THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

EXTERNAL ORGANS Labia majora- outer fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening Labia minora- inner folds of tissue that extend forward Vaginal opening- in between skin folds Clitoris- female erectile tissue between the labia

INTERNAL ORGANS Vagina- female organ of intercourse, birth canal Uterus- pear shaped organ that houses the fetus during pregnancy, womb Fallopian Tubes- where fertilization takes place, where egg travels after release from ovary Ovaries- glands that produces eggs/hormones

INTERNAL ORGANS (cont.) Cervix- entrance to the uterus

Terms Fertilization- joining of egg cell and sperm cell, takes place in fallopian tubes Ovulation- the release of an egg from ovary, occurs 2 weeks prior to menstruation Menstruation- the shedding the lining of the uterus along with a small amount of blood, occurs once a month Gynecologist- female reproductive doctor; seen annually; at age 18 or once sexually active, or menstrual problems

Terms (cont.) Estrogen- female sex hormone, produced in ovaries Progesterone- female sex hormone, produced in ovaries Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)- a variety of symptoms females experience before their period. (2 weeks to several days prior) Moody, fatigue, bloating, anxiety

Problems of Female Sterility- unable to reproduce due to: 1.Blockage of fallopian tube 2.No egg present 3.Endometriosis Tubal Ligation- “Tubes Tied” Amenorrhea- no period by age 16 or stopping of menstrual cycle Dysmenorrhea- menstrual cramps

Cancers Breast Cancer  Most common form of cancer in women  Two-thirds of cases are seen in women over 50 yrs old Symptoms  Change in breast/nipple appearance  Lump in breast or under armpit

CANCERS ( cont.) Cervical Cancer (pap smear) Pap smear taken to detect abnormal cells by scraping the cervix Ovarian Cancer (asymptomatic)