Reproductive Systems

CM 2
Human Reproductive System:
Asexual Reproduction: The Human Reproductive System is a

The asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction specialized group of organs that focuses on the

wherein reproduction occurs mainly to multiply the maintenance and development of filial generations of

number of organisms with uniform DNA characteristics. species. In the higher lifeforms in animal kingdom,

Since asexual reproduction does not require most of the anatomy and physiological characteristics

modification of DNA, it occurs more rapidly and only of sexual reproduction are very similar due to the

requires one parent for DNA template. presence of specific organs for the male and female
individuals.
There are five (5) forms of asexual reproduction:
The human reproductive system is
1. Binary Fission - Bacteria, Protists (Protozoans) and composed of two (2) types of organ system: (a)
Algae (mitosis) female reproductive system and (b) male
reproductive system. It includes the main organs for
2. Budding - fungi and hydras (evagination of portion of
gamete production and accessory organs for
cytoplasm)
nourishment of gametes.
3. Vegetative Propagation - plants (accessory root
formation) Male Reproductive System:
4. Fragmentation - sea stars and flatworms (complete The male reproductive system is less complex than
regenerative growth). the female reproductive system because the female
reproductive system includes the process of
5. Parthenogenesis - lizards and birds [unfertilized egg
pregnancy. The male reproductive system consists of
development (diploid)]
two (2) major parts - the testis (testes pl.) and
accessory organs. The testes are the main organ
Sexual Reproduction:
responsible for the process of spermatogenesis
The sexual reproduction is a type of reproduction (synthesis of sperm). Each testis is a longitudinal
wherein reproduction occurs to provide genetic ellipsoid organ where the seminiferous tubules can
diversity for survival. The process includes random be found inside. The testes produce and regulate
expression of either parent’s characteristics to develop sperm production with a hormone called
an individual with completely distinct DNA. testosterone. Testosterone is also responsible
secondary sex characteristics in males when
1. Self-Fertilization (Autogamy) - functional
distributed in the blood stream.
hermaphroditism (worms).

2. Allogamy - male and female procreational interaction

The motile sperm cannot be released outside the testes
without nourishment resource because the tail of
sperms contain numerous mitochondria that would
require a lot of sugars to function. Thus, the glands
distributed along the path towards outside the penis
provide specific enzymes that aid the sperm to survive.
Some of the glands that are very essential for sperm
motility are as follows: (1) prostate gland - adds zinc to
strengthen sperm structure and (2) bulbourethral
gland - adds blanket of fluid to prevent sperm from
dispersing and softening cervical mucus for easy sperm
penetration. The addition of these enzymes to the
sperm is collectively known as the semen
Female Reproductive System:
The female reproductive system consists of three (3)
major parts: the ovaries, the uterus, and fallopian
tubes (internal pathway) and cervix and vagina
(external pathway). The ovaries are paired organs that
randomly releases an ovum (egg cell) once every
menstrual cycle which usually consist of 28 days (21 - 35
days).
The process of egg reproduction starts when the brain
signals the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
which stimulates the follicles (pores) of the ovary. As
the follicles of the ovary enlarges as it is being
stimulated, an ovum is exposed to be released out the
ovary. Once the ovum is exposed, the FSH is stopped
and replaced by Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to close the
follicle.
As LH closes and degrades the follicle, the dying follicle
releases progesterone that thickens the inner lining of
the uterus to embed the ovum. The ovum stays in the
inner lining of uterus for a week waiting for a sperm for
reproduction. If after one week of implantation and
there is no sperm found for reproduction, the
progesterone in the uterus declines. The decline of
progesterone levels causes the inner lining of the uterus
to be expelled out of the body - thus, the menstrual
cycle.
Reproductive Health
Control of Reproduction:
There are various forms of reproductive controls
available for humans. The effectivity and ethics of these
strategies are varied depending on the individual.
However, it is important to understand them to prevent
disease transmission and responsible sexual health.
The most common form of reproductive control is -
abstinence with no chances of disease transmission and
pregnancy. Abstinence is a practice wherein there is no
contact between reproductive organs. Majority of
conservative countries, such as Philippines, only accepts
abstinence as a birth control due to its religious
affirmations and prevention of all sexual concerns.
The second form of reproductive control is - calendar
associated method wherein the chance of pregnancy is
estimated by personal observations and in reference to
the physiologic data from scientific data. As a semi-
conservative approach, this is considered as a natural
control technique to prevent pregnancies. However,
this does not prevent or protect involved individuals
from sexually transmitted/associated diseases. The
direct contract from other person may induce many
bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections such as
gonorrhea, pubic lice, and HIV.
The third form of reproductive control is - barrier Abstinence: Avoiding sexual contact to prevent
method wherein the direct contract from either pregnancy and disease.
reproductive organ is prevented. This is the most
Calendar Method: Estimating fertile periods to avoid
accessible form of contraception because it has been
pregnancy, but doesn't prevent diseases.
proven effective to prevent pregnancies and
transmission of diseases. Although, it is generally Barrier Method: Using physical barriers like condoms to
accepted as effective upon responsible use, but it is also prevent pregnancy and STDs.
prone to damage by tearing, allergic reactions, and
Hormone Control: Using hormonal methods like birth
adverse reactions with supplemental materials such as
control pills to prevent pregnancy, but doesn't prevent
lubricants. The use of multiple barrier methods is highly
STDs.
discouraged because it increases the risk of damage.
Some of the diseases that is prevented by barrier
method are viral and bacterial infections.

