Unlike other body systems, the
reproductive system
is different for males and females
In this lesson, you will learn to
 identify the parts of the female reproductive system.
 describe the functioning of the female reproductive system.
 identify problems of the female reproductive system.
 recognize the importance of early detection in the treatment of conditions of the
female reproductive system.
 describe ways to keep your reproductive system healthy.
Reproductive System
The body system containing the
organs that make possible the
production of offspring
The Female Reproductive System
Three Functions of the Female Reproductive System
Store egg
cells
Create
offspring
to allow fertilization
to occur
to nourish and protect
the fertilized egg
Give
birth
Female Reproductive Organs
Internal
•
•
•
•
•
•
ovaries
fallopian tubes
fimbriae
uterus (womb)
cervix
vagina
External – Vulva
•
•
•
•
mons pubis
labia majora (outer lips)
labia minora (inner lips)
vaginal opening
– hymen – thin membrane
partially covering the opening of
vagina
• clitoris
Vulva
the external part of the female
reproductive organs …….
external genitalia
• ovaries
– female sex glands
– two rounded organs, one on
either side of the uterus
– contains the ova, eggs, and
hormones that cause the
egg to mature
• estrogen
• progesterone
• ova (ovum)
– egg, female sex cells
– a female is born with
hundreds of thousands of
immature ova in her ovaries
– from puberty to menopause
hormones cause ova mature
• a few hundred will mature
during reproductive years
Female Reproductive Organs
• fallopian tubes
tubes that carry eggs,
ova, from ovaries to
uterus
• fimbriae
finger-like projections at
the end of the fallopian
tubes that reach out
and “grab” the egg as it
leaves the ovary
Female Reproductive Organs
uterus (womb)
pear shaped hollow muscular
organ that receives, holds, and
nourishes the fertilized ovum during
pregnancy
with thick muscular walls
which are
– the thick muscular walls
are highly elastic and can
stretch many times its
normal size
Endometrium
• the uterine lining … bloody tissue lining
• thickens to prepare for the attachment
of the embryo
• is shed during monthly menstrual period
if pregnancy does not occur
Female Reproductive Organs
cervix
• the neck of the uterus,
(lower portion)
– protrudes into the top of
the vagina
• the passageway between
the uterus and the vagina
• site of glands that secret
mucus to lubricate the
vagina
Female Reproductive Organs
• vagina
• an elastic, muscular tube that
is a passage way between the
uterus and the outside of the
body, (vulva)
• also called the birth canal
• the female organ for
intercourse
– repository for semen when a
male ejaculates with the penis
inside the vagina during
intercourse
• It is possible for the sperm
to enter the reproductive
system if the male
ejaculates near the vagina
– 3 to 4 inches long
– capable to stretch for birth of
baby
Female Reproductive Organs
• Vulva
the external part of the female
reproductive organs …….
external genitalia
ovulation when a mature ovum,(egg) is released from the
ovaries
• it travels along the fallopian tubes to the uterus
• usually once a month … from one ovary
• an ovum can live about a day in a fallopian tube
ova (ovum)
– egg, female sex cells
– a female is born with hundreds of
thousands of immature ova in her
ovaries
– from puberty to menopause
hormones cause ova mature
• a few hundred will mature during
reproductive years
IF A SPREM IS PRESENT AND ONE SUCCESSFULLY PENETRATES THE OVUM
Fertilization
union of a sperm and an egg to form a single cell – PREGNANCY
Female Reproductive Organs
Fimbriae
Fimbriae
Ova
Ovary
(inside)
Menstruation
The menstrual period
the process of shedding the uterine
lining (discharging blood and
tissue out of the female body)
Occurs only when an ovum is not fertilized
Page 38 in Human Sexuality Book
menstrual cycle
• the time from one menstruation to another
– first day of period to first day of next period
– usually 28 days
• starts at puberty and continues until
menopause
– due to increase levels of hormones
• purpose is to prepare the body for
fertilization … get ready to have a baby
4 stages of the cycle
1. Days 1-8 menstruation … menstrual period
about 5-7 days average … not always
2. Days 9-13 … days before release egg
hormones cause an egg to mature in one ovary
body is preparing for egg
3. Day 14 … ovulation … egg is released into one
fallopian tube
14 days before menstrual period
4. Days 15-28 … days after egg is released – egg travel
through the fallopian tube to the uterus waiting to be
fertilized
IF EGG NOT FERTILIZED CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
1.
2.
3.
4.
menstruation
body is preparing for egg
ovulation
egg travel through the
fallopian tube to the uterus
waiting to be fertilized
IF EGG NOT FERTILIZED CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
• the average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days,
however ……
• it is normal for the cycle to be longer or shorter
• Blood passing out of the body is about 3-10 table spoons
• This is blood the body does not need so it does not
make the women ill or weak
• the most likely time to get pregnant is around ovulation
time
• ovulation occurs on or about 14 days before your period
starts regardless of the length of your cycle
• to count the days of the menstrual cycle:
day 1 – first day of menstrual period
last day of cycle – day before your period starts
again
• Menstruation continues until menopause
Menstrual Problems
A variety of menstrual problems can affect girls. Some
of the more common conditions are:
Cramps … uterus is contracting
 mood swings or sadness … hormones
Less often ……
 painful periods
 very heavy periods with excess bleeding.
 missed or infrequent periods, even though
she's been menstruating for a while and
isn't pregnant.

Problems of the Female Reproductive System
Infertility:
This is the inability to get pregnant. It may be due to blocked fallopian tubes,
a failure to produce eggs, endometriosis, or and STD left untreated.
Ovarian cysts:
These are growths on the ovary. Symptoms of ovarian cysts include a feeling
of heaviness in the abdomen and abdominal pain, swelling, and bloating.
Infections - Vaginitis – inflammation of vaginal tissue, Yeast infections
symptoms inflammation of vaginal tissue, discharge, burning,
itching, and painful urination
Toxic shock syndrome - Associated with tampon use and some contraceptive
devises
symptoms include: fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, rash
Cancer – Breast – Cervical
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
These are diseases spread through sexual contact.
Gynecologist
GYN
a physician who specializes in caring
for the female reproductive system
women should start to see a
gynecologist by about age 18 or when
they begin to be sexually active
Caring for The Female Reproductive System
• Practice abstinence from sex - this can prevent infections with HIV
and other STDs
• Bathe or shower daily - keep the external reproductive organs clean
especially during menstruation.
• Sanitary pads and tampons should be changed often - every four
hours.
• Perform self breast examinations - a way to check your own breast
for lumps or tenderness.
• Have regular medical checkups – Pap Test - a physician can
answer any question she has. Gynecologist.
• Get medical attention for signs of infection - lumps, sores, rashes, or
a discharge that require medical attention.
What happens if an egg is not fertilized?
It is eliminated from the body through
menstruation ... Woman has her period
What happens if it is fertilized?
An egg that is fertilized moves down
into uterus and implants in the
endometrium and develops into a
baby….. No period
What are the three most important
functions of the female reproductive
system?
– to store eggs
– to allow fertilization to occur
– to nourish and protect the fertilized
egg until it is ready to live outside the
female’s body