What organs make up our Reproductive System?
The Outcomes Being Assessed:
1. Recall that in multicellular organisms, specialised cells group to form tissues which together form organs, which group to form organ systems.
2. Identify the parts of the human female and male reproductive systems on a diagram.
3. Describe the function of each of the male and female reproductive organs.
4. Describe the pathway of a sperm and egg and the process of fertilisation to form a zygote which implants in the wall of the uterus.
5. Explain why contraceptive strategies such as vasectomy and tube tying prevent pregnancy.
6. Recall that sexual reproduction results in variation in the resulting organism.
7. Appreciate the importance of sexual reproduction in increasing variation in a species and continuity of the species.
1. Recall that in multicellular organisms, specialised cells group to form tissues which together form organs, which group to form organ systems.
2. Identify the parts of the human female and male reproductive systems on a diagram.
3. Describe the function of each of the male and female reproductive organs.
4. Describe the pathway of a sperm and egg and the process of fertilisation to form a zygote which implants in the wall of the uterus.
5. Explain why contraceptive strategies such as vasectomy and tube tying prevent pregnancy.
6. Recall that sexual reproduction results in variation in the resulting organism.
7. Appreciate the importance of sexual reproduction in increasing variation in a species and continuity of the species.
Multicellular Organisms
The cell is the basic unit of life. Unicellular organism consist of one cell performing all its living functions. Multicellular organisms are made of two or more cells. Not all these cells are exposed directly to the environment. Therefore the cells specialise for specific functions of the body.
Some examples are:
Some examples are:
Red Blood Cells
Motor Neuron Cells |
Sperm Cell
Pollen Cell |
Leaf Cell
Plant Root Hair Cell |
Cells of the same speciality, function, size and shape connect together to form tissues.
Examples:
Examples:
Bone Tissue
|
Muscle Tissue
|
Skin Tissue
|
These different tissues can then group together to form organs for special functions.
Examples:
Examples:
Lungs
|
Heart
|
Stomach
|
Brain
|
Organs with function that relate to each other are grouped into specialised body systems.
Examples:
Examples:
Circulatory System
Skeletal System
|
Digestive System
Respiratory System
|
Excretory System
|
The Male Reproductive System Structure and Function
|
The Female Reproductive System Structure and Function
|
The Fertilization Process
- The female gamete (ovum, egg) is released from the ovaries - this occurs around every 28 days
- The ovum begins travelling down the Fallopian Tube - the uterus begins preparing the endometrium, the lining of blood, for implantation
- If sexual intercourse occurs where the penis ejaculates into the vagina, sperm travels through the vagina in semen towards the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Sperm continues to travel until it reaches the ovum in the fallopian tubes
- Successful fertilization occurs when the head and mid-piece of one sperm cell bores through the outer layer of the ovum, combining the two cells to make one
- A zygote is formed which then begins the process of mitosis
- The zygote reaches the uterus and implants in the endometrium
Effective Contraception Strategies
Vasectomy is the process in which the Vas Deferens' in a male are cut, clamped, or sealed with another method. If this form of contraception is used, sperm cells can no longer travel towards the penis for ejaculation, therefore preventing the fertilisation from possibly occurring. Sexual intercourse is still possible, however no sperm will be released to travel to the ovum.
However there is a small chance, around 1 in 1000, that the vasectomy will heal with the Vas Deferens intact and the sperm can continue combine with the semen.
Tube tying is, similarly, a permanent form of contraception that is performed on a female. The Fallopian Tubes are surgically blocked or cut in order to prevent the ovum from continuing to the uterus. This block also prevents the sperm from reaching the female gamete. This method of contraception does not effect menstruation, menopause, or sexual desire.
A chance pregnancy is not completely impossible, however the chance is very low. This operation can try to be reversed by surgically stitching the tube together with microscopic stitches, however only 50% of these operation end up with successful pregnancies and another 10% achieve an unsuccessful pregnancy.
However there is a small chance, around 1 in 1000, that the vasectomy will heal with the Vas Deferens intact and the sperm can continue combine with the semen.
Tube tying is, similarly, a permanent form of contraception that is performed on a female. The Fallopian Tubes are surgically blocked or cut in order to prevent the ovum from continuing to the uterus. This block also prevents the sperm from reaching the female gamete. This method of contraception does not effect menstruation, menopause, or sexual desire.
A chance pregnancy is not completely impossible, however the chance is very low. This operation can try to be reversed by surgically stitching the tube together with microscopic stitches, however only 50% of these operation end up with successful pregnancies and another 10% achieve an unsuccessful pregnancy.
Variation
Variation occurs due to the production of the sex cells through meiosis. Meiosis used for the production of sex cells as it involves the chromosomes exchanging parts, allowing the next generation to be composed of different DNA than their parents.
The Importance of Variation
Variation allows for a population or species to stand a greater chance of survival. Disease that may kill one variation may not effect another. By changing the DNA ad creating variation, there is less room for mutation that can harm and there is a greater chance of a species surviving different difficult circumstances.