Female Reproductive System

What Does the Female Reproductive System Do? Allows a Woman to: produce eggs (ova) have sexual intercourse protect and nourish the fertilized egg until it is fully developed give birth

External Structures Labia Majora and Labia Minor- outer and inner folds of fatty tissue that protect the reproductive and urinary openings. During sexual excitement, they fill with blood to expand and reveal the vagina. Clitoris- small organ made of erectile tissue. Contains large number of nerve cells and is the most sensitive structure of the female body

Internal Organs 1. Ovary- produces a ripe egg with each menstrual cycle. Contains thousands of immature eggs from birth. 2. Fallopian tube-(egg tube) carries eggs from ovary to uterus. Serves as meeting place for sperm and egg. 3.Uterus- (womb)pear shaped organ. Protects and nourishes developing baby 4. Cervix- mouth of the uterus, lower opening at top of the vagina.

Internal Organs 5. Bladder- pushes uterus up as it fills with urine 6. Urethra- carries urine from bladder. Opens into front part of vulva 7. Vagina- receives the penis during intercourse, receptacle for sperm, exit for menstrual blood, and passage way for the baby

The Menstrual Cycle The principle sign that a girl is becoming sexually mature is the onset of menstruation. The cycle is approximately 28 days. Individuals may have longer or shorter cycles. Bleeding occurs as the lining of the uterus is shed, afterwards, the lining thickens to prepare for an egg to be dropped (ovulation). If an egg is not fertilized (absence of pregnancy), progesterone levels drop, this leads to menstual bleeding and the process begins again

Ovulation Ovaries contain thousands of immature eggs cells During the menstrual cycle, hormones cause one egg to begin development The mature egg is released and moves through the fallopian tube as it is available for fertilization. This occurs approximately 14 days into the cycle.

Fertilization The union of an egg with a sperm in the fallopian tube. Sperm are capable of fertilization up to seven days after intercourse Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg divides into two. Fraternal twins occur when 2 eggs are fertilized. The may be the same or different sex and share the same degree of resemblance as any siblings.