female reproductive system

• ovary - site of oogenesis ; produces hormones estrogen and progesterone
• fallopian tube - connects ovary to uterus; site of fertilization
• fimbriae picks up ovum or egg cell from the ovary
• if egg cell is NOT fertilized, it will come down or become menstruation
• if egg cell is fertilized, it goes down on the uterus
• endometrium nourishes the embryo ; sheds during menstruation
• uterus are the site of egg implantation, embryo development
• ovaries produce eggs (ova) and estrogen and progesterone hormones
• vagina is the muscular canal that leads from cervix to outside of body
• cervix - muscular opening of the uterus, can expand and contract
• females have 2 ovaries that alternate each month to produce egg or ovum
• menopause = end of periods
• menarche = first period
• ovaries contains 400,000 egg cells but only 400 actually mature between the ages of 12-50
• pathway of the sperm, in order

  1. vagina 2. cervix 3. uterus 4. fallopian tube
• hormones are chemical messengers of the body
• hormones are important to maintain homeotasis
• pituitary gland are the master gland


  pituitary gland are the boss of the endocrine system
• the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain
• follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) signals development of egg cells
• luteinizing hormone (LH) plays role in development of ova
• estrogen is responsible for female sex characteristics (equivalent to male’s testosterone)
• progesterone - potential pregnancy, prepares the body
• menstrual cycle occurs every month
• if egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels become low and menstruation happens
• the process of OVULATION is controlled by the release of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland
• FSH signals development of egg cells
• LH plays role in development of ova and stimulation of estradiol and progesterone production