Module 3

1. Module 3

1.8. Page 2

Lesson 2

Module 3—The Male and Female Reproductive Systems

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Like males, females must also maintain good sexual health. Successful reproduction is dependent on both sexes and their roles; therefore, it is important that both males and females understand the structure and function of the female reproductive system. Read textbook pages 481 to 484, beginning at “Structure and Functions of the Female Reproductive System” and ending with “Differences Between Sperm Cells and Egg Cells.” Summarize what you read by making notes, completing a chart or table similar to “Table 14.3” on page 484, or recording the information according to your learning style. You must include a labelled diagram of the female reproductive system in your notes. Ensure that you include information on ovaries, egg or ova, follicles, ovulation, fimbriae, oviduct, uterus, zygote, endometrial lining, cervix, vagina, embryo, and vulva. Save your work in your course folder.

ovaries: the paired female gonads that produce eggs and secrete progesterone and estrogen hormones

egg [ovum (singular), ova (plural), oocyte]: the female gamete that contributes half of the chromosomes to the zygote in sexual reproduction

follicles: specialized cells that surround and nurture the developing ova in the ovary and that secrete estrogen and progesterone

ovulation: the release of the mature ovum from the follicle of the ovary into the oviduct

fimbriae: finger-like projections that sweep the ovulated ovum into the oviduct

oviduct (Fallopian tube): the cilia-lined tube of smooth muscle that carries the ovulated egg from each ovary to the uterus

uterus: the reproductive organ in which embryonic and fetal development occurs

zygote (fertilized egg): a single cell produced by the fusion of the egg and sperm

endometrial lining: the lining of the uterus that is thickened monthly to allow implantation of an embryo, and is shed in menstruation if fertilization does not occur

cervix: the tightly constricted opening from the vagina into the uterus

vagina: the muscular tube that leads from the uterus to the external environment

embryo: the offspring in the period of development from the cleavage of the zygote to the ninth week, when the embryo becomes a fetus

vulva: the external female genital organs

Try This

TR 1. Answer questions 1 through 8 on page 485 of the textbook. If you choose to answer these questions, you do not have to answer the question sheet in the Watch and Listen activity; however, ensure that you discuss your answers with your teacher.

Watch and Listen

Watch the following segments of “The Human Female Reproductive System: A Creation of Exquisite Synchrony.” Make notes as you watch. File your notes in your course folder. You may be required to enter a username and password in order to access these videos. Contact your teacher for this information.

“Overview: Female Reproductive System”
“Bio Reports: Female Reproductive System”
“Ovary”
“External Female Genital Organs”
“Bio Review: Female Reproductive System”

If you chose not to answer questions 1 through 8 in the Try This activity above, answer the questions about “The Human Female Reproductive System: A Creation of Exquisite Synchrony” as you watch the video. Save your answers in your course folder.

Try This

TR 2. Test your knowledge of the location of various structures in the female reproductive system by completing the “Female Reproductive System” drag-and-drop activity.