1. The Female Reproductive System

2. Ovary
Fallopian Tube
Uterus
Cervix
Bladder
Vagina
Rectum
Clitoris
Urethra
Labia Minora
Labia Majora

3. Fallopian Tube
Fimbriae
Uterus
Ovary
Endometrium (lining)
Cervix
Vagina

4. The Organs Ova (singular: ovum) Ovaries Female Reproductive cells
Women are born with all of the ova she will ever release (approx. 400,000)
Contains 23 chromosomes
Only contains the X chromosome (to determine the sex of the baby)
Ovaries
The female glands that store the ova and produce female sex hormones.
Progesterone – the hormone responsible for maintaining the endometrium
Estrogen – the hormone responsible for thickening the endometrium

5. The Organs Uterus Fallopian Tubes
Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ inside a female’s body
Nourishes and protects the fertilized ovum from conception until birth.
Cervix – the opening of the uterus
Endometrium – the lining of the uterus
Fallopian Tubes
a pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that draw in the ovum
Within the fallopian tubes are cilia
These help the ovum move into the uterus.

6. The Organs
Vagina
a muscular elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body
Only 4” – 6” deep

7. The Function Ovulation Menstruation
The process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month
Most women only release one egg per cycle
Menstruation
The shedding of the endometrium
It only sheds if there is no fertilized egg during the cycle
Most females begin their first menstrual cycle between the ages of 10 – 15.
Poor nutrition, stress, and illness can affect the regularity of the cycle

8. The Menstrual Cycle On average, the Menstrual Cycle lasts 28 days.
Start the count on the first day of the Period.
Days 1 – 5: Female is menstruating while a new egg is maturing in the ovary.
Egg continues to mature until day 13.
Day 14: Ovulation usually occurs
Estrogen and Progesterone are at their highest levels during this week.
Days 15 – 20: The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus
Days 21 – 28: If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation begins after 7 days in the uterus.
Estrogen and Progesterone levels drop during this week.

9. Problems of the Female Reproductive System
Dysmenorrhea – a painful menstrual period where severe cramping occurs
PMS – a disorder caused by hormonal changes. Its symptoms may include nervous tension, mood swings, cramping, bloating and weight gain
Toxic Shock Syndrome – a rare but serious bacterial (staph) infection that affects the immune system and the liver, and can be fatal
PID – an infection of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the surrounding areas of the pelvis, usually caused by an STI
Ovarian cysts – Fluid filled sacs that may develop on or around the ovary. It may be benign or malignant.

10. Care of the Female Reproductive System
Bathe Regularly
Practice abstinence from Sexual Activity
Breast Self – Exam