Female Reproductive System

• The vagina is the passageway through which sperm enter the body to reach the egg, and it also plays a role in childbirth.
• The uterus is the muscular organ where fertilization occurs, and it also serves as a site for fetal development during pregnancy.
• The ovaries is the site of egg production, produce estrogen and progesterone, prepares the system for potential pregnancies.
• Hormonal fluctuations cause cyclic alterations during the menstrual cycle.
• The uterus lining is built up of blood, in preparation of pregnancy, however, once the egg isn't fertilised, it sheds, resulting the menstrual cycle.
• the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days
• During ovulation, an egg is released from one of the ovaries into the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell.
• The cervix creates a thin passageway to connect the vagina to the uterus.
• The cervix prevents infection/contaminations of of the uterus.
• Menstrual blood travels into the vagina through the cervix.
• The vaginal canal has no muscles or glands, but contains mucous membranes that secrete lubricating fluid during sexual intercourse.
• The oviducts serve as a mode of transportation for the egg and sperm during fertilization, nutrients for nurturing, etc.
• • Progesterone: is produced by the ovaries following ovulation during the menstrual cycle. It repairs the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation. It regulates the menstrual cycle and supports the development of the embryo.
• • Estrogen: refers to a group of hormones primarily produced by the ovaries in females. It plays a significant role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females (breast growth and fat distribution); and regulates the menstrual cycle and supports bone health.
• • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. FSH plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and promotes the production of estrogen.
• • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LH is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland. LH works to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation, the release of a mature egg and stimulates the empty follicle to develop into a structure called the corpus luteum.