Female Reproductive System
Estrogen – the principle female hormone, regulating reproductive functions and the development of secondary sex
characteristics.
Progesterone – a female hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and sustain pregnancy
Ovary – one of a pair of organs that produce ova
Ovum – an egg, an oocyte
Ovulation – the release of an oocyte from the ovary during the ovarian cycle
Fallopian tube – one of two uterine tubes extending toward an ovary.
Fertilization – occurs if sperm cells are present while the ovum is in the fallopian tube. One sperm unites with the
ovum usually in the upper third of the fallopian tube. Once fertilization occurs the female is pregnant and cell division
begins.
Uterus – a hollow, thick walled, muscular organ held in the pelvic cavity by flexible ligaments and supported by
several muscles. Also know as womb.
Cervix – the end of the uterus, opening towards the vagina
Vagina – a flexible muscular organ that begins between the legs and extends diagonally toward the small of the back.
Hymen – a thin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina prior to the first intercourse or other breakage
Vulva – the collective term for the external female genitals
Clitoris – a small knob of tissue on the front of the vaginal opening.
Mons pubis – the mound of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone
Labia – the labia majora is the outer fold of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening. The inner folds are called the
labia minora
Menstruation – the shedding of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterine walls) during the menstrual cycle.
Menstruation usually last about 3 to 5 days. During menstruation about 2 – 3 fluid ounces of blood and other tissue
leave the body.
Menstrual Cycle – the time from the beginning of one menstruation to the onset of the next. During this time, the
uterus is readied for impanation of a fertilized ovum.
Toxic Shock Syndrome – a potentially life threatening condition caused by a bacteria and linked to the use of super
absorbent tampons.
Vaginitis – vaginal infection – three types of vaginitis include yeast infection, nonspecific vaginitis, and
trichomoniasis.
Sterility – female sterility takes many forms including when the female does not ovulate and endometriosis
Endometriosis – a condition in which tissue grows outside the uterus in other ares of the pelvic cavity