1. Female Reproductive System

2. The purpose of the female reproductive system is twofold;
Release the egg for fertilization
Hold and nourish the embryo

3. External Reproductive Organs
Clitoris
Thought to be the visceral remains of what would be the penis
Plays a role in sexual arousal

4. Mons Pubis The fatty pad of tissue over the pubic bone
Thought to provide protection of the pubic area.

5. Labias Majora (outer folds) Minora (inner folds)
Provide for a hoodlike covering of the clitoris and the vaginal opening.
Protection against pathogens
Sexual arousal

6. Vaginal Opening This becomes visible when the labia are parted.
Sometimes covered by a hymen.
Historically viewed as a sign of virginity.

7. Internal Reproductive Organs
Vagina
Birth canal, very
elastic to allow baby
out.
Walls of the vagina
touch each other,
expand to allow for
sex, etc.

8. Cervix Neck of the Uterus Opens to allow baby out of the Uterus.
Acts as a
barrier to keep
infections/etc.
out of uterus.

9. Pap Smear
A test of a sample of cells taken from a woman's cervix. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.
All women 18 or older should have an annual pelvic examination, and so should sexually active teens younger than 18.

11. Uterus Where the fetus is held and nourished after fertilization.
An inner lining builds up with blood each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy.
If not used, this lining breaks down and leaves the body; called menstruation.

12. Ovary
Cyst

13. Ovaries Sex glands; house the ova and produce female sex hormones.
Release of the egg, one a month is called ovulation.
Occurs until woman is in middle age.

14. The Relationship Between Ovulation and Menstruation

16. Fallopian Tubes Long, narrow tubes that connect to the uterus.
Fertilization occurs
here.
Fimbriae pull the egg
into the tube.

17. Scarring of Fallopian Tubes
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to scarring.
This can lead to infertility.

19. The Breast
Not considered a part of sexual reproduction, however does provide for nourishment of newborn child.
Most of the breast tissue is fat.

20. Mammogram
Screens for breast cancer.
Self-examinations once a month.
“Know what normal feels like.”