1. The Female Reproductive System

2. Female Reproductive Anatomy

3. Female Reproductive System
Essential organs
Accessory organs
Gonads or ovaries
1. ducts – including oviducts, uterus, and vagina
2. sex glands – including the breasts.
3. external genitals

4. Ovaries Resemble large almonds
Attached to ligaments in the pelvic cavity on each side of the uterus
Ovarian follicles – contain an oocyte, which is an immature sex cell (about 1 million at birth)
About mature follicles ovulate during the reproductive lifetime of most women
The ovaries are the female sex glands and are located on either side of the uterus. They produce estrogen and progesterogen hormones. Estrogen is necessary for the development of secondary sex characteristics. Progesterogen signals the start of the menstrual and ovarian cycles.

5. Function of the Ovaries
Oogenesis – process of meiosis that produces one ova and three smaller polar bodies that degenerate
Production of estrogen and progesterone
Estrogen causes development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone stimulates secretory activity of uterine epithelium and assists estrogen in initiating the menstrual cycle.

6. Reproductive Ducts
The fallopian tubes or “oviducts” are hollow tubes connecting the ovary to the uterus.
The developed egg will travel from the ovary to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. They are lined with cilia that help move the egg through.
The fimbrae are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that surround the ovary.
Uterine tubes – Fallopian tubes - oviducts

7. Reproductive Ducts
The uterus is a strong elastic muscle. It is about the size of your fist, and will hold and nourish developing embryos/fetuses. Lies in the pelvic cavity just behind the urinary bladder.
Vagina-about 10 cm long and is called the birth canal

8. Reproductive Ducts
The vagina is also commonly known as the “birth canal.” It is a muscular and elastic passageway leading to the outside of the body.

9. Female Reproductive Anatomy
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus.
The cervix is the opening of the uterus.

10. Accessory (Supportive) Sex Glands
Bartholin’s Glands or Greater Vestibular Glands
secrete mucus-like lubricating fluid
Breasts
size determined by fat quantity more than amount of glandular (milk-secreting) tissue

11. External Genitals (Vulva)
Consists of the following: mons pubis, clitoris, orifice of urethra, labia minora, hymen, duct of Bartholin’s gland, orifice of vagina, libia majora. Pg 507
Perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus
Episiotomy – is the cutting of the perineum during childbirth

12. The Female Reproductive System
As a female reaches puberty, hormones cause egg cells to mature in her ovaries. Ovulation or Ovarian Cycle, the release of one mature egg cell each month, begins.
Like sperm, the egg contains the genetic material need to create new life, and consists of 23 chromosomes.

13. The Female Reproductive System
Ovarian Cycle:
The ovum is formed in a process called oogenesis.
During ovulation, the ovum is released into the fallopian tube. Ovulation usually occurs during day 14 of the cycle.
The ovum is usually fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation.
If the ovum is not fertilized, then menstruation will occur.

14. The Female Reproductive System
Menstrual Cycle:
The endometrium thickens as the follicle matures. (Step 1 of the Ovarian Cycle)
If the ovum is fertilized, it will implant (or attach) itself into the endometrium.
If the ovum is not fertilized, menstruation- the shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining) out of the body, will occur.

15. The Female Reproductive System
The menstrual cycle is the sequence of event in the reproductive system that occurs from one menstruation to another.
Menstruation itself usually lasts from five to seven days. A cycle usually lasts about 28 days, but it varies from one female to another.
Phases – Menses, Proliferative phase, and Secretory
. Stress and illness may affect the length of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation occurs from puberty until menopause. Menopause, which usually occurs between age 40 and 60, is a period marking the end of a female’s reproductive years.

16. Fertilization
Fertilization is the joining of male and female reproductive cells to make the first cell of a new human.