Graded
The purpose of the unit is to develop students' understanding of the reproductive systems with a particular emphasis placed on underpinning knowledge relating to careers in health science professions such as physiotherapy, midwifery, radiography and nursing.
Understand the structure and function of the male and female reproductive system, including fertility and contraception.
Structure and function of the male and female reproductive system. Structures: Female: Vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, ovary, labia, clitoris, mammary glands Male: Scrotum, testes, Vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra, penis, bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands).
Functions: The female reproductive system: produces female hormones. It's responsible to produce and sustain the ova or eggs, transport the eggs to the fallopian tube for fertilisation with the sperm, and then transport the fertilised ova to a nurturing environment in the uterus for the foetus to develop and be delivered from the womb Male reproductive system: produces male hormones. Responsible for production, maintenance and transportation of the sperm and seminal fluid, and for its deposit into the female reproductive tract.
Fertility and contraception: causes of male and female infertility, methods of contraception: contraceptive implant, patch injection and vaginal ring.
Fertility problems in women: ovulation problems, thyroid problems, surgery, problems with the cervical mucus, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), drugs.
Fertility problems in men: abnormal semen, quality of semen, ejaculation, hypogonadism, drugs. Effects of wearing loose-fitting underwear on fertility in men.
Structures are altered in male and female sterilisation and comment on their reversibility.
Describe the structure and function of the male and female reproductive system.
Analyse the causes of fertility issues in men and women.
Explain how hormonal birth control methods prevent pregnancy.
Be able to analyse the role of hormones in the female reproductive cycle.
Hormonal control of the human female reproductive system: roles of oestrogen progesterone, FSH, LH in follicular, ovulation and luteal phases. Follicles, corpus luteum, corpus albicans. Changes in hormone levels following conception including the role of HCG.
2.1Explain the roles of the following in the female reproductive cycle:
(a) oestrogen
(b) progesterone
(c) luteinising hormone
(d) follicle stimulating hormone.
Describe the changes that occur in the levels of the hormones in 2.1 and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Hormone following conception.
Be able to analyse the role of hormones in pregnancy, labour, birth and breastfeeding.
Role of oestrogen, progesterone, prostaglandins, oxytocin and relaxin in the quiescence, activation, stimulation and involution stages of uterine activity. Role of oestrogen, relaxin and prostaglandins in cervical ripening. Role of prostaglandins and oxytocin in the second stage of labour. Ferguson reflex.
Role of oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin on mammary tissue and milk production during pregnancy
Role of oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin on milk secretion. Relationship between prolactin and suckling. Relationship between oxytocin and suckling. Role of Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (PIL) on milk production.
Explain the role of female hormones in pregnancy, labour, birth and breastfeeding.