A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module in GEE 3
HUMAN REPRODUCTION

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Bachelor of Science in Social Work
 Module No. 1

The Female
Reproductive Organs

1st Semester 2021-2022

JOAHNA S. MAGBANUA
Instructor
WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page i
Table of Contents ii
Instruction to the User iii
Introduction 1
Overview Chapter 1: The Female Reproductive Organs 1
Pretest 2
Learning Outcomes 3
Time Allotment 3
Lesson 1: Female Internal Reproductive Organs 4
Discussion 4
Activities/Exercises 7
Lesson 2: Female External Reproductive Organs 8
Discussion 8
Activities/Exercises 10
Lesson 3: Egg Production 11
Discussion 11
Activities/Exercises 12
Lesson 4: Menstruation 13
Discussion 13
Activities/Exercises 14
Lesson 5: Ovulation 15
Discussion 15
Activities/Exercises 16
Lesson 6: Hormones 17
Discussion 17
Activities/Exercises 19
Post-test 20
References 22
Privacy Notice 23
Student Information 24

JOAHNA S. MAGBANUA
WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)
Instructor
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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module is meant to serve as the foundation for the undergraduate

course that will help you understand human reproduction and sexuality using
factual, comprehensive, and relevant information. Particularly, as an adolescent,
this module will help you know what is right; understand the role of personal,
family, and cultural values, develop the ability to choose what is good; and promote
it.

This module will present discussions, activities/exercises, and evaluation

for each topic. As user, you are expected to read the discussion carefully and
coherently, and perform religiously the activities suggested in the module.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be learned
about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for better
understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social media
platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue amidst
this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning
experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

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INTRODUCTION

This module will serve as an alternative learning material to usual way of

classroom teaching and learning delivery. In this course, the learners will be
able to learn and better understand the fundamentals as well as the socio-
cultural perspective of human reproduction. Every person at some point in
his/her life influences and is affected by reproduction through his/her personal
behavior and that of the people he/she interacts with.

Moreover, 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.

This module is designed to help the users to learn and understand the
different topics specified in the overview of the Chapter. Through your
cooperation in this kind of flexible learning delivery, understanding about the
essence of human reproduction as part of life is possible. Every topic in this
module is followed by activities/exercises that may help you internalize the
important points in the discussion. Moreover, the posttest is designed to
objectively measure your knowledge and understanding of the lessons.

Chapter 1: The Female Reproductive Organs

Overview

This module discusses the nature, structure, and function of the female
reproductive system. Specifically, the internal reproductive organs of females
include ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, while the external
reproductive organs are comprised of the perineum, mons pubis, labia majora
and minora, hymen, vestibule, clitoris, as well as Skene, Bartholin’s and
accessory glands. Moreover, this module also covers the various processes that
occurs in the system and its neighboring organs.
Every topic in this module is followed by activities/exercises that may
help you internalize the important points in the discussion. Moreover, the
posttest is designed to objectively measure your knowledge and understanding
of the lessons.

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Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you can:
1. describe the location, appearance, and functions of both internal and
external female reproductive organs;
2. enumerate the female hormones and explain their relationship with
each other;
3. discuss the ovarian and menstrual cycles, fertilization, and pregnancy;
4. illustrate the structure of the breast and state the importance of
breastmilk.

Pre-test
Before we start with the discussion, please try to answer the following
questions. Don’t worry, your scores will not be recorded. I just want to know
what you already know about the topic.

Identification. Name the parts of the female reproductive system.

[Link]
[Link]/[Link]

Answer:

1.________________

2.________________

3.________________

4.________________

5.________________

6.________________

7.________________

8.________________
True or False. Write T if the statement is correct and F if wrong. Write your
answer on the space provided.

_____1) A female’s reproductive system produces eggs.

_____2) Fertilization usually occurs while the egg is in the uterus.
_____3) A female begins producing eggs before she is born.
_____4) During childbirth, the cervix gets wider, or dilates.
_____5) The ovary is a passageway connecting the uterus to the eternal
genitalia.

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Short Essay. Write a paragraph to answer the question below. Use the space
provided to write your answer.

Question: Explain the process of fertilization.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Lesson 1: Female Internal Reproductive Organs

A. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. describe the location, appearance, and functions of the ovaries

and fallopian tubes;
2. describe the location, appearance, and functions of the uterus;
and
3. describe the location, appearance, and functions of the vagina.

B. Time Allotment
1 ½ hours

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C. Discussion

Introduction

The female reproductive

[Link] system consists of the
K65985/figure/CDR0000062961__263/
paired ovaries and
oviducts, the uterus, the
vagina, the external
genitalia, and the
mammary glands. A
female’s reproductive
system produces eggs. This
system is also the place
where a fertilized egg can
grow and develop into a
baby. A female begins
producing eggs before she is
born.
All the reproductive organs of a female are located inside her
abdomen. Two folds of skin, called labia, protect the opening to a
female’s reproductive system. Beyond the opening, inside the female’s
body is a thin-walled chamber called the vagina. This is where semen
is deposited.

Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes

A female’s reproductive system

produces eggs. This system is also
the place where a fertilized egg can
grow and develop into a baby.

A female begins producing eggs

before she is born.

A pair of organs called ovaries

(singular, ovary) produces eggs. An
egg released from an ovary moves
into a fallopian tube or oviduct that
connects the ovary to the uterus.
Fertilization usually occurs while
the egg is in a fallopian tube.
[Link]
cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405#dialogId41665252

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 An egg cell has no
flagellum, so it cannot move on
its own like a sperm cell can. The
cells on the inside surface of a
fallopian tube have cilia
(hairlike structures). These cilia
move an egg toward the uterus.

Ovaries are reproductive

glands that produce eggs and [Link]
cancer-fallopian-tubes/
female sex hormones. They
contain 300, 000 to 500,000
primary oocytes (immature eggs in different stages of development) contained
within primordial follicles (immature follicles). These oocytes are protected by
the ovaries until such time that they are ready for release. One egg (sometimes
more) is released during ovulation.

Summary of Functions of Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes

Ovaries Oviducts
(Fallopian Tubes)

ü Equivalent of testis in males ü Equivalent of vas deferens in

males
ü At three months gestation
contain all potential ü Transports ovum from the
gametes required to produce ovary to uterus
ovum throughout the
reproductive life span of the ü Site of fertilization between
women ovum and sperm

ü Secretes female reproductive ü Site for female sterilization

hormones estrogen and
Progesterone

Uterus

Above the vagina, further inside the body, is the uterus. It is a thick,
muscular organ inside which a fertilized egg can develop. A uterus is normally
about the size and shape of a pear, but it enlarges during pregnancy. A tissue
called the endometrium lines the uterus. The neck, or opening, of the uterus

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into the vagina is called the
cervix. During childbirth, the
cervix gets wider, or dilates. This
enables the baby to move into the
vagina and out of the mother’s
body.

Vagina

The vagina or birth

canal is a 7-12 cm long muscular [Link]
education/total-abdominal-hysterectomy
cavity that connects the uterus to
the outside (vestibule). 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 couples to abstain from sex to prevent pregnancy. During
pregnancy, the mucus thickens to a plug to protect the uterus.
The vagina is a passageway connecting the uterus to the eternal genitalia.
It is the female organ of copulation which expands to take in the erect penis and
the ejected semen during intercourse. The vagina stretches even more to allow
the baby to pass during
childbirth. It also provides
passage to the menstrual fluid
to escape from the uterus.
The normal vagina in
the adult has an acidic pH and
is richly colonized by bacterial
flora, predominantly
lactobacilli. Both of these
provide defense infection.
However, they are usually
lacking in prepubescent and
menopausal women.

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 D. Lesson 1 Activities/Exercises
Instruction: Describe in summary the appearance and functions of the female
internal reproductive organs

Female Internal Appearance Function/s

Reproductive Organs

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 Lesson 2: Female External Reproductive Organs

A. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. describe the location, appearance, and functions of the external

reproductive organs;
2. describe the location, appearance, and functions of the breast; and
3. understand what is colostrum.

B. Time Allotment
1 ½ hours

Perineum
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area at the lowest and of the trunk
between the vulva and the anus.

External genitalia
The female external genitalia, known collectively as the vulva, include
the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, hymen, clitoris, vestibule, and
accessory glands.

The mons pubis is the mound of fat tissue lying over the pubic bone
(lowermost part of the abdomen), covered with pubic hair.

The labia majora are the two larger fleshy folds covered by skin and
pubic hair on the outer surface with a pink smooth inner surface. They
contain oil- and sweat-secreting glands and protect the other external
reproductive organs. They are the female equivalent of the male
scrotum.

The labia minora are the hairless, smaller folds that lie between the
labia majora. The labia minora surround the openings of the vagina
and urethra.

The accessory glands (Bartholin’s and Skene’s glands) secrete

mucus into the labia to lubricate them during sexual arousal.
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The vaginal opening is partially covered by a thin membrane called
hymen. This membrane is usually present in girls who have not had
intercourse.

The clitoris is the counterpart of the male penis. Its highly sensitive
because it has abundant nerve endings and blood vessels. Its body
located inside the pelvis, consists of two cavities that fill with blood
during sexual excitement. Stimulation of the clitoris leads to orgasm.

The vestibule is the area enclosed by the labia minora where the
openings of the urethra and vagina are located.

