The Female Reproductive System In this lesson, you will Learn About… The functions of the female reproductive system. The organs and structures of the female reproductive system. The process of menstruation. The care of the female reproductive system.

The Female Reproductive System The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are: Fertilization. Ovulation. Menstruation. Ovaries. Uterus. Gynecologist. Click each term to display its definition.

The Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system has four main functions: It produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for female sexual development and for reproduction. It stores and releases female reproductive cells, called egg cells or eggs. It allows fertilization to take place. It nourishes and protects the developing child until it is able to survive outside the female’s body.

Parts of the Female Reproductive System The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the uterus. At puberty the ovaries start to release eggs, or ova. The two fallopian tubes lead from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization takes place in a fallopian tube. Labia cover the opening of the vagina. At puberty the ovaries, the two female reproductive glands, start to release eggs, or ova. The ovaries also increase production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that are necessary for female sexual development. The two fallopian tubes lead from the ovaries to the uterus. An egg travels from an ovary to the uterus by way of a fallopian tube. Fertilization takes place in a fallopian tube. A fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus, a pear-shaped organ in which a developing child is nourished. The uterus is also called a womb. The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the uterus. Labia are folds of skin that cover the opening of the vagina. The vagina is the muscular passageway that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. Menstrual flow leaves the body through the vagina. In addition, a baby is pushed out of its mother’s body through the vagina. A fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus. The vagina is the muscular passageway that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.

Parts of the Female Reproductive System

The Menstrual Cycle Ovulation may start as soon as a girl reaches puberty. Just prior to ovulation, the lining of the uterus thickens. If fertilization occurs, this lining will develop further and nourish the fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the lining breaks down into blood, tissue, and fluids. The body sheds the lining through the vagina. Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body. For most girls, menstruation starts between ages 9 and 16. When a female is pregnant, the lining is not shed, so she does not menstruate.

The Menstrual Cycle (cont’d.) Menstrual flow stops after about 5 days. Ovulation: A mature egg is released from the ovary into a fallopian tube. If fertilization has not occurred, the uterine lining begins to break down. Menstrual flow begins. Fertilization is most likely to occur during these days. Menstruation usually occurs approximately every 28 days. A menstrual period lasts for about 5 days. However, the length of both the menstrual cycle and the period can vary from female to female. A teen girl’s menstrual cycle may change from month to month. This should not be a cause for concern unless menstruation stops for months at a time.

The Menstrual Cycle (cont’d)

Fertilization Sperm entering the vagina travel through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. Fertilization takes place in a fallopian tube when a male sperm cell and a female egg cell unite. The fertilized egg then moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it becomes implanted. In the uterus, the fertilized egg gradually grows and develops.

Female Health Concerns Several disorders can affect the female reproductive system. These include: Vaginitis: This is an infection of the vagina. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Some women may experience physical and emotional discomfort before menstruation begins each month. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): This rare bacterial infection has been linked to tampon use. Cancer: The breasts, ovaries, uterus, and cervix can all be affected by cancer. Infertility: The inability to produce children is called infertility. Vaginitis. Pain, itching, and discharge are symptoms of vaginitis. This problem is treated with medication. Premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include headaches, breast tenderness, fatigue, irritability, acne, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms may be mild or severe. Regular exercise and dietary changes can often ease PMS, but serious causes may require medical attention. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It can be serious and even fatal if not treated. Symptoms include high fever, a rash, and vomiting. Females can protect themselves by following the directions for tampon use carefully. Cancer. The breasts, ovaries, uterus, and cervix can all be affected by cancer, although this is rare in teens. Regular health screenings and self-examinations can detect cancer early, greatly increasing the possibility of recovery. Infertility. Surgery or hormone treatment can treat some types of infertility.

Caring for the Female Reproductive System Females can keep their reproductive systems healthy by: Showering or bathing daily. Scheduling regular health screenings by a gynecologist, beginning at the age recommended by a doctor. Examining their breasts monthly for any unusual lumps or discharge. Keeping a record of their menstrual cycles. Shower or bathe daily to keep external reproductive organs clean. Schedule regular health screenings by a gynecologist, beginning at the age recommended by a doctor. A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system. Examine breasts monthly for any unusual lumps or discharge. A doctor and the American Cancer Society can provide information on the breast self-exam. Keep a record of menstrual cycles. Menstrual cycles may be irregular at first. Females should see a doctor if they experience severe or unusual pain or excessive bleeding during menstruation. Females should cooperate by following the doctor’s recommendations for treatment. Females may have questions or concerns about their reproductive systems or other aspects of sexuality. If so, they should discuss these issues openly and honestly with parents or guardians.

Reviewing Terms and Facts Define the term fertilization. Fertilization is the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell to form a new human life. Click to show the correct answer.

Reviewing Terms and Facts What is menstruation? Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body. Click to show the correct answer.

Thinking Critically How are ovulation, fertilization, and menstruation related? Once ovulation occurs and fertilization does not, the uterine lining begins to break down, causing menstruation. Responses will vary. Accept all reasonable responses.

Vocabulary Review Fertilization is the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell to form a new human life. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.

Vocabulary Review Ovulation is the process by which the ovaries release a single mature egg. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.

Vocabulary Review Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.

Vocabulary Review The ovaries are the two female reproductive glands that release eggs, or ova. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.

Vocabulary Review The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in which a developing child is nourished. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.

Vocabulary Review A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system. Click the slide to go back to the Vocabulary Review home page.