The female reproductive system

FUNCTIONS To produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone To reproduce It is the site of fetal development

UTERUS Womb, a is a strong muscular organ with the ability to expand itself from the size of a pear to hold a baby over 8 lbs and 20 inches long It is the site of fetal development Also referred to as the womb

Fallopian Tubes Tubes connected to the uterus and partially encircling the ovaries Fertilization normally occurs in the outer third of the tube near the fimbria

Fringe tissue leading from the ovary to fallopian tube

OVARIES Tiny glands which contain egg cells (ova) At birth 100,000-200,000 are located in each ovary Once a month, from age 14-45, an egg is released from opposite ovaries Functions: To produce egg To produce hormones – estrogen (puberty) and progesterone (prepares uterus for pregnancy, lactation)

Cervix Lower portion of the uterus and meets the upper part of the vagina During menstruation the cervix stretches open to allow the endometrium to be shed (cramping) After conception a mucus plug is formed to prevent infection To give birth the cervix will dilate to 10 cm to allow a baby to pass through it

vagina The birth canal Muscular passageway (4-5 inches long) extends from the cervix to the external genitalia Functions: Organ for intercourse Passageway for menstrual flow and arriving sperm

Urethra Only used for urine removal, connects bladder to the opening of the vagina

Clitoris Tissue that enlarges when a female is sexually aroused

hymen “Maidenhead” Thin membrane that stretches across the opening of the vagina Has a small opening which allows for menstrual flow Intercourse ruptures the hymen

Labia Majora – large heavy fold of skin surrounding the external opening of the vagina

Endometrium Lining of the uterus Builds up and is shed during menstruation (period) During pregnancy the lining builds up and the placenta is formed which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the baby

Ova: female sex cell, egg Ovulation: release of a mature ovum by an ovary and occurs on or about the 14th day before the expected beginning of the next menstrual period

Menstruation: period, process by which the lining of the uterus is expelled each month that an ovum is not fertilized, lasts 4-7 days