Reproductive System

The body system containing

the organs that make
possible the production of
offspring
Reproductive Systems are inactive until puberty.
 Unlike other body systems,
the reproductive system
is different for males and
females

Learning Targets:

 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.

 The Female Reproductive System

Three Main Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Create
Stores offspring Give
egg cells/ova to allow fertilization birth
to occur
female
to nourish and protect
hormones the fertilized egg
 Female Reproductive
Organs
Internal External – Vulva
• ovaries • mons pubis
• fallopian tubes • labia majora (outer lips)
• fimbriae • labia minora (inner lips)
• uterus (womb) • vaginal opening
• cervix – hymen – thin membrane
partially covering the opening of
• vagina vagina
• clitoris
Vulva
the external part of the female
reproductive organs …….
external genitalia
Unlike other body systems,
the reproductive system
is different for males and
females
• ovaries
– female sex glands Female Reproductive Organs
– 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
• fallopian tubes
tubes that carry eggs, Female Reproductive Organs
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
uterus (womb)
pear shaped hollow muscular Female Reproductive Organs
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 secrete
mucus to lubricate the
vagina
• vagina
Female Reproductive Organs
• 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 • Vulva
– capable to stretch for birth of the external part of the female
baby reproductive organs …….
external genitalia
 Female Reproductive Organs

Fimbriae
Fimbriae Ova
Ovary (inside)
Unlike other body systems,
the reproductive system
is different for males and
females
 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

Textbook page 533
 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. menstruation
2. body is preparing for egg
3. ovulation
4.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.
Unlike other body systems,
the reproductive system
is different for males and
females
 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/ova
– to create an off spring …..
• to allow fertilization to occur
• to nourish and protect the fertilized egg until it
is ready to live outside the female’s body
– to give birth