assignment 4: the human reproductive system lesson 3: hormones & fertility
TRANSCRIPT
UNIT 12: REGULATION AND REPRODUCTION
Assignment 4: The Human Reproductive System
Lesson 3: Hormones & Fertility
Starter Activity
White boards at the ready!!!
Question 1:
Where are ova (egg cells) released from in females?
Answer:
The Ovaries
Question 2:
What is the scientific term for a fertilised ovum?
Question 3:
Which day of the menstrual cycle is an ovum released?
Answer
Day 14
Question 4:
What is this process called?
Answer:
Ovulation
Question 5:
Which hormone is responsible for ovulation?
Answer:
LH (Luteinising Hormone)
Question 6
What is the name of another pituitary sex hormone?
Answer:
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)andGnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)
Question 7
Where are sperm cells made in males?
Answer
In the Seminiferous Tubules in the testes
Question 8
Which hormone assists sperm production?
Answer:
Testosterone
Question 9
What is the name of the structure responsible for carrying sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?
Answer
Vas Deferens
Question 10
What is the function of the Epididymis?
Answer:
To store sperm ready for ejaculation
The 5 craziest sperm in the world:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJU5p-MYzcw
Lesson Objectives
Recap and consolidate understanding of the reproductive hormones
Understand what ‘infertility’ is and be aware of causes, tests and treatments for infertility.
Controlling Fertility
There are two ways in which knowledge of the menstrual cycle can help to control fertility:
ContraceptionConception
Contraception
The Contraceptive Pill
Combined Pill = Oestrogen and Progesterone
Mini Pill = Progesterone only
The combined pill
Taken for 21 days followed by 7 pill free daysDuring the 7 pill free days the woman will experience a ‘period’.Taken every day at same time (give or take 12 hours)The oestrogen and progesterone disrupt the normal hormonal cycleNo egg is released.
The Progesterone only pill
The progesterone will disrupt the normal hormonal cycle so that ovulation doesn’t occur.
Taken every day at the same time (give or take 2 hours)
No break from pills so woman won’t experience a period.
Ovulation / Conception
Once a couple decide they would like a baby they must make sure they have intercourse near the day when the woman is ovulating.
Having intercourse at the right time of the month will help the woman conceive.
How do you think they might work this out?
Pregnancy Testing
What is the first sign that a woman might be pregnant?
How would they confirm this? HCG testing
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
An egg is fertilised (so becomes a zygote) The egg moves down the fallopian tube The egg ‘implants’ in the uterus lining.
This is implantation. The new blastocyst / embryo produces a
hormone called HCG = Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Blastocyst
Group Task
In small groups, discuss the following:
What is infertility?What might cause it?What might happen if somebody finds they are infertile?
Infertility
There are many reasons why a couple may have trouble conceiving.
Doctors usually wont do anything unless the couple have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months.
What do you think might help a couple conceive faster?
Tracking things like body temperature, cervical fluid and menstrual days can help a woman work out when she is going to be most fertile.
She could also carry out an ovulation test. This works a bit like a pregnancy test but indicates the presence of LH instead of HCG.
Why LH?
What might cause infertility in women?
Hormonal disruptions STIs Physical Problems (blockages etc)
What might cause Infertility in Females?
Hormonal disruptions If a woman isn’t producing enough of a
particular hormone then various problems may occur. Like what?
An ovum may not be released The endometrium might not build up
properly so the embryo can’t implant.
Task:
For each female reproductive hormone, write down the consequences of not having enough of it.
Oestrogen Progesterone LH FSH
STIs
Sexually transmitted infections can affect fertility.
Can you name some STIs? Syphilis Chlamydia Gonorrhoea
Physical Problems
Conditions such as: Blockages in Fallopian Tubes Cysts on the ovaries Endometrium infections Cancer / tumours / growths Genetic Disorders Complications following surgery
Causes of Male infertility
STIs Physical Problems Hormonal problems
Male Infertility
Male fertility can be affected by similar problems as females. Such as:Blockages (e.g. in the vas deferens or urethra)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSXgHP7K6aE STIsSurgeryHormonal issuesGenetic Disorders
Problems with Sperm Male fertility tests often start with a semen
analysis. This will look at: Semen volume Total sperm number Sperm concentration Vitality of sperm Motility of sperm https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTLWzZ0uoxM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEU8UKMXTs
Improving sperm count / quality
Can you think of anything / have you heard of anything that can help a man produce better quality / more sperm?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNHSTa0Yct4
Fertility Treatment
Once a problem has been diagnosed, there are different treatments available to help a couple trying to conceive.
Do you know how?
IVF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeigYib39Rs
From sperm to foetus in 3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-lrEBevJ60
(15 mins)
Next Lesson
We are in ICT room A220 Research the merit task Write up assignment. 10:45-12:15