female reproductive system

• Ovaries - stores and releases eggs; produces estrogen and progesterone
• Fallopian Tube

  • Receive the ovulated oocyte
  • Provide a site for fertilization
  • Leads to the uterus
  • Does not physically attach to the ovary
  • Supported by the broad ligament
• Endometrium - inner layer of the uterus. Allows for implantation of a fertilized egg and sheds off if no pregnancy occurs.
• The pituitary gland secretes a follicle stimulating hormone causing an egg to begin maturing.
• Estrogen levels increase, causing the uterus to develop the endometrium.
• What is produced when estrogen levels increase?

  Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Ovulation - when an egg is mature, it is released into the fallopian tube.
• The Luteinising Hormone causes the mature egg to be released and also causes progesterone to be produced.
• What is Phase 1 in the Menstrual Cycle (Period)?

  Follicular Phase (days 1–13)
• Phase 3 of the menstrual cycle is also known as what?

  Luteal Phase
• What happens during the luteal phase?

  • Estrogen levels decrease, Progesterone levels increase
  • Progesterone maintains the endometrium in case of fertilization, fills endometrium with nutrients for the egg
  • Causes body temperature to increase (0.5 degrees Celsius)
• Cervix - opening to the uterus; upper end of vagina
• The cervix expands from less than 1cm opening to 10cm during labour.
• The vagina extends from the cervix to the exterior of the body.
• Serves as the birth canal; receives the penis during sexual intercourse.

  Vagina
• Carries only urine; connects from the bladder to an opening just above the vagina

  Urethra
• External parts of the reproductive system

  Vulva
• Thousands of nerve endings which are sensitive to touch and pressure

  Clitoris
• Protects the inner, more sensitive parts of the vulva

  Labia majora
• Glands produce a fluid for lubrication during sexual intercourse

  Labia minora
• Hymen - at the opening of the vagina is a membrane which is usually there before a person has experienced vaginal penetration.
• Develops a mucus plug during pregnancy to keep in amniotic fluid

  Cervix
• Hollow organ with thick, muscular walls—

  Uterus
• Provide a site for fertilization; does not physically attach to the ovary

  Fallopian Tube