1. Module 3

1.5. Page 3

Lesson 1

Module 3—The Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Reflect and Connect

 

The Sperm Pathway and 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: 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: Lesson 1 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete questions 1 and 2. Save your completed assignment in your course folder. You will receive instructions later in this lesson about when to submit the 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?

Reflect on the Big Picture

 

You now know the structures and functions of the male reproductive system. You may also have identified that the sperm cell is the functional unit of the male reproductive system.

 

Recall the three couples with fertility problems described in the introduction to Unit B:

  • Couple 1—John and Jane
  • Couple 2—José and Maria
  • Couple 3—Karl and Olga

From the information given about the couples and the knowledge you have gained so far in Unit B, can you identify any specific problems with any of these couples that could help solve their fertility problems? Are there additional questions you could ask to help identify other problems? You may need to read through the couples’ information again in the introduction to “A Fertility Case Study.” Make notes about your conclusions or assumptions and place them in your course folder. Remember that information and questions about the couples’ fertility issues will be referred to throughout Unit B and will be part of the Unit B Assessment.

 

Going Beyond

 

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 main male reproductive structures to find a dysfunction that can occur with each one, and a treatment to overcome each dysfunction.

 

Module 3: Lesson 1 Assignment

 

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