Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 1 of 29 Objectives Describe three functions of the female reproductive system. Summarize the stages of the menstrual cycle. Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Identify five ways to keep the female reproductive system healthy.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 2 of 29 Dear Advice Line, I’ve been going to the same male doctor since I was a little kid. My doctor is really nice, but since my body started developing, I just don’t feel comfortable having my checkups with him anymore. I’d like to see a female doctor. Is it OK to feel this way? What should I do? Do you think this girl’s feelings are normal? Write back with your advice.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 3 of 29 The reproductive cells in females are called eggs or ova (singular, ovum). Structure and Function The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce sex hormones to produce eggs to provide a nourishing environment in which a fertilized egg can develop into a baby

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 4 of 29 The reproductive glands in which eggs are produced are called ovaries. Ovaries The sex hormone estrogen activates certain physical changes at puberty. Progesterone activates changes to a woman’s reproductive system before and during pregnancy. Once puberty begins, one of the ovaries releases a ripened egg about once every month in a process called ovulation.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 5 of 29 Fallopian tubes (fuh LOH pee un) are passageways that carry eggs away from the ovaries. Fallopian Tubes When the ovary releases an egg during ovulation, the fingerlike ends of the fallopian tube draw the egg into the tube. The fallopian tubes are where fertilization usually occurs.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 6 of 29 The uterus is a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ. Uterus In the uterus, a fertilized egg can develop and grow. When a baby is ready to be born, the cervix expands to allow the baby to pass through.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 7 of 29 The vagina, or birth canal, is a hollow, muscular passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the body. Vagina Sperm enter a woman’s body through the vagina. The walls of the vagina are very elastic, which allows it to expand dramatically during childbirth.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 8 of 29 Female Reproductive System Front View Cervix Fallopian tube Ovary Uterus Vagina

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 9 of 29 Female Reproductive System Side View Urinary bladder Cervix Fallopian tube Ovary Uterus Vagina Urethra

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 10 of 29 Sexuality in Music Videos When watching your favorite music videos, what messages are conveyed about sex? Consider these questions as they relate to music videos.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 11 of 29 A “Yes” answer to one or more questions may indicate a video that presents sex in an unhealthy way. Are there suggestive close-ups on body parts? Is there non-verbal flirting (such as suggestive body positions or touching)? Does anyone dress suggestively or take off any clothing? Does anyone use force to touch or kiss someone? Is there sexual bias—a greater emphasis on women’s or men’s bodies?

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 12 of 29 Women usually produce only one mature egg cell each month during a process called the menstrual cycle (MEN stroo ul). The Menstrual Cycle During the menstrual cycle, an ovary releases a mature egg. The egg travels to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 13 of 29 On average, a woman’s menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Factors Affecting the Menstrual Cycle Factors such as diet, stress, exercise, and weight gain or loss also affect the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle may be irregular at times, especially during puberty. During menopause, the ovaries slow down their hormone production and no longer release mature eggs.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 14 of 29 The Menstrual Cycle Days 1–4 The uterine lining is shed during menstruation. Days 5–13 An egg matures in one of the ovaries, and the uterine lining starts to thicken. Egg Maturing Egg Days 14–15 The ovary releases the mature egg during ovulation. Days 16–22 The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, and the uterine lining continues to thicken. Days 23–28 The unfertilized egg enters the uterus.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 15 of 29 During the first half of the cycle, an egg matures inside one of the ovaries. Stages of the Menstrual Cycle At about the middle of the cycle ovulation occurs. If the egg has not been fertilized by the time it reaches the uterus, the uterine lining breaks down. The blood and tissue of the thickened lining pass out of the body through the vagina in a process called menstruation.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 16 of 29 Cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. Menstrual Discomfort Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is marked by nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability. The dramatic change in hormone levels that occurs before menstruation begins may cause PMS.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 17 of 29

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 18 of 29 This syndrome is caused by a bacterial infection. Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include a sudden high fever a rash vomiting diarrhea dizziness To decrease the risk of toxic shock syndrome, women should use tampons with the lowest possible absorbency for their needs and change tampons often.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 19 of 29 Click above to go online. For: More on the menstrual cycle

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 20 of 29 Caring for the female reproductive system involves Keeping Healthy cleanliness sexual abstinence prompt treatment for infections self-exams regular medical checkups

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 21 of 29 One important health habit is cleanliness, including daily washing of the external vaginal area. Cleanliness Cleanliness is especially important during menstruation, as is the regular changing of sanitary pads or tampons.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 22 of 29 A number of serious infections can result from sexual contact. Sexual Abstinence The only way to eliminate your risk of sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from sexual activity.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 23 of 29 Many women experience vaginitis, a vaginal infection caused by yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms. Prompt Treatment for Infections Symptoms include a thick discharge odors vaginal itching a burning sensation during urination

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 24 of 29 Symptoms of vaginitis, sores on the genitals, or any unusual pain in the abdomen require a medical exam. Self-Exams A woman should consult a doctor if she notices heavier bleeding than normal during menstruation if her periods stop completely if she notices bleeding at times between her regular periods For the early detection of breast cancer, all women, including teens, should perform a monthly breast self- examination.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 25 of 29 In a Pap smear, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope. Medical Checkups A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can help detect breast cancer. Ovarian cysts Ovarian cysts are growths on the ovary. Endometriosis This is a condition in which tissue from the lining of the uterus—the endometrium—grows outside the uterus, in the pelvic cavity. Infertility Causes of infertility in women include blocked fallopian tubes and problems with ovulation.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 26 of 29 Vocabulary ovaThe reproductive cells in females. ovariesThe female reproductive glands. estrogenThe female sex hormone that signals certain physical changes at puberty and controls the maturation of eggs. progesteroneA hormone that signals changes to a woman’s reproductive system during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. ovulationThe process during which one of the ovaries releases a ripened egg. fallopian tubesThe passageways that carry eggs away from the ovaries.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 27 of 29 Vocabulary uterusThe hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in which a fertilized egg develops and grows. vaginaThe hollow, muscular passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the female body. menstrual cycleThe process during which an ovary releases a mature egg that travels to the uterus; if the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins. menopauseThe time of life during which the ovaries slow down their hormone production and no longer release mature eggs.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 28 of 29 Vocabulary Pap smearA medical procedure in which a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope. mammogramAn X-ray of the breast that may detect breast cancer.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 29 of 29 QuickTake Quiz Click to start quiz.

Section 18.3 The Female Reproductive System Slide 30 of 29 End of Section 18.3 Click on this slide to end this presentation.