The Female Reproductive System (2:18) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity
Objectives: 1. Identify the structures and functions of the female reproductive system. 2. Identify the female reproductive cells. 3. Define Menstruation
The female reproductive system matures at puberty and enables women to reproduce.
eggs ovaries uterus ovulation fallopian tubes vagina menstruation cervix
Female Reproductive Organs The organs of the female reproductive system enable pregnancy to occur with the first monthly ovulation. The female reproductive system matures at puberty.
Female Reproductive Organs The female reproductive system has several functions, including producing female sex hormones and storing the eggs. OVA Female eggs. Female gametes (REPRODUCTIVE CELL)
Female Reproductive Organs A female at birth has more than 400,000 immature ova in her ovaries. She is born with all the eggs (ova) she will ever have. Ovaries The female sex glands that store the ova, or eggs, and produce female sex hormones
Female Reproductive Organs There are two ovaries. They are located on each side of the uterus. Uterus The hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ that nourishes and protects a fertilized ovum until birth
Female Reproductive Organs The process of ovulation is controlled by the release of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland. Ovulation The process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month
Female Reproductive Organs A mature ovum is released from an ovary and moves into one of the two fallopian tubes. This is where fertilization occurs! Fallopian tubes A pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that draw in the ovum
Female Reproductive Organs Cervix Uterus Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Endometrium Vagina opening of the uterus. protects and nourishes a developing fetus. contain ova and produce hormones. Ova travel through the fallopian tubes. tissue lines the uterus. The passageway from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Female Reproductive Organs Millions of sperm from the male enter the female reproductive system through the vagina. The vagina also serves as the birthing canal. Vagina A muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body
Female Reproductive Organs The fertilization of an egg by a sperm produces a cell called a zygote. When the zygote leaves the fallopian tube, it enters the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall. The fetus remains in the uterus until birth.
Female Reproductive Organs After a female matures, the uterus prepares each month for possible pregnancy by releasing 1 egg(ova) per month. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, menstruation occurs. Menstruation The shedding of the uterine lining
Female Reproductive Organs The endometrium tissues pass through the cervix and into the vagina. Cervix The opening to the uterus
Female Reproductive Organs
Maintaining Reproductive Health Practice abstinence. Have regular medical exams. Bathe regularly. Tips for Maintaining Your Reproductive Health
Breast Self-Exam Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death, after lung cancer, for women in the United States. The American Cancer Society recommends that females examine their breasts once a month. Early detection is critical for successful treatment of breast cancer.
Female Reproductive System Problems Several disorders can affect the female reproductive system, and some can lead to infertility.
Infertility and Disorders Endometriosis STDs Vaginitis Ovarian cysts Cancer Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus Diseases spread through sexual contact Infection Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries Infertility in females can have several causes.
Additional Information Males: At birth the tip of the penis is covered by a thin loose skin called, foreskin. Some parents choose circumcision, the removal of the foreskin. Females: Menstruation occurs from puberty until menopause, the end of the reproductive years. Males: continue to produce new sperm throughout their lifespan. Females: are born with all the eggs they will ever have.