Grade 10 Reproductive System

Grade 10 Reproductive System

• The reproductive system is a set of organs and structures essential for the survival of a species. It ensures the production of offspring.

Babies and Their Story

• Students should reflect on times when they learned about a new baby.
• It is appropriate to consider questions or ideas about how babies develop in the womb

Today's Learning Objectives

• Learning the structures and functions of the female reproductive system.
• Understanding the menstrual cycle in simple terms.
• A human baby's heart starts beating 21-22 days after fertilization.

The Human Reproductive System

• The human reproductive system is a group of organs and structures that work together in the production of offspring.

Female Reproductive System

• It has four main functions:
  • Producing sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
  • Producing eggs (ova).
  • Supporting and protecting a developing embryo.
  • Giving birth to a baby.

Major Organs (Female Reproductive System)

• Cervix

• Vagina

• Ovaries (gonads)

• Uterine tubes (fallopian tubes)

• Uterus

• Gonads (ovaries/testes) are the organs that produce reproductive cells (gametes) as well as sex hormones.

External Genitalia

• Vulva: A large area from the pubic region to the rectum.
• Mons pubis/mons veneris: A hairy, padded area of fat over the pubic bone.
• Labia majora: The larger folds of skin surrounding the vagina, containing Bartholin's glands that contribute to lubrication.
• Labia minora: Smaller, hairless folds of skin encompassing the vaginal opening.
• Clitoris: A small, pea-shaped structure involved in sexual arousal in females.
• Urethral orifice: The opening for urine, located below the clitoris on the wall of the vagina. The opening of the vagina is separate from the opening of the urethra.
• Vaginal orifice: The opening into the vagina.
• Perineum: The area between the vaginal opening and anus.
• Anus: The opening for waste elimination.

Vagina

• A muscular, ridged sheath connecting the external genitalia to the uterus.
• Acts as a two-way passage during intercourse, allowing for the entry of the penis and sperm.
• Serves as the birth canal.

Cervix

• The lower portion (neck) of the uterus.
• Lined with mucus (cervical mucus) for lubrication and sperm transportation.
• The cervical mucus increases during ovulation due to estrogen.
• During pregnancy the cervical canal enlarges significantly to allow the passage of a baby during childbirth.

Uterus

• Pear-shaped muscular organ within the female reproductive tract.
• Fundus: The top part of the organ, where pregnancy occurs.
• Cervix: The bottom part that connects to the vagina, acting as a sphincter that helps keep the uterus closed.
• The uterus expands substantially during pregnancy, potentially 10-20 times its normal size.
• The uterine wall consists of a firm outer coat (myometrium), and an inner lining (endometrium) which is vascular and glandular.
• The endometrium goes through changes during the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

Fallopian Tubes

• Also known as uterine tubes.
• Connect the ovaries to the uterus, about 8-13 cm in length.
• Fimbriae: Ends of the tubes near the ovaries, they are feathery in appearance.
• Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures lining the fallopian tubes, moving the egg through the tube.
• Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.

Ovaries

• Also known as female gonads.
• Produce eggs (ova) throughout a woman's lifetime.
• Produce estrogen and progesterone.

The Journey of the Sperm Cell

• The journey of the sperm from the testes to the fallopian tubes before fertilization.
• 8 steps

Menstrual Cycle

• A recurring natural process in females.
• Lasts approximately 28 days on average.
• Prepares the body for pregnancies and releases an egg.
• If no pregnancy occurs the lining is shed during menstruation.

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

• Follicular Phase: The pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries, where eggs develop.
• Ovulation Phase: The mature egg is released from the ovary.
• Luteal Phase: The empty ovarian follicle becomes the corpus luteum, producing hormones that prepare the uterus for a possible embryo or pregnancy.

Menstrual Disorders

• Dysmenorrhea: Severe pain during menstruation
• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation
• Oligomenorrhea: Irregular or infrequent menstruation

Learning Check Answer Key

• The menstrual cycle prepares the body for pregnancy by releasing an egg and preparing the uterus.
• If no pregnancy happens, the lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation.

The Miracle of Life

• A summary of the process