EGG / OVA Female sex cells are produced by the ovaries. The largest cell in the human body, about the size of a grain of sand. One egg is released about every 28 days. Each egg has 23 chromosomes. Eggs are first released during puberty and are no longer released once a woman goes through menopause.

EGG / OVA (Continued) If more than one egg is released, and they are both fertilized, the woman would be pregnant with fraternal twins. Identical twins = One egg with a complete split. Fraternal twins = Two eggs. Conjoined twins = One egg without a complete split.

OVARIES The ovaries produce eggs, estrogen and progesterone from the time of puberty until the woman goes through menopause. Estrogen and progesterone are the female sex hormones. Each woman has two ovaries. They are approximately the size of an almond. The ovaries usually alternate (right and left) in releasing eggs from cycle to cycle.

There are two fallopian tubes. The inside of the fallopian tubes are approximately as thick as a needle. There are two fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes have three jobs: 1. Receive the egg as it is released by the ovaries. 2. It acts as the passageway from the ovaries to the uterus. 3. Fertilization/Conception takes place in the fallopian tubes.

TUBAL LIGATION Female sterilization. This operation cuts and plugs the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus and it also prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. This operation is NOT 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and provides NO protection against STD’s.

UTERUS Also referred to as ‘the womb”. Where the fetus grows. About the size of a woman’s fist. Made out of muscle so that it can stretch as the fetus grows and contracts when it is time for the baby to be born. The lining of the uterus fills with blood so that the fertilized egg can receive nourishment and get rid of waste products. This lining is shed “monthly”, resulting in the woman’s period.

PLACENTA & AMNIOTIC SAC The placenta is a filtering system that develops on the wall of a woman’s uterus. The placenta helps to filter out unwanted substances to protect the growing fetus and enables the food and oxygen to get to the fetus. The amniotic sac is a “shock absorber” that the fetus grows in, it is filled with amniotic fluid, and protects the baby when the mother’s uterus accidentally gets hit.

CERVIX It is found at the base of the uterus. It is a muscle that stays almost completely shut. Only a few sperm at a time can fit through the cervix’s opening. The cervix dilates/opens when the fetus is being born, wide enough for the fetus to fit through.

VAGINA Internal The “BIRTH CANAL”. It is where intercourse takes place. Where sperm is released by the male It is a collapsed tube. The environment of the vagina is very acidic, which helps to prevent infections from occurring.

LABIA Folds of skin that protect the opening of the vagina and urethra. They are external. There are two sets of them: the labia majora and the labia minora

Mons Pubis = Where the hair grows VULVA & MON PUBIS Vulva = Labia + Vagina Mons Pubis = Where the hair grows

This tissue “breaks” and a small amount of blood is released. HYMEN A thin piece of tissue (mucous membrane) that partially covers the opening of the vagina. This tissue “breaks” and a small amount of blood is released. This may break through intercourse, use of a tampon, trauma to the area, etc. Some women are not born with a hymen, there is no known role in the reproductive system for the hymen.

CLITORIS It is external. It has the most nerve endings and is the most sensitive part of the female reproductive anatomy. Its’ only purpose is for sexual pleasure and to help in the sexual process.

The bladder’s job is to store urine. Both females and males have bladders and their jobs are the same for both women and men.

Carries urine from the bladder outside the body. URETHRA Carries urine from the bladder outside the body. In the female, only urine travels in the urethra.

Larger breasts do not produce more milk. External. The size of the breast is determined by the amount of fat tissue present. Larger breasts do not produce more milk. Mammary glands begin to produce milk once the birth has occurred and the mammary glands will continue to produce milk as long as the baby nurses. Breast milk provides the baby with valuable vitamins, minerals and antibodies.