Name:____________________________________________________Date:__________________Period:__________
The Female Reproductive System – Day 3
Objective:
Students will be able to identify the parts and functions of the female reproductive system.
QUESTION:
What part(s) of the female anatomy is (are) most susceptible to sexually
transmitted diseases?
Student answers will vary. Acceptable hypotheses would focus on the cervix, vagina, and/or labia.
The Female Reproductive System – Anatomy
Use the word bank below to identify the parts of the female reproductive system.
clitoris
ovary
labia (majora & minora) uterus cervix urethra
endometrium fallopian tube (oviduct)
bladder
vagina
1. ____cervix___________________________
6. ____urethra*
2. ____ovary____________________________
7. ____clitoris_________________________
3. ____fallopian
8. ____labia
tube (oviduct)_________
(not part of the reproductive system)___
(majora & minora)______
4. ____uterus___________________________
9. ____vagina_________________________
5. ____bladder*
10. ____endometrium__________________
(not part of the reproductive system)___
Check for Understanding:
1. Which 2 parts shown in the diagram are not part of the female reproductive system?
Bladder & urethra
2. Which part(s) is (are) on the outside of the female’s body?
Clitoris & labia
The Female Reproductive System – Function
Identify which part of the female reproductive system best matches the function stated below.
Anatomical Structure
ovary
endometrium
clitoris
Anatomical Function
oval-shaped organ that produces the ovum (egg) and the female hormones
estrogen and progesterone
innermost lining of the uterus which grows to a thick, nutritive tissue that can
either support implantation in instances of pregnancy or is shed monthly during
menstruation
small, exterior organ which causes sexual excitement and is homologous to the
male penis
vagina
an elastic, muscular tube that leads from the uterus to the exterior of the female
body which receives the penis and sperm during intercourse
uterus
large, muscular organ that supports the growing fetus and contracts during labor
cervix
lower end of the uterus which facilitates the passage of sperm into the uterus and
blood from menstruation and a baby out of the uterus
fallopian tube
(oviduct)
a very fine tube that allows the passage of the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
and is the site of fertilization
labia (majora &
minora)
Color on
Diagram
external folds of skin that surround and protect the clitoris and the vaginal
opening
Check for Understanding:
3. Trace the pathway of ovum from the site of origin out of the female body using the appropriate terms. Not all
terms from above must be used.
__ovary__ → _fallopian tube (oviduct)__ → __uterus__ → __cervix__ → __vagina______
4. The vagina is often quite acidic. What purpose, or advantage, would this acidic environment serve?
The acidic environment in the vagina helps prevent bacterial growth and hence bacterial
infections. (Unfortunately, this acidic environment can/does “kill” sperm.)
5. Why do you suppose that females only release one egg per month while males can produce millions of sperm per
ejaculate?
Teacher
Approval
Answers may vary but should consider the fact that the sperm have a very tough journey - the acidity
in the vagina will “kill” many sperm; many sperm “pick” the wrong fallopian tube; and many sperm
simply run out of energy before they can make it to the egg – hence, producing millions of sperm
per ejaculate will increase the likelihood of fertilization. The egg, on the other hand, has a much
less harrowing journey (shorter and less inhospitable) and nurturing a growing fetus takes a tremendous
toll on the body. Thus having only one egg released prevents multiple pregnancies (ie: twins)
and reduces the burden on the female body.