DHQ – Lesson 1 If you had to take a quiz on the female reproductive system, what would you struggle with?

The External Parts 1. Mons Pubis 2. Labia Major & Minor 3. Clitoris Vulva

Vagina - A muscular passageway leading from the uterus to the outside of the body. - It is also known as the birth canal

Cervix: - A narrow passageway at the bottom of the uterus, leading to the vagina.

Uterus: - A muscular pear-shaped organ which will house the growing baby. - The inner lining is called the endometrium.

Fallopian Tubes: (there are 2) - Passageway from ovaries to the uterus - Fertilization takes place here

Fimbria: - Finger-like structures that are attached to the fallopian tubes. - They sweep the egg into the tubes.

Ovaries: - produce egg cells or ova - produce & secrete estrogen & progesterone - house immature eggs & release mature eggs

Ovulation is the release of one mature egg from the ovary. The lining of the uterus prepares for a fertilized egg, if the egg is not fertilized, Menstruation occurs. This is when an unfertilized egg & lining of uterus leave the body.

Menstruation Menstrual Cycle – the regular process of the building up and breaking down of the lining of the uterus, which is the endometrium. Starts during puberty by hormones released by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the ovaries to release an egg, which is ovulation. The only time the menstrual cycle stops is during pregnancy.

Continued… An average menstrual cycle is 28 days, with the ovaries alternating every month. Ovulation – occurs on the 14 day of a normal 28-day menstrual cycle.

Menopause – “Change in Life” This is the ending of the menstrual cycle generally occurs between the ages of 40 to 50. Menopause ends the woman ability to reproduce. (only other time the menstrual cycle stops other than pregnancy). Signs of Menopause: Nervousness, irregular menstrual cycle, rise in blood pressure, INCREASED EMOTIONS, etc.

Group Work Read the information provided about TSS and other issues concerning menstruation and answer the question in groups of 2-3 people, or individually.