Reproduction (Core) Image: Ovum, from Gray’s Anatomy

Assessment StatementsObj Draw and label diagrams of the male & female reproductive systems Outline the role of hormones in the female menstrual cycle, including FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), estrogen and progesterone Annotate a graph showing hormone levels in the menstrual cycle, illustrating the changing hormone levels and menstruation, thickening of the endometrium and menstruation List three roles of testosterone in males Outline the process of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) Discuss the ethical issues associated with IVF. 3 Assessment statements from: Online IB Biology Subject GuideOnline IB Biology Subject GuideCommand terms: What connections can you make with other topics? Reproduction

Image: Ovum, from Gray’s Anatomy Image: sperm cell from the BBC μm Ovum and Spermatozoa Gametes are haploid sex cells that fuse through fertilization in sexual reproduction to form a diploid zygote. Although only one ovum is (usually) matured and released per menstrual cycle, a billion or more sperm cells can be released in a single ejaculation. Only one is required (and able) to fertilize the ovum.

Image: sperm and egg Male Reproductive System Click on the interactive above to label the male reproductive system: _reproductive.html

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An oocyte is the precursor to an egg cell. All oocytes have been in place since before birth. At the onset of puberty, they start to be matured and released on a cycle. Egg cells develop in follicles. This micrograph shows an oocyte developing into a mature ovum, inside a follicle in an ovary. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers the development of the follicle and oocyte.

Your Task: Go to the following URL and follow the tutorial to set up your own database from the Excel Spreadsheet. Follow the protocol, until it gets to the questions. Answer the following questions: 1.How many volunteers show progesterone levels greater than 1ng/ml on day 9 of menses? 2.Which volunteer shows FSH levels over 10UI/L during 5 days. Are these days consecutive? 3.Click “Continue on Next Page” And follow Investigation 1 4.Raise your hand after you and your group have satisfied the criterion for the Investigation.

Click on the animation above to go to watch the graph form (APBI Schools.org.uk)

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Video and doctors’ advice from NHS UK: More Menstrual Cycle Animations Simple animation, no graphs: How the contraceptive pill work?  this site has a good comparison of the regular menstrual cycle and the cycle with the influence of contraceptive pills.

Beyond the syllabus Challenge questions or health-class topics

The Contraceptive Pill. day Take the red* pill it is a placebo (no hormones) it is an iron supplement Take the blue* pill every day at the same time for 21 days it is made with estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) (*They’re not really red and blue) By taking a supplement of hormones, the menstrual cycle can be manipulated to prevent pregnancy. Explain how it works. Morpheus image from Other contraceptive pills work in other ways.

Challenge Questions. Deduce the answers to these questions, based on what you know about menstrual cycle hormones. Check your answers using reliable sources. 1.If a woman misses taking her pill for a few days in a row, should she: a.Continue where she left off, taking the hormone pills? b.Skip that number of days and keep taking the pills? c.Skip ahead to the iron/placebo pills and scrap the rest? 2.What is the ‘morning after’ pill and how does it work (up to 120 hours after intercourse)? 3.What other methods of contraception are there and what are their relative pros and cons regarding: prevention of pregnancy? protection from STI’s? ease of use? The only guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy and STI’s is to abstain from sexual intercourse. Be informed, make healthy choices and seek guidance if you need it. Remember it is your body and your choice. Stay in control. If you have more questions, or need-to-knows, ask the school nurses or visit

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