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HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Name: Female Reproductive System
Estrogen is a hormone that produces female secondary sex characteristics and affects menstruation. The female reproductive system is made up of: • Ovaries – two glands that produce estrogen and ova (egg cell) • Uterus – muscular organ that receives and supports the fertilized egg during pregnancy. Also called the womb. • Fallopian Tubes – tube that the ova travels after being released. • Cervix – connects the uterus to the vagina. • Vagina – connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Also called the birth canal. The Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle is the female’s body preparing for the possibility of pregnancy. It is a monthly series of changes that involves ovulation, changes in the uterine lining, and menstruation. The average length of the female’s menstrual cycle is 28 days. Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum (egg cell) from an ovary. This occurs at the mid-­‐point of the cycle. Menstruation is the period during which menstrual flow leaves the body. Menstrual Flow is made up of unfertilized ovum (egg cells) and the lining of the uterus. Females refer to this as their “period”. This is the beginning of the cycle. The average length of menstruation is 3-­‐5 day but varies. Products that are used to absorb menstrual flow are pads, panty shields (when the menstrual flow is light), and tampons. Pads and tampons should be changed every 4-­‐6 hours. Two conditions girls may face are Toxic Shock Syndrome and Menstrual Cramps. Male Reproductive System
Testosterone is a hormone that produces male secondary sex characteristics. The male reproductive system is made up of: • Penis – male sex organ used in reproduction and urination. • Scrotum – sac-­‐like pouch that hold the testes and helps regulate their temperature. • Testes – two glands that produce testosterone and sperm. • Epididymis – a structure on top of the testes where sperm mature. • Vas Deferens – one of two long, thin tubes that act as passageways for sperm and that store sperm. • Seminal Vesicles – two small glands that secrete fluid that helps keep sperm alive. • Prostate Gland – gland that produces fluid to keep sperm alive. • Cowper’s Glands – two small glands that secrete fluid into the urethra. • Urethra – a narrow tube through which urine and semen pass out of the body. Sperm -­‐ tiny cells, produced in the testicles that carry the father’s genetics. They are shaped like tadpoles and swim, Semen -­‐ a mixture of sperm and fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s glands. An ejaculation is the passage of semen from the penis. It is the result of a series of muscular contractions. About a teaspoon of semen is released, containing about 300,000,000 to 400,000,000 sperm cells. Label the diagrams below.