EARTH & LIFE SCIENCE

SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023

Surnames: Gomez, Viaña

Section: ABM 11

Narrative Report on Reproductive System

Motivational Activity
Title: GUESS WHAT?
Instructions: Students will guess the words flashed on the screen using the clues and the
existing letters.
Answer Key:
1. SPERM CELL
2. EGG CELL
3. SEAHORSE

Reproductive System
 The reproductive system is a biological system that is composed of different organs that are
involved in sexual reproduction. Male and female reproductive systems have distinctive
organs that each have their own function and purpose. They all work together to produce
an offspring. Many non-living substances such as fluids and hormones play a very important
role in the reproductive system.

Reproductive System: Components

 Male
o The Scrotum is an underlying framework for the testes are made up of loose skin
and subcutaneous tissue layer that protrudes from the penis's connected root. It is
an external pair of sac-like structures outside the abdomen that maintains testes at
3°C lower than normal body temperature to protect sperm viability.
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o The Testes are paired oval glands found inside the scrotum sac which functions as
the sperm-forming factory. It consists of highly coiled structures and ducts
surrounded by layers of connective tissues that is involve mainly in producing male
sex hormones. It is the “gonad” or the primary sex hormone that produces gametes
in males.

o The Penis is the external genitalia composed of spongy erectile tissues with a tip
called glans. It contains Urethra, which is the passageway for ejaculation and
excretion of urine. It is the organ that delivers the sperm into the female
reproductive tract.
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o The Sperm Duct, also called as “Vas Deferens” is responsible in transporting, storing
and assisting in maturation of sperm. It carries sperm from the epididymis to the
ejaculatory duct and passes through the inguinal canal and over the bladder. It ends
in the ejaculatory duct and unites with the urethra.

 Female
o The Ovaries are paired glands that resemble almonds both in size and shape that are
responsible in producing secondary oocytes and hormones. It is composed of sac-
like structures that are called ovarian follicles. There are four stages of ovarian
follicles: primary, vesicular, ovulation and the ruptured follicle will turn into a corpus
luteum. It is the “gonad” or the primary sex hormone that produces gametes in
females.

o The Fallopian Tubes are the sites where fertilization occurs. It is responsible in
receiving and transporting the ovulated oocyte to the uterus. Female humans have
two fallopian tubes, each connecting to the ovaries. These tubes are not physically
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attached to the ovaries, but they are supported by broad ligaments to transport the
oocytes.

o The Uterus, also called the “womb” is a hollow muscular organ located at the lower
abdomen. It is the one that receives, retains, and nourishes fertilized egg. This is
where implantation of fertilized ovum, development of fetus and pregnancy
happens. It has a soft and smooth and inner lining called the uterine or
endometrium that becomes thicker as it accumulates blood and nutrients to
accommodate the development of the baby. The lining is also the one that sheds
during menstruation that happens when the egg is not fertilized.

o The Cervix is located at the lower region of the uterus that extends to the vagina. It
is a narrow outlet that expands to allow the passage of the baby during birth as well
as allow fluids to flow inside and outside the uterus.
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o The Vagina, also called as the “birth canal” is a hollow and muscular tube that
extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body, the vaginal opening called vulva.
It is the one that receives the penis during sexual intercourse. It is also the organ
that serves as the passageway for childbirth.

Reproductive System: Functions

 Male
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o The production of Male Sex Hormones starts with the release of Gonadotropin
Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus in pulses to stimulate the release of
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the pituitary glands into the bloodstream. LH binds
the LH receptor on the Leydig Cells of the Testes. Binding will lead to conversion of
cholesterol to pregnenolone followed by reactions that will then be converted to
testosterone. Testosterone will be secreted by the testes into targeted tissues.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sex
characteristics such as deepening of voice, increased hair growth, enlargement of
skeletal muscles and thickening of bones. It also stimulates the reproductive organ
development and sex drive.

o The Sperm Duct or the Vas Deferens are the one that’s responsible for transport,
storage, and assist in sperm maturation. A process called Spermatogenesis begin the
Sperm production in the seminiferous tubules where stem cells called
spermatogonia develop into immature sperm that each has 46 chromosomes divides
through mitosis to produce primary spermatocytes which will be then divided
through meiosis to become 23 chromosome cells called spermatids and lastly,
spermatozoa or sperm cells. These immature sperm cells will continue to develop
and reach their full maturity in the epididymis. Once ejaculation occurs, it will be
expelled from the epididymis then travels to the Sperm Duct, Ejaculatory duct and
will exit through the Urethra.

 Female

o The Production of Female Sex Hormones starts with the release of Gonadotropin
Releasing Hormones (GnRH) in the hypothalamus that travels to the pituitary glands
which secretes two hormones: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing
Hormone (LH). During puberty, the hypothalamus release pulses that stimulate the
movement of FSH AND LH to travel to the ovaries to make ovarian follicles that will
then be developed and classified into two cells which theca cells (progesterone) and
granulosa cells (estrogen). This gives way to the menstrual cycle which makes
ovulation possible. Both estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the
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maturation of reproductive organs while estrogen also stimulates the development

of secondary sex characteristics such as growth of breast and widening of hips as
well as protecting cardiovascular system and skeleton. On the other hand,
progesterone plays a role in maintaining bone strength and skin elasticity.

o The Fallopian Tube is where fertilization occurs. This is where ovulated oocytes were
received from the ovaries: if there is no sexual intercourse that happened, it will give
way to menstruation but if sexual intercourse happened during the ovulation and a
sperm cell was able to penetrate the oocyte or egg-cell, fertilization will happen at
the fallopian tube. During that period, a zygote will be formed and will continue to
travel towards the uterus as it also continuously develops until fully mature for birth.

