Female Reproductive System

1. Female Reproductive System By Dan Sullivan and Sara Lowenstein

2. Internal Organs The internal organs form a pathway. The pathway consist of the following the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and the vagina. These are the four main organs that are involved in female reproduction. The internal organs are responsible for producing eggs for conception, the carrying of and delivery of infants, while the external organs permit sperm to enter the body and protect the internal organs from infection.

3. External Organs The external organs are Labia Majora, Labia Minora, Bartholin’s Gland, and the clitoris. These are located outside of the female’s body. The external organs have three main functions: * Enabling sperm to enter the body * Protecting the internal genital organs from infectious organisms *Providing sexual pleasure

4. Ovaries There are two ovaries. The ovaries are located above everything. One ova is located above the uterus on the right side, and the other one is above the uterus on the left side. The ovaries are connected to the fallopian tubes. The ovaries job for female reproduction is to create the egg cells that will travel to the fallopian tubes and be fertilized by the sperm. It also creates the hormone estrogen, that helps a female’s body to mature.

5. Fallopian Tubes The Fallopian tubes are above the uterus, cervix, and vagina. They are long narrow tubes that are connected to the ovaries and the uterus. Their main function is to transport the egg cells to the sperm. This is where the sperm fertilizes the egg cells. After the egg cells are fertilized, they travel through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus.

6. Uterus The uterus is located at the center of the female reproductive system. It is connected to the cervix below it, and to the fallopian tubes above it. Its purpose is to hold a developing baby. The fertilized egg cells travel through the fallopian tubes and are put into the uterus. Then they imbed themselves into the uterus’s walls. The uterus can stretch to fit a fully developed baby. If there are no egg cells imbedded in the uterus’s walls, it will shed those walls and show the new ones. The old walls will be discarded through the period.

7. Cervix The cervix is connected to the bottom of the uterus and to the top of the vagina. The function of the cervix is to direct the sperm into the uterus, and to direct the menstrual blood into the vagina so it can leave the female’s body.

8. Vagina The vagina is at the bottom of all the other organs. It is connected to the cervix and leads to the outside of the female’s body. It is also referred to as the birth canal. This is where the sperm enters the female body. The vagina is also where the menstrual blood exists the body.

9. Labia Majora The labia majora protects the other external reproductive organs. It is referred to as the “large lips”. It contains sweat and oil-secreting glands.

10. Labia Minora The labia minora is about 2 inches wide, and is inside of the labia majora. It also surrounds the opening of the vagina and the urethra. It is referred to as the “small lips”.

11. Bartholin’s Gland The Bartholin’s gland are located next to the vaginal opening. They create a mucus fluid secretion.

12. Clitoris The clitoris is located right above the vaginal opening and in between the labia majora and labia minora. It is a small sensitive protrusion that is covered by a fold of skin called prepuce, and can become erect.

13. External Organs

14. Internal Organs

15. That is the End of your lesson on the Female Reproductive system. Be sure to check out our wiki space on: www.wikkispaces.com. On the website you will be able to complete the review quiz and activities.