Lesson 2 – Reproductive System: Female

Female Reproductive System Produces new life Gonads, or sex glands Female organs are located mainly within the body Reproductive System: Female The function of the reproductive system is to produce new life. Both the male and female systems have the same types of organs. The primary organs are the gonads, or sex glands. Other organs that include glands and ducts to protect and carry the sex cells are known as accessory organs. While the types of reproductive organs are the same, the anatomical parts in males and females do differ in structure. The female organs are located mainly within the body. The female reproductive system consists of the: Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Vagina Vulva Breasts

Ovaries Female gonads Produce ova, which are stored in follicles Produce hormones estrogen and progesterone Ovulation Ovaries The female gonads are the ovaries. The two ovaries are small, almond-shaped glands that produce ova, which are the female sex cells. Each ovary contains thousands of small sacs called follicles where immature ova are stored. About every 28 days, a single ovum matures and the follicle it is in breaks open to release it. This process is known as ovulation. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help the female reproductive organs to develop. They also cause secondary female sex characteristics to appear, such as the enlargement of the breasts, the broadening of the hips, and the growth of pubic hair.

Fallopian Tubes Located above the ovaries Ovum is swept into one of the two fallopian tubes by fimbriae The fallopian tubes are also attached to the uterus. Cilia guide ovum to uterus. Fertilization usually takes place in the fallopian tubes. Fallopian Tubes The fallopian tubes are located above the ovaries, but are not directly connected to them. After ovulation, the ovum is swept into one of the two fallopian tubes by fingerlike projections called fimbriae. Each fallopian tube is also attached to the uterus. Muscle contractions called peristalsis move the ovum to the uterus. Tiny hairs called cilia line the tubes and also help guide the ovum to the uterus. Fertilization, when an ovum and a sperm join to create a new life, usually takes place in the fallopian tubes.

Uterus After fertilization, uterus provides for development and growth of fetus Three parts: Fundus Corpus Cervix Three layers of uterine wall: Endometrium Myometrium Perimetrium Uterus The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped, and highly muscular organ. It lies behind the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It is divided into three parts: the fundus (top section), the body or corpus (middle section), and the cervix (bottom section). If fertilization has occurred, the uterus provides for the development and growth of the fetus. The uterine wall has three layers: the endometrium (innermost), myometrium (middle), and perimetrium (outermost). The endometrium contains a thick lining of blood tissues. If a fertilized ovum implants on this surface, it will nourish the developing fetus. If fertilization does not occur, the surface breaks down and is shed from the female body along with the unfertilized ovum. This process is known as menstruation. The myometrium contains three layers of smooth muscle, which stretch and expand as a fetus grows. During childbirth, the muscles contract to help push the fetus out of the uterus. The perimetrium acts as a protective membrane.

Vagina Muscular tube that connects cervix to outside of body Passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth Female organ for intercourse Vagina The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the outside of the body. It serves as a passageway for menstrual flow. The vagina is the female organ for intercourse. The muscle tissue in it can expand to accommodate the penis during intercourse as well as the passage of a baby during childbirth.

Vulva Vulva includes: Other external structures include: Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Other external structures include: Clitoris Bartholin’s glands Perineum Vulva The external structures of the female reproductive system together are known as the vulva. The vulva is made up of the mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora. The clitoris is located at the junction of the labia minora. It provides sexual arousal when stimulated and helps the vagina to become lubricated. Bartholin’s glands, also called vestibular glands, are contained in the space between the labia minora. They secrete fluid into the vagina for lubrication during intercourse. The perineum is the name for the space between the bottom of the labia majora and the anus. This term may also be used to describe the entire pelvic floor in both the male and female.

Breasts Accessory organs to the female reproductive system Contain fatty tissue and a system of ducts that produce milk and transport it to the nipples. Breasts The breasts, or mammary glands, are accessory organs to the female reproductive system. They contain fatty tissue and a system of ducts that produce milk and transport it to the nipples. The milk is secreted after childbirth to nurse the infant.