PRINCE OF PEACE COLLEGE, INC.

Poblacion, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Tel. (043-287-3012)

MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(HUMAN REPRODUCTION)

MODULE 1
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, the learners should be able to:
1. Describe the location, appearance, and functions of both internal and external female reproductive
organs.
2. Enumerate the female hormones and explain their relationships with each other.
3. Discuss the ovarian and menstrual cycles, fertilization, and pregnancy; and
4. Illustrate the structure of the breast and state the importance of breastmilk.

INTRODUCTION

Reproduction is a concern of all living organisms. Every person at some time in his/her life influences
and is affected by reproduction through his/her personal behavior and that of the people he/she interacts with.
Reproduction brings life. Without it, human life ends both literally and figuratively. Through the offspring,
the species persists. Reproduction brings pleasure but it also leads to passion and violence.
Every person has the responsibility to care for life and reproduction by learning factual and
comprehensive information, discerning what is right, developing the strength to choose what is good, and
advocating for it.

The Female Reproductive Organs

The female reproductive system consists of the internal reproductive organs and external genitalia.

Figure 1: Diagram of female internal organ

Ovaries
The ovaries are two almond-shaped organ approximately 3 cm long, 2 cm wide, and 1 cm thick located
in the lower abdomen (pelvis) and attached to the margins of the uterus and to the pelvic wall by ligaments.
Ovaries are reproductive glands that produce eggs ( ova) and female sex hormones. They contain
300,000 to 500,000 primary oocytes (immature egg in different stages of development) contained within
primordial follicles (immature follicles). These oocytes protected by the ovaries until such time that they are
ready for release. One egg- sometimes more- is released during ovulation. Meanwhile, the ovaries also
produce estrogen and progesterone, as well as some other female hormones. Aside from regulating different
reproductive functions, estrogen and progesterone regulate the female secondary sex characteristics. They
also play a role in bone metabolism and cancer management.

Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is a series of events that occur in the ovaries during and after the maturation of the
oocytes for fertilization. The ovarian cycle consists of follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase whereas the
uterine cycle is divided into menstruation, proliferative phase and secretory phase.
The average age of menarche is 9-15 years old to menopause or the cessation of menstruation to
48-52 or between 45 and 55 being common, regularly undergoes the ovarian cycle. It is controlled by the
hypothalamus through gonadotropin- releasing hormones to the pituitary gland which, in turns, sends
gonodotropic hormones (follicle-stimulating and luteinizing) to the ovaries. The follicle-stimulating hormomes
(FSH) stimulates the primary oocytes to resume its meiotic division and mature. FSH also stimulates the
primordial follicle to increase its lining cells and form an outer covering that produces estrogen. These changes
transform the immature egg within the immature follicle into a mature egg within a Graafin follicle. Once a
month, the luteinizing hormones ( LH) causes a Graafin follicle to burst ( ovulation ), releasing the mature egg (
secondary oocytes). It also transforms the remnants of the Graafian follicle into a yellow body called corpus
luteum. The corpus luteum predominantly secretes progesterone, which prepares the lining of the uterus,
primed with estrogen, for the implantation of the fertilized egg. If no implantation occurs within seven to ten
days, the corpus luteum regresses, degenerates, and its hormonal secretion diminishes. The cycle repeats
with another ovulation. However, if the egg released at ovulation is fertilized, the corpus luteum persists,
becoming the corpus luteum of pregnancy. With its own hormones, the corpus luteum maintains the early
pregnancy until the placenta can take over.

Figure 2: Diagram of ovarian cycle

Fallopian Tube
The fallopian tube or oviducts are a pair of tubes about 10-12 cm long that connects the ovaries to the uterus. They
have fringe-like projections with motile cilia that help direct the egg into its lumen. The fallopian tube propels the ovum
from the ovary towards the uterus, receives the sperm coming from the uterus, and provides the site for fertilization ( in
which sperm meets and penetrates the egg). The fertilized egg is propelled by ciliary current and contractions of the
fallopian tube to the uterus.

Uterus
The uterus or womb is a hollow, pear shaped muscular organ about 7-8 cm long. It is located in the middle
of the pelvis between the urinary bladder in front and the rectum at the back. It has an inner lining which
thickens in preparation for the implantation of the fertilized egg. If the eggs is not fertilized, the lining along with
the unfertilized egg is shed during menstruation.
Vagina
The vagina or birth canal is a 7-12 cm Long muscular cavity that connects the uterus to the outside. It
contains mucus secreted by cervical glands. As ovulation approaches, the mucus becomes sticky then
changes to an egg white consistency, indicating a fertile period. Recognizing fertile mucus is a basis for
couple to abstain from sex to prevent pregnancy. During pregnancy, the mucus thickens to a plug to protect
the fetus.

FEMALE EXTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Figure 3: Diagram of female external reproductive organ

Perineum
The perineum is separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor. This region contains
structures that support the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems – and it therefore plays an important role in
functions as such micturition, defecation, sexual intercourse and childbirth.