[Link]
rHqYKHWXlAqAQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=1356&bih=643#imgrc=UQDJkNLPpRTuSM

Remember, an intact hymen, as well as

bleeding from its rupture at intercourse, was
formerly considered a sign of virginity. The
hymen, however, is pliable, may be absent or
torn with previous non-sexual physical
activity, and may not bleed with first
intercourse.

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Breast

Breast are made of mammary glands and

fat which connect to ducts that drain into the
nipples with their surrounding areolas. Mild
asymmetry of the breasts may be present. After a
woman gives birth, the breasts release
colostrum and, after a few days, milk. Both are
essential for the nourishment of the newborn
and his/her protection against diseases.

Colostrum is the thin yellowish fluid

secreted by the mammary glands after
giving birth, which, is rich in antibodies
and is believed to serve as an immune
system enhancer.

[Link]
illustration-mother-feeding-baby-with-breast_5133668.htm

Lesson 2 Activities/Exercises
Test I. Name the external reproductive organs of a female.

[Link]

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 Test II. Research Activity. Interview two (2) mothers who were able to
breastfeed their babies. Ask them how they view breastfeeding and its
importance to babies.

Mother 1:

Mother 2:

Lesson 3: Egg Production

Sivakumar, M., Raju, S., Raju, B., & Sivakumar, M. (2015)

Cell division by meiosis produces a human egg. Before a female is born, cells
in her developing ovaries begin meiosis, but stop at the first phase, prophase I.
The cells stopped at prophase I are called primary oocytes. They remain
unchanged until a female begins puberty. Puberty in a human female usually
begins between the ages of 9 and 13. At puberty, a female’s body begins
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producing chemical signals that cause primary oocytes to continue meiosis.
However, meiosis stops again at the second stage of meiosis, metaphase II. The
cells stopped at metaphase II are called secondary oocytes. Secondary
oocytes are the egg cells. A female usually produces only one egg cell every
four weeks on average. An egg cell does not complete meiosis until fertilization
occurs.

Cells of the ovary surround, protect, and nourish each egg cell. A follicle
is an egg cell and its surrounding cells. A female at puberty has about 400,000
follicles. The release of an egg from a follicle into a fallopian tube is called
ovulation.

Lesson 3 Activities/Exercises
Instruction: Describe what happens during these stages in egg production.

Prophase I (first phase) Metaphase II (second stage)

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Lesson 4: Menstruation

Sivakumar, M., Raju, S., Raju, B., & Sivakumar, M. (2015)

Before a follicle releases an egg, other changes happen in a female’s

body. The changes that take place before, during, and after ovulation
are called the menstrual cycle.

A menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. During the menstrual cycle, the
endometrium thickens and the number of blood vessels in it increases
to support a fertilized egg. However, if a released egg is not fertilized,
the endometrium breaks down and sloughs off. This tissue, some
blood, and the unfertilized egg leave the vagina as menstrual flow.

Menstrual flow usually lasts four to seven days. After menstrual flow
stops, the endometrium thickens and its blood vessels regrow.

A few days before menstruation, an effect of a

change in hormones, a woman may experience
headache, bloated feelings, mood swings,
breast swelling and tenderness, weight gain,
lower back muscle pain, insomnia, food
cravings, pimples, mild fatigue and
irritability, and increased perspiration
(premenstrual tension).
[Link]

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Lesson 4 Activities/Exercises
Activity I. Instruction: If you are female, write your own experiences during
your menstrual period. If you are male, interview a female using the guide
questions below.

Question: Do you experience premenstrual tension/symptoms few days before

menstruation? (Yes or No)

Specific tension/symptoms Level of tension/pain

(ex. Headache) (severe, moderate, mild, no pain)

Activity II. Research Work. Write your answer in an essay format. Use a
separate sheet if needed.
1. Interview three women regarding premenstrual syndrome and how they
handle it.

Woman 1:

Woman 2:

Woman 3:

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2. Research on common cultural attitudes or beliefs regarding the female
reproductive system (e.g., having menstruation as being unclean or as an
illness, virginity indicated by intact hymen, etc.) Identify which of these
perceptions are backed by scientific evidence.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Lesson 5: Ovulation

[Link]

About two weeks after the first day of menstrual flow, ovulation occurs.
Usually, only one egg is released from one of a female’s ovaries during a
menstrual cycle.

It takes about 24 to 48 hours for an egg to move down the fallopian tube
and into the uterus. If the egg is fertilized, a zygote forms, cell divisions
begin, and an embryo begins to develop.

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 When the embryo enters the uterus, it attaches to, or implants in, the
endometrium. If this happens, menstrual bleeding does not occur. The
absence of menstrual bleeding is usually one of the first signs of
pregnancy.

Cycles that last between 21 and 35 days, with variation of up to 7 days

from cycle to cycle, are considered regular. Your cycle length may
change as you age, after you give birth, or if you take oral
contraceptive.

