The Reproductive The Reproductive SystemSystemLesson 1:Lesson 1:The Female Reproductive The Female Reproductive SystemSystem

Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to …

Identify the structures of the female reproductive system and briefly explain the function of each.

Explain the menstrual cycle.

Primary OrgansOvaries

Accessory OrgansUterus Fallopian tubesVaginaVulvaBreasts

What are the purposes of the female reproductive system?

Hollow, pear-shaped organ

Located above the bladder and in front of the rectum

Cervix

LigamentsHold uterus in

place

FunctionmenstruationNourishes and

protects the fetus

Contracts to expel fetus

Endometrium

Also called uterine tubes or oviducts

FxMove ova from

the ovaries to uterus

Move sperm toward the ovary during fertilization

Fimbriae

Two Fx

Produce ovaProduce the hormones estrogen and

progesterone Controlled by hormones from the

pituitary gland

Musculomembranous tube Located between bladder and rectum Fx

Organ of female copulationPassageway for menstrual fluidPassageway for the birth

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Vulva the External Female

Genitalia

Mons pubisCovered with hair after puberty

Labia majoraTwo lip-like folds of tissue on either

side of the vaginal opening Labia minora

Two thin folds of skin within the labia majora

VestibuleUrethraVagina

ClitorisSmall organ of sensitive tissue

PerineumBetween the vulva and the anusSite of episiotomy during birth process

mammary glands Areola is the dark, pigmented circular

area Nipple is the elevated area in the

center of the areola

Hormone produced by the pituitary, produce milk after childbirth

Puberty and menarche: beginning of menstruation

28-day cycle phases Menopause: end of menstrual cycles

Gynecologist Obstetrician Neonatologist