Female Reproductive System

Overview

This lesson focuses on the purpose of and importance of caring for the female reproductive system as an adolescent. Taking time to learn about the female reproductive system helps to ensure teens are aware of the different diseases and disorders that may impact them and their partners now and into the future.

Learning Targets

  • Explain the function of each internal and external part of the female reproductive system.
  • Assess the purpose of the female reproductive system.
  • Explain how to care for the female reproductive system.
  • Describe the menstrual cycle.
  • Discuss the importance of a monthly breast self-exam.
  • Differentiate between the different diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system.

Preparation

For the Warm-Up Activity: Write the journal question on the board or identify (and copy as needed) the worksheets you plan to use.

For the Content Focus: Open the Female Reproductive System PowerPoint slides or make copies of the Female Reproductive System Note-Taking Guide.

For the Lesson Focus: Copy the Accessing Information Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet.

Warm-Up Activity

Select a warm-up activity to help get your class focused and on task.

  • Journal Question: Name five female reproductive organs and briefly describe the function of each.
    • Option: Write or project the question and have students respond in their journals as they enter class.
    • Option: Have students discuss the question with a partner or in a small group.
  • Vocabulary Review: Have students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to complete the Female Reproductive System Vocabulary Review Worksheet.
  • Quiz: Have students complete the Female Reproductive System Quiz to assess their prior knowledge.
    • Option: Collect the quiz and use it alongside a posttest to demonstrate student learning.
    • Option: Have students share their answers with a partner and then go over the answers together as a class.

Lesson Content

Review the content from the textbook lesson.

Lesson Focus: Accessing Information

  1. Provide one copy of the Accessing Information Skill-Building Challenge Worksheet for each student.
  2. Students will be using information from the lesson and their accessing information steps to find information on a disease or disorder found in the lesson to create a public service announcement.
  3. Students will answer the accessing information questions individually or with a partner.

Challenge Activity

Have students needing additional challenge work on the following critical thinking task:

If you knew there was a family history of breast cancer and you or someone you care about (male or female) found a lump in their breast or found an area on their breast that was tender to the touch, what would you tell them to do and why?

Reflection and Summary

Review the critical content from today’s lesson. Review the learning targets and ask students to answer each question posed.

Can you...

  • Explain the function of each internal and external part of the female reproductive system?

    The internal female reproductive system is composed of ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, the endometrium, the cervix, and the vagina. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, and each contains ova. The ovaries produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which control sexual characteristics, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. Each month an ovum is released from an ovary and enters the fallopian tube, which carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. The uterus is where a fetus develops during pregnancy. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, which becomes thicker and enriched with blood each month to receive a fertilized ovum. The opening between the uterus and the vagina is the cervix, which dilates during childbirth for the delivery of the baby. The vagina is the passageway between the cervix and the outside of the body and is used for sexual intercourse and the passage through which a baby is delivered.

    The external female reproductive system is called the vulva and consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. The mons pubis is made of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. The labia majora and labia minora protect the opening of the urethra and vagina. The clitoris is the responsive sexual organ and the equivalent of a penis regarding its enlargement and sensitivity when stimulated.

  • Assess the purpose of the female reproductive system?

    The purpose of the female reproductive system is to produce the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone and to transport ova for fertilization to occur. Estrogen helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and progesterone prepares the endometrium for a potential pregnancy after ovulation.

  • Explain how to care for the female reproductive system?

    To care for the female reproductive system females should have regular checkups with a gynecologist, they should do monthly breast exams to check for unusual lumps in the breasts and discharge from the nipples, they should shower daily, and after urinating they should wipe from front to back to prevent a urinary tract infection.

  • Describe the menstrual cycle?

    The menstrual cycle has four stages and lasts on average 28 days, with the actual menstrual flow lasting about 5 days. In stage one, the endometrium is partially shed and expelled, which is the menstrual flow that takes place during days 1 through 5. In stage two of the menstrual cycle, days 6 through 12, the ovum matures, and progesterone is secreted by the ovary, which is necessary for pregnancy. The endometrium begins to thicken, and the uterus prepares for ovulation. Ovulation happens in stage three, days 13 and 14, which is the release of an ovum from one of the ovaries into a fallopian tube. In stage four, days 15 through 28, if the ovum has been fertilized, it moves from the fallopian tube and attaches to the endometrium. If an ovum has not been fertilized, it will disintegrate, and the endometrium will shed the build-up of blood and tissue, which is known as the menstrual period. The menstrual cycle will then begin again.

  • Discuss the importance of a monthly breast self-exam?

    A breast self-examination can be an important way to find breast cancer early. Self-examinations should be done in combination with physical exams by a doctor and mammograms.

  • Differentiate between the different diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system?

    Endometriosis happens when the endometrium grows outside the uterus and usually impacts the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis. Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow within and outside of the uterus. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that can affect women physically, emotionally, and behaviorally usually one to two weeks before their period begins. Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix and is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Endometrial or uterine cancer begins in the endometrium of the uterus. Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast and cam impact both men and women.

Assessment

Complete one or more of the following assessment tasks for this lesson.