Download Name: Date: Period: ______ Human Reproduction and Fetal

Name: _________________________________
Date: _____________________ Period: ______
Human Reproduction and Fetal Development
Human Reproduction and Fetal Development Guided Reading
Directions: Annotate the following reading passages identifying key information, unknown words, and concepts you still do not
understand. I suggest highlighting key information, circling unknown words, and place question marks (?) next to content you are still
struggling to understand. After reading each passage, answer the questions regarding the passage in complete sentences. Failure to
annotate the reading passage and/or not answering in complete sentences will result in points being deducted from your grade.
Key Concept: Female and male reproductive organs fully develop during puberty
The reproductive system is a collection of specialized organs, glands, and hormones that help to produce a new human being.
Females and males reach sexual maturity only after puberty. Puberty begins with the release of hormones such as follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
The main functions of the female reproductive system are to produce sex cells, or ova, and to provide a place where a fertilized egg
can develop. Female reproductive organs are located within the body and include the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina. In
the ovaries, FSH and LH stimulate the release of estrogen, a hormone that helps to develop eggs and prepare the uterus to receive a
fertilized egg. When an egg matures, it is released from the ovary, travels through the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized, and
enters the uterus.
The main functions of the male reproductive system are to produce sperm cells and to deliver them to the female reproductive system.
Males do not produce sperm until after puberty, but can produce sperm for the rest of their lives. Sperm production occurs in the
testes, where LH stimulates the production of an important hormone, testosterone. The testes are enclosed in the scrotum to keep
them cooler than body temperature.
Immature sperm leave the testes and travel through a duct known as the epididymus, where they mature. During sexual stimulation,
the sperm travel to the vas deferens, where fluids from three glands help sperm move more easily. These fluids, together with the
sperm, form a whitish substance known as semen. During sexual arousal, the penis becomes rigid, and semen is propelled along the
urethra and ejected from the penis.
1.) What are the main functions of the female and male reproductive systems?
2.) Name the two hormones that help to develop ova and sperm?
3.) Describe the path an egg travels once it leaves the ovaries.
4.) Where are immature sperm found, and where do they mature?
Key Concept: Development progresses in stages from zygote to fetus.
The fertilized egg, or zygote, divides and forms a hollow ball of cells called the blastocyst. The blastocyst implants in the lining of the
uterus and develops three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Once these structures begin to form, the ball of cells is known
as an embryo.
As the pregnancy continues, membranes form to nourish and protect the embryo. The amniotic sac surrounds the embryo with fluid
until birth. The chorion contains villi that help provide nutrients to the embryo. The placenta connects the mother and the baby to
allow for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes. The umbilical cord connects the embryo to the placenta. These membranes
keep the blood of the mother and the fetus from mixing, which could endanger the pregnancy. Human pregnancies are divided into
trimesters, or three periods of roughly three months each.
 First trimester—Many of the specialized organs and tissues that make up the human body are forming. The complete body
plan is visible. The embryo at nine weeks is now called a fetus.
 Second trimester—At the end of this trimester, the fetus looks more and more like a full-sized baby. If a fetus is born
prematurely during this trimester, it has a difficult time surviving

Third trimester—By the end of this trimester, the fetus completes its growth and all internal organs are developed.
The fetus receives all its nutrition from its mother. The mother must eat well, refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol, and avoid all
types of drugs. The mother must also gain adequate weight to avoid having an underweight baby. The mother’s hormone levels
fluctuate, affecting her ability to maintain homeostasis. Proper diet, exercise, and regular physical checkups can help to ensure a
healthy pregnancy.
1.) What is the difference between a blastocyst and an embryo?
2.) What structures allow the developing embryo to receive nourishment from the mother?
3.) Why is it important for the mother to eat well and avoid toxic substances?
Male and Female Guided Reading Notes
Directions: Using chapter 34 section 1 of your textbook, and the following questions. For the questions where labeling is required
please keep in mind that pictures will not be exact, but all the structures asked for will be present. All short answer questions must be
answered with complete sentences (failure to do so will result in points being deducted from grade)
1.) Label the following images- Use Chapter 34 Section 1
2.) What are the main functions of the female reproductive system?
3.) Describe the function of each part of the female reproductive system listed below.
Part of Reproductive System
Function (What does it do)
Ovaries
Fallopian Tube
Uterus
4.) What are the main functions of the male reproductive system?
5.) Name the two roles of the hormone testosterone in the male reproductive system.
6.) Describe the function of each part of the male reproductive system listed below.
Part of Reproductive System
Function (What does it do)
Testes
Epididymus
Vas deferens
Fetal Development Guided Reading Notes
Directions: Using chapter 34 section 3 of your textbook, and the following questions. All short answer questions must be answered
with complete sentences (failure to do so will result in points being deducted from grade).
1.) Fill in the following chart to summarize what you know about the structures that nourish and protect the growing embryo.
Structure
Description and Functions
Amniotic sac
Placenta
Umbilical cord
2.) Why must the blood flows of the mother and the embryo be kept separate?
3.) Fill in the following chart to summarize what you know about the development of a fetus throughout the different trimesters
Trimester
What develops?
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
.
4.) Why would a fetus who is born at the beginning of the third trimester have a difficult time surviving?
5.) Why is the quality of the mother’s diet so important to the developing fetus?
6.) Besides proper diet, what else can the mother do to help ensure a heathy pregnancy for herself and her baby?