Lesson 5 Activities/Exercises
Instruction: Using your own understanding and words, explain/describe in
detail the figure below.

[Link]

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Lesson 6: Hormones

[Link]

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that

regulate and coordinate many body functions,
from reproduction to growth and development.
Some of the glands and organs produce hormones
that regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation.

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The chart below shows the hormones that are important for
Reproduction.

Hormone Location Function

Female
inhibits growth of facial hair,
Follicle cells initiates secondary female
Estrogen
(ovary) characteristics, and causes
thickening of the endometrium.
inhibits ovulation, inhibits uterine
Corpus luteum
Progesterone contractions, and stimulates
(ovary)
endometrium
Follicle-stimulating stimulates the development of the
Pituitary
hormone (FSH) follicle cells in the ovary
stimulates ovulation and the
Luteinizing hormone Pituitary formation and maintenance of the
corpus luteum
Male
stimulates the anterior pituitary to
Gonadotropin-releasing
Hypothalamus release gonadotropins (FSH and
hormone (GnRH)
LH)
Gonadotropin: FSH Anterior pituitary stimulates sperm production
Gonadotropin: LH Anterior pituitary stimulates testosterone production
-onset of puberty stimulates
spermatogenesis, maturation of
male reproductive organs and
Testes and
appearance of secondary sex
sometimes in zona
Testosterone characteristics
reticularis of
adrenal cortex -regulates male reproductive
organs
-stimulates sperm production

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 Lesson 6 Activities/Exercises

Instruction. Research Work. Do your research and answer the following

questions. You may also use the chart in the previous page as guide in
answering.

1. What would happen if there is a low production of Gonadotropin: FSH in

males?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

2. What would happen if there is low estrogen in females?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

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 Post-test/Evaluation

Test I. Name the parts of the female reproductive system.

Answer:

1.________________

2.________________

3.________________

4.________________

5.________________

6.________________

[Link] 7.________________

8.________________

Test II. True or False. Write T if the statement is correct and F if wrong.
Write your answer on the space provided.
_______1) A female’s reproductive system produces eggs.

_______2) Fertilization usually occurs while the egg is in the uterus.

_______3) A female begins producing eggs before she is born.

_______4) During childbirth, the cervix gets wider, or dilates.

_______5) The ovary is a passageway connecting the uterus to the eternal

genitalia.

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Test. III. Essay. Write a paragraph to answer the question below. Use the
space provided to write your answer.

Question 1: Explain the process of fertilization.

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Question 2: Explain the importance of colostrum and breastmilk.

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Question 2: Explain why an intact hymen is not an enough evidence of virginity.

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

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References

Books
Alora, R. A., & Lumitao, J.M. (2018). Human Reproduction. Quezon City:C
& J Publishing, Inc.
Sivakumar, M., Raju, S., Raju, B., & Sivakumar, M. (2015). Reproductive
System. Anatomy and Physiology for General Nursing and
Midwifery (GNM), 168–168.
[Link]

Images

[Link]
263/
[Link]
causes/syc-20353405#dialogId41665252
[Link]
hysterectomy
[Link]
utero-85-P01189
[Link]
ed=2ahUKEwikp6qurqnrAhWrHqYKHWXlAqAQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=
1356&bih=643#imgrc=UQDJkNLPpRTuSM
[Link]
[Link]
s=q:reproductive+hormones,g_1:body:1caloW6SdEU%3D&hl=en&sa=X&ved
=2ahUKEwi39-
PZ3abrAhUAy4sBHS7kAjkQ4lYoBnoECAEQIQ&biw=1338&bih=643#imgrc=
QV804RKq1rCwpM

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RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

Level of Performance Criteria Rating

Outstanding no error in grammar, spelling,
punctuations; explains four to five ideas
(5 points)
in concise and well-supported details;
well-organized and clear ideas
Very Satisfactory few errors in grammar, spelling,
punctuations; explain three ideas in
(4 points)
concise and well-supported details;
some ideas are not organized and clear
Satisfactory few errors in grammar, spelling,
punctuations; explain two ideas in
(3 points)
concise and well-supported details;
some ideas are not organized and clear
Needs improvement several errors in grammar, spelling,
punctuations; explain one to two ideas
(2 points)
in concise and well-supported details;
some ideas are not organized and clear
Total

RUBRICS FOR TIMELINESS

Level of Performance Criteria Rating
Outstanding submitted on or before the deadline of
(5 points) the project or any requirement
Very Satisfactory submitted within 12 hours after the
(4 points) deadline of the project or any
requirement
Satisfactory submitted within 24 hours after the
(3 points) deadline of the project or any
requirement
Needs improvement submitted beyond 24 hours (1 day) to
(2 points) 48 hours (2 days) after the deadline of
the project or any requirement
Total

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Congratulations for completing this module!

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All personal information collected will be stored in a secure location and only
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 Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

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