Female Reproductive Anatomy

What is the menstruation cycle? “Period” Monthly bleeding that most healthy women of reproductive age experience Menstrual cycle last 24 to 35 days During the cycle the lining of the uterus builds up and prepares for pregnancy The main reason for a menstrual cycle is to enable a woman to become pregnant If no pregnancy occurs the lining of the uterus is released in the form of blood and tissue “Period” Monthly bleeding that most healthy women of reproductive age experience Menstrual cycle last 24 to 35 days During the cycle the lining of the uterus builds up and prepares for pregnancy The main reason for a menstrual cycle is to enable a woman to become pregnant If no pregnancy occurs the lining of the uterus is released in the form of blood and tissue

What is ovulation?  The phase in the menstrual cycle in which an egg is released An egg is also know as an ovum Menstrual Cycle  The phase in the menstrual cycle in which an egg is released An egg is also know as an ovum Menstrual Cycle

Ovaries Size and shape of a large almond Responsible for producing hormones - progesterone and estrogren ova (eggs) A woman is born with approximately 250,000 ova in each ovary Ovaries Size and shape of a large almond Responsible for producing hormones - progesterone and estrogren ova (eggs) A woman is born with approximately 250,000 ova in each ovary

Fallopian Tubes  Two ducts that transport ova from the ovary to the uterus Fallopian Tubes  Two ducts that transport ova from the ovary to the uterus

Uterus The hollow muscular organ that is the site of menstruation, and implantation About the size of a pear, but expands with pregnancy Referred to as the womb Uterus The hollow muscular organ that is the site of menstruation, and implantation About the size of a pear, but expands with pregnancy Referred to as the womb

Cervix  Lower part of the uterus and upper part of the vagina  During labor the cervix will expand to about 4 inches (10 centimeters) Cervix  Lower part of the uterus and upper part of the vagina  During labor the cervix will expand to about 4 inches (10 centimeters)

Vagina A thin walled muscular tube Used for sexual intercourse Passageway for sperm Canal for menstrual fluid and babies Vagina A thin walled muscular tube Used for sexual intercourse Passageway for sperm Canal for menstrual fluid and babies

 Hymen A thin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina  Labia Minora and Majora  Majora is the outer fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening.  Minora is the inner folds Urethra Tube like structure that carries urine out of the body.  Hymen A thin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina  Labia Minora and Majora  Majora is the outer fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening.  Minora is the inner folds Urethra Tube like structure that carries urine out of the body.

 Mons pubis The mound of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone  Clitoris A small knob of tissue Sensory organ Located just above the vagina.  Mons pubis The mound of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone  Clitoris A small knob of tissue Sensory organ Located just above the vagina.

External Female Reproductive Organs

 What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? A potentially life threatening condition caused by bacteria and linked to the use of super absorbent tampons  What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? A potentially life threatening condition caused by bacteria and linked to the use of super absorbent tampons