Download E X E R C I S E 12

E X E R C I S E 12
THE REPODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Name: _______________________ ID# ______________ Date: _________
INTRODUCTION
The reproductive system is unique. Most simply stated, its biological function is to
perpetuate the species. The reproductive role of the male is to manufacture sperm and
to deliver them to the female reproductive tract. The female, in turn, produces eggs. If
the time is suitable, the combination of sperm and egg produces a fertilized egg. Once
fertilization has occurred, the female uterus provides a nurturing, protective
environment in which the embryo, later called the fetus, develops until birth.
MATERIALS

Models or large laboratory charts of the male and female reproductive tracts
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lab, students will be able to:
1. Identify structures of the male reproductive system on an appropriate model or
diagram and give the function of each.
2. Trace the path of sperm from the testis to the external environment.
3. Relate sperm structure to sperm function
4. Identify the structures of the female reproductive system when provided with an
appropriate model or diagram and explain the function of each.
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ACTIVITY 1: IDENTIFYING MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
As the following organs and structures are described, locate them on Figure 12.1, and
then identify them on a model of the male reproductive system or on a large laboratory
chart.
1. The paired oval testes lie in the scrotal sac. The temperature here is slightly
lower than body temperature, a requirement for producing viable sperm.
2. Epididymis- provides a site for immature sperm to mature.
3. Ductus deferens (sperm duct)- also called the vas deferens. It transports sperm
cells from the epididymis where the sperms are stored prior to ejaculation.
4. Seminal vesicles – produce a thick alkaline secretion containing fructose and
other substances that nourish or activate the sperm passing through the tract.
5. Prostate gland – secretes a milky fluid into the urethra, which plays a role in
activating the sperm.
6. Bulbourethral glands – produce thick, clear mucus that drains into the
membranous urethra, and acts to wash residual urine out of the urethra when
ejaculation of semen occurs.
7. Penis – is the copulatory organ of the male which is designed to deliver sperm
into the female reproductive tract
8. Prepuce or Foreskin – is the skin covering of the penis which is sometimes
removed in the surgical procedure called circumcision.
Figure 12. 1 Reproductive system of the human male
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ACTIVITY 2: Identifying the Parts and Function of Sperm Cell
As the following structures are described, locate them on Figure 12.2.
1. Head – is the activating and genetic region. It contains the DNA of the
chromosomes. Essentially, it is the nucleus of the spermatid. Anterior to the
nucleus is the acrosome, which contains enzymes involved in sperm penetration
of the egg.
2. Midpiece- is the metabolic region. Here you can find the centriole that produces
the filaments that form the sperm tail. Also found here are the mitochondria
that provide the ATP needed for the whiplike movements of the tail filaments.
3. Tail – locomotor region which allow the sperm to move
Figure 12.2 Structure of the Human Sperm Cell
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ACTIVITY 3: IDENTIFYING FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
As the following organs and structures are described, locate them on Figure 12.3, and
then identify them on a model of the female reproductive system or on a large
laboratory chart.
1. ovary : Female genital gland that produces eggs and the sex hormones estrogen
and progesterone.
2. uterus: Pear-shaped hollow muscular organ receiving the egg and, once fertilized,
enabling its development and expulsion at the end of pregnancy.
3. body of the uterus: major portion of the uterus
4. fundus of the uterus - the part of the uterus above the orifices of the uterine
tubes.
5. uterine or fallopian tube - Canals transporting the egg from the ovary to the
uterus; fertilization of the egg by the spermatozoon generally takes place in the upper
part of the tube.
6. cervix- is the lower third portion of the uterus which opens into the vagina. During
labor, the cervix dilates or widens to allow the passage of the fetus from the uterus to
the vagina.
5. vagina: Serves as a copulatory organ and birth canal and permist the menstrual
flow to pass.
6. external os – is the narrow opening of the cervix which allows menstrual blood flow out of
the vagina during menstruation.
.
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
Figure 12.2 Female Reproductive Organs
ACTIVITY 4: VIDEO ON FERTILIZATION
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NAME_________________________
ID #__________________________
Date: _________________________
REVIEW SHEET
EXERCISE 11
1. Name the parts of the male reproductive system labeled A to K.
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2. Fill in the following table with the words from the list below. (You may need to
use some words more than once).
A. ovary, B. vulva, C. fallopian tube, D. cervix, E. vagina, F. uterus
Term
Description
................................
1. Chamber that houses the developing fetus
................................
2. Canal that receives the penis during copulation
................................
3. Usual site of fertilization
................................
4. Duct through which the ovum travels to reach the uterus.
.................................
5. Largely flat section of the fallopian tube through which
the egg enters.
.................................
6. External female genital organs consisting mainly of the
labia and the clitoris.
..................................
7. Where the ova are produced
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3. Label the following structures below:
A B C D E G H
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4. Label the parts of the human sperm cell below.
5. Explain briefly the term fertilization.
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