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The Female Reproductive System
In this lesson, you will Learn About…
The functions of the female reproductive
system.
The organs and structures of the female
reproductive system.
The process of menstruation.
The care of the female reproductive system.
The Female Reproductive System
The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are:
Fertilization.
Ovulation.
Menstruation.
Ovaries.
Uterus.
Gynecologist.
The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system has four main functions:
It produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for female sexual development and for reproduction.
It stores and releases female reproductive cells, called egg cells or eggs.
It allows fertilization to take place. It nourishes and protects the developing child
until it is able to survive outside the female’s body.
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
At puberty the ovaries start to release eggs, or ova.
The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the uterus.
Labia cover the opening of the vagina.
The vagina is the muscular passageway that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.
The two fallopian tubes lead from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization takes place in a fallopian tube.
A fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus.
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
The Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation may start as soon as a girl reaches puberty. Just prior to ovulation, the lining of the uterus thickens.
If fertilization occurs, this lining will develop further and nourish the fertilized egg.
If fertilization does not occur, the lining breaks down into blood, tissue, and fluids. The body sheds the lining through the vagina.
Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body.
The Menstrual Cycle (cont’d.)
If fertilization has not occurred, the uterine lining begins to break down.
Menstrual flow stops after about 5 days.
Ovulation: A mature egg is released from the ovary into a fallopian tube.
Fertilization is most likely to occur during these days.
Menstrual flow begins.
The Menstrual Cycle (cont’d)
Fertilization
Sperm entering the vagina travel through the uterus to the fallopian tubes.
Fertilization takes place in a fallopian tube when a male sperm cell and a female egg cell unite.
The fertilized egg then moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it becomes implanted.
In the uterus, the fertilized egg gradually grows and develops.
Female Health Concerns
Several disorders can affect the female reproductive system. These include:
Vaginitis: This is an infection of the vagina. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Some women
may experience physical and emotional discomfort before menstruation begins each month.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): This rare bacterial infection has been linked to tampon use.
Cancer: The breasts, ovaries, uterus, and cervix can all be affected by cancer.
Infertility: The inability to produce children is called infertility.
Caring for the Female Reproductive System
Females can keep their reproductive systems healthy by:
Showering or bathing daily. Scheduling regular health screenings by a
gynecologist, beginning at the age recommended by a doctor.
Examining their breasts monthly for any unusual lumps or discharge.
Keeping a record of their menstrual cycles.
Reviewing Terms and Facts
1. Define the term fertilization.
Fertilization is the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell to form a new human life.
Reviewing Terms and Facts
2. What is menstruation?
Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body.
3. How are ovulation, fertilization, and menstruation related?
Thinking Critically
Once ovulation occurs and fertilization does not, the uterine lining begins to break down, causing menstruation.
Vocabulary Review
Fertilization is the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell to form a new human life.
Vocabulary Review
Ovulation is the process by which the ovaries release a single mature egg.
Vocabulary Review
Menstruation is the flow of the uterine lining material from the body.
Vocabulary Review
The ovaries are the two female reproductive glands that release eggs, or ova.
Vocabulary Review
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in which a developing child is nourished.
Vocabulary Review
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system.
