Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Female Reproductive System Bellringer List 6 things each that you know about the female reproductive system. 8 th Grade
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu What does the female reproductive system do? Make eggs (ova) Provide a place to support and nourish a developing human Fertilization – the process by which a sperm and an egg and their genetic material join to create a new human life Reproduction – the process of producing a new human 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu 8th Grade
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu How the Female Reproductive System Works
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Ovaries Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and make the hormones estrogen and progesterone Producing Eggs –Eggs (ova) – sex cells that are produced by the ovaries and can be fertilized by sperm –All of the eggs a female will ever have are in her 2 ovaries when she is born Making Estrogen and Progesterone –Regulate the monthly release of an egg and prepare the body for pregnancy 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Vagina Female reproductive organ that connects the outside of the body to the uterus and receives sperm during reproduction Urethra –– carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body –above and separate from the vagina 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Fallopian Tubes and Uterus Fallopian tubes – female reproductive organs that transport an egg from the ovary to the uterus Uterus – female reproductive organ that provides a place to support a developing human (it is about the size of a fist) Cervix – lower portion of the uterus –Widens during childbirth to allow passage of baby –Allows the passage of menstral fluid from uterus –Passageway for sperm to enter uterus 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Estrogen and Progesterone –Female hormones produced in the ovaries –Trigger ovulation or menstruation –Necessary for development of the fetus –Hormone levels affect libido (sex drive) –Increase blood flow throughout the body and makes skin flush or “glow” –Stimulate the growth of breast tissue 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu 8th Grade
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu 8th Grade The Ovum (egg) Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu 8th Grade What are the parts of the ovum (egg)? Female Reproductive System Nucleus – Contains the genetic material Follicle cells of Corona Radiata – supply vital proteins to the egg Vitelline Membrane – allows only 1 sperm to enter the egg and then hardens Zona Pellucida – allows sperm to bind with egg
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu How the Menstrual Cycle works
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Menstrual cycle A monthly series of hormone-controlled changes that prepare the uterine lining for a pregnancy Increased levels of estrogen cause uterine lining to thicken Ovulation – the release of an egg from a follicle in the ovary High levels of estrogen and progesterone further thicken and maintain the uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy If pregnancy does not occur – estrogen and progesterone levels quickly fall and menstruation will follow Menstruation – breakdown and discharge of the uterine lining out of the vagina –Usually lasts between 3 and 7 days –Commonly called menstrual period or ‘period’ for short 8th Grade Female Reproductive System
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. ResourcesChapter menu Menstrual Cycles can vary Menarche (her first period) usually occurs between 12 and 14 years of age but can occur earlier or later. –Consult a doctor if menarche has not occurred by age 16 Average cycle lasts 28 days –Can vary from one individual to another and from month to month, especially in adolescents Ovulation usually occurs on the 14 th day –Environmental factors can influence the timing of a cycle Stress DietTravelExercise Weight gain or lossIllnessDrugs/Medicine 8th Grade Female Reproductive System