The reproductive system Pg. 672-680 (Science book) Lesson 3 and 4 chapter 12 (Health book) By: Ivanna Sophia Lebrón and Solimar Muñiz

Functions of the reproductive system The reproductive system is what ensures that the human species survives. A reproductive system is a group of tissues and organs in humans. It enables the male and female reproductive cells to join and form new offspring. Human males produce sperm and human females produce eggs. When an egg joins with a sperm, in the female reproductive system, a new offspring has started to develop.

The Male reproductive system The male produces sperms and transports it to the female. The reproductive systems of the male is unique. The male has internal and external parts. The testis is the reproductive organ that produces the sperm. They have 2 testis called scrotum. When the sperms develop they move to a tube called sperm duct and they are stored.

The Male reproductive system cont. The sperm is going to mature and develop the ability to swim. The mature sperm travels through the remainder of the male’s reproductive system. It mixes with the fluids that were produced by several glands. That mixture of sperms and fluids is called semen. Semen contains nutrients that give the sperm energy. The semen leaves the body through the penis. The penis is a tube like structure that delivers sperms to the female reproductive system. The male has 3 to 4 million sperm cells in each ejaculation.  

The Male reproductive System vocabulary The glands produces fluids that help the sperm move through the reproductive system. The urethra is the small tube that in some point the semen and urine leave the body. The scrotum is a pouch that contains the testes. The testes they are also called testicles. They are the ones that produce the sperms and regulate the male’s sexual development. The penis is made of a spongy tissue; the urethra runs through the penis.

Male health problems Inguinal hernia- It is a condition in which a part of the intestine push thorough the weak spot into the scrotum. Can be treated by surgery. Testicular cancer- Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Symptoms may include swelling testicles, pain in abdomen, It is most common on the age of 14-34. Testicular torsion- It occurs when the spermatic cord twists around a testicle. Symptoms are pain, and swelling. Immediate treatment is necessary.

Male health problems cont. Prostate cancer- Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate. This condition is more common in older men and a treatment can be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. Sterility- Males that do not produce sperms are sterile. This can be caused by untreated STDs or exposure to pesticides, lead, certain drugs or large amounts of radiation. It can be treated by medications or surgery.

Caring for the male reproductive system Do a testicular self-examination every month after showering. Shower or bath regularly. Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports. Visit a health care provider for regular checkups.

The Female reproductive system The male reproductive system has both internal and external structures but the female reproductive system has only internal parts. Both, male and female, produce reproductive cells. Female produce immature eggs called oocytes. An ovary is an organ where oocytes are stored and mature. A mature oocytes is called an egg or ovum in plural. Females have two ovaries. The part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus to the outside of the body is the vagina. The vagina is called the birth canal because the baby moves thorough this structure during birth.

The Egg The egg is larger and round when mature. It is about 2,000 times larger than a sperm. It contains DNA and other substances that provide nourishment. The female releases one egg at a time.

Female Reproductive System Vocabulary Ovaries- are the female endocrine glands that release mature eggs and produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Uterus- A pear-shaped organ, located within the pelvis, in which the developing baby is nourished and protected. Ovulation- The process in which the ovaries release mature eggs, usually one each menstrual cycle. Menstruation- The flow from the body of blood, tissues, and fluids that results from the breakdown of the lining of the uterus.

The menstrual cycle The female usually releases one egg at a time. Because the function of the reproductive system is to produce a new human. The egg is released only when the uterus is prepared. The menstrual cycle means the ovaries and uterus go through the reproductive related changes. This is caused by some chemical signals called hormones. The menstrual cycle is about 28 day long and is divided into 3 phases. It is called a cycle because the phases repeat in the same order and at the same amount of time. Menopause is when females get older, their reproductive systems stops releasing eggs. This happens because females ovaries produce fewer hormones. This can start happening at the ages of 45 and 55.

Female health problems Yeast infection- Is an infection of the vagina. It is caused by changes in amount of bacteria and fungi in the vagina. It can be treated with medicines. Vaginitis- Is an inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, discharge, and sometimes pain. It is treated with medicine. Toxic chock syndrome- It is a rare bacterial infection which occurs when using a single tampon for more than 24 hours. It can lead to death if not treated. Symptoms may include high fever, rash, and vomiting. TSS can be prevented by changing your tampon every 4 to 6 hours.

Female Health Problems cont. Cancer- Can occur in breast, ovaries, uterus, and cervix. It is caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the tissue of these organs. The best prevention is early detection. It can be treated by radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Cancer involving the reproductive system is very rare in teens. Sterility- Is the inability to produce children. Sterility can be caused by untreated STD’s and hormone imbalance. Some types of sterility can be treated by medicine or surgery. Infertility- Is a reduced ability to have children. It can be caused by untreated STDs.

Caring for the female reproductive system Do a breast-self examination every month. Shower or bath daily. Keep track of your menstrual cycle. Visit a gynecologist for regular checkups.

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