External Genitalia
Mons pubis
The mons pubis consists of a mass of subcutaneous adipose tissue anterior to the pubic symphysis,
and bears most of the pubic hair.
Labia majora
The labia majora (singular, labium majus) are a pair of thick folds of skin and adipose tissue found
inferior to the mons. The fissure between the folds is called the pudendal cleft. Pubic hair can be found on the
lateral surfaces of the labia majora once puberty occurs, while the medial/internal surfaces will remain hairless.
The round ligament of the uterus passes through the inguinal canal and continues into the labia majora, where
the nerve fibers spread and intersperse with the tissue of the mons pubis. The labia majora are thicker in the
front where they form by joining the anterior commisure, located inferior to the mons pubis. The posterior
commisure of the labia majora is the more inferior joining of the labia majora, and is located above the
perineum.
Labia minora
Found medial to the labia majora are the labia minora (singular, labium minus), which are much thinner,
devoid of fat and entirely hairless. Their frontal ends split to form upper and lower layers. The upper layer goes
superior to the clitoris and forms a fold called prepuce. The lower layer passes inferior to clitoris and forms the
frenulum of the clitoris.
Clitoris
The clitoris is an erectile structure, homologue to the male penis, located inferior to the mons pubis at
the anterior end of the vulva. Similar to the penis, it is composed of paired crura, a body and glans. Unlike its
male counterpart. however, the clitoris is not circumscribed by a foreskin nor is it perforated by the urethra. In
addition, most of the clitoris is internal; only its glans is externally positioned.
The clitoris arises as a pair of crura, two erectile structures which attach to the ischiopubic rami. Anteriorly,
each crus converges to form the paired corpora cavernosa of the clitoris, which are collectively known as its
body and are enclosed in a layer of dense fibrous connective tissue (known as the tunica albuginea). At its
distal extremity, the body is surmounted by the glans (head) of the clitoris, which is a small tubercle of erectile
tissue that arises from the junction of the vestibular bulbs (mentioned below). Externally, the glans is located
between the frenulum of the clitoris anteriorly, and the prepuce of the clitoris posteriorly, which are folds formed
by the division of the labia minora. Finally, the clitoris is supported by the suspensory ligament of the clitoris, a
fibrous band that connects the clitoris to the public symphysis.
In females, the corpus spongiosum is represented as two bodies of erectile tissue in each of the labia minora,
referred to as the bulbs of the vestibule or clitoral bulbs.
Vestibule
The labia minora enclose an area called the vestibule, which contains the urinary and vaginal orifices
along with the openings of the greater and lesser vestibular glands. The prepuce is found at the anterior
margin of the vestibule.

Breast
The breast is the tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles. Women's breasts are made of
specialized tissue that produces milk (glandular tissue) as well as fatty tissue. The amount of fat determines
the size of the breast.
The milk-producing part of the breast is organized into 15 to 20 sections, called lobes. Within each lobe
are smaller structures, called lobules, where milk is produced. The milk travels through a network of tiny tubes
called ducts. The ducts connect and come together into larger ducts, which eventually exit the skin in the
nipple. The dark area of skin surrounding the nipple is called the areola.

Activity 1
Female Reproductive Organ

Direction: Answer the following question.

1. State the location, appearance and major functions of the following reproductive organs.

a. Vagina The vagina or birth canal is a 7-12 cm Long muscular cavity that connects the uterus to
the outside. Some vaginas are oval like an egg, while others can be more cylindrical. It is located
in front of the rectum and behind the bladder.

b. Uterus

The uterus, often known as the womb, is a hollow, pear-shaped muscle organ that measures around
7-8 cm in length. Between the urine bladder in the front and the rectum in the back, it is placed in the
middle of the pelvis. It has a thick inner lining that thickens in preparation for the fertilized egg’s
implantation. The lining, along with the unfertilized egg, is lost during menstruation if the eggs are not
fertilized.

c. Ovaries

The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries
produce eggs and hormones. Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the
upper part of the uterus and serve as pathways for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to
the uterus.

2. Conduct an interview regarding premenstrual syndrome. How they handle it?

 When I talk to women who have premenstrual syndrome, I often hear that they have a variety of
physical and mental symptoms. They have mood swings, particularly when stressed, but they
claim that they can manage PMS by taking care of themselves, such as engaging in physical
activities or exercise, which may help them to reduce stress, depression, difficulty, and
weariness, as well as obtaining adequate sleep.

MODULE 2
MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN

OBJECTIVE
At the end of this module, the students should be able to:
1. Describe the location, appearance, and function of both internal and external male reproductive
organs;
2. Discuss spermatogenesis and differentiate it from oogenesis; and
3. Compare and contrast the sperm cell and the egg cell

The Internal Male Reproductive Organ

Testes
A normal human male has two TESTES, also known as testicles. They are pair of organs located in the
hallow sac of the scrotum. Each testes is made of approximately 240 meters of tubules where immature sperm
cells divide and differentiate to become spermatozoa. Several hundred million sperms are made daily from
puberty onwards. Sperms need the right temperature to remain alive and healthy so the testes are located
within the scrotum outside the abdominal cavity.

Figure 3: Male Reproductive Organ

Testes produce and store spermatozoa. They are the main source of testosterone which regulates
different reproductive functions and male secondary sex characteristics, and plays a role in aging and cancer
management.

