1. The female reproductive system

2. FUNCTIONS To produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone
To reproduce
It is the site of fetal development

3. UTERUS
Womb, a is a strong muscular organ with the ability to expand itself from the size of a pear to hold a baby over 8 lbs and 20 inches long
It is the site of fetal development
Also referred to as the womb

4. Fallopian Tubes
Tubes connected to the uterus and partially encircling the ovaries
Fertilization normally occurs in the outer third of the tube near the fimbria

5. Fringe
tissue leading from the ovary to fallopian tube

6. OVARIES Tiny glands which contain egg cells (ova)
At birth 100, ,000 are located in each ovary
Once a month, from age 14-45, an egg is released from opposite ovaries
Functions:
To produce egg
To produce hormones – estrogen (puberty) and progesterone (prepares uterus for pregnancy, lactation)

7. Cervix
Lower portion of the uterus and meets the upper part of the vagina
During menstruation the cervix stretches open to allow the endometrium to be shed (cramping)
After conception a mucus plug is formed to prevent infection
To give birth the cervix will dilate to 10 cm to allow a baby to pass through it

9. vagina
The birth canal
Muscular passageway (4-5 inches long) extends from the cervix to the external genitalia
Functions:
Organ for intercourse
Passageway for menstrual flow and arriving sperm

10. Urethra
Only used for urine removal, connects bladder to the opening of the vagina

11. Clitoris
Tissue that enlarges when a female is sexually aroused

12. hymen
“Maidenhead”
Thin membrane that stretches across the opening of the vagina
Has a small opening which allows for menstrual flow
Intercourse ruptures the hymen

13. Labia Majora
– large heavy fold of skin surrounding the external opening of the vagina

14. Endometrium Lining of the uterus
Builds up and is shed during menstruation (period)
During pregnancy the lining builds up and the placenta is formed which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the baby

15. Ova: female sex cell, egg
Ovulation: release of a mature ovum by an ovary and occurs on or about the 14th day before the expected beginning of the next menstrual period

16. Menstruation: period, process by which the lining of the uterus is expelled each month that an ovum is not fertilized, lasts 4-7 days