1. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

2. A) Structure The female gonads are the ___________
Their main function is to _________________
Mature egg cell of the female is called an ovum

3. fallopian tube—a passageway from the ovaries to the uterus
uterus—hollow muscular organ in which development of the embryo will occur (if fertilization occurs)
during sexual intercourse, sperm are deposited into the vagina
vagina leads from the outside of the females body to the entrance of the uterus—cervix

5. B) Function
The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce eggs and nourish the embryo is the egg is fertilized
Each ovary contains 400,000 follicles—clusters of cells that surround a single egg to help it mature
Only about 400 mature eggs will be released during the life of a woman

6. C) Menstrual Cycle Occurs about every 28 days Regulated by hormones
Begins during puberty and ends between the ages of 45-55
Menopause: the permanent stopping of the menstrual cycle
During the menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from the ovary while the uterus prepares itself for a fertilized egg

7. Menstrual Cycle: cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive the fertilized egg
If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted in the uterus for development to occur.
If the egg is not fertilized, it is discharged with the lining of the uterus

9. Hormones FSH – Released by Anterior Pituitary
LH – Released by Anterior Pituitary
Estrogen – Produced by the ovary/follicle
Thickens uterine wall and keeps FSH and LH levels low
Progesterone – Produced by the corpus luteum
Stimulates blood flow to uterus

10. 1. Menstruation This process begins the cycle
The tissue, blood and unfertilized egg are discharged through the vagina.
Menstruation usually lasts about 3-7 days

12. 2. Follicular Phase
The Follicular Phase is when the follicle that surrounds the egg, as well as the egg, grows and matures.
It begins when levels of estrogen are low
FSH and LH are secreted (released) which is what causes the follicle to grow.

13. As the follicle develops, estrogen is produced.
The estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken.

15. 3. Ovulation
This phase occurs midway through the cycle and lasts 3-4 days.
More FSH and LH are produced
Causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg into the _________________.

16. 4. Luteal Phase Begins after the egg is released
The follicle turns yellow and is called the corpus luteum
Estrogen is continued to be released and progesterone is also produced.

17. Progesterone stimulates the growth and development of the blood supply in the uterus and tissue.
This allows the uterus to nourish and protect the embryo if the egg is fertilized.

18. Back to 1. Menstruation
If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will begin to disintegrate.
The follicle breaks down, and releases less hormones, which makes the uterine lining detach.