Module 3S1 Reproductive Systems

2.3.2S1 page 3

Reflect and Connect

Egg Pathway

Think back to Sarah and her condition of dysmenorrheal. Imagine that you are a sexual health nurse who is helping Sarah and her mother address Sarah’s menstrual cramps. It is important for you to explain, in appropriate language, what Sarah and her mother need to know to make an informed choice regarding treatment options.

 

Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 2 Assignment

Retrieve your copy of Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 2 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete all questions 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. 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 female 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 pros and cons of postponing having children to pursue other goals?
• Can a woman who only has a left ovary and a right Fallopian tube become pregnant? Why or why not

Going Beyond

Build on what you know about the female 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 main female 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 2 Assignment to your teacher for assessment.

Lesson Summary

 

In Lesson 2 you investigated 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?

 

The female reproductive system is designed to produce a very limited number of gametes. The female gonads (ovaries) produce the egg (ovum), the functional unit of reproduction for the female. An egg is further matured inside a follicle, within an ovary. Once matured, the egg, through the process of ovulation, ruptures out of the ovary. Outside of the ovary, the fimbriae pick up the egg and sweep it into the oviduct or Fallopian tube. With the help of cilia and muscle contractions in the oviduct, the egg is transported to the uterus. If sperm fertilizes the egg in the oviduct, the resulting zygote may implant in the uterus resulting in the development of a new human life. If a sperm does not fertilize the ovum, the ovum is transported out of the uterus with the shedding of the endometrial lining through the cervix and vagina to the outside of the body during menstruation.

 

Because only a limited number of gametes are produced, protection of the egg and the developing embryo is critical. Their protection is ensured by internal fertilization and development. The female reproductive system is one half of the equation that brings a new human life into the world and contributes to the continuation of the human species.  

 

Lesson Glossary

dysmenorrheal: severe menstrual cramps

 

menarche: a female’s first menstrual cycle

 

menstruation: the monthly shedding of the endometrial lining