 Days 1-5:  The lining of the UTERUS is shed. Blood and tissue leave the body through the VAGINA.  Days 1-13:  An ovum MATURES in the ovary.  Day 14:  Ovulation- an ovum is released from the ovary. (It is now able to be “fertilized” by a sperm cell.)

 Days 15-28:  The ovum travels down the FALLOPIAN TUBES to the UTERUS. If the ovum is not fertilized (by a sperm cell), the cycle will begin again at Day 1, and MENSTUATION will take place. IF the OVUM is fertilized (by a sperm cell) then a PREGNANCY will occur.

 UTERUS: a muscular organ of the female reproductive system that holds a fetus during pregnancy.

 2. OVUM- the woman’s sex cell, also called egg cell, plural is “ova”  3. The ova, or eggs, are stored in organs called OVARIES.  4. The ovaries also make most of the PRIMARY FEMALE SEX HORMONE, ESTROGEN.

 5. The ovum travels from an OVARY TO THE UTERUS THROGH A FALLOPIAN TUBE.  6. The lower part of the uterus, WHERE THE UTERUS MEETS THE VAGINA, IS THE CERVIX.  7. The VAGINA, connects the outside of the body with the uterus.

 8. Women are born with ALL OF THE OVA THEY WILL EVER HAVE.  9.Beginning at puberty, ONE OF THE OVARIES RELEASES A MATURE OVUM EVERY MONTH IN A PROCESS CALLED OVULATION.  10. When the ovum is released, THE FALLOPIAN TUBE DRAWS THE OVUM INTO THE TUBE.

 11. ENDOMETRIUM: the lining of the uterus.  12. IF THE OVUM IS FERTILIZED BY A SPERM CELL IN THE FALLOPIAN TUBE, the fertilized ovum will attach to the wall of the uterus and a pregnancy will begin.  13. MENSTRUATION: The monthly breakdown and shedding of the endometrium. Also called the “period”. This is when the blood and tissue releases out of the vagina.

 13. MENSTRUATION: The monthly breakdown and shedding of the endometrium. This is when the blood and tissue releases out of the vagina.  14. This bleeding is also called a “PERIOD”.  15. OVULATON AND MENSTRUATION HAPPEN IN a cycle that lasts about 28 days. The cycle is called the MENSTRUAL CYCLE.

 16. Five things that can affect the menstrual cycle: Age Stress Diet Exercise Illness

 17. Girls usually have their first menstrual period between the ages of 9 and 16.  18. Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle:  Days 1-5:

 Days 1-5:  The lining of the UTERUS is shed. Blood and tissue leave the body through the VAGINA.  Days 1-13:  An ovum MATURES in the ovary.  Day 14:  Ovulation- an ovum is released from the ovary. (It is now able to be “fertilized” by a sperm cell.)

 Days 15-28:  The ovum travels down the FALLOPIAN TUBES to the UTERUS. If the ovum is not fertilized (by a sperm cell), the cycle will begin again at Day 1, and MENSTUATION will take place. IF the OVUM is fertilized (by a sperm cell) then a PREGNANCY will occur.

 19. Four ways women and girls can protect themselves from reproductive health problems:  Bathe everyday  See a Doctor regularly. Report any unusual symptoms. Do regular self breast exams. Ask your doctor/gynecologist questions.  Abstain(make the choice not to) from sexual relationships. STD and Pregnancy risks.  Maintain good hygiene during menstrual periods. Change tampons every 4-6 hours.