The fourth form of reproductive control is - hormone

Differentiation of Reproductive Strategies in Animals:
control wherein different synthesized hormones are
Animals employ various reproductive strategies to
injected, ingested, skin-embedded or spermicidal
ensure the survival and proliferation of their species.
agents in the cervical and uterine cavities. This is one of
These strategies can be broadly categorized into two
the most reliable form of reproductive control because
main types: asexual and sexual reproduction.
it utilizes the compatibility of the female body to sustain
the zygote formation. In generating an environment, ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION:
wherein the hormones that is used as control will
In asexual reproduction, offspring are produced from a
naturally prevent the process of pregnancy. However,
single parent, without the need for gametes (sperm and
these hormonal controls do not offer protection from
egg) to fuse. This method results in offspring that are
any sexually transmitted diseases. There are strict
genetically identical to the parent. Examples of asexual
policies on usage of these hormones in the Philippines
reproduction include budding, fragmentation, and
when an individual is already determined as pregnant
parthenogenesis.
because disruption of hormones in the female body
results in fetal malformations and irregularities. Definition: A way of reproducing without needing
another parent, resulting in offspring with identical
DNA.

Binary Fission: Division of a single organism into two

identical ones (e.g., bacteria).

Budding: Growth of a new organism from the parent's

body (e.g., fungi).
Vegetative Propagation: New plants growing from parts
of the parent plant (e.g., roots).
Fragmentation: Breaking of an organism into pieces,
each becoming a new organism (e.g., sea stars).
Parthenogenesis: Development of an unfertilized egg
into a new organism (e.g., lizards).
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION:
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and
female gametes to produce offspring with genetic
variation. This variation is essential for adaptation and
survival in changing environments. Examples of sexual
reproduction strategies include internal fertilization,
external fertilization, and courtship rituals.
Definition: Reproduction involving two parents and
resulting in offspring with diverse DNA.
Self-Fertilization: When a single organism has both
male and female reproductive parts (e.g., worms).
Allogamy: Interaction between male and female
organisms for reproduction.
Description of the Human Reproductive System:
The human reproductive system is a complex network
of organs and glands responsible for the production and
transport of gametes (sperm and egg) and the nurturing
of developing embryos. It consists of two main
components: the male reproductive system and the
female reproductive system.
Description: Organs responsible for producing and
nurturing offspring.
Male: Includes testes and accessory organs for sperm
production.
Female: Comprises ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes
for egg production and nurturing.
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:
The male reproductive system includes organs such as
the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland,
seminal vesicles, and penis. The testes produce sperm
through a process called spermatogenesis, while
accessory glands secrete fluids that nourish and
transport sperm during ejaculation.
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:
The female reproductive system comprises organs such
as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and
vagina. The ovaries produce eggs through oogenesis,
which are released monthly during ovulation. If
fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg implants in the
uterine lining and develops into a fetus.
Enumeration of the Most Common Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are typically spread through sexual contact. Some of the
most common STDs include:
CHLAMYDIA: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia
trachomatis, chlamydia can infect the urethra, cervix,
rectum, and throat. It is often asymptomatic but can
lead to serious complications if left untreated.

GONORRHEA: Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the urethra,
cervix, rectum, and throat. It can cause severe
complications if untreated, including infertility and
pelvic inflammatory disease.

SYPHILIS: Caused by the bacterium Treponema

pallidum, syphilis progresses through stages and can
cause serious health problems if untreated, including
damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.

HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks

the immune system, making individuals more
susceptible to infections and certain cancers. If
untreated, HIV can progress to acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-
threatening condition.

HERPES: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital

herpes, characterized by painful sores in the genital and
anal areas. While there is no cure, antiviral medications
can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of
transmission.