Female Reproductive System
Anatomy and Physiology
Female Vocabulary
Ovulation- monthly release of a
mature egg from the ovary
 Fertilization- union of the ovum (egg)
and sperm; when sperm enters egg in
fallopian tubes

Ovulation and Fertilization
Fertilization
Ovulation
Conception- moment at which the
sperm fertilizes the egg
Female Vocabulary

Fallopian Tubes- pair of tubes
through which ovum travel, fertilization
takes place here


4-5 inches long, takes egg 7-10 days to
travel through
Diameter of 2 strands of hair
1. Fallopian Tubes
Female Vocabulary

3. Cilia- hair-like projections which help
move the egg through the fallopian
tubes
Female Vocabulary

Fimbria- finger-like projections at the
end of the fallopian tubes, grab the egg
at ovulation and pull it into the fallopian
tube
7. Fimbria
Female Vocabulary

Ovaries- Organ that produces ova or
eggs

One egg released every month by
alternating ovaries
8. Ovaries
Female Vocabulary

Ovum- human egg (plural=ova) 23
chromosomes


500,000 at birth, 500 mature
Unfertilized eggs live about 15-24 hours
Female Vocabulary

Follicle- group of cells released from
the ovary, contains ovum

Menopause- ovaries stop releasing
ova (approximate age 45-55)
Female Vocabulary

Uterus- organ that holds and nourishes
the unborn baby (Also called womb)

Mucus plug develops during pregnancy,
keeps everything in and out until ready for
delivery
2. Uterus
Zygote- 1st trimester of development
Embryo- 2nd trimester of development
Fetus- 3rd trimester of development
Female Vocabulary

Cervix- opening to the uterus,
produces fluid to help sperm travel

Cartilage-like material (ex. tip of nose)
6. Cervix
Female Vocabulary

Vagina- muscular canal that connects
the uterus with the outside of the body
(Also called birth canal)

About 5 inches long
5. Vagina
Female Vocabulary
Vulva- external female genetalia =
labia minora (small lips) and labia
majora (large lips)
 Clitoris- small organ at the end of the
vulva, purpose is for sexual arousal

4. Vulva