1. Female Reproductive System

2. –Section 1: Structure and their function –Section 2: Menstruation

4. The Female Reproductive Structure and their Functions Ovaries Uterus Cervix Fallopian Tubes Mammary Glands Vagina

5. Ovaries Two small almond shaped glands Located on either side of the uterus The ovaries produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone

6. Uterus Hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ Home to a developing fetus Divided into two parts: –The cervix –Corpus

7. Cervix The lower part of the uterus. Neck-shaped anatomical structure Located at the top of the vagina

8. Fallopian Tubes Narrow tubes carry egg from the ovary to the womb. Where conception of egg take place.

9. Mammary Gland Made up of fat, connective tissue and glandular tissue Lobes are where milk is produced No muscle tissue Shaped differently

10. Vagina Located below the urethral Only four inches Produce secretions A muscular canal lined with mucous membranes

11. Menstruation Part 1 Process of menstruation Part 2 Path of human egg cell during

12. Process of Menstruation Flows from the uterus. Opening in the cervix. Menstrual last 3 to5 days. Lining and extra blood are shed through the vagina.

13. Biology and the Menstrual Cycle Menstrual cycle is regulated by fluctuating levels of sex hormones These hormones produce certain changes in the ovaries and uterus Humans are nearly unique among species in having a menstrual cycle

14. The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle has 4 phases: 1. Follicular phase - proliferative phase or preovulatory phase 2. Ovulation 3. Luteal phase - secretory phase or postovulatory phase 4. Menstruation

15. Hormones and What Happens in the Ovaries Follicular phase - high levels of FSH secreted – Function is to stimulate follicles in the ovaries – One follicle begins to ripen and brings an egg to maturity – Follicle secretes estrogen Ovulation - follicle ruptures open and releases the ripened egg

16. Hormones and What Happens in the Ovaries Luteal phase - after releasing an egg, the follicle turns into the corpus luteum – The corpus luteum manufactures progesterone Menstruation - shedding of the inner lining of the uterus

17. What Happens in the Uterus Follicular phase - endometrium proliferates Luteal phase - progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum stimulates the glands of the endometrium to start secreting the nourishing substances (blood supply) Corpus luteum continues to produce estrogen and progesterone for about 10 to 12 days If pregnancy has not occurred, its hormone output declines

18. Length and Timing of the Cycle Normal menstrual cycle = 20 to 36 to 40 days; average is about 28 days – Menstruation begins on day 1 and continues until about day 4 or 5 – Follicular phase extends from about day 5 to about day 13 – Ovulation occurs on day 14 – Luteal phase extends from day 15 to the end of the cycle, day 28

19. Hormones of Menstrual Cycle The rising level of estrogen causes the endometrium to become thicker and more richly supplied with blood vessels and glands. A rising level of LH and FSH causes the developing egg within the follicle to mature and become larger. After about two weeks, there is a sudden surge in the production of LH. This surge in LH triggers ovulation: the release of the egg into the fallopian tube.fallopian tube

20. LH/Progesterone Under the continued influence of LH, the now- empty follicle develops into a corpus luteumcorpus luteum Stimulated by LH, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone which continues the preparation of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for a possible pregnancy inhibits the contraction of the uterus inhibits the development of a new follicle

21. If fertilization does not occur (which is usually the case), Production of progesterone is stopped.

22. As the progesterone and estrogen levels drop, the endometrium begins to break down, its cells committing programmed cell death (apoptosis);apoptosis the inhibition of uterine contraction is lifted, and the bleeding and cramps of menstruation begin.