your control?
• What are the implications of a lower sperm count in North American men?
• What are the implications of a low or reduced fertility rate in North America

Build on what you know about the male reproductive system by finding out what can be done if something goes wrong with its structures or functions. You can do further research on the twelve main male reproductive structures to find a dysfunction that can occur with each one, and a treatment to overcome each dysfunction.

 

Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 1 Assignment

Submit your completed Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 1 Assignment to your teacher for assessment.

Lesson Summary

In Lesson 1 you investigated the following focusing questions:

 

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

 

The male reproductive system is designed to produce and release large numbers of sperm. The gametes (sperm) are produced in the gonads (testes), within the seminiferous tubules where the temperature for proper sperm development is controlled by the scrotum. There the developing sperm are supported by the Sertoli cells and are transferred to the epididymis to be matured and stored.

 

During an ejaculation event, the ductus deferens helps transfer the sperm from the testes to the urethra, picking up the semen or seminal fluids on the way. The seminal fluids help the sperm in providing sugar for energy, alkalinity to neutralize urine and vaginal acids, and a medium for motility. Semen leaves the male body through the penis. The male reproductive system and sperm structure allow for sperm to be deposited into the female and to move through the female reproductive system.

 

Childhood illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, structural problems, and environmental and societal factors can all interrupt the function of the male reproductive system. The end result of sexual reproduction is the formation of a fertilized egg that contributes to variation and continuation of the human species.