Female
Reproductive
System
• An essential function of all living
things is reproduction.
• Reproduction- the process by which
life continues from one generation to
the next.
• In humans, as in many other species,
reproduction results from the union of two sex
cells, one from the male and one from the
female.
The Reproductive SystemThe system of organs involved in producing
offspring
The female reproductive system
has several functions:
1. It produces female sex hormones and stores
female reproductive cells (ova).
2. The uterus nourishes and protects the
fertilized ovum from conception until birth.
Female reproductive system:
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Fallopian Tubes
Ovaries
Endometrium
Uterus
Vagina
Cervix
Ovaries
Female sex glands that store the ova and
produce female sex hormones.
• At birth a female’s ovaries contain more
than 400,000 immature eggs (ova).
• Beginning at puberty, one ovum
matures each month
Ovulation
The process of releasing a mature ovum into
the fallopian tube each month.
– The right ovary will release a mature ovum one
month, and the left ovary will release one the
next month.
Fallopian Tubes
• A pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that
draw in the ovum.
Fallopian tubes continued……
• Tiny hair like structures called cilia work
along with the muscular contractions to move
the ovum along inside the fallopian tubes.
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus (the womb). It
grows and sheds each month during the
menstrual cycle.
• The endometrium then grows back and slowly
gets thicker and thicker until the next period when
it is once again shed.
Uterus
A hollow muscular pear-shaped organ
inside a female’s body.
• It nourishes and protects the fertilized ovum
from conception until birth.
Vagina
A muscular elastic passageway that
extends from the uterus to the outside of
the body.
• This is where menstrual blood, vaginal fluids
and babies leave the body.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that
connects the uterus to the vagina.
• The cervical canal passes through the cervix,
allowing the menstrual period and fetus to
pass from the uterus into the vagina, and
sperm to pass from the vagina into the uterus
MenstruationShedding of the uterus lining.
Menstruation continued:
• A period is when a woman's body releases
tissue it no longer needs.
• This tissue comes from the uterus, which is
where a baby (fetus) develops in the female
body.
• Every month or so, the uterus lining gets
thicker. This is to prepare for a fertilized egg if
the woman becomes pregnant.
Menstruation continued:
• If the egg doesn't get fertilized, that lining is
released from the body through the vagina.
This is called menstruation.
• So when a girl has her period she is not
"bleeding"-- her body is just getting rid of a
small amount of blood and some un-needed
tissue. It is a natural, normal body process.
The Menstrual Cycle
(Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle)
A cycle is counted from the first day of one
period to the first day of the next period.
• The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long
Menstrual Cycle continued:
• In the first half of the cycle, levels of estrogen
(the female hormone) start to rise and make
the lining of the uterus (womb) grow and
thicken.
• At the same time, an egg (ovum) in one of
the ovaries starts to mature.
• At about day 14 of a typical 28-day cycle, the
egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation
The Period
Problems related to menstruation:
• Menstrual cramps - (constriction and
tightening of the uterine muscle) occur at the
beginning of the period.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – caused by
hormonal changes. May be experienced 1 – 2
weeks before. Symptoms include: irritability,
bloating, weight gain, mood swings, and
fatigue.
Problems related to menstruation continued:
• Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – rare but
serious bacterial infection that affects the
immune system and the liver and can be
fatal. To reduce risk, CHANGE TAMPONS
OFTEN!
• Symptoms include: fever, vomiting, diarrhea
and dizziness.
Menopause
A time in a women’s life when her period stops.
• It is a normal change in a woman's body. A
woman has reached menopause when she has not
had a period for 12 months in a row (and there
are no other causes, such as pregnancy or illness,
for this change). Normally happens between the
ages of 45- 55
Care of the
Female Reproductive System
• Bathe Regularly
• During menstruation, pads and tampons
must be changed every few hours.
• Practice Abstinence
• Abstain from sexual activity to avoid
unplanned pregnancy and STD’s.