1. FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
To have sexual intercourse
To produce eggs (ova)
To protect and nourish the fertilized egg until it is fully developed
To give birth

2. Female Reproductive System
Males produce sperm…Females produce ova (eggs)

3. Internal View

4. OVARIES
Definition: The reproductive glands in which eggs are produced are called OVARIES
There are 2 ovaries
Functions: 1. produce female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) 2. release mature egg cells
When puberty hits, eggs mature and release once a month…called ovulation

5. Sex Hormones
Estrogen: Activates physical changes at puberty (breast development and maturing of eggs)
Progesterone: Activates changes to a woman’s reproductive system during pregnancy

6. FALLOPIAN TUBES Carries eggs from the ovaries
Tiny hairs (cilia) carry the egg toward the uterus
This is where the sperm usually fertilizes the egg

7. UTERUS Hollow and pear-shaped organ
This is where the fertilized egg can grow.
There are several layers of tissue and lots of blood to protect and nourish the baby.
At the bottom of the uterus is the CERVIX …this is where the vagina expands and the baby can come through the vagina.

8. Menstrual Cycle Basics:
Ovary releases a mature egg and the egg travels to the uterus.
If the egg is unfertilized by sperm, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins (period)

9. VAGINA Known as the Birth Canal
A muscular passageway leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Sperm enters here
Baby passes through the vagina
Can expand!!!

10. External Organs Mons Pubis – Pubic area that has hair
Labia Majora – Outer folds of skin of the vagina (covered in hair)
Labia Minora – Inner folds of skin (sensitive to the touch)
Clitoris – Highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vagina (but inside of the Labia Minora)…sexual arousal occurs here because of the many nerve endings and blood vessels.

11. External Organs Continued…
Orgasm – when a female is sexually aroused, she may have an orgasm…rhythmic contractions of the vagina.
***Not all females have orgasms, and it has nothing to do with pregnancy.

12. External Organs Continued…
Urethra - Unlike the male, the urethra is not a part of the female reproductive system…just for urine. Located below the clitoris.
Vaginal Opening – This is where the penis enters.
Hymen – The vaginal opening may be covered by a thin membrane (it has several openings)

13. HYMEN
HYMEN CAN BREAK DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE , HORSEBACK RIDING, BICYCLING, OR INSERTING A TAMPON
SOME GIRLS ARE BORN WITHOUT A HYMEN!

14. External View