The Female Reproductive System (2:18) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity The female reproductive system matures at puberty and enables women to reproduce. eggs fallopian tubes ovaries vagina uterus menstruation ovulation cervix Female Reproductive Organs The organs of the female reproductive system enable pregnancy to occur with the first monthly ovulation. The female reproductive system matures at puberty. Link:Structure and Function of Female Reproductive system • http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/ female_reproductive_system.html Female Reproductive Organs The female reproductive system has several functions, including producing female sex hormones and storing the eggs. Eggs Female gametes Female Reproductive Organs A female at birth has more than 400,000 immature ova in her ovaries. Ovaries The female sex glands that store the ova, or eggs, and produce female sex hormones Female Reproductive Organs The ovaries are located on each side of the uterus. Uterus The hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ that nourishes and protects a fertilized ovum until birth Female Reproductive Organs The process of ovulation is controlled by the release of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland. Ovulation The process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month Female Reproductive Organs A mature ovum is released from an ovary and moves into one of the two fallopian tubes. Fallopian tubes A pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that draw in the ovum Female Reproductive Organs Cervix The cervix is the opening of the uterus. Uterus The uterus protects and nourishes a developing fetus. Ovaries The ovaries contain ova and produce hormones. Fallopian Tubes Ova travel to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Endometrium Endometrium tissue lines the uterus. Vagina The passageway from the uterus to the outside of the body. Female Reproductive Organs Sperm from the male enter the female reproductive system through the vagina. Vagina A muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body Female Reproductive Organs The fertilization of an egg by a sperm produces a cell called a zygote. When the zygote leaves the fallopian tube, it enters the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall. The fetus remains in the uterus until birth. Female Reproductive Organs After a female matures, the uterus prepares each month for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, menstruation occurs. Menstruation The shedding of the uterine lining Female Reproductive Organs The endometrium tissues pass through the cervix and into the vagina. Cervix The opening to the uterus Female Reproductive Organs Maintaining Reproductive Health Good hygiene, breast self-exams, help female reproductive system health. Sound health practices will help females care for their reproductive systems. Maintaining Reproductive Health Tips for Maintaining Your Reproductive Health Bathe regularly. Have regular medical exams. Breast Self-Exam Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death, after lung cancer, for women in the United States. Breast Self-Exam The American Cancer Society recommends that females examine their breasts once a month, right after the menstrual period, when breasts are not tender. Early detection is critical for successful treatment of breast cancer. Female Reproductive System Problems Several disorders can affect the female reproductive system, and some can lead to infertility. While menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome are common. Female Reproductive System Problems Menstrual Cramps Cramps that occur at the beginning of a menstrual period Premenstrual Syndrome A disorder caused by hormonal changes.anxiety,irritability,bloating,weigh t gain,depresions,mood swings and fatigue. Infertility and Other Disorders Infertility in females can have several causes. Endometriosis Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus Vaginitis Infection that causes discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning Ovarian cysts Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary Cancer Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or ovaries After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 1. What is the function of the uterus? The uterus protects and nourishes a developing fetus. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2. Distinguish between ova, ovaries, and ovulation. The ova are egg cells. The ovaries are the female sex glands that store the ova and produce female sex hormones. Ovulation is the process of releasing a mature ovum into a fallopian tube each month. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3. Identify a kind of cancer of the female reproductive system that is linked to a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Cervical cancer