Reproductive System: Humans vs Seahorse

 Humans and Seahorses are both living organisms, but different studies investigated that
seahorses are hermaphrodites. Compared to humans, male seahorses are the ones who
carry and give birth to offspring. After courting, the eggs from female seahorses are
deposited into the pouch of the male in which the egg will be fertilized and develop over
time.
 Based on research, seahorses are believed to be hermaphrodites because of the
characteristics that each gender possess that has similarities on the opposite gender of
humans: male seahorses produce sperm and has brood pouch of that can be compared to
the uterus, and female seahorses produce egg cells and possess a duct of that can be
compared to the penis. As we can see, both genders possess both female and male
reproductive organs which can be considered as some of the characteristics of
hermaphrodites, but until now, there has been not enough evidence to prove that
seahorses are hermaphrodites.

Integumentary System: Prostate Cancer & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

 Male (PROSTATE CANCER)
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o Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. In males, the
prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes
and transports sperm, one of the most common types of cancer is prostate cancer.
Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are restricted to the prostate gland, where
they may not cause significant harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow
slowly and require little or no treatment, others are aggressive and spread.

o Peter Kendall was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago, or when he was 66
years old. He found out that he had prostate cancer when he went to a urologist.
The urologist did a biopsy of his prostate and examined him, and the urologist saw
microscopic drops of blood in his urine. He looked for another doctor because of
some issues he had with the past one. His new doctor gave him two options: have
surgery or go on active surveillance. Ten years have passed and there have been no
changes, and his PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test shows nothing abnormal.

o There are different types of treatment that are available for prostate cancer. Some
common treatments are Expectant management (Active Surveillance, Watchful
waiting), Surgery, Radiation therapy (External radiation therapy, Internal radiation
therapy). There are also other therapies used in treatment for prostate cancer but
are still under investigation it includes: Cryotherapy, Chemotherapy, Biological
therapy, High-intensity focused ultrasound, and Hormone therapy. Complementary
medicine is used in addition to treatments, and alternative medicine is used instead
of standard treatments, it includes Meditation, yoga, and supplements like plants
and herbs.

 Female (POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME)

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o Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a problem in the hormones during reproductive years.

Small sacs of fluid develop along the outer edge of the ovary which are called
“cysts”. These contain immature eggs that are called follicles which fail to regularly
release eggs. The main cause of PCOS is still unknown but there are some factors
that play a role: heredity, insulin resistance and excess androgen. Some of the
symptoms a woman with this syndrome may experience missed or irregular periods,
acne, oily skin, excess body hair, hair loss, infertility and more.

o Sasha Ottey was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome when she was in her
late 20s. She found out that she has this syndrome when she went to her Oby
gynecologist for a check-up because she missed her period. Sasha was then referred
by her Obygyn to an endocrinologist who told her to come back after she lost some
weight. After some research, she realized that during her puberty, she had been
experiencing symptoms of PCOS already such as weight gain and hair loss, but she
missed the opportunities for a diagnosis. With her experience in mind and the desire
to help people, while improving her lifestyle, she also founded and now is the
Executive Director of PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Association with the advocacy of supporting and guiding women and girls with PCOS.

o Currently, there is no cure for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but the symptoms can be
managed. Tests such as pelvic exams, blood tests and ultrasounds are great ways to
regularly check the condition of women with PCOS. The possible ways to reduce the
symptoms are medications for different purposes such as birth control pills to
regulate your period, gonadotropins to help the patient in pregnancy and acne
treatments to help improve skin health. Aside from these, living a healthy lifestyle
such as maintaining a healthy weight and being active are also the best ways to
manage PCOS in a long-term view.
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References (APA Format – 7th Edition):

Tortora, G. J. (2016). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14th Edition Volume 1 for Bergen

Community College with Atlas of Human Anatomy 1E BRV and WileyPLUS Card Set.

Wiley.

Marieb, E. N. (2002). Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (7th Edition) (7th ed.).

Benjamin Cummings.

Mechanisms in Medicine. (2011, April 1). Testosterone Production. YouTube.

How is Sperm Formed, Spermatogenesis Animated. (2017, April 25). YouTube.

Estrogen & progesterone. (2022, May 24). YouTube.

Fertilization. (2021, November 4). YouTube.

Hasudungan, A. (2014, December 16). Embrology - Day 0 7 Fertilization, Zygote, Blastocyst.

YouTube.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms and causes. (2022, September 8). Mayo Clinic.

Beck, M. (2022, January 4). My Life with PCOS: A Personal Story | RESOLVE: The National

Infertility Association. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association |.

Peter Kendall. (2022, September 6). Fox Chase Cancer Center - Philadelphia, PA.

Mackenzie, W. (n.d.). The Rainbow Ocean: 6 ocean species to celebrate Pride month with.

Greenpeace International. Retrieved November 7, 2022

Seahorses and Hermaphrodites | Hantu Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2022

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Mackenzie, W. (n.d.-b). The Rainbow Ocean: 6 ocean species to celebrate Pride month with.

Greenpeace International. Retrieved November 7, 2022

Google Afbeeldingen resultaat voor n.d Retrieved November 7, 2022

Kennisgeving voor omleiding. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2022

Reproductive Health. (2022, October 20). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Retrieved November 7, 2022