Female Reproductive System Chapter 16 Lesson 3
What it Does Makes eggs (ova, ovum) Makes female reproductive hormones Female reproductive cell About 400,000 immature eggs present at birth About 400 eggs will mature during life time Makes female reproductive hormones Estrogen & progesterone Provide a place to support & nourish a developing human Breast are secondary reproductive organs
Female Parts & Functions 1) Ovary: (2, one on each side, ovaries) produces & stores eggs (0.135 millimeters in diameter, very sharp pencil point) Produces reproductive hormones estrogen & progesterone 2) Fallopian tube: egg travels from ovaries to uterus through fallopian tube Fertilization occurs here 3) Uterus: where fetus grows for 9 months, a muscle (aka: womb)
Female Parts & Functions 4) Vagina: Intercourse takes place here Part of “birth canal” & allows menstrual flow to exit Connects the outside of body to uterus 5) Cervix: bottom of uterus what dilates during labor cramping occurs here 6)Vulva External genitalia Covers & protect the vaginal opening
Female Parts & Functions 7) Clitoris: responsible for sexual stimulation 8) Bladder: stores urine 9) Urethra: allows urine to leave the body 10) Anus: opening from the digestive system for eliminating wastes.
Path of the Egg Egg moves from the ovary -> 1 of the fallopian tubes -> uterus -> cervix -> exit out the vagina if not fertilized
How the Menstrual Cycle Works Open to page 454 Occurs from puberty to menopause Monthly series of hormone-controlled changes that prepares the uterine lining for a pregnancy Last ~28 days Ovulation: release of an egg from a follicle in ovary 14th day Menstruation: break down & discharge of lining out of vagina 3-7 days
Maintaining Reproductive Health Good hygiene, breast self exams & abstinence from sexual activity helps (open to page 455) Bathe Regularly Have regular medical exams Practice abstinence Breast Self-exams Mostly in older women but all ages are at risk Higher risk if runs in family Treatable if detected early Lumps (cysts) may occur in breast tissue
Problems with the Female Reproduction System OPEN TO PAGE 456 Menstrual cramp Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) Endometriosis STDs Vaginitis Ovarian cyst Cervical, uterine & ovarian cancer
Annual Pelvic Exam Breast & genital exam Paps Smear: examines the cells of the cervix Do this yearly once you start having sex! Cervical cancer: older women & younger women who are sexual active Ovarian cancer: Older women Hard to detect in early stage