Chapter 18 Female Reproductive System Functions of the Female Reproductive System Mature an egg Provide a place for baby to develop Produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone

Physical Changes Female growth spurt occurs permanent teeth are in acne breasts develop body hair develops waistline narrows hips widen perspiration increases menstruation begins

Hormones Estrogen Responsible for the release of the egg and secondary sex characteristics Progesterone Needed to support pregnancy

Female Reproductive System Fimbriated Ends Fallopian Tube Ovary Uterus Bladder Punic Bone Rectum Cervix Urethra Vagina Anus Labia Minora Labia Majora

External Structures Outer folds of skin Vulva Includes the following 3 parts Outer folds of skin Outer surface covered with pubic hair

External Structures Labia Majora Two outer larger folds of skin, covered with pubic hair Labia Minora Located between the two folds of the labia majora Contains many nerve endings

Female Reproductive System Labia Minora Labia Majora

Internal Structures Ovary (2 – ovaries) Born with all eggs (ovum) (200,000-400,000) Produces hormones estrogen & progesterone Release mature eggs Ovary

Internal Structures Fallopian tube Pathway for egg ( 5 ½ inches long) Lined with cilia to move egg along Fertilization occurs here

Internal Structures Fimbriated Ends Fringe-like projections used to draw egg into fallopian tube

Internal Structures Uterus Hollow, muscular, pear shaped organ (about the size of fist) Baby develops here before birth Uterus

Internal Structures Endometrium Lining of uterus Shed during menstruation Egg attaches for pregnancy Endometrium

Internal Structures Cont’ Cervix Neck/opening of the uterus Sperm enter through here 2 cm wide but dilates during the birthing process to 10 cm Cervix

Internal Structures Vagina “Birth Canal” About 3-4 inches in length Soft and flexible tissue 2 functions Receive sperm during intercourse Passageway for baby during childbirth Vagina

Internal Structures Urethra Opening that urine flows out of Covered by Labia Bladder Urethra

Female Reproductive System Fimbriated Ends Fallopian Tube Ovary Uterus Bladder Punic Bone Rectum Cervix Urethra Vagina Anus Labia Minora Labia Majora

Female Reproductive System Fallopian Tube Egg Ovary Uterus Fimbriated Ends Cervix Endometrium Vagina

What is Ovulation? Release of an egg 2 things may happen Fertilization Menstruation

Fertilization The process of a sperm cell joining with an egg. Occurs in the fallopian tube.

Menstruation Muscles contract to cause breakdown of the uterine lining called the endometrium Blood and tissues leave through the vagina Lasts 3-5 days

Menstrual Cycle Cycle begins between ages 10-14 Teenage cycles will be irregular Factors such as diet, stress, exercise, and weight gain or loss also affect the menstrual cycle. Average length 28 days Counted by 1st day of menstrual period until the 1st day of the next period

Understanding the Cycle Day 1-Day 4: menstruation Day 5 – 13: Lining thickens/Egg matures Day 14-15: Ovulation occurs Day 16-22: Lining thickens/Egg travels through fallopian tube Day 23-28: Pregnancy or Menstrual cycle begins again

Egg Maturing Egg