FUNCTIONS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM To have sexual intercourse To produce eggs (ova) To protect and nourish the fertilized egg until it is fully developed To give birth

Female Reproductive System Males produce sperm…Females produce ova (eggs)

Internal View

OVARIES Definition: The reproductive glands in which eggs are produced are called OVARIES There are 2 ovaries Functions: 1. produce female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) 2. release mature egg cells When puberty hits, eggs mature and release once a month…called ovulation

Sex Hormones Estrogen: Activates physical changes at puberty (breast development and maturing of eggs) Progesterone: Activates changes to a woman’s reproductive system during pregnancy

FALLOPIAN TUBES Carries eggs from the ovaries Tiny hairs (cilia) carry the egg toward the uterus This is where the sperm usually fertilizes the egg

UTERUS Hollow and pear-shaped organ This is where the fertilized egg can grow. There are several layers of tissue and lots of blood to protect and nourish the baby. At the bottom of the uterus is the CERVIX …this is where the vagina expands and the baby can come through the vagina.

Menstrual Cycle Basics: Ovary releases a mature egg and the egg travels to the uterus. If the egg is unfertilized by sperm, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins (period)

VAGINA Known as the Birth Canal A muscular passageway leading from the uterus to the outside of the body. Sperm enters here Baby passes through the vagina Can expand!!!

External Organs Mons Pubis – Pubic area that has hair Labia Majora – Outer folds of skin of the vagina (covered in hair) Labia Minora – Inner folds of skin (sensitive to the touch) Clitoris – Highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vagina (but inside of the Labia Minora)…sexual arousal occurs here because of the many nerve endings and blood vessels.

External Organs Continued… Orgasm – when a female is sexually aroused, she may have an orgasm…rhythmic contractions of the vagina. ***Not all females have orgasms, and it has nothing to do with pregnancy.

External Organs Continued… Urethra - Unlike the male, the urethra is not a part of the female reproductive system…just for urine. Located below the clitoris. Vaginal Opening – This is where the penis enters. Hymen – The vaginal opening may be covered by a thin membrane (it has several openings)

HYMEN HYMEN CAN BREAK DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE , HORSEBACK RIDING, BICYCLING, OR INSERTING A TAMPON SOME GIRLS ARE BORN WITHOUT A HYMEN!

External View