Female Reproductive System Purpose: 1.Produce estrogen and progesterone 2.Reproduction 3.Carry baby during pregnancy

Anatomy

Internal Genitalia Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Uterus Endometruim Cervix Vagina

Ovaries The female gonads or sex glands Produce estrogen and progesterone Develop eggs Only born with 800,000 immature eggs Only 400 eggs mature in a lifetime Ovaries release one egg per month

Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts) –Carry egg (ovum) to uterus –Fertilization must take place here –Sperm penetrates egg’s outer surface

Uterus –Builds up wall (endometrium) for egg –Fertilized egg – attaches to wall Pregnancy starts No period –Non fertilized egg – walls slough off Start of period –Expands during pregnancy to accommodate a growing fetus and push it through the birth canal

Cervix The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina Holds baby in during pregnancy Dilates to allow baby out This acts as a safety precaution against foreign bodies entering the uterus

Vagina Pathway or birth canal The vagina connects the cervix to the external genitals It is located between the bladder and rectum As a passageway for the menstrual flow

Menstruation Menstrual Cycle Day 1 – Day: Egg develops in ovaries Day 14: Egg released into fallopian tube Day 15 – Day 20: Egg travels through fallopian tube Day 21: Egg enter uterus After 7 days: Periods starts, Endometrium slough off menarche: The initial onset of menstrual period

External Genitalia The vulva refers to those parts that are outwardly visible and include: Labia majora Labia minora Mons pubis (fatty tissue) Pubic hair Clitoris Urethral opening Vaginal opening Perineum

Labia Majora Referred to as the outer lips Protect the urethral openings Are covered with hair and glands Become flaccid with age and after childbirth

Labia Minora Referred to as the “inner lips” Made up of erectile, connective tissue that darkens, tightens and swells during sexual arousal Located inside the labia majora They are more sensitive and responsive to touch than the labia majora

Clitoris Highly sensitive organ composed of nerves, blood vessels, and erectile tissue It is made up of a shaft and a gland Becomes engorged with blood during sexual stimulation Key to sexual pleasure for most women Urethral opening is located directly below clitoris

Vaginal Opening Opening may be covered by a thin sheath called the hymen Using the presence of an intact hymen for determining virginity Some women are born without hymens The hymen can be broken by many different events

Perineum The muscle and tissue located between the vaginal opening and anal canal. It supports and surrounds the lower parts of the urinary and digestive tracts The perineum contains an abundance of nerve endings that make it sensitive to touch An episiotomy is an incision of the perineum used during childbirth for widening the vaginal opening

Menopause Permanent Cessation of Menstruation Permanent Loss of Ovarian Function No reproduction Functional consequences of low estrogens/progesterone