Female Reproductive System Anatomy and Physiology
Female Vocabulary Ovulation- monthly release of a mature egg from the ovary Fertilization- union of the ovum (egg) and sperm; when sperm enters egg in fallopian tubes Menstruation- the shedding of the uterus lining after the ovary releases the egg and the egg is not fertilized.
Vocabulary Estrogen: the female sex hormone that signals physical changes at puberty and controls maturation of eggs. Menopause: the time of life which the ovaries slow down their hormone production and no longer release eggs. Age onset around 45-55
Ovulation and Fertilization
Conception- moment at which the sperm fertilizes the egg
Female Vocabulary Fallopian Tubes- pair of tubes through which ovum travel, fertilization takes place here 4-5 inches long, takes egg 7-10 days to travel through Diameter of 2 strands of hair
1. Fallopian Tubes
Female Vocabulary 3. Cilia- hair-like projections which help move the egg through the fallopian tubes ( do not write)
Female Vocabulary Fimbria- finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes, grab the egg at ovulation and pull it into the fallopian tube
7. Fimbria
Female Vocabulary Ovaries- Organ that produces ova or eggs One egg released every month by alternating ovaries
8. Ovaries
Female Vocabulary Ovum- human egg (plural=ova) 23 chromosomes 500,000 at birth, 500 mature Unfertilized eggs live about 15-24 hours
Female Vocabulary Follicle- group of cells released from the ovary, contains ovum. Progesterone: a hormone that signals changes to a woman's reproductive system during pregnancy.
Female Vocabulary Uterus- organ that holds and nourishes the unborn baby (Also called womb) Mucus plug develops during pregnancy, keeps everything in and out until ready for delivery
2. Uterus
Zygote- 1st trimester of development
Embryo- 2nd trimester of development
Fetus- 3rd trimester of development
Female Vocabulary Cervix- opening to the uterus, produces fluid to help sperm travel Cartilage-like material (ex. tip of nose)
6. Cervix
Female Vocabulary Vagina- muscular canal that connects the uterus with the outside of the body (Also called birth canal) About 5 inches long
5. Vagina
Female Vocabulary Vulva- external female genetalia = labia minora (small lips) and labia majora (large lips) Clitoris- small organ at the end of the vulva, purpose is for sexual arousal
4. Vulva
Additional Terms Endometriosis: is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The Fallopian tubes are the most common locations for an ectopic pregnancy.