Reproductive Systems Female

Reading and Note-taking Read the article about the female reproductive system. As you read take notes on terms that you recognized from the pre-test

OVARIES Ovaries: Female gonads which contain 200,000 – 300,000 ova (eggs)

OVA Ovarian follicles Structures within an ovary consisting of a developing egg surrounded by follicle cells preparing to be released during ovulation About 360 - 480 eggs will reach maturity in a woman’s lifetime

FEMALE HORMONES Produced in the ovaries Estrogens: Female hormones that bring about the secondary sex characteristics and regulate the female reproductive cycle. Progesterone: Female hormone secreted by the ovaries that makes the uterus more ready to receive a fertilized ovum or egg.

FALLOPIAN TUBES Fallopian tube: Tube connecting an ovary to the uterus and through which an ovum is transported Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube

UTERUS Uterus: Also known as the womb, the hollow organ in females that receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized ovum or egg About the size of a woman’s fist or pear Has two distinct layers

ENDOMETRIUM Endometrium: Inner blood rich layer of the uterus that provides nourishment for a developing embryo and fetus sloughs off during the regular menstrual cycle (blood).

MYOMETRIUM Outer layer of the uterus composed of interwoven smooth muscle cells. “Cramping” Contractions

CERVIX Cervix: Lower neck-like portion of the uterus leading into the vagina Very tight passage way that keeps the uterus virtually germ free Common place for cancer caused by HPV

VAGINA Vagina: An elastic muscular passage way from the uterus/cervix to the outside of the body Expands to 4 – 5 times it’s size For sexual intercourse and birth

VAGINA (cont.) Bacteria normally exist in the vagina, living on nutrients found in the mucus secreted by the cervix. They are quite beneficial. Through their activities, they create an acidic environment in the vagina that inhibits or prevents the growth of pathogens (disease-causing organisms).

Bartholin’s Glands / Vestibular glands They are located directly at the opening of the vagina and in the vaginal wall. Their task is to produce mucus when the woman is sexually aroused. This makes sexual contacts easier. The mucus also cleanses the vagina

Vulva Vulva: Female external genital organs Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris

EXTERNAL ORGANS Labia majora: Labia minora: Outer skin folds of the vagina. Labia minora: Inner skin folds of the vagina.

CLITORIS At the top of the labia minora (above the urethral opening) lies the clitoris. A small protruding mass of erectile tissue, it is similar to the male penis. During sexual arousal or excitement, the sensitive clitoris becomes engorged with blood.

MAMMARY GLANDS Mammary glands: Milk-producing glands in female breasts.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation: Usually a 28 day cycle preparing for a pregnancy Menstruation: Also known as menses, periodic (monthly) discharge of blood, secretions, tissue, and mucus from the female uterus in the absence of pregnancy.

OVULATION Ovulation: Release of a mature ovum from an ovary Occurs on or around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle VERY IMPORTANT to understand birth control methods and pregnancy issues http://kidshealth.org/teen/interactive/female_it.html#cat20015

OXYTOCIN Oxytocin: Hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary that stimulates contraction of the uterus during childbirth and secretion of milk during nursing Also secreted during orgasm Plays a vital role in “attaching”