FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

A) Structure The female gonads are the ___________ Their main function is to _________________ Mature egg cell of the female is called an ovum

fallopian tube—a passageway from the ovaries to the uterus uterus—hollow muscular organ in which development of the embryo will occur (if fertilization occurs) during sexual intercourse, sperm are deposited into the vagina vagina leads from the outside of the females body to the entrance of the uterus—cervix

B) Function The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce eggs and nourish the embryo is the egg is fertilized Each ovary contains 400,000 follicles—clusters of cells that surround a single egg to help it mature Only about 400 mature eggs will be released during the life of a woman

C) Menstrual Cycle Occurs about every 28 days Regulated by hormones Begins during puberty and ends between the ages of 45-55 Menopause: the permanent stopping of the menstrual cycle During the menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from the ovary while the uterus prepares itself for a fertilized egg

Menstrual Cycle: cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive the fertilized egg If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted in the uterus for development to occur. If the egg is not fertilized, it is discharged with the lining of the uterus

1. Follicular Phase The Follicular Phase is when the follicle that surrounds the egg, as well as the egg, grows and matures. It begins when levels of estrogen are low FSH and LH are secreted (released) which is what causes the follicle to grow.

As the follicle develops, estrogen is produced. The estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken.

2. Ovulation This phase occurs midway through the cycle and lasts 3-4 days. More FSH and LH are produced Causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg into the _________________.

3. Luteal Phase Begins after the egg is released The follicle turns yellow and is called the corpus luteum Estrogen is continued to be released and progesterone is also released.

Progesterone stimulates the growth and development of the blood supply in the uterus and tissue. This allows the uterus to nourish and protect the embryo if the egg is fertilized.

4. Menstruation If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will begin to disintegrate. The follicle breaks down, and releases less hormones, which makes the uterine lining detach.

The tissue, blood and unfertilized egg are discharged through the vagina. Menstruation usually lasts about 3-7 days.