Reproductive System

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Male and female reproductive systems are homologous to each other. Both consist of gonads (gamete-producing organs) and tubes (or ducts) that conduct the gametes toward the outside. Each system, however, is specialized in its own way.

It is during fetal development that these specializations begin to materialize. The testes (male gonads) are pulled to the outside through the abdominal wall to be housed in the scrotum; the route the testes follow becomes known as the inguinal canal. The temperature inside the body (37°C) is too high for the normal maturation of sperm. The female structures remain internal.

The Reproductive System biology study guide unit individually examines the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems. Part of this consideration includes a look at spermatogenesis and the ovarian and uterine cycles. The roles of a variety of hormones and their control mechanisms are included in this examination. With the recognition that the systems are designed for reproduction, the unit includes a brief overview of the changes that occur in the female system should fertilization occur, then closes with the topic of childbirth.

Reproductive System is excerpted from our Biology 12 Study Guide, which is the sixth edition of a student study guide written to match the curriculum of British Columbia. The concepts presented are applicable to the biology curricula of other educational jurisdictions as well.

As with each of the biology study guide units in this series, this unit contains:

  • Biological terms linked to a Glossary where they are carefully and contextually defined
  • Biological names in the Glossary linked to a useful Taxonomic Guide
  • Diagrams that display fullscreen views when double-tapped
  • Quiz-view formats of many diagrams in the enhanced version
  • Sets of Concept Check-up questions dispersed in the unit that are linked to their answers
  • Sets of Discussion Questions dispersed in the unit designed to challenge you as you work through it
  • A concluding set of Check Your Understanding of Concepts multiple choice questions linked to their answers
  • A set of Build Your Understanding questions designed to push you beyond the limitations of this unit.

Note: Discussion Questions and Build Your Understanding questions are not linked to their answers.