Spermatogenesis
Throughout the adult life starting from puberty at about the age of 14 years, sperms are formed in the
SOMNIFEROUS TUBES of the testes through the help of pituitary and testicular hormones. This process
known as SPERMATOGENESIS, that takes about 74 days. The mature sperms are stored in the ducts. It
takes about 3 months before sperms are ejaculated. In an ejaculation, 2-5 ml of semen is deposited, containing
40-300 million sperms, 50%-90% appearing normal, and greater than 32% of progressive motility. If the
sperms are not ejaculated, they degenerate and are reabsorbed into the body.

Epididymis and vas deferens

 Connected with the testes are a series of tubules called the EPIDIDYMIS where sperms continue to
mature, stored and acquire motility. From the epididymis, the sperms pass through the vas deferens and to
the urethra. During ejaculation, the smooth muscle of the walls of the vas deferens contract, propelling sperm
forward. In its way out, it collects secretions from accessory glands, producing semen.

Male Accessory glands

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the upper portion of the urethra. It contracts during ejaculation and
secretes a fluid which makes up around 30% of the volume of semen. Secretions from the prostate, the
seminal vesicles, and the Cowper’s gland neutralize harmful acids and support the sperms with needed energy
to swim up into the uterus within 72 hours after ejaculation before they die.

Ejaculatory ducts
The ejaculatory ducts are small ducts that carry the spermatozoa and seminal fluid to the urethra. It
connects the ducts of the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens.

Urethra
The urethra is the tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside. It is the passageway or both
the urine and the semen or seminal fluid. Semen is a whitish fluid made up of the mature sperms and the
secretion from the accessory gland.

EXTERNAL MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN

Scrotum
The scrotum is a thin-walled muscular pouch and skin located between the upper parts of the thighs
and behind the penis. it serves as a pouch outside the trunk in which the testes are suspended, keeping them
at a temperature slightly lower than that of the rest of the body which is essential for sperm production. The
scrotum usually tightens in cold temperatures and during erection.

Penis
The penis is the primary male sex organ. It contains a spongy tissue whose vessels become engorged with
blood during sexual arousal. The engorgement causes its erection, allowing the penis to penetrate the vagina
and ejaculate the semen during sexual intercourse. It also serves as the passageway of urine in leaving the
body because the urethra is within it.
The head of the penis is called GLANS, which is covered with pink, moist tissue ( mucosa). In
uncircumcised men, the glans is further covered by the foreskin or prepuce. Meanwhile, in circumcised men,
this foreskin is removed. The corpus cavernosum refers to two columns of tissue found in the dorsal part of the
penis. This tissue is filled with blood, leading to erection. The corpus spongiosum is a column of sponge-like
tissue located at the front of the penis. Like the corpus cavernosum, it fills with blood during erection.

Activity 2
Male Reproductive Organ
Direction: Answer the following question.
1. State the location, appearance and major functions of the following reproductive organs.
d. Testes
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e. Prostate gland
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3. Compare the testes and the ovaries in terms of structure and functions.
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 4. Conduct an interview regarding their “nocturnal emissions” or “wet dreams”. How do they handle?
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Module 3
Other Systems Involved in Reproduction

Objective
At the end of this module, the students should be able to:
1. Identify the other systems involved in human reproduction; and
2. Explain how the organs in different body systems function in relation to reproduction.

Introduction
There is no system in the body is totally independent. As such, human reproduction requires the
assistance of many other systems and organs to properly function.

The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

The brain is the most important sexual organ of the human body. It coordinates the nervous and
hormonal systems that regulate what happens chemically and physically in the body’s sexual response. It is
also the repository of the images, thoughts, and feelings that humans associate with sex. It balances human
instincts and emotions with appropriate moral and cultural behavior.
The hypothalamus is an endocrine organ as well as a part of the brain. Alerted by blood levels of the
sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), it secretes neuro hormones that trigger the
pituitary gland to increase or decrease its own hormones. Sex hormones also play a role in embryonic sexual
differentiation of the gonads and external reproductive organs. In females, the pituitary gonadotrophic
hormones- follicle-cycles; oxytocin stimulates uterine contraction; and prolactin interstitial cell-stimulating
hormone prompts the testes ( and to a lesser extent, the adrenals) to secrete testosterone.

Other Body Systems

All body systems have specific roles and actions maintaining the physical and functional stability of the entire
body. The circulatory system provides nourishments and oxygen. The respiratory system is involved in the
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The excretory system eliminates body wastes. Moreover, the
musculoskeletal system provides framework, mobility, strength, and protection. The gastrointestinal
system absorbs and stores nutrients and eliminates wastes. The immune system provides the body with a
ready supply of immune-competent cells that protect it from infectious agents, like bacteria and viruses. And
last is the skin that protects the internal organs and maintains body temperature.

Activity 4

Direction: Briefly explain the following.

1. Considering their main functions, explain how these body systems are involved in puberty, reproduction
and pregnancy.
a. Circulatory system
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b. Immune system
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2. Explain this statement: “The brain is the largest sex organ.”
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