The Female Reproductive System

1
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.

2
The Female Reproductive System

• The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are
• Fertilization.
• Ovulation.
• Menstruation.
• Ovaries.
• Uterus.
• Gynecologist.

3
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 females
  body.

4
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the
uterus.
At puberty the ovaries start to release eggs, or
ova.
The two fallopian tubes lead from the ovaries to
the uterus. Fertilization takes place in a
fallopian tube.
Labia cover the opening of the vagina.
The vagina is the muscular passageway that leads
from the uterus to the outside of the body.
A fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus.
5
Parts of the Female Reproductive System
6
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.

7
The Menstrual Cycle (contd.)
Menstrual flow stops after about 5 days.
Ovulation A mature egg is released from the
ovary into a fallopian tube.
If fertilization has not occurred, the uterine
lining begins to break down.
Menstrual flow begins.
Fertilization is most likely to occur during
these days.
8
The Menstrual Cycle (contd)
9
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.

10
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.

11
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.

12
Reviewing Terms and Facts

• Define the term fertilization.

Fertilization is the joining of a male sperm cell
and a female egg cell to form a new human life.