Module 3S1 Reproductive Systems

Unit Intro

It is amazing how humans have managed to sustain their existence and dramatically increase their population on a planet that is constantly changing. One of the main reasons this has been possible is through sexual reproduction.

In this unit of Biology 30 you will investigate the human reproductive system as a representative mammalian system responsible for reproducing the organism and carrying on the species. You will learn about the structures and the functions associated with human reproduction and the hormones that regulate reproduction, development, and establish homeostasis. You will also study how environmental factors have an influence on embryonic and fetal development. Finally, you will examine various types of reproductive technologies.

In past studies you discovered that all living organisms come from other living organism and that a characteristic of “living things” is that, as living organisms, they are able to reproduce. Although reproduction is not necessary for survival at the individual level, reproduction is necessary for the survival of the species. Reproduction produces new individuals of a species, either identical to or a variation of the parent(s).

In Biology 20 you started looking into how body systems work together to maintain homeostasis. You will continue your study by examining the reproductive system. You will use your understanding of the nervous system and endocrine systems to further explore how they contribute to maintaining equilibrium within the reproductive system and to the homeostasis of the body. You will develop a deeper understanding of the structures and functions of your own reproductive system and those of the opposite sex. This exploration will help you develop an appreciation for the miracle of life—from conception, through development, to birth.

There are two modules in Unit B. Module 3 has been divided into two sections. In Module 3: Section 1 you will study the structures of the male and female reproductive systems, how they function, and how they can be adversely affected by STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Module 3: Section 2 is dedicated to helping you understand how hormones in the male and female maintain homeostasis of reproduction. Module 4 will focus on the development of offspring from fertilization to birth, how cells differentiate to perform certain functions, and how development is regulated by genetic, endocrine, and environmental factors. Together, the modules will support your inquiry into how humans have managed to sustain their existence and increase their population on a planet that is constantly changing.
 

You will specifically be able to

• explain how species survival is ensured through reproduction
• identify and describe the structures and functions of the human reproductive systems
• explain how human reproduction is regulated by chemical control
• describe how cell differentiation and development are influenced by genetic, endocrine, and environmental factors
• analyze how sexually transmitted infections and reproductive technologies can prevent or enhance fertility