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The Female Reproductive System

Explore the female reproductive system, menstrual cycle stages, ovulation process, and factors affecting menstruation. Learn about keeping the reproductive system healthy and common disorders.

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The Female Reproductive System

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  1. The Female Reproductive System

  2. Females go through many different physical changes during puberty • A girl’s body begins to produce ova, mature egg cells • Many hormones (in the Endocrine system) work together to produce mature eggs • If this is fertilized by a sperm cell, a baby may be developed

  3. The female reproductive system… • Is like the male reproductive system, it is made up of both external and internal structures • The internal organs provide the environment in which a fertilized egg can develop into a baby

  4. Ovaries • There are two of them, ~ the size of an almond • They are just below the waist with one on each side of the body • They have two important jobs • Release estrogen and progesterone • Release mature egg cells

  5. When a girl is born, she is born with hundreds of thousands of immature eggs in each ovary • The eggs begin to mature when the female reaches puberty • Puberty = ovaries usually release one ripened egg every month • This is called Ovulation • The egg is no bigger than a typewriter dot

  6. Fallopian Tubes • There are two of them, one for each ovary • Small tubes that carry the released eggs from the ovaries to the uterus • Have finger-like ends to sweep the released egg into the fallopian tubes • Eggs can’t swim, so the fallopian tubes have tiny hairs that sweep the egg through the tube

  7. Uterus • Each of the fallopian tubes lead here • It is a a hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ located between the two ovaries and behind the bladder. • This is where the fertilized egg will develop and grow into a baby • Rich supply of blood • Cervix

  8. Vagina • Birth canal • Hollow, muscular passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the body • Sperm enters the female body here • During childbirth, the baby passes through the vagina • The walls of the vagina are very elastic

  9. Menstrual Cycle • The process during which an egg matures and is released and the uterus prepares to receive • It begins when an egg starts to mature in one of the ovaries • At the same time, the endometrium is thickening

  10. If the egg is not fertilized, the endometrium breaks down and is discharged from the body • This is called menstruation, or the menstrual period • As menstruation is taking place, another egg begins to mature in one of the ovaries • Menstruation marks the beginning of one cycle and the end of another

  11. Stages of the Menstrual Cycle • On average, it lasts 28 days • It is normal though to have a cycle that is 21 days or as long as 35 days • The menstrual cycle is controlled by the endocrine system • The first 1/2 cycle (1-14 days) a hormone stimulates an egg to mature in an ovary

  12. Egg develops, this causes the endometrium to thicken • Day 14 Ovulation occurs • The mature egg is released • A woman is most fertile around ovulation

  13. It takes ~ 7 days for the egg to travel down the fallopian tubes • If the egg has not been fertilized by arrival to the uterus, hormone levels drop • Endometrium breaks down and passes out of the body through the vagina • Menstrual period on average lasts about 3-5 days

  14. Factors affecting menstruation • Diet, stress, illness, travel, exercise, and weight gain/loss • Every aspect of menstruation varies from female to female • It is normal, for the first couple of years, for the menstruation cycle to not be consistent

  15. The menstrual cycle is a normal, natural sign of a healthy reproductive system • Except during pregnancy, menstruation occurs each month from puberty until about 45 – 55 • Menopause = ovaries slow down their hormone production and they don’t release mature eggs • After menopause women are no longer fertile.

  16. Keeping the reproductive system healthy • Cleanliness is very important • If normal body odors are not eliminated through washing, or if any unusual discharge is noted, seek medical attention • Monthly breast self-examination

  17. Mammogram (x-ray of the breast) • A yearly checkup of the reproductive system is recommended for all women who have reached puberty • Talk to your doctor about the need for pap and mammogram tests

  18. Female reproductive disorders • Vaginitis, Endometriosis, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Sterility, and Cysts and Cancer

  19. The pathway that sperm takes to meet an egg • Testicles – epididymis – vas deferens – prostate gland – urethra – vagina – cervix – uterus – fallopian